Britain’s Best Holiday Destinations

Forget that low-cost flight to Hotto-Cheapo you’re about to book. Britain’s best holiday destinations can, and do, knock the sandals off many other countries. You just have to know where to go.

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Shetland

Shetland is rugged, wild and jammed with geological features that will flood your Instagram feed. It’s the most northerly part of the country and seems so far removed from the stresses of mainland Britain, you might be pressed to remember that you’re still in the same country. With quiet stretches of road, hardly any tourists, incredible landscape and windswept cliffs, it’s an outdoorsy person’s paradise and definitely one of Britain’s best holiday destinations.

What to see:

• Eashaness’ striking coastline and natural arches.
• Skaw beach, Britain’s most northerly beach.
• Stanydale Temple, a Stone Age meeting place that is always empty of tourists.
• Sumburgh beach, a fabulous stretch of white sand and turquoise sea.
• The archaeological site of Jarlshof.
• Use the right to roam to hike through Shetland and see some spectacular scenery.

Best for:
History buffs, geologists, hikers, cyclists, campers
How to get there:
There’s an overnight ferry from Aberdeen which takes around 11 hours. You can opt for just a chair or a shared cabin with a comfy bed and bathroom. Or you can fly.
Cost:
Think of SE England prices and that’s what you’ll pay up here. There are no ATMs but you can draw cash out in all post offices.
More reading: A photo tour of Shetland      Hiking in Shetland     Shetland’s Neolithic Past

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Outer Hebrides

The white sand and aqua marine sea are worth the hype. Swathes of beaches line the coast here, fringed by the kaleidoscopic machair, the island’s vivid wild flowers. In 2017 they opened up the Hebridean Way, a 155-mile hike and cycle route that takes in the Outer Hebs’ main 10 islands. But even if you’re not feeling adventurous enough for that, you can chill out on the beaches (weather permitting) but you’ll have to don a wet suit to brave the sea temperatures. Take woollies and waterproofs even in summer.

What to see:

• Berneray island – a postcard perfect little gem with archaeological sites, striking beaches and thatched houses.
• St Kilda – Britain’s last outpost 45 miles west of the Outer Hebs. It’s not a cheap journey (£215 for a day trip) but is doused in its own mysterious past.
• Luskentyre beach – it’s white, it’s immense, it’s quite possibly Britain’s best beach.
• Barra airport – it’s on the beach!
• Callanish standing stones – move over Stone Henge, check these out instead.

Best for:
Beach bums, hikers, cyclists
How to get there:
Sail from Oban or Ullapool on the mainland (around 5-hr journey) or fly.
Cost:
Not outrageously expensive, similar to the south of England
More reading: Hiking the Hebridean Way       Perilous St Kilda      Walking the Timeline of Britain – Outer Hebs

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Lake District

You’d be hard pushed to find anyone who doesn’t love the Lake District. It offers fells, an abundance of picturesque lakes, stone houses and swans that will take your hand off if you get too close. There are hostels, plush hotels and cottages to rent and cream teas to be eaten. And if you suddenly want to embrace the outdoors whilst you’re here, there are a good choice of stores that often sell more than their city counterparts. It’s also where Wainwright’s Coast to Coast hike starts. (And I just so happen to have a blog post about that…)

What to see:

• Ambleside – my fave place in the Lakes. Yes, it’s touristy but also incredibly scenic and sits on Lake Windermere. The abundance of shops makes those rainy days pleasant when getting soaked on the hills just doesn’t appeal.
• Hawkeshead – cute lanes, hobbit-sized doors and thatched roof cottages are just some of Hawkeshead’s charm. The poet William Wordsworth schooled here (you can see his carved signature in his desk) and would have taken a fair bit of inspiration from the dramatic landscape.
• Grasmere – wander up to Easedale tarn, walk round the lake, take in the village or visit Wordsworth’s grave.
• Buttermere – you can walk up Highstile which has dramatic views over the lake and do a loop back to the village, or just chill out in a cafe.

