In a nutshell...
- Join me as I explore 9 of the most sought-after UK holiday destinations
- Broken into four easily readable sections
- Options to view holiday cottages in each region
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The top destinations in the South West
Noteworthy North Devon
Living near holidaycottages.co.uk headquarters in North Devon may have made me a little biased but I think the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches speak for themselves.
Speaking of beaches, Devon boasts arguably the best beach in the UK: Woolacombe. This award-winner has topped many ‘best beaches’ lists, becoming a wild beauty in winter and a delight during the warmer months.
What is the nicest part of North Devon? The quaint towns and cobbled villages are set throughout the coast and countryside: Appledore, Instow, Clovelly, Lynmouth, Morthoe, and Croyde. Search North Devon cottages.
Wonderful West Cornwall
As a westerly neighbour of North Devon, I always find time to pop over the border into Cornwall to visit the creative hubs of St Ives and Falmouth. The galleries, picturesque harbours and sandy beaches always soothe my soul.
This region is one of my favourite places to visit for a beach break. Praa Sands, Porthcurno Beach and Godrevy Beach leave me feeling satisfied, although sometimes I walk the South West Coast Path to see if I can find a hidden gem of a beach.
What is the sunniest part of Cornwall? West is best! St Ives makes the most of the Gulf Stream and benefits from over 1,500 hours of sunshine each year. Search West Cornwall cottages.
Joyous Jurassic Coast
Another neighbour of my home county, Dorset has made my acquaintance on many an occasion. Of course, I don’t have to leave Devon to visit this ancient coast and World Heritage Site, as it spans two beautiful counties.
My dad found an ammonite without even trying when we visited Lyme Regis on a fossil-hunting excursion, and we had fun in the bustling seaside town of Weymouth where we devoured some delicious local ice cream.
Why is the Jurassic Coast so famous? I’ll answer that question with a question: where else on Earth can you find 185 million years of history framed by an enviable coastline? Search Jurassic Coast cottages.
Heading further north…but not too north
The charming Cotswolds
I’ll never forget my time walking with my partner across the attractive little bridges in Bourton-on-the-Water as the gently flowing River Windrush ran beneath our feet. This picturesque village is one of the many lined with honey-hued houses synonymous with this region.
Add to this the historic city of Bath with its Roman architecture and thermal spa (rooftop pool personally recommended), and the natural aura of Cheddar Gorge and you’ve found yourself one of the most visited holiday destinations in the UK.
What is the best Cotswold village to visit? Opinion varies, but I think you can't go wrong by visiting Castle Combe, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, or Stow-on-the-Wold. Search Cotswolds cottages.
Beautiful Brecon Beacons
One of the best holiday destinations in the UK for adventure seekers, the Brecon Beacons' mountain range provides some wonderful walks – ranging from easy, short rambles to long, challenging hikes.
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.
How long is the four waterfalls walk in the Brecon Beacons? This circular walk is 6 miles long and takes about 3.5 hours with stops to admire the falls…even longer if you go for a dip! Search Brecon Beacons cottages.
Nice-looking Norfolk
Gliding down the waterways of Norfolk with my extended family is one of my earliest holiday memories. The Broads are a great way to navigate this county but don’t forget the nature reserves, unique beaches and impressive country homes of North Norfolk too.
Visit Norfolk Lavender in Heacham during summer to see the purple flowers in bloom or hop aboard a boat during the colder months to spot seal pups at Blakeney.
What is Norfolk best known for? The man-made Broads, spanning over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, are what Norfolk is most famous for. Search Norfolk cottages.
The North’s top holiday destinations
The lovely Lake District
The Lake District’s remarkable landscape has inspired artists and writers for decades, making it one of the best British holiday destinations. It certainly inspired this writer when he chose to wild swim at the serene spots of Harrop Tarn and Rydal Falls.
The kids weren’t as keen as I was to take the plunge but they did enjoy the high ropes course at Grizedale Forest and The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Which part of the Lake District is the best? If you’re short on time, your best bet is to visit the area around Windermere and Ambleside. This spot comprises England’s largest lake and incredible mountain scenery. Search Lake District cottages.
Nirvanic Northumberland
I'm a big fan of castles and sandy beaches, so a trip to Northumberland was heaven for me. The feelings I had when traipsing across the wonderful outdoor spaces were perhaps only bettered by the sense of history from Bamburgh Castle and Hadrian’s Wall, or the awe I felt when seeing the stars at the Kielder Observatory.
If, like me, you’re a nature lover, a trip out to the Farne Islands to see the puffins is also a must.
Why do people go to Northumberland? Quiet beaches, ruined castles, wide-open spaces and bunting-strewn market towns make this a popular county. Search Northumberland cottages.
Scotland – a worthy endpoint
Picturesque Perth and Kinross
Finishing north of the border, my Scottish travels have taken me to Perth and Kinross where I was lucky enough to visit a magnificent loch, awe-inspiring Munros, and beautiful old towns and villages.
The weather was fair and the kids and I relished exploring at the Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre where we met exotic wildlife and farm animals, played mini-golf and raced around the tractor circuit.
What food is Perth, Scotland famous for? Known as Scotland’s larder, you’ll find luscious fruit and vegetables here, alongside salmon, Highland beef and venison. Search Perth and Kinross cottages.
Book your break today!
Wherever it is that you venture to this year on your UK holidays, ensure it's somewhere special and make memories that will last a lifetime, just like I did.
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