According to Tripadvisor, their top ten holiday locations in Britain include London and Liverpool. Wow, that’s terrifying. For those of you who have been tricked into thinking these are the best holiday destinations in Britain by the likes of Tripadvisor and ‘The Guardian’, here is a list of beautiful locations to spend a lazy weekend or a week’s break exploring. Why go to London where everything’s overpriced and tacky when you can discover the country you live in? The country that inspired writers like Bronte and Wordsworth?
10. Kent, The Garden of England
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of may, and summer’s lease hath all too short a date; (William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18)
The county that inspired the wonderful book The Darling Buds of May by H.E. Bates; this is surely one of the most beautiful places in the British Isles? With its rolling hills, gorgeous coastline and agriculture heritage, Kent is stuffed with stereotypical English Scenery. Want cute cottages? Check. Want canals and idyllic Tudor style pubs along the bank? Check. Castles? Windmills? Villages that date back to the Doomsday book? Check, check and check! Obviously, if you wanted a holiday full of nightlife and wild shopping sprees, Kent isn’t the place for you. Granted, if you wanted those things, this list isn’t for you either. Why don’t you stick to London and Liverpool?
Situated in South East England, you know it’s old when Wikipedia states its ‘Ancient’ in the Established column. There’s plenty to do in this large historic county; from admiring the White Cliffs of Dover and visiting all their castles to spending a day in Canterbury or getting lost in Ramsgate’s Tunnels – no that isn’t a euphemism. Go on, get exploring!
9. Bath, Somerset
Aquae Sulis, Latin for the Waters of Sulis. Bath is the spa city of Britain because of the baths built by the Romans in AD 60. It was popularised again in the Georgian era as socialites, royals and politicians alike holidayed here for their health as it was said the water had healing agents.
If you’re looking for a mix of a city break and a countryside retreat, look no further than Bath. Situated in the gorgeous county of Somerset, you don’t have to look far to see the green rolling hills, but you have the added advantage of being within the city if you’re not an avid walker or much prefer the local shop being round the corner, instead of a mile away. With its absolutely magnificent architecture dating back to the 1600s (maybe even older) and the chance to visit the Roman baths and dine in the oldest building in the city – Sally Lunn-, Bath has a lot to offer. Don’t forget to actually bathe in the rooftop pool of the Thermae Bath Spa or take a tour on the open top bus to really soak up the history. In the summer, Bath holds many festivals, which will give you a chance to taste the locally brewed Somerset ale. And if the weather’s good, even if you’re not a walker, don’t forget to visit the iconic Royal Crescent. If you’re a fan of Period Dramas or films, Bath is the best destination to indulge your fantasies and learn something new.
8. Essex
(River Stort, Essex)
Now, I know what you’re thinking. But as a true Essex girl (who doesn’t wear fake tan or white stilettos or dance around my handbag every Friday night) I can tell you that if you want to really experience Britain, Essex has to be on your list.
Situated north-east of London and bordering other lovely counties such as Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Hertfordshire, a lot of people forget about Essex or have the wrong idea about the county completely. Sure, Essex is still home to towns such as Dagenham, Basildon and Billericay, but Outsiders always forget that we’re also home to idyllic coastal towns such as Frinton and have just as many beautiful little old villages. Plus, further up toward the Cambridgeshire border, our countryside is just as awe-striking and peaceful as any other county. Another thing to remember is that we’re also home to Fingringhoe. That’s beside the point, Essex can be as much of tranquil retreat as Cambridgeshire or Suffolk. With plenty to do such as visiting the Roman city of Colchester, touring around Audley End House, strolling through our many manor houses and enjoying the long walks and gorgeous agriculture scenery of Essex. Finally, if you get bored admiring our historic landscape, villages, castles and abbeys, and fancy a big bag of fish and chips, look no further than Southend. It may be tacky, it may be everything you ‘think’ you hate about Essex, but it’s ours. Remember to take a map because it’s easy to get lost amongst Essex’s country roads and scenic villages.
7. Thorpeness, Suffolk
Voted ‘Weirdest Village in England’ in 2003 by ‘Bizarre’ magazine this small village on the Suffolk coast certainly does have an unusual history. Back in the 19th century, the village had been merely a hamlet accompanied with folklore stories of smugglers. But in 1910 the whole area was bought up by a Scottish barrister, Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie where he turned Thorpeness into his own private holiday village. He invited friends and family to stay in the Jacobean and Tudor Revival style homes during the summer months. This meant that the village has technically been private all the way up until 1972 when Alexander Stuart Ogilvie, Glencairn Stuart’s grandson died and the homes and Golf Course were sold off to pay death duties. You begin to understand why this place is called ‘Weird.