Best for:
Hikers, climbers, rowers, general outdoorsy folk
How to get there:
Car is best, but trains go to Windermere, Penrith, Oxenholme and Barrow. You can then jump on local buses. You could also try your hand (or rather your thumb) at hitching.
Cost: 
The tourist spots can be expensive but you can also find not-too-bad prices if you look around.
More reading: Coast to Coast Walk 

Britain’s best holiday destination – Whitby

Adorable would best describe Whitby and nearby Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s a fishing village with hidden cobbled streets, a botanical garden, boat tours, an Anglo-Saxon abbey and more candy floss and sugar dummies than even I could shovel down my throat. Giant whalebone jaws and cute redbrick houses draw the crowds. Bram Stoker used Whitby as his inspiration for Dracula, and Captain Cook did his apprenticeship here.

What to see:

The abbey – it’s perched above the town with a hefty 101 steps to get to it. Is it worth the walk up? Most definitely.
Boat tours – check the harbour for daily history sightseeing trips, weather permitting.
Robbin Hood’s Bay – seven miles from Whitby, it’s walkable along the coastal path. Quaint streets, a bay and beautiful houses make this well worth the trip.
Whitby Jet Heritage Centre – nope, you won’t find an aircraft here but fossilised black wood dating back to the Jurassic period. It’s found in the cliffs at Whitby and this little museum gives the lowdown, has a workshop and sells carved jet products, too.

Best for:
Sightseers, walkers, history buffs, fish ‘n’ chip devourers and vampires
How to get there:
By car, bus or train to nearby Scarborough then swap to a local bus
Cost:
It might be in the north east of England but it’s touristy so not as cheap as you might expect

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Isle of Man

Not actually part of Britain, the Isle of Man has its own vibe. But with it being so close to the NW of England, and the fact the locals all sound like posh Scousers, I’ve decided to include it. The capital Douglas fuses modern European buildings effortlessly with a Victorian seaside resort. The island has an affluent air to it (no shabby areas here), sections of remote coastline as well as Viking castles to explore. You can circumnavigate the island on the coastal path, drive or hop on the local buses.

What to see:

• Peel – explore the Viking castle and harbour.
• Castletown – wander through the pastel-coloured streets and the old castle.
• House of Manannan museum – tells the tale of IoM in brilliantly engaging fashion.
• Coastal path – 95 miles long but you can dip in and out where you please.
• Port Erin and Port St Mary – adorable coastal towns.

Best for:
Culture vultures, hikers
How to get there:
Take the ferry from Heysham or Liverpool, or fly.
Cost:
It’s expensive for most things – accommodation, food, booze etc. You can camp (I stealth camped as the campsites were closed although it’s not technically allowed) and also used Airbnb.com – click the link for the property I stayed in.

Watch my 1-min video of the Isle of Man

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Liverpool (city break)

You might not be aware, but Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage site with more listed buildings than any other city outside of London. After a revamp in 2008, the city has become a thriving tourist hotspot with so much more to offer than just the Fab Four. With a thronging nightlife, restaurants, a diverse shopping complex and as much history as you could possibly devour, it makes for a great city break that won’t cost a fortune.

What to see:

• The Albert Docks –  the waterfront along the docks and up to the Pier Head is postcard perfect. Not only will you find five museums but also the Liverbuildings, the Mersey ferry and the Liverpool Eye.
• St George’s Quarter – grand Victorian buildings are just about everywhere. Including St George’s Hall, the Walker Art Gallery, the original Liverpool museum and the city library all set around a small park.
• Baltic Triangle – unlike Matthew St or Wood St, the Baltic Triangle offers a more down to earth nightlife scene. During the day you can grab brunch while at night the warehouses turn into bars and raves. Despite the name, you won’t catch a local donning a coat even on the coldest of nights!
• Chinatown – it might not be as big as Manchester or London, but it’s the oldest in Europe with some great food to be had.
• Freshfields – a 30-min train journey north of Liverpool and you’re in the National Trust reserve. The coastline is studded with fabulous sanddunes and pinewoods where Britain’s native red squirrels reside.

