Good Morning everybody, are you all doing Ok? I hope so đ¤đ˝ It has been crazy hot here in the United Kingdom, even having the fans on and having the windows open didn’t help, thankfully, it’s starting to get cooler now and we’re predicted to get rain/thunderstorms (I hope that’s true as I love the rain). Because the weather has been so hot, we haven’t really ventured out anywhere, apart from doing the food shop, I’m hoping to go out this Sunday to take pictures that’s not far from where we live as our car isn’t functioning properly and none of us want to risk going too far and something happening, so I’m looking at ideas for places we can go not just on Sunday but in the next coming months!
Which brings me to today’s/this weeks post, as a lot of people are choosing to have a staycation rather than going abroad because of the uncertainty of where you can travel to, I thought I would share with you a list of places in the U.K as I live here, that you can either visit for a daytrip or even stay for a weekend/week or two, so lets get on with the list…
Best Places To Go During Summer In The U.K.
With ongoing uncertainty around holidays abroad, 2021 is a great year for a staycation and now is the perfect time to plan a visit to the best UK holiday destinations. When it comes to escaping the daily grind, UK holiday destinations offer incredible sites you just won’t find abroad. The best UK holiday destinations are found all around Britain, from north to south. There are the Scottish Highlands offering wild, remote beauty and the Cotswolds’ leaving you utterly mesmerized by the quintessential English gardens.
1. Isles of Scilly
Sitting 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, these idyllic islands are the UK’s answer to the Caribbean. The heavenly white sands, turquoise waters and slightly milder climate make the Isles of Scilly a UK holiday destination everyone should have on their bucket list. Five of the 140 isles are inhabited (St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes) and boast some of Britain’s most outstanding attractions, including Tresco Abbey Garden. There are dark skies for stargazing, wildlife that thrives, plus a laidback lifestyle.
2. Scottish Highlands
Scenic, remote and one of the real treasures of Britain, the Scottish Highlands offer a truly wild escape, where you can get lost among mountains, lochs and beaches. Aside from Britain’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, the legendary Loch Ness, mighty Ben Nevis and Eilean Donan Castle, the Highlands are home to the amazing Jacobite steam train, aka the Hogwarts Express. Taking you over the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry Potter and his friends, and close to Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, the Jacobite is an absolute must-do.
3. Isle of Wight
The unique isle’s landscapes go beyond the chalk cliffs and golden sands. You’ll want to venture to Shanklin Chine, the breathtaking gorge with more than 150 varieties of wild plants and waterfalls. Then there’s Ventnor Botanic Garden which showcases the amazing microclimate of the Isle of Wight’s south coast and is where you’ll find rare and exotic plants.
4. Hebrides
The wildlife, white sand beaches and ample walking opportunities, Scotland’s Inner and Outer Hebrides are an utter delight. The more than 50 inhabited islands off the west coast of the country offer island hopping at its finest – because who needs Greece and Croatia when the islands of islands, like Islay, Mull, Harris and Lewis await?). It’s here that you can truly immerse yourself in Britain’s natural beauty by spotting puffins, eagles and deer. There are enchanting castles to discover too, such as Duart Castle on Mull and Dunvegan Castle on Skye, plus there’s whisky to try and dark skies for stargazing.
5. Peak District
One of the best places to experience the great outdoors is the Peak District, where you can make the most of the great open spaces and soak up the views of England’s wild beauty. It’s also a fabulous spot to marvel at sprawling stately homes and do some antiques shopping, with Chatsworth House and Chesterfield Flea Market being two of the top places you’ll want to visit. From quaint farm houses to country inns and blissful holiday cottages, the Peak District has an array of places to call home during your break.
6. Norfolk
With its royal attractions, wonderful wildlife and stunning natural scenery, Norfolk is a marvelous destination for your UK bucket list. Marvel at its windmills, watch the seals and their pups, and be amazed by the unspoilt countryside. There’s no better way to explore Norfolk’s charms than by train, with the Bittern Line, Poppy Line, Bure Valley Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway providing relaxing rides.
