UK wanderlust is flourishing as our nation begins to pay closer attention to the travel opportunities on our doorsteps. Coastal gems like Cornwall and Devon are at the top of the list when it comes to popular places to flock to in the UK, best loved for their superb seaside towns, sandy beaches and chic cottage rentals – which is why its no surprise that properties across this wonderful western corner are overflowing with bookings for those 2021 post-lockdown escapes. Luckily for you, there’s an abundance of beautiful destinations that are just as inviting, yet perhaps a little less crowded, ready and waiting to be discovered in the UK…
Yorkshire
This northern gem is home to a sprawling countryside, thriving metropolitan cities, charming towns and rich medieval history, with something exciting to see around every corner. Yorkshire’s diverse landscape undoubtedly makes it one of the best places to visit in the UK, yet it usually falls short when compared to the King and Queen of staycations, Cornwall and Devon. We’re thinking it’s about time we changed that.
Yorkshire has something for everyone; whether you want to grab your hiking boots and explore the gentle rolling hills, admire its vibrant art scene, tick off the ornate cathedrals, or get a taste for local artisan grub and entertainment in its bustling cities. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is among the most famous things to see and do here with natural beauty in abundance, so you’ll pass everything from cascading waterfalls to wild moorland, enchanting villages, limestone outcrops and beyond – ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. Other natural attractions include the unique formations at Brimham Rocks, stunning Malham Cove and The Brontës.
For a livelier atmosphere, visit vibrant York (often voted as one of the best places to live in the UK), which is bursting with cultural heritage, museums, independent shops and upbeat bars and restaurants – not to mention The Shambles, a quirky old street which is said to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley! Don’t miss Humber Street in Hull too – a vibrant hippy area lined with quirky bars, boutique shops and galleries galore – it also plays host to a massive annual party!
Discover our variety of beautiful Yorkshire properties available to book for 2021/2022.
The Lake District
If you like to spend time by (hey, or on) the water, Cornwall’s surfer-central town of Newquay isn’t the only place to get your kicks. The Lake District is a stunning region and National Park situated in Cumbria, with dramatic natural scenery that’s sprinkled with towering mountains, deep waters, pretty villages and awe-inspiring views – all of which have earned this corner of the UK a UNESCO World Heritage Site title.
Enjoy a romantic stroll in the countryside that inspired poet William Wordsworth, with quiet boltholes including Darling Fell, situated above the lovely Loweswater Lake; or up the tempo on Lake Windermere (crowned the largest natural lake in England), where you can take on a variety of activities including boat hire, kayaking, climbing, segway tours and more – fun for all the family. If you’re feeling brave, explore the underground jewel that is the Honister Slate Mine on a guided tour.
If you’re here to tick off the tourist attractions, The Lake Distillery is a must, with tours and tastings (plus a fully-stocked shop) of local tipples including gin, whisky and vodka. After a day of exploration, gourmets can wine and dine at one of the many Michelin Star restaurants in the area, or head to The Drunken Duck for fantastic food and a host of quality beers.
Discover our list of properties available in The Lake District to book for 2021/2022.
Dorset
There is an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the beautiful county of Dorset. This sought-after destination in the southwest is best known for the Jurassic Coast, a long stretch of rugged yet beautiful shoreline where you’ll find prominent natural landmarks including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. If you like to be by the beach, these pockets along the coastline are a must, complete with scenic walks, stunning sea views and peculiar rock formations any geologist would marvel over.
Besides the coast, there’s a whole host of activities the whole family will enjoy in Dorset – from adventure parks to animal sanctuary’s, insightful museums and plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. If you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, Dorset benefits from thrill-seeking coast and countryside activities including abseiling, segway tours, climbing, jet boat rides and coasteering, or you can head for the Dorset Adventure Park for challenging group sessions – Bear Grylls fans will feel right at home!
Animal lovers can monkey around at the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, home to fabulous furry creatures including chimpanzees and orangutans, plus a petting zoo and an assault course. Farmer Palmers Farm Park is another popular pick for little ones. Those seeking a slower pace however, can wander the beautiful privately owned gardens at Compton Acres (a gardeners haven) before visiting the lovely Tearooms.
Discover our collection of properties in Dorset for your family holiday this 2021/2022.
Cotswolds
Crowned as the beating heart of Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds is one of those fairy-tale locations that look as though they’ve been stripped from the pages of a children’s book. Rich in rolling countryside, cute chocolate-box villages, friendly pubs, and a labyrinth of quaint cobbled streets fringed by weaving canals, this part of the UK is truly spectacular. The destination itself is actually incredibly vast, covering almost 800 square miles across the boundaries of neighbouring counties such as Oxfordshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and more – so you won’t be short of things to see and do while you’re here.