Best for:
Culture vultures, night owls, shopaholics
How to get there:
Train, bus, drive – it’s on all major public transport routes.
Cost:
You can spend as much or as little cash as you want depending on where you stay, eat and drink. Can be done on a budget.

 

Watch my short video about Liverpool

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Cambrian Mountains

While these might not be top knowledge when talking about the Welsh hills, the Cambrian Mountains are the much quieter version of nearby Snowdonia National Park. While the latter has hordes of tourists scurrying up its hillsides, you can easily escape all that here. There are peaks, ridges and lakes to explore in relative solitude. Yey!

What to see:

• Pumlumon Fawr – the region’s highest peak at 752 metres with great views over the nearby reservoir and hills.
• Devil’s Bridge – tranquil walks and low lying hills can be found here, plus a visitors’ centre with cakes. That alone makes it worth the trip!
• Elenydd – quite possibly the most remote part of the Cambrian Mountains on the east side with the highest peak being Drygarn Fawr at 645 metres.
• Vale of Rheidol railway – the steam train goes from Devil’s Bridge to Aberystwyth from February  to October. Aberystwyth is a fabulous seaside town with heaps to offer.

Best for:
Hikers, train spotters
How to get there:
Public transport is tricky, your best bet is to drive or hitch.
Cost:
Cheap, apart from the visitors’ centre and railway; there’s nowhere really to spend your money!
More reading: Britain’s Highest Beach

 

 

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Pembrokeshire

Ahhh, Pembrokeshire, home to seaside villages, the smallest city in Britain, an incredible 186-mile coastal path and remote beaches. Add to that castles, walled towns and Welsh legends and this southwest corner of Wales is a right little gem. It’s ideal for a few days or a few weeks, but be sure to pack clothes for all weather, Pembrokeshire is infamous for the damp weather hitting it. But don’t let that put you off visiting one of Britain’s best holiday destinations.

• Tenby – a walled town with pastel coloured houses, several beaches, St Catherine’s island and fort (you can walk to it in low tide) and a range of cafes, pubs and general fabulousness.
• Caldey Island – Cistercian monks live (and own) the striking island and daytrippers can visit the hidden beaches, go on a coastal walk and see the impressive monastery. Open April-Oct.
• St David’s – a magnificent cathedral dominates this tiny city, the country’s smallest, near the tip of Pembrokeshire. There’s a chocolate shop, too, should that tempt you to visit one of Britain’s top holiday destinations.
• Pembroke Castle – birth place of Henry VII, this castle is more complete than many others. Bring warm clothes though, it’s draughty in there.
• Coastal Path – OK, so it’s long, and amounts to ascending Everest twice if you do the whole route. My favourite parts then are: Freshwater Bay, Broad Haven, St Ann’s Head, Tenby, Saundersfoot, Amroth and Pendine.

Best for:
Hikers, beach bums, history buffs
How to get there:
Drive, take National Express or the train goes as far west as Haverfordwest
Cost:
Cheap, except for the tourist towns (Tenby, St David’s)

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Norfolk Coast

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the Norfolk coastal path. With it being so flat I wasn’t expecting to be wowed by it, but I was. Sanddunes, pine tree forests, windmills and the unique fens make this a stretch of coast not to be missed. You can walk the national trail in two days from Cromer to Hunstanton or drive/take the bus instead! Based on my own blackberry grazing throughout the country, I’m going to make a brazen claim that the best ones are found here!

What to see:

• Wells next the Sea – a small harbour town with a sandy beach and brave souls swimming in the estuary.
• Holkham beach – with sanddunes and a looong stretch of sand, it’s perfect for those sunny summer days or crisp winter ones.
• Blakeney – what’s not to love about stone houses lining an inlet, a windmill and a couple of traditional pubs?
• Cley windmill – this one pictured right here – gorgeous.