7. Sussex
Downton Abbey fans, this one’s for you. Let Sussex be the next TV location you visit as you ride the delightful Bluebell Railway, running for 11 miles from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead and stopping at the 1930s-themed Horsted Keynes Station, which featured in Downton. TV credentials aside, Sussex is filled with splendid sites to visit, such as mighty Arundel Castle, pretty Chichester Harbor and grand Petworth House.
8. North Wales
This impressive part of Wales is where you’ll find some of the most attractive UK holiday destinations. The Snowdonia National Park is the biggest draw and this walkers’ paradise offers amazing views from Mount Snowdon. You can take a ride up on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which climbs to 1,085 metres above sea level and provides you with a panoramic view, which was voted the best in Britain. Other curiosities in North Wales include Portmeirion, the Italian-style village with colorful buildings. If you love nature, you must check out the cute village of Betws-y-coed, too. It’s a joy to walk around and the nearby Swallow Falls are remarkable.
9. Belfast
One of Britain’s most underrated capital city, Belfast is compact but packed with delights, from its Botanical Gardens, which are free for everyone to visit, to its maritime history, which you can get to know at the architecturally-stunning Titanic Belfast. The best thing about Belfast? It’s a city that nature-loving active travelers will appreciate. Due to its size and location, you’re just a few minutes from beaches and scenic Strangford Lough. This is the place to get up close to wildlife by kayaking the calm waters, where you’ll spot seals and make your way to the lough’s deserted isles.
10. Kent
A haven for gardeners, Kent is a superb county for seeing England at its very best. Here, you can stroll through writer Vita Sackville-West’s Sissinghurst Castle Garden, take in impossibly pretty manor house Ightham Mote and sip delicious wine at Chapel Down. There’s plenty to explore in Kent, from gorgeous gardens to vineyards and castles. A great place for a couples’ escape, there’s romance all around and if you’re after a quintessential British country getaway, there’s miles of it to discover on two feet – or two wheels!
11. Jurassic Coast
A place so beautiful it often features on posters for British tourism, the Jurassic Coast is a UK holiday destination everyone should visit at least once. It was England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and if you like beaches, you’ll find a whopping 95 miles of dramatic coastline to discover. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are its most iconic spots, while the pretty seaside towns of Swanage, Lyme Regis and West Bay are worth adding to your list. This spectacular region in Dorset has plenty of history. Famous around the world as one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains, the Jurassic Coast is the place to join a fossil hunting walk.
12. Cornwall
With picture-postcard harbors, sandy beaches and a sub-tropical climate, it is no surprise that families flock from all over to holiday in Cornwall. A popular choice amongst families is the coastal town of Newquay, which rests on the Atlantic coast. Here, you will find five sandy beaches with Towan, Great Western, Lusty Glaze and Tulane all reasonably safe for swimming. Other attractions include Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium and the Lappa Valley Steam Railway offers a ride through some of Cornwallâs most spectacular scenery. Scattered across Cornwall are a number of gardens which are sure to be a hit with a family of all ages and tastes, including The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
13. Yorkshire
For city lovers, countryside explorers, coastal seekers and those alike, the county of Yorkshire makes a great destination for a UK holiday. Find a breath of fresh air in the North York Moors National Park and walk the vibrant landscape of moorland, wooded valleys and a dramatic coastline before heading to the seaside town of Whitby. Steeped in history, Whitby is famous for many things, and makes for an outstanding destination for you and your loved ones. Here, you will find the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, the Dracula Experience and the 199 steps take you up to the ruins of the Abbey to keep you entertained, as well as a sandy beach with a number of watersport opportunities. Alternatively, explore the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales or enjoy the cosmopolitan cities of Leeds and York, or visit Haworth, which was once home to the BrontĂŤ sisters.
