The Cotswolds

I have a particular fondness for cottage breaks, as these give you the most freedom in terms of things like meals, in addition to plenty of space and a sense of cosiness. Plus, if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, they’re also a very sociable option. Now, let’s take a look at the very best places to go for a memorable cottage getaway in the UK.

1) The Cotswolds

First on my list is the Cotswolds. This is the name given to a group of hills in south-west and west-central England, which include scenic villages like Painswick, large cities and fantastic walking routes. So, a visit to the Cotswolds gives you lots of options – for example, you could stay somewhere rural and have a quiet break, or book a cottage close to a city like Bath and Oxford to be close to urban attractions.

2) Cornwall

Next up we have Cornwall, which I love for its combination of gorgeous beaches, delicious food and beautiful landscapes. Having lots of family-friendly attractions, the county is a particularly good option if you’re planning a break with the kids, but it has something for everyone. Among the things you shouldn’t miss include indulging in classic Cornish pasties and cream teas, heading to Blue Flag beaches and trying a spot of surfing.

3) Devon

Sitting next to Cornwall in the south-west of England is my next recommendation – Devon. Like its neighbour, this county is home to a tempting mix of delicious food and natural beauty spots, which makes it a brilliant choice for couples hoping to relax and spend some quality time together. Among the highlights of this destination is Dartmoor National Park, where you can see stunning sights like the turquoise lagoons of Lydford Gorge. There are also plenty of historical attractions in Devon, such as Watermouth Castle, where you can learn all about life in Victorian times.

4) The Isle of Wight

My next suggestion is booking a cottage on the Isle of Wight. This little island lies just off the south coast of England and is easily reachable with a short ferry ride. One of the things I like most about the Isle of Wight is its tranquil atmosphere, which I think is enhanced by the fact that more than half of the island has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I also really like its mixture of attractions, which include scenic walks and cycle rides, natural wonders (most famously The Needles) and theme parks like Blackgang Chine.

5) The Lake District

Last up is the Lake District, which is one of the UK’s most celebrated national parks. This is an unbeatable place to visit if you’re envisioning a break amid amazing scenery, since the lakes and mountains of this region are hard to top. While there’s plenty to do here (including water sports, cycling and checking out historical attractions like Castlerigg Stone Circle) I actually think simply taking some leisurely walks is one of the best options, since this gives you the best way to relax and truly appreciate your surroundings.

Fabric
Built at a former Victorian meat cellar, Fabric is now championed as one of the best clubs in the world. Its domination within London’s scene is partly attributed to Fabric’s willingness to showcase the up-and-coming talent along with its exceptional resident DJs. The speakers beneath the floor will buzz through your toes and the plush seating will ease your sore body during dance breaks. With the best acts usually arriving at 3am, be prepared for a relentless all-nighter.

Corsica Studios
Created by an independent organization that crafts creative spaces within London, Corsica Studios is an award-winning arts and entertainment venue built within two railway arches. A massive diversion from the typical superclub blueprint, the music is experimental and the clubbing experience is daring. Every genre of music has echoed through the rafters here (including a few you haven’t heard of yet). Expect to be shoulder to shoulder with hipsters and art students, seeking the next big musical sound. 

Pacha
Bringing the spirit of Ibiza to London, the luxurious club attracts big European DJ names and doles out a hefty entrance fee. Pacha is located in a historic 1920s building behind Victoria Station. Preferring glitter to grit, Pacha is glamorously decked out with dripping chandeliers, original oak paneling, and an incredible stained glass ceiling. The crowd is beautiful and stylish; being impeccably dressed is a must. Predominantly spinning house music, this is not for those who prefer the underground.

Egg
The look of Egg is both industrial and sleek, with each of its three floors boasting a distinct look and vibe. The superb garden and courtyard, perfect for a chill-out session, makes it a standout for the summer clubbing crowd. Also reminiscent of Ibiza, the music is predominantly house and electro. With a 24-hour license, the most hedonistic and hardcore arrive in droves for the Sunday morning after-party breakfast session. Who says you have to go to sleep at sunrise? Prepared to have your mind scrambled.

Newcastle

Newcastle

Host to a diverse range of attractions, you might choose Newcastle for anything from the sporting legends to the nightlife in its city centre – restaurants, clubs, bars; there’s also great shopping, unbeatable traditional pubs, stunning modern architecture, great live music and a vibrant arts and culture scene. All this is also very close to miles of golden sandy beaches, and the impressive Angel of the North monument. Newcastle is a mix of old and new, and incredibly cheap flights are available from London, making it extra accessible.

