It looks like we’ll all be travelling on our home turf for a while, so I asked a well-travelled bunch of friends and family for their personal choice for a getaway at home. This is the A-Z of the favourite places in the UK recommended by people who live here, and the reasons why they chose it. Whether it’s the countryside, coast or city there is something for everyone.
Luckily the UK is a relatively small cluster of islands with a lot to offer. Such as our ever-changing, vibrant cities, villages frozen in time, and 7, 723 miles of coast. Did you know you’re never further than 70 miles from the shore? The UK is decorated with seaside towns and roaring sea views. If salty air isn’t your thing, we also have 1,500 rivers and streams, and over 40,000 lakes.
Not gonna lie, Q and Z were hard to think of, but I managed to rustle something up and combine areas of real beauty and interest!
I’d love to hear your favourite places around the UK – this collection of isles we call home, so please comment below to add yours!
Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula, Wales
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I camped near Abersoch last summer in a huge field on a farm with an amazing sandy beach a five minute stroll away. You can walk the coastline for about ten miles. There are lots of traditional farmhouses dotted about. For UK scenery, Abersoch was one of my favourite places. You stroll along the fabulous large sandy beaches and pass novel beach huts with the backdrop of the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia. It’s a quaint village with a cute harbour and a couple of buzzing bars. There’s such a pleasant laid back atmosphere to wile away your afternoon. No one seems to know about it so it’s not busy like other parts of Wales.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
There’s always a lot going on in Belfast and I always love the vibe there. There’s always a lot of art and music culture. The locals are really friendly. The whole Titanic dockland area is walking distance from town and I love the old shipbuilding history there, which pretty much made the city what it is today. St George’s Market is fantastic, all local vendors and just lovely and bright with free entertainment on Saturdays. There are all these hidden gems in Belfast too like pubs set in beautiful historic buildings, like White’s Tavern and the Duke of York, which transport you back centuries.
Bourton-on-the-Water, The Cotswolds
If you want an adorable village set alongside a pretty river which is great for kids to paddle, this makes a great day trip. It’s my favourite place for a picnic on a summer’s day. The little buildings are so elegant – it’s your typical English village with weeping willows hanging lazily over the river and 17th century bridges.
Bude, Cornwall
This part of Cornwall is relatively easy to get to from the ‘mainland’ and I go for the scenery. This area has stunning walks, the one to Duckpool Beach is my personal favourite, it’s where they used to drown witches. It’s all cliff paths, wildflowers and cafes nestled in coves where you can get creamy scones with the waves gently crashing ahead of you.
Cromarty, Scottish Highlands
I love this place because it’s a tiny little fishing village, where they do the shipping forecast from – weather predictions around the British Isles. Looking out to see sometimes you can see dolphins, and there are these enormous oil rigs off the coast that look awesome. You can take the ferry over to the other side at Nigg, which is a route dating centuries back. As a kid, the boulders on the beach look gigantic as you climbed over them. I have fond childhood memories of the bakery with macaroni pies.
Derry, Northern Ireland
I love the hilly setting of Derry. The view from the old city walls over the residential part of the city is so open and the air’s so crisp. They won the UK’s Capital of Culture in 2013 and is really attracting visitors at the moment. You can get yourself a decent Guinness and watch live music at Sandino’s bar, inside it’s plastered with pictures of revolutionaries like Che Gevara and Sandino himself. The town is full of murals to commemorate the lives of the past and more recently the comedy show Derry Girls on the wall of Badger’s Bar.
Durdle Door, Dorset
The alliteration of the place makes it sound a bit dumpy, but it’s the opposite! It’s on the really scenic Jurassic Coast – all the erosion makes these rugged, white limestone cliffs, and has created a huge white arch that they call Durdle Door. There are loads of fossils found around there as well as cave formations. Dorset is an exciting place to explore, like the Isle of Portland which is world class for rock climbing, and historical pubs like The Smugglers Inn, to finish the day with a pint. Of all my favourite places in the UK, this is my number one.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s a cultural hotspot, all sorts of people are drawn there. There’s so much gothic architecture, sandstone that is coloured darker on some buildings giving it a spooky effect. That and all the different levels of the city streets, the castle on the mound, the green Meadows, it’s a magical city you can see why it was an inspiration for JK Rowling. All the old fashioned bookshops dotted around like Armchair Books and the Old Town Bookshop add the to highly literary feel of the city. Go for the Fringe – it’s the best vibe with so much free comedy and drama everywhere. Bar Salsa opposite the university dome has a lively atmosphere and is open until 3am during the festival which takes over the entire city for all of August.
Frome, Somerset
We randomly came across this arty little market town. It’s a good base for exploring Somerset and an alternative to Bristol. It still has that south-west vibe and the market there is quite vibrant. I just like that it’s mostly independent shops, there’s lots of historic buildings and the small streets are very medieval. It’s close to Longleat House which has stunning gardens and open space and the Salisbury Plain. That whole area has a very ancient and spiritual feel to it.
