W hen it comes to planning holidays, many of us immediately turn to overseas destinations. In my opinion, this is a mistake, since there are plenty of fantastic places right here in the UK. What’s more, staycations have a universal appeal, as they often involve much less travel time – meaning they are well suited to short breaks – and can be extremely cost-effective, as well as giving you a wide choice of things to do and see.
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.