Best for:
Sightseers, walkers, bird watchers, beach bums
How to get there:
Trains and National Express coaches run here, or you can drive.
Cost:
Normal prices.

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Isles of Scilly

With a (normally) warm climate, turquoise waters, and hidden white bays, it’s hard to believe you’re actually in England. There are five inhabited islands each with its own personality. From moorland to pseudo tropical islands, something different awaits on each one. Interlinking ferries run between each island and St Mary’s (the capital) in the low season. From late April to Sept/Oct the tourist boats have interconnecting services from island to island. If you have the cash to get there, it’s definitely worth the trip. It’s idyllic.

What to see:

• Tresco – with sugar white beaches, heather moorland and Cromwell’s Castle, this privately-owned island is a big pull with tourists and definitely one of Britain’s top holiday destinations.
• Bryher – rugged and quieter than Tresco but just a hop across on a boat to its larger neighbour.
• St Agnes – make sure you head here, the quietest island, in addition to Gugh headland when the tide is out. Getting your gnashers into Troytown ice cream, made on St Agnes, is an absolute must.
• Spring tide – several times a year the tide recedes enough between Tresco and Bryher that you can walk between them. It’s a huge social event with BBQs and stalls lining what is normally the seabed. But you might want to bring your snorkel, just in case! 

Best for: 
Beach bums, bird watchers, walkers (no cars can be taken on the ferry), ice cream aficionados, celeb spotters
How to get there:
A ridiculously overpriced ferry (£100 rtn for a 40-mile journey) from Penzance March-Oct or expensive flights from Land’s End, Exeter or Newquay.
Cost:
It’s pricy. Getting there is expensive. Accommodation is expensive. But food from the shops and post offices isn’t massively different from the mainland (except on Tresco, everything is overpriced). To keep costs down, you can camp in Bryher campsite which the lovely Jo and Tom run, for under £11 pppn (amazing views), and a hostel opened up on St Mary’s in May 2018 but it’s in very high demand.

Britain’s best holiday destinations – Isle of Wight

Just a 10-minute hovercraft ride from Southsea and you’re on the island. Jurassic fossils, sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery catapult visitors here year upon year. With myriad trails crisscrossing the IoW, in addition to the spectacular coastal path, it’s as though England’s largest island has been made for walkers. And if that all sounds too hot and sweaty, you can go swimming in the clear sea. If that doesn’t sell it to you as one of Britain’s best holiday destinations, then every June, the IoW festival brings top headline music acts. However, you can get away from the crowds by staying in Totland or Freshwater. (Stoats Farm offers camping from a bargain price of £6 pppn.)

What to see:

• Warren Head & the Needles – a breathtaking 4-mile circular walk taking in Tennyson’s monument, too. 
• Ventnor – this little bay is ultra cute. It’s lined with a few cafes and bars, has calm sea and a chilled out vibe.
• Osborne House – Queen Victoria’s former holiday home and where she passed away. The exterior looks more like a Moroccan villa and the expansive grounds wind down to a private sandy beach.
• Mottistone Gardens & Estate – stunning gardens, walks and archaeological finds make this tranquil retreat a little gem.
• Freshwater Bay, Totland Bay – either side of the south west of the island, they have calm seas, bars and cafes (Totland).

Best for: 
Walkers, beach bums
How to get there:
You can get the ferry from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington, and the hovercraft (10mins) from Southsea. Taking cars over is pricy. Top tip: if you’re arriving by public transport, National Express does a bus and hovercraft deal to Ryde making it much cheaper than paying separately.
Cost:
Same as the mainland with cheap restaurants and cafes around Sandown and Shanklin.

Are any of these your top UK destinations? Drop your comments below.

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Jane Batchelor spent a year hiking 3,500 miles from Shetland to Windsor, finishing in May 2018.

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