Are you trying to reduce your carbon emissions or just can’t face the queues at the airport?
Many of the UK’s stunning little spots are growing in popularity as we ditch the sangria and sun for a heap of family fun.
Though many Brits dream of getting away to far-flung places during the summer, it’s not always possible. Fear not, you’re not alone. Join the rest of us as we staycation.
From the highlands to the islands, here are the top ten trending UK summer destinations:
Aviemore, Scottish Highlands
Located in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is close to lochs, ancient forests and mountain trails. It’s a great destination for the active among us. White water rafting, hill walking, osprey watching, cycling, fishing, horse riding, archery. The list goes on and on. If you want to learn new skills, entertain the teens or have an active holiday in a stunning location, this is THE perfect place.
Crieff, Perth & Kinross, Scotland
A Scottish market town famous for cattle droving and whiskey. For centuries Highlanders would come to Crieff to sell their black cattle for their sought-after hides. Burnt to the ground in 1716 and rebuilt in 1731, this town has a fair amount of history. Home to Scotland’s second oldest lending library and the Famous Grouse Whiskey Experience at Glenturret Distillery. There’s lots to do for outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers and whiskey quaffers alike.
Balmaha, Loch Lomond, Scotland
A village located on the eastern shore of beautiful Loch Lomond. It attracts plenty of walkers to the West Highland Way – a 96-mile-long route from Glasgow to Fort William. Scotland’s first officially designated Long Distance Route and designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails. Balmaha is a great place to walk, mountain bike, horse ride or cruise the stunning Loch Lomond.
Pickering, North Yorkshire
No longer seen as flat caps and whippets, Yorkshire contains heaps of history and heritage. From castles and abbeys to stately homes and museums. If history is your bag, Pickering has it all. Not only will you soak up local history, but less than ten miles south is Malton, the award-winning foodie capital of Yorkshire. Fill your brain with tales of yore and then fill your belly with food from Yor(kshire).
Portmeirion, Gwynedd, North Wales
Built between 1925 and 1975, it was a bit of an architect’s folly. Influences were taken from iconic Italian villages like Portofino. It has inspired writers and TV producers alike. Noel Coward, George Bernard Shaw H.G. Wells, Gregory Peck, Ingrid Bergman, Frank Lloyd Wright and Paul McCartney have all been visitors. The village was built as a tourist destination and has such whimsical details that you can spend hours wandering around without getting bored. The nearby town of Porthmadog is great for galleries, cafés, museums and an ideal place to combine with Portmeirion.
Saltash, Cornwall
The gateway to Cornwall. Situated on the western banks of the River Tamar and opposite Plymouth, with its intertwined naval history, it is the perfect place to explore Cornwall and Devon. Head to the sandy beach of Whitsand Bay or the dramatic and starkly opposite scenery of Bodmin Moor (Cornwall) and Dartmoor (Devon), for those walkers among us. Take a long walk further west to Seaton, Looe and Polperro, all picturesque Cornish towns along the South West Coast Path. Saltash has a bit of everything and is the perfect destination if you’re a family of varying ages and interests.
Swanage, Dorset
A Dorset town located on the Jurassic Coast, ideal for families, coastal walks, dips in the sea and lots of sea-based fun. Swanage Bay is a popular spot for diving and has plenty of diving schools for all standards of diving. Fancy abseiling, paddle-boarding, kayaking? No problem. If you prefer your limbs firmly on terra firma, stretch them along the Jurassic Coast. It is listed as a UNESCO recognised path for its outstanding geology. It also has a Blue Flag beach with RNLI lifeguards, making it a great place to take a dip if you’ve got young children.
Porthallow, Cornwall
This small fishing village sits on the east coast of the Lizard Peninsula and south of the Helford River. It has bags of charm and of course, beauty. There’s the Cornwall coastal path (St Keverne to Falmouth), The Helford River, a National Seal Sanctuary, Iron Age underground tunnels, Bronze Age menhir and a 16th-Century castle. I mean, what’s not to love? Yet another great destination for families who are looking for both indoor and outdoor activities with a focus on nature and history.
Le Mont Félard, Jersey
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and has a mix of French and British cultures. It’s a petite island nine miles by five, but it packs a punch. The natural beauty and diverse attractions offer something for everyone. Hike through hidden valleys, swim in one of over 30 swimming spots, dine al fresco, surf, or sit and watch the sunset. The hottest days hit around the high 20s in July and August but the water’s edge is never more than a 10-minute stroll away. It’s not quite Europe, but it’s close enough to feel like you’ve been further afield.
Whether you like to sit back and relax or don your waterproofs and head out like Sir Edmund Hillary, the UK has some excellent options for staycationing this summer. And according to travel experts, you’ll be among the majority of Brits eager to discover the delights on their doorstep this year.
