Home to a charming countryside, scenic coastline and an abundance of wildlife, the UK is steeped in culture and history making it one of the most attractive holiday destinations in Europe. With a plethora of luxury hotels, log cabins and lodges in truly magnificent settings , why leave the country when you’re wanting to get away from hustle and bustle of busy city life? Having struggled through an exhaustive list of stunning UK holiday destinations, we’ve handpicked four of our favourites.
The Lake District
Arguably one of the most picturesque and serene places on the British Isles, the Lake District is home to ancient woodland, misty mountains and, of course, dazzling lakes. Voted ‘England’s Favourite Rural Escape’ and the ‘UK’s Most Romantic Destination’, the Lake District also boasts grand castles and ruins, secluded lakeside hotels, romantic retreats and award-winning, Michelin-starred restaurants and pubs.
Nestled amongst the likes of Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and Ullswater, the quaint, historic villages of Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston and Grasmere are jewels in the Lakes’ crown and one of the reason it’s first on our list.
Cornwall
Historically one of the sunniest places in the UK, Cornwall is famous for outstanding beaches and coves, unrivalled British surf spots, fairy tale-like 18th Century castles and ruins, scenic cliff tops and exciting boat trips. With the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain, there’s a plethora of fishing ports, old smuggler’s inns and countless sea vessels, schooners and netters.
From the mazy, narrow streets of Penzance and the legendary surf of Fistral Beach to the most-western Land’s End and idyllic greenery of Bodmin Moor, there’s no shortage of places to visit in breathtakingly striking county of Cornwall.
Snowdonia
The third largest national park in the United Kingdom, Snowdonia is home to beautiful 360-degree views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Located along the shore of Wales, Snowdon is the highest mountain in England and Wales and, on a clear day, visitors can see Ireland from the summit.
Not only a dream for walking and biking enthusiasts, Snowdonia can be comfortably enjoyed by all and the charming surrounding villages offer cosy lodges, highly decorated restaurants and countless craft shops mean the area is perfect for short romantic break, too.
Scottish Highlands
Proud to feature mind-blowing mountains, lochs and wildlife, the Scottish Highlands contain some of the country’s most magnificent scenery and beautiful areas of unspoilt wilderness. Home of the Loch Ness monster, Caledonian Canal and Fort William, the area also boasts 800 islands, most of which are uninhabited.
A truly inspiring region full of ancient landscapes with a captivating cultural heritage , you can climb Ben Nevis, the largest mountain in the UK, or contrast your visit by exploting the thriving city of Inverness. Although an ideal base for those who love an outdoor adventure, you can also just relax and enjoy the world go by with a dram of some of the world’s finest whiskies in award-winning distilleries, opulent hotels and superb eateries, all with the exquisite backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.