From the skyscrapers of central London to the idyllic surroundings of Snowdonia National Park, the UK is a country that’s as diverse as it is charming. After all, the UK’s beautiful surroundings have mesmerised and inspired writers, artists and musicians for hundreds of years, and there’s a rich culture for you to explore.
For this reason, the UK is the perfect destination for a summer holiday. Whether you’d rather relax on the beaches of Cornwall, explore former Viking strongholds or reconnect with nature, the UK has a destination that’s perfect for you.
Because recent Expedia reviews have suggested that it’s easy and convenient to book your summer holiday in the UK, we’ve put together this guide to 5 stunning destinations that are perfect for a UK summer holiday. All you’ll have to do is decide which one is best for you.
#1 Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s stunning beauty means that the locals refer to this magnificent English county as ‘God’s Own Country’. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, then Yorkshire is home to three National Parks that are enchanting and inspiring in equal measure. Similarly, the county’s rugged coastline is packed with welcoming fishing villages, storied towns, rocky cliffs and gorgeous stretches of white sand. If you’d rather live the high life, modern cities like Leeds and history-packed cities like York provide plenty to see and do.
With all this to consider, it’s no wonder that more than 40 million visitors now travel to Yorkshire every year for heritage-related tourism, according to the Telegraph.
#2 London
With iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, a nightlife scene that rivals anywhere on the planet and some of the world’s best shopping centres, London is a cosmopolitan city that never sleeps.
London’s comprehensive Underground and Overground travel network make it incredibly easy to travel around one of the world’s largest cities. Although the major tourist attractions are located centrally (in what’s known locally as Zone 1), each of London’s surrounding boroughs has a unique atmosphere and something different to offer. You can enjoy an Instagram-worthy lunch in an effortlessly cool area like Shoreditch, or you can rub shoulders with celebrities in affluent areas like Chelsea and Fulham. At Aspers Casino Westfield, you can play some of the best live dealer casino games.
In fact, there’s so much going on in London that during your break, you may find it hard to work out exactly what you want to see. However, missing out on something is always a great excuse to come back again.
#3 Brighton
Brighton’s only around an hour away from London by train, but you’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the capital during your holiday here.
In this eccentric and bohemian city, you’ll find plenty of unique experiences to enjoy. After all, Brighton’s a city that prides itself on being a little bit different, so expect to come across unusual activities like sea-facing yoga classes, hippy markets and unique museums. If you’re in need of further inspiration, Visit Brighton has a great list of weird and wonderful things to try during your visit.
Rather relax? Not a problem. Brighton’s beautiful coastline provides the perfect place to sit back, unwind and soak up some rays.
#4 The Lake District
Known for its glacial lakes, rugged mountains and literary associations, the Lake District National Park is one of the UK’s gems. It’s a paradise for explorers who want to sample quintessentially British villages and see some of the most stunning scenery this great country has to offer.
The Lake District spans an area of 2,362 km² but the National Park’s highlight is undoubtedly Scafell Pike. The summit is the highest point in England, and on a clear day, you can see as far away as the Galloway Hills of Scotland, the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland and Snowdonia in Wales.
If you fancy taking a holiday at more of a relaxing pace, you can enjoy the Lake District’s literary connections. Much of William Wordsworth’s poetic inspiration came from the surrounding landscapes and many of the locals have a tale or two to tell.
#5 Edinburgh
England is packed to the rafters with stunning holiday destinations, but if you hop over the border to Scotland (don’t worry, you won’t need your passport), you’ll find a destination that rivals any in England: Edinburgh.
Scotland’s compact and hilly capital is full of gardens, neoclassical buildings and historic monuments. The iconic castle looms over the city and it’s still home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.
For the best view in the city, climb Arthur’s Seat. From here, you can really see all of Edinburgh’s distinct neighbourhoods.
Whether you’re searching for a relaxing holiday in England’s ‘green and pleasant land’, an action-packed city break or a relaxing beach holiday, the UK is the place to be. So, why not check out one of these stunning destinations and enjoy a summer holiday in the UK?