There are many things to see in and around the village of Thorpeness, including the ‘Meare’, a man-made boating lake inspired by J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. There are tiny islands on the lake named ‘Pirate’s Lair’ and ‘Wendy’s Home’ in homage to Peter Pan. In the summer, the Meare is the location for Thorpeness’s Regatta which is normally around the same time as neighbouring Aldeburgh’s carnival. It’s a brilliant occasion that draws in a lot of crowds and concludes with a night boat parade and a firework display. Thorpeness is also home to ‘The House in the Clouds’ a strange looking structure that was a water tower converted into a home in 1923. You have to see it to understand its strangeness. Along with its glorious beach, idyllic pubs and its location in Suffolk, Thorpeness is a great place to spend a day, a weekend or even a week with attractions and plenty to do in the surrounding area.
6. St Ives, Cornwall
Achieving the title of ‘Best UK Seaside Town’ from British Travel Awards in 2010 and 2011, St Ives, although not as underrated as some of the others on this list, always finds itself stuck beneath other Cornwall holiday destinations such as Newquay and Mevagissey. With its fishing heritage, art culture and glorious sandy beach and British seaside harbour, St Ives is the perfect coastal getaway. In such a great location, southern Cornwall, even if you didn’t fancy staying in the town itself, there are plenty of other, quieter options; including the scenic historic fishing village of Mousehole. You’re never too far from great surfing beaches in St Ives, such as Sennen Cove which is notorious for body-boarding too. There’s even a famous landmark of Cornwall only a twenty-five-minute drive away. St Michael’s Mount, a small tidal island situated off of the small town of Marazion. It is a must see, as well as Land’s End, another short drive from St Ives. If you’re looking for a holiday with all the peacefulness of the country but with the option of bigger towns – Penzance – and attractions nearby, plus if you’re an avid surfer or just enjoy building sandcastles, look no further than Cornwall’s St Ives.
…I could fill pages remembering one thing after another. Altogether made the summer at St. Ives the best beginning to life imaginable – Virginia Woolf’s ‘Sketch of the Past’.
5. Exmoor, Devon
Devonshire is personally my favourite county and holiday destination. Why, you ask? When we live in a country with the Lake District and in a world with more glorious sights than Devon? Well, because it’s a different pace in the West Country. Once you step over the border in this beautiful county, it’s like taking a step back in time. I’m not saying people in Devon don’t own cars or have televisions. No, I’m saying that even with the modern trimmings, Devon has kept its calm demeanour and still offers not only a wonderful holiday destination but a great place to live. Need I mention its rolling hills? Or its sandy beaches and long scenic walks? We both already know this. So why holiday here? When the pressures and deadlines of modern day life get to you, when you’re sick of your phone, sick of the television and staring at blank walls all day, Devon offers the retreat you need, specifically Northern Devon. There’s something for everyone. Or nothing if you simply wish to do ‘nothing’. Hire a telescope and stargaze. Take a ride on the old steam trains. Visit the Exmoor ponies. Take a boat ride out to Lundy Island. Stroll across Exmoor’s luscious landscape. Have a cream tea at one of the many Heritage sites or take a look around the small towns and villages dotted about the countryside; Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth are only a few. Or if you’re not up for moving or exploring, why not relax on the sand at Woolacombe Bay? The possibilities are endless. A week or two in Devon will have you feeling yourself again, whether you stay in a quaint holiday cottage, camp in one of the many sites or choose to stay in a classic, coastal B&B.
4. Northumberland
Surrounded by Cumbria to the west, County Durham to the south, the North Sea to the east and Scotland to the north, Northumberland is an easily forgotten county. Up until 1400, Newcastle had been included in the county, until it became one of its own. I can count on one hand the things the majority of people know about Northumberland; Scottish Border, Newcastle, hills, cold, North. Some of you may have heard of Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, a tidal island off the coast of Northumberland but rarely do people take a second glance at the 6th century Island when driving along the A1. It’s definitely worth visiting the Norman 14th century castle built on the highest peak of the island and the rest of the small agricultural village. There is more to Northumberland than Lindisfarne of course, but I must warn you, if you don’t like castles or hearing about grisly battles, this isn’t the place for you.