If castles, churches, abbeys and beautifully manicured court gardens are your thing, you’ve come to the right place. There’s a host of English Heritage to uncover here, with notable landmarks including Berkeley Castle, Snowshill Manor and Sudeley Castle to admire – one of our favourite spots (especially during spring) is the traditional Painswick Rococco Garden, which blooms with beautiful bluebells. If you’ve got time on your hands, the stunning National Trail of Cotswold Way is an absolute must, starting in the idyllic village of Chipping Campden and finishing 100 miles later, in Bath. Rambling fans might plan their entire trip around this trail, which passes by some of the Cotswolds most postcard-worthy towns and villages, while others can simply wander parts as they please. Speaking of postcard-worthy, quintessentially English town of Stow-on-the-Wold is a treasure trove of characterful houses, antique shops, local delis and the St Edwards Church, famous for its enchanting north door that is said to have inspired the ‘Doors of Durin’ in Lord Of The Rings.
Fun fact: Cheese fans flock to one of the steepest slopes in the Cotswolds every spring bank holiday for the annual Cheese-Rolling festival. It’s daring, it’s dangerous, but you could win a wheel of double Gloucester – if you throw yourself down the hill after it, that is…
Browse our available properties in the pretty Cotswolds for a countryside escape this 2021/2022.
Scotland
If you like to have the best of both worlds, Scotland should be your first stop. Sure, you’re probably busy conjuring up images of tartan kilts, bagpipes and plates full of haggis, but there’s so, so much more to this awe-inspiring destination. You’ve got the rugged Highlands, a natural playground full of pretty lochs, roaming wildlife, mountainous backdrops and plenty of sightseeing – ideal for nature enthusiasts. Yet you’ve also got vibrant cosmopolitan cities like Edinburgh that buzz with atmosphere, from their upbeat restaurants and bars to boutique shops, historic landmarks and annual festivals. Throw a few fairy-tale castles, secluded beaches, national parks and misty remote islands into the mix and you’ve got a jam-packed itinerary!
There’s a few picturesque isles in Scotland that give the remote shores of Cornwall and Devon a run for their money, including the Isle of Skye. With pastel-coloured houses lining the waterfront, this quaint spot is backed by mountain scenery, lush glens and sandy beaches, offering an afternoon of solitude. Or if you’re a whisky fan, the islands of Islay and Jura have some of the best distilleries in Scotland.
If you’re after culture, Edinburgh and Glasgow are full of character and charm, with architecture, museums and a flourishing food scene to tick off – Edinburgh Castle and People’s Palace And Winter Gardens two of our personal favourite attractions. Want to uncover the myth that is the Loch Ness Monster? Head over to Loch Ness and learn more at the Drumnadrochit Hotel’s Loch Ness Exhibition, which makes for a fun day out with the kids, before hopping across the water (if you’re brave enough!) to admire the impressive Urquhart Castle.
Take a look at our properties in Scotland for 2021//2022 if idyllic isles, busy cities and rugged highlands are your thing.
Wales
Wales’ rugged landscape lends itself to a myriad of attractions sure to impress even the fussiest of travellers, with culture, coastline and culinary delights all-round. Cornwall and Devon are renowned for an abundance of beautiful beaches, from expansive stretches like Woolacombe and Perrenporth, to pocket-sized sands like Newberry Beach and Kynance Cove – but you don’t have to miss out on that all-important bucket and spade time. The postcard-worthy fishing village of Tenby in Wales is one of the prettiest seaside spots around, with charming streets fringing its very own sandy beach. You’ve also got the Gower Peninsular, which is popular for its sea caves, Aberffraw (which is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK), the secret cove of Porth Iago, and the stunning Broad Haven beach – complete with its very own turquoise snorkelling holes for little explorers to swim in!
Away from the coast, history lovers can marvel over the ancient-old Conwy Castle and the Beaumaris Castle, which is perched on the island of Anglesey, both of which have heaps of things to see and do since they hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status. You can’t visit Wales without a hike or two, so grab your boots and wander the rugged Pembrokeshire National Park, where you can ramble at leisure or take a kayak into the bay to admire local wildlife. In contrast, swap the parks for the popping capital of Cardiff, a hub of activity where you’ll experience a taste of city life.
If you’re feeling adventurous, one of the most exciting activities can be found at the Llechwedd Caverns Trampoline Park, a subterranean playground nestled in an abandoned slate mine – prepare for an adrenaline-pumping experience with springy trampoline nets, industrial-sized slides and a labyrinth of tunnels to crawl through!
Important notice: Buy and eat as many Welsh cakes as humanly possible.
Search our available properties in Wales for a blend of coast and culture this 2021/2022.