Brighton

This south coast gem has long been top of the list for weekenders. Known for its party hard ways, Brighton is a liberal, artistic place that boasts a mix of grandiose architecture (the Royal Pavilion), seaside tradition (the Palace Pier), and great shopping (the independent shops in the Laines). Less than an hour by train to London, Brighton is also very close to Gatwick Airport for those coming from further afield.

Bath

This beautiful Georgian town is top of the list for anyone who loves classical architecture, gardens, literature and relaxing. From its beginnings as a Roman town, Bath has always been famed for the restorative qualities of the waters, and remains to this day a brilliant destination for anyone who needs some R & R. The magnificent Georgian crescents and circuits are stunning, and the cities’ parks and gardens all add to the gentle atmosphere. There’s an extra bonus for anyone who is a fan of Jane Austen: she spent many years living here (although she didn’t enjoy it!) and several of her books are set in the area.

It’s easy to get stuck in one place and not making time to explore the country, but the major cities are so well connected by plane, train and motorway that there shouldn’t be any excuse not to discover the history, sights and culture of Britain.

Vivienne Egan writes for FHR – http://www.fhr-net.co.uk

1. The City of London

London! There is plenty to do here and you’ll never be short on ideas, even if you’ve been to the city more than once. Museums are a great option as they are generally free and they offer kids the chance to have a bit of freedom while they’re learning about science and the history of the planet. Take a picnic with you to save even more money and you’ve got yourself a winner. Not so worried about your budget? Take a trip on the London Eye (provided that it’s a clear day).

2. Drayton Manor

As soon as you utter the words ‘theme’ and ‘park’ in quick succession, all other options become irrelevant. A little smaller than the other better known parks, Drayton Manor suits younger children with entertainments such as a zoo and ‘Thomasland’. Again, take lunch with you as food in the park can be very pricey.

3. West Midlands Wildlife Park

This is exactly what it says on the tin. Kids love animals and love them even more when they can see the big ones up close. This park allows you to let the kids roam around – under your watchful eye of course – and explore the part at the leisure. Packing a picnic to make the time last a bit longer is a great idea in the summer and you might even have the chance to do a bit of sun-seeking while the kids play. Well worth it.

4. Gower Surf School

If I was seven and my mum told me that she was taking me to surfing lessonsI’d have been bouncing off the walls. Definitely the pick of the bunch, the Gower Surf School in Wales is the ideal place for a weekend break with kids. With a range of options and courses, there’s something for every budding surfer. What’s more, they make it very easy to rent all the equipment you’ll need for the lessons so there are no pre-trip prerequisites. If you’re thinking of Wales, think of surfing.

5. Longleat Safari

Longleat Safari Park and Longleat House have long been go-to places for families looking for something a little different. The safari offers kids the chance to experience wild animals in a unique way, right in the heart of the House’s beautiful grounds. The house tour itself is also hugely interesting, so it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Off-roading
Outside of London, quad biking is a brilliant way to explore the countryside. Traverse hundreds of acres in Surrey with a quad bike, 4X4, or 6X6. With the quad bikes, a large group of friends can split into teams for an off-roading obstacle course. The 4X4 requires deftly maneuvering through difficult and rocky terrain while in the 6X6, four people can rotate the controls of the vehicle and cruise through hills and water.

Horse Riding
I remember riding a horse, once. I was seven at a birthday party; it was terrifying and magical. For those fellow one-time equestrian riders, now is your chance to have another go. There are several horse deals available online, with prices as low as £6 for a private lesson tailored to your needs. These riding schools cater to both beginners and advanced riders. Adults, grab your children, select your favorite steed, and mount up.

Supercar Driving
For a different type of horsepower, get behind the wheel of a supercar and drive it around the track. With Experience Limits, run laps in your choice of three cars. Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, Aston Martin DB9, and Porsche 911 Turbo are just a few of the elite cars in their fleet. If those don’t sound interesting to you, there is the option of some grass-based lunacy by trying out their new hovercraft. Boss status, granted.

Parkour
Parkour is a discipline. It’s the art of navigating from one place to another, all while interacting and playing with your surroundings and impending obstacles. You may have seen online videos of a practitioner (a man is a “traceur” and a woman is a “traceuse”) scaling a wall or somersaulting wildly in the air and wondered how they can do that. Now is your chance to find out. Parkour Generations offers 1.5 and 2 hour classes seven days a week. They have specialized classes for family and women, as well as beginner and advanced courses. Classes are held both in specially designed gyms and outdoors.

