Thinking of taking a staycation this year? You’re not alone. Holidays in the UK have been on a steady increase in recent years, and with the uncertainty of Brexit that lies ahead, it’s a trend that is set to continue in 2019.
Although most people’s first port of call when planning a luxury UK getaway is the big smoke, there’s a whole lot more to the UK than London alone. From beautiful beaches to majestic mountains and picturesque lakes, it truly has it all. So, if you’re looking to explore further afield this year and really make the most of what the UK has to offer – all whilst still enjoying all the comforts of home, a luxury self-catering break may be just what you’re looking for. All over the country, you’ll find thousands of luxury cottages, lodges and more where you can stay and feel right at home.
Featuring everything you’d expect from a quality holiday home, including fully equipped kitchens, a cosy lounge, and some extra-special features such as hot tubs and swimming pools, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a truly memorable getaway.
Ready to find out what the rest of the UK has to offer? Here are just a few of our favourite UK destinations boasting incredible sights to see, adventures to be had and a selection of wonderful places to stay.
The Lake District
Found in the upper reaches of Northern England, the Lake District is home to a synonymous collection of lakes, with a backdrop of dramatic mountains and peaks. If you enjoy walking and hiking, you’ll have come to the right place with the Lake District, one of the UK’s favourite outdoors destinations. Serious hikers should have Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, on their to-do list. Walking aside, it’s also a great spot for mountain biking, canoeing and ghyll scrambling, where you climb through gorges and waterfalls.
Its most famous lake has to be Lake Windermere, the largest in England, where you can enjoy a gentle lake cruise or perhaps explore one of the charming lakeside villages. Ullswater and Coniston Water are also popular lakes, which offer both excellent lakeside walks, as well as trails leading off into the surrounding hills and mountains.
The Lake District is also packed with history, having inspired several notable artists, authors and public figures in their work. Grasmere is the home of beloved poet William Wordsworth, who wrote many of his poems on the surrounding scenery, while you can also visit the home of Beatrix Potter in Near Sawrey, the setting for some of children’s literature’s best-loved tales.
If you’re looking to discover the spectacular natural beauty and history of this outstanding National Park, head to the Lakeland Cottage Company website to find a stunning place to stay. Each holiday home has been personally chosen for its quality and spectacular setting amongst the Lakes.
Wales
Wales is a diverse nation with a distinctive culture and remarkable scenery, making it a wonderful destination for those looking to get something a little different out of their visit to the UK. Much of the country is made up of gorgeous, sweeping countryside, and features three spectacular National Parks: Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire Coast.
Snowdonia is Wales’ adventure capital, offering a whole host of adventures, from a giant zip line to mountain railways and underground caves, with stunning mountains and lakes to take in. The Brecon Beacons offers some equally as dramatic peaks, and are perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring charming villages. Meanwhile, the Pembrokeshire Coast in the west offers some of the UK’s best beaches – long stretches of golden sands and hidden coves – with an amazing variety of wildlife to spot.
You’ll also find several historic castles across the country, each with a fascinating story to tell, with many of them dating back over a thousand years. And if you’re looking to go somewhere a little livelier, the Welsh cities of Cardiff and Swansea have plenty to offer visitors, from museums to shopping, entertainment venues and great places to eat.
Make the most of everything Wales has to offer with a luxury break. Sugar & Loaf is a great place to start, where you’ll find a host of luxury places to stay in gorgeous locations across the Welsh countryside. Many of their holiday homes come with a twist too – among their collection you’ll find Mongolian yurts, shepherd’s huts and a house with a slide!
The Isle of Wight
Situated just off England’s South Coast, the Isle of Wight is a stunning island with a variety of wonderful places to visit. Take a train from London to a port such as Portsmouth, from where you can take the ferry or even a hovercraft and be transported to an island paradise.
On the Isle of Wight you’ll find a number of stunning beaches, surrounded by dramatic chalky cliffs. The island’s south coast is a dream for surfers, with its high winds and waves to match, while on the east coast Sandown and Shanklin offer traditional English seaside resorts. Here you can enjoy soaking up the sunshine on the long sandy beach, before heading to the pier or promenade for a game of mini golf, some classic fish and chips, and perhaps a few souvenirs to take home.
Off the western tip of the island you’ll find The Needles, perhaps the most famous sight on the Isle of Wight: a striking formation of towers of chalk reaching out of the sea. The island is also home to impressive castles and coastal forts, such as the medieval Carisbrooke Castle: a slice of history with a scenic island setting.
For the perfect holiday by the sea, Island Cottage Holidays have a variety of luxury places to stay to suit everyone. A number of their holiday homes have fantastic views of the sea, and you can even book your ferry crossing with them at the same time for added convenience.
These are just three fantastic UK destinations to start exploring, but there are so many others where you can enjoy a luxury break to remember too. The UK is your oyster – now is the time to start enjoying it to its fullest!