Being on the Scottish border, it has been home to many battles throughout the ages, hence the number of castles dotted amongst the rugged landscape that is the most sparsely populated in England. If you’re thinking the ‘North’ in the Game of Thrones, you’re spot on! Don’t let that deter you! Although often depicted as dull, grey and harsh, Northumberland is as beautiful, if not more beautiful than the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria put together. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, Union Bridge and, if you’re feeling up to it, some of the many castles of Northumberland. Stay in a historic cottage or guest house and soak up the North of England. And don’t forget – castles. So many castles.
3. Windermere, Cumbria
Though hardly underrated, it’s rarely spoken about online when it comes to holiday locations in Britain. Why? Because they obviously know nothing. Windermere, the Lake, is the largest natural lake in England. It also only became a tourist destination since the development of Kendal and Windermere’s Railway branch line 1847. Situated entirely within the Lake District National Park, Windermere and its surrounding villages, towns and landscape have all been muses for great writers such as William Wordsworth, Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, Beatrix Potter – whose home, Hilltop still stands near Sawrey, on the western side of the lake. Greendale, the fictional village in Postman Pat was inspired by the real valley of Longsleddale near Kendal. When in Windermere or surrounding villages, you can begin to understand why so many writers found inspiration here. The atmosphere is peaceful, the scenery is awe-strikingly beautiful; hills, forests and mountains in every direction. The air is fresh and every time you step out the door of the guesthouse you’re staying in or the cottage you’re renting for a week or two, there is adventure at your fingertips. Take a cruise on the lake, but wrap up warm in the colder months, visit the many gardens in the area, go for a stroll along the different walks – but don’t attempt any mountains until you’re more experienced – or explore the scenic, historic towns and villages; Bowness and Ambleside are just two. Maybe even take a trip to Coniston Water or Grizedale Forest Park. The Lake District really is worth a visit. But watch out for Bownessie, Windermere’s equivalent to the Loch Ness.
2. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Now, coming from a Scottish heritage, it was obvious my top two would be Scotland. The Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island situated in Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It has some of the most dramatic and magnificent scenery in the country, with its mountainous centre and rocky slopes. It is truly breath-taking. A bit like Northumberland, there isn’t much to do in Skye aside from visiting the castles but with a landscape like this, what more could you want? A cinema? A statue commissioned by an arrogant artist that cares nothing for the scenery? No, Skye is a beautifully unkempt, unspoilt landscape with all the accents of Scotland. If you’re a photographer, you’ll especially enjoy Skye. Better yet, if you care not for a night-life or a controlled fun environment – *cough* Butlins *cough* – then look no further than the Isle of Skye. Book yourself into a traditional Scottish inn for the week and go explore! This island has been occupied since the Mesolithic period and was filled with Vikings for a time before being ruled by two separate clans; the MacLeods and the Donalds. This is Scottish history beneath your feet! Grab your camera, your warmest jacket and best walking shoes and discover adventure!
1. Edinburgh, Scotland
Described to me once like San Francisco in a colder climate and with more history, Edinburgh is my top pick for a British Holiday Destination. It’s got everything from a fabulous nightlife, glorious architecture, gruesome and remarkable history on every street to the magnificent scenery in and out of the city. Visit the castle, walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat, stroll around the Scottish National Gallery, see a show at the Fringe Festival, listen to the Bagpipes played in the old cobbled streets and climb to the top of the Scot Monument in Prince’s Street Gardens. Test your taste buds in the Scotch Whiskey Experience, visit the pandas at the zoo, go on a haunting ghost night walk that will give you chills and if you’ve still got any energy you could take a stroll along the Royal Mile, go shopping along Prince’s Street and dine down at the harbour overlooking the Forth estuary and watch the sunset over the hills of Fife. Wow, I’m out of breath just writing all of that – which is merely half of Edinburgh. Spend a week or two exploring this ancient city and you’ll end up with a love affair that’ll last a lifetime.
Just remember two things. Tripadvisor is great for some things but when it comes to the best locations in Britain, it knows nothing. Secondly, you don’t need to spend tonnes of money and run off around the world to experience and see new things. In Britain, you’re never more than 70 miles from the coast, plus we have some of the most envied scenery in the entire world. The rolling green hills of Britain, for me, trump anywhere else on earth. Take that world!