Glasgow, Scotland
Everyone loves Edinburgh because it’s pretty, but I love Glasgow because it’s a bit more grimey but also has great architecture – red brick buildings and huge avenues. The Italian Quarter is especially impressive. They have a superior live music scene, it’s a melting pot of people. It’s also less touristy than Edinburgh – more of a local feel. The Lighthouse gallery is worth a visit for the vertigo-inducing staircase (you can also take the lift). For a great little pub with hundreds of whiskey, homemade pies and friendly staff there’s The Pot Still. You might need a cosy place like there to get out of the rain!
Handa Island, Scotland
The whole island off the west coast of Scotland is a wildlife sanctuary and has some enormous, stunning caves that are great for kayaking around. Seals poke their heads out of the water taking a cheeky look at you and there are hundreds of seabirds like puffins. As the island is so exposed, the Atlantic air blasts you as you peer over cliffs, it’s so refreshing! The drive up there through the Highlands is also really dreamy, no matter the weather.
Ironbridge and Shropshire
The county of Shropshire is mostly rural, with quaint villages and churches, lots of rolling hilly countryside and plenty of walks. The town of Ironbridge has a really local feel to it. There are very ‘Wind-in-the-Willows’ views down the river Severn and the bridge itself was a masterpiece during the industrial revolution – the first ever made from cast iron. You can paddleboard and canoe in the warmer months. Around the town there are all these Victorian red brick industrial buildings and welcoming pubs. I don’t think it’s on most people’s must-see lists for favourite places in the UK, so it’s much quieter than other places.
Jersey, Channel Islands
It’s closer to Normandy in France than mainland UK, so it has such a holiday feel to it – gorgeous beaches and caves, a picturesque harbour and rolling green fields. There are so many sunny days in Jersey and a bit of a foodie/ gastro scene, you can get amazing cocktails at Samphire. They’re famous for the Jersey Royals potato season in May, the most delicious spuds, and local Oysters. Plemont Bay is lovely for walking and there is a nice cafe called Plemont Beach Cafe overlooking the clear water.
Kynance Cove, The Lizard, Cornwall
Allegedly it’s the most photographed bay in Cornwall and you know why when the Celtic Sea air hits you. From the picturesque cove, you can walk a couple of miles around to Lizard Point which is the most southerly tip of the UK. That part of the South West Coast Path is so exposed and rugged. Cornwall coastline has crystal clear waters even when it’s frigging cold. The way of life, beaches and pubs on the beaches and overlooking the cliffs makes me want to return over and over.
Liverpool, Merseyside
I love a city by the sea, and Liverpool has a maritime feel to it. It’s the home of the Tate and the Biennial galleries which are great ways to pass rainy days. There’s a history of emigration, importation and shipbuilding, it’s a marina city. The people are friendly and chatty. It was quite impoverished a few decades ago and now is transformed and trendy. They have an excellent Community Regeneration Project in a rundown area called Granby Four Streets. It’s also perfect for shopping and nightlife. My favourite late night bar is Seel Street’s Heebie Jeebies, but just wandering around the city you come across a lot of independently owned places for coffee, which quickly turn into cocktails.
Mull (Isle of), The Hebrides, Scotland
Just magical! Tiny winding lanes where the trees on either side meet at the top making tree tunnels. So much wildlife to spot: deer, eagles, otters. Lots of artists live there so it has this Scottish hippy vibe. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to be, you’re surrounded by nature. The south has all these sandy coves whilst the north is more rugged, rocky beaches and all over are gorgeous peninsulas, so much to discover!
Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
It’s just the right sized city to wander about. It’s perched on a hill so it’s pretty impressive to see when you arrive by train. The Baltic Gallery is fascinating and it’s set in an ex-factory on the side of the river. In just a 20 minute train journey you’re on the beach with a brisk North Sea wind to blow away the cobwebs. Ouseburn is a really cool little place with bars, galleries etc, The Cluny pub is a long time favourite, we’ve been to lots of gigs there and you can head next door to The Tyne Bar after. Osbourne Road in Jesmond is another area for a good night out, loads of pubs, bars, restaurants, the lot.
Northumberland Coast
Just stunning – what’s not to like about castles on beaches?
Oxford, Oxfordshire
It has a very fairytale/ Narnia feel about it so you feel why so many literary greats like Tolkien wrote fantasy stories here. All the ivy growing up all the walls and pokey passageways to get lost along. It makes your imagination wander. The view over all the beautiful rooftops from the top of St Mary’s Church is unforgettable. You forget that the students are actually real unless you go during exam time and the colleges are closed. My favourite college is Christ Church, they’re all are cheap to visit but definitely check before you go that they’re open. Also walking through the meadows is like being in the middle of the countryside along the river with swans paddling around and rowers going by.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Who doesn’t love dramatic coastal views? There are lots of walks along the coastal path, you could spend days there. Ty Canol woodland is really fairy-like with all the lichen growing all over the branches, the air feels really clean. Cute little fishing villages scattered about and big expanses of space looking out to sea. It’s definitely underrated. People often overlook Pembrokeshire as their favourite place in the UK, which makes it even more special.