Kayaking
When I went on a tour of London, I walked by foot for three hours, navigating slowly around the city. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But for a different perspective, join London Kayak Tours and see the city by boat. You’ll paddle a kayak through the Thames and canals all while spotting landmarks like Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. At the end, sip on a glass of bubbly to top off a successful kayaking experience. Cheers to that!

Oxford Street Christmas lights

Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree For a full dose of the Christmas spirit, you can’t miss the famous Christmas tree towering every year over Trafalgar Square since 1947. It was a gift from the Norwegians to the British, and is decorated in Norwegian style with vertical strings of white lights. If you have the chance, watch the tree lighting ceremony on December 6, otherwise enjoy the tree’s festive splendor all the way through January. Carolers from various groups perform beside the tree each evening for the few weeks leading up to Christmas.

Oxford Street Christmas Lights Gigantic crowds gather every year on Oxford Street to watch the switch turn on hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights to welcome in the holiday season. If you get a chance to watch the lighting, you can enjoy musical performances in a star-studded show, but if you’re arriving later you can enjoy walking up and down this festive street around Christmastime, adorned with glittering lights everywhere you look.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland In December, the section of the park near Hyde Park Corner transforms into a winter wonderland with fairground rides, Christmas markets, festive food and drinks, Santa’s grotto and an ice rink! There’s a wintry circus and 53-meter Observation Wheel to get the scope of the whole Christmassy spread. Also check out the Magical Ice Kingdom, set up as a fairytale-like ice and snow world complete with woodland creatures and a carriage pulled by unicorns.

Ice Skating in Hampton Court Palace This open-air skating rink is right in the middle of the majestic Hampton Court Palace, with breathtaking views of its majestic architecture. After skating, grab a festive bite- mulled wine and minced pie- at the nearby café. Check out the palace itself too, as it’s adorned with festive decorations to get you in the holiday spirit! You can also take a ride on the old-fashioned carousel and explore the hedge maze.

Dukes of York Square Christmas Grotto Just off King’s Road, the Dukes of York Square puts on a festive Christmas Grotto where kids and adults alike can enjoy some holiday spirit. The little ones can greet Santa and explore his workshop, and the adults can poke into the boutiques lining the square. There’s an arts and crafts area with holiday activities for the whole family, and a nearby food market with plenty of festive treats.

Notting Hill

Although you won’t find the Travel Book Company where Hugh Grant meets Julia Roberts on Portobello Road, (it’s actually around the corner at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent), this legendary street is a favorite stop for movie fans since it’s the background for most of the scenes in the film. Visitors who want to explore Notting Hill find the Hotel Bluebells is an ideal location, just a block away and in a much quieter neighborhood. Nestle into this fashionable restored 18^th century Victorian building that’s close to Underground Tube stations and in walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park and Westbourne Park Grove. Rooms in this family-run hotel have private baths, Wi-Fi, cozy beds and complimentary breakfast.

Four Weddings and a Funeral

If you thought you’d seen the setting for of the second wedding in this movie before, you’re right; the Old Royal Naval College has been used for dozens of movies including The Madness of King George, The Golden Compass and even the new Bond movie Skyfall. Make yourself comfortable at The Antigallican Hotel in a nearby neighborhood where the rooms have self-catering facilities, washing machines and free Wi-Fi. Choose an inexpensive dorm room or a twin, single, double or triple room with shared or private bathrooms. The friendly staff will happily help you catch the bus to the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome) or point out great shopping venues you can walk to in Greenwich.

Harry Potter

Long before Harry Potter discovered how to catch the train to Hogwarts at Kings Cross Station, fiction writers have considered it “the place” for supernatural encounters, like Alan Moore’s “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century” where it is a vortex of magical energy. Visitors today are charmed to find that between gates nine and 10 there is a trolley half sticking out of the wall where platform 9 ¾ should be, making for an excellent photo opportunity. Just 100 meters away is the Elmwood Hotel, a cozy and affordable hotel with a friendly staff and ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, ensuite coffee / tea facilities, LCD digital TV and a delicious free breakfast each morning.

Finding Neverland

Remember the park bench where playwright JM Barrie (Johnny Depp) meets Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and engages her children in imaginary games? Well, you can sit on that very same bench at the Kensington Gardens at the western end of Hyde Park. As the name suggests, the Lord Kensington Hotel is in the very same neighborhood and offers sparkling clean rooms with private baths, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast in their lovely dining room before heading out to explore the gardens or walk to the famous Museum Mile where you’ll find the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Natural History Museum.