14. Lake District National Park
Pack the raincoats and dust of your wellies, and set off for an adventure to a countryside which inspired some of Beatrix Potterâs most famous tales. Now a World Heritage Site, this National Park is home to Englandâs highest mountain, Scafell Pike or take in the sights from a traditional steamboat which cruises through a number of tranquil lakes. For those feeling active, spend an afternoon in Ullswater, which is Englandâs second largest lake and offers a magnitude of watersport opportunities, including sailing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. Younger guests of the family will be delighted by The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, where you will be able to bring to life the magical stories of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck that had been inspired by the beauty of this National Park.
15. Devon
With both coast and countryside to enjoy, the contrasting landscape of Devon is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing UK holiday with the family. For those looking to explore, Devon plays host to three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, miles of coastline with some of the best beaches in the UK, as well as the rolling countryside of the Dartmoor National Park. With a vast array of opportunities to explore, you can enjoy miles of footpaths and cycle paths, find watersports opportunities along the coast and theme parks and farm attractions across the county to keep you and your loved ones busy.
16. Lancashire
In this picturesque county you will find the world-famous resort of Blackpool with its iconic Tower Ballroom, Pleasure Beach with over 125 rides, Madame Tussauds and the SEA LIFE centre. As well as the superb attractions, Blackpool plays host to annual events including the greatest free light show on Earth, the Blackpool Illuminations. If you seek something slightly more relaxing, head to West Lancashire where you will find the Forest of Bowland. Whilst exploring this unique part of the countryside, look forward to discovering rare birdlife and many quaint villages steeped in history. Alternatively, head along the coastline to Lytham St Anne’s, where you will be delighted to find a traditional coastal resort with the opportunity to hire an award-winning beach hut for the day.
17. Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons’ mountain range provides some wonderful walks â ranging from easy, short rambles to long, challenging hikes. True adrenaline junkies can go canyoning, gorge scrambling, climbing or canoeing through this epic national park while caves, waterfalls and castles wait to be discovered throughout the region. From the heights of the village of Brecon to the quirky nature of Hay-on-Wye, there are plenty of towns and villages hidden between the magnificent mountains where you could stay for a fantastic holiday experience.
18. Northumberland Coast
Known for its castles and sandy beaches, during a trip to the Northumberland Coast youâll discover wonderful outdoor spaces, stunning country houses and plenty of things to do for the whole family. Venture along Hadrianâs Wall or uncover Housesteads Roman Fort, walk the corridors of Bamburgh Castle or take in the scenery from Dunstanburgh Castle, see the stars at the Kielder Observatory or discover a wealth of history at Woodhorn Museum.
19. Blackpool
Families with kids will find plenty to do on a trip to Blackpool, one of the UKâs top spots for beachgoers. Save the stress of plane travel with children, an inevitable strain on a beach holiday, and head just north of Liverpool to this lovely seaside spot. The Blackpool Pleasure Beach should be your first stopâthis iconic theme park was founded in 1896 and operates tons of thrilling rides for kids of all ages. After a day at the park, take in the sunset from the coast and treat yourself to an ice cream.
20. Brighton
There are plenty of beach holidays possible in the UK. Obviously they’re perhaps not as warm as elsewhere in Europe but there’s plenty of charm in Brighton. Head there in summer, grab an ice cream and stroll along the beach to the pier. The town’s historic quarter is a maze of interesting sights and sounds and the vibe here is unlike anywhere else in the UK. Full of independent shops and cafes, The Lanes is also one of the coolest spots around. Seafood is cooked to perfection in many restaurants in the city and you can enjoy classic British fish and chips on every corner. There are also many hotels along the seafront that are conveniently located to all the sights, like the Royal Pavilion. Brighton is the LGBTQ capital of the UK and there are walking tours that cover this fascinating history.
Thank you for visiting my blog! If you decide to visit any of the places on this list, I hope you have a good time đ. Enjoy the rest of your week and I will see you next Wednesday.
Peytons View 