Quenington and Cirencester, The Cotswolds
Quenington is one of those typical yellow stone village in the Cotswolds, originally mentioned in the Domesday Book and that whole area is sprinkled with these historic settlements. Cobbled streets beside rivers are what the area is famous for. As being close to loads of natural beauty in the Cotswolds. Just up the road is Cirencester where the traditional pubs look like mini castles and there are gorgeous markets to browse. It has a lot of history being one of the Roman fort towns, so if you’re an ancient history nerd you can walk around the amphitheatre nearby.
Richmond-upon-Thames, London
I love London, but it can feel oppressively urban sometimes. Richmond though can almost feel like the countryside. It’s so green and sparse compared to the rest of London. You can see wild deer in Richmond Park which has a really magical feel about it. Plus it’s the home of Kew Gardens, the most amazing Botanical Gardens with beautiful Victorian glasshouses and treetop walks. Richmond Hill is a protected view and in the winter it gets really misty and has this English rural postcard feel.
Snowdonia, Wales
Wildflowers in Spring, proper hikes close by, great coasteering makes Snowdonia my favourite of all places I’ve travelled to in the UK. It’s dappled with cute Welsh towns with mountain views. It’s so green, there are hundreds of activities to try and forests to explore. Mount Snowdon at least once is a must! I feel like there are loads of hidden places every time I go back there that I didn’t discover before, you can easily get away from the masses. Also, Welsh is the first language there so it’s cool to hear it as you’re waiting in line for ice cream or chips!
Tynemouth, North-East England
The coastal views from the town, walks along the seafront, the long sandy beach and the ruins overlooking the bay, Tynemouth is one of my favourite places in the UK. As a bonus, it makes a great night out and has a superb vintage market. Riley’s fish shack is a lush little place to sit. If you’re up that way you should also visit the Northumberland Coast.
Ullswater Lake, The Lake District, Cumbria
One of my favourite places in the UK for the outdoors is the Lake District. Glenridding camping on lake Ullswater is a very special place. Just so peaceful. After going to the lakes a lot, you generally have a preferred spot, this and the South Lakes is mine, the home of Peter Rabbit. With a car you can explore a lot, or you can do it just taking buses and walking. Cumbria has the scenery and good local ale – Coniston Brewery, Hawkshead Brewery and Lancaster Brewery are all faves. There’s a pub at the top of the Kirkstone Pass which is a lovely place to sit and grab a beer.
Vatersay, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
It feels like it’s been weather-battered; it’s the ultimate isolated island. When you think of beautiful beaches everyone thinks of warm countries, but Scotland’s islands have some of the clearest, turquoise waters in the world, and not a soul in sight. Absolute tranquillity. It’s remote, unspoilt, soft white sandy beaches with mountain backdrops. It’s one of those places in the UK where few people visit, or live there – it’s the westernmost permanently inhabited place in Scotland and the UK, which is why it’s my favourite. You can do the beach walk around the island in about 3 hours, taking in all the sand dunes and little old cottages and wildflowers, which remind me of my days in Ireland.
Whitby, Yorkshire, UK
It’s such a gothic seaside town – the ruins overlooking this northern side which gives it this romantic, eerie setting. Its association with Dracula (parts of the book are set there) attracts many vampire fans. So Halloween there is lots of fun, everyone gets so into it. You can stay in spooky looking Victorian BnB’s and it’s full of charming shops selling things made from Whitby Jet – a black stone carved into jewellery pieces or ornaments. It’s a little, traditional old fishing town, the fish and chips are really fresh. You can walk along the high cliffs which are even more atmospheric on a windy day being blasted by the North Sea. The painted beach huts give the place a splash of colour. For getaway places in the UK, Whitby is a favourite for many.
York, Yorkshire
A favourite for history buffs, York is one of those places that has layers of UK history. From Roman ruins, Vikings tales, to Victorian architecture and Medieval snickelways – the narrow alleyways from when it was a bustling wool trading market. It was once where the Roman Forum stood and it was the Vikings had their capital, Jorvik. This is because it’s situated on two rivers so it’s quite desirable. The transport museum is a national favourite – incredibly interesting and free. There’s also great breweries – like the York Tap which is in the beautiful Edwardian train station building, perfect to wash down the day.
Zeal, Devon
With rolling hills and old farmland in the distance, this little village looks more like a model village. It makes a nice stop off in Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor is famous for the wild ponies that wander about the road, they’re everywhere. Up on the hills you see ancient granite rock formations and there are 13th century ‘post bridges’ over trickling streams. The whole area feels like a children’s storybook. It’s striking yet serene.
- Abersoch Beach
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Bude
- Cromarty
- Belfast
- Derry
- Durdle Door
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Frome
- Scourie Pier Road
- Isle Of Mull
- Ironbridge Road
- Jersey
- Kynance Cove
- Liverpool
- Oxford
- Northumberland
- Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Pembrokeshire Tourism
- Cirencester
- Richmond London Underground and London Overground Station
- Snowdonia National Park
- Tynemouth
- Ullswater Steamers
- Isle of Barra Beach Hotel
- Whitby
- York
- Okehampton
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