2020 was the year without holidays. Thanks to a little globalpandemic, most of us were too busy contending with lockdown restrictions, self-isolatingand completing a regular Covid testto even dream about organising a vacation.
But now the end is in sight. The lockdowns are easing, the pubsand shops are re-opening, but things are still far from certain. Few of us wantto risk getting trapped in an overbooked holiday resort 3000 miles from homeshould there be another spike in cases. That’s why many people are looking toBritain, rather than Spain or Portugal, to provide them with some much-needed R & R.
This isn’t a compromise. These humble little islands of ours aresome of the most beautiful in the world, packed full of stunning scenery, greataccommodation and fun activities. Once we’re all done messing around with masksand conducting a Healgen rapid Antigen test on ourselves, here are just a fewof the UK hotspots we can’t wait to visit.
West Highlands, Scotland
The Highlands and Islands around the west coast of Scotlandprovide the most epic scenery in the UK. Snow-capped mountains formed in theancient world; lochs (both sea and freshwater) teeming with wildlife; vast pineforests where deer and elusive wildcats rule the roost. If you’ve spent yourlockdown dreaming of getting back to rural nature, this is the place for you.
Fitness fiends will surely find their home here. During thesummer, tourists descend from across the globe to complete the North Coast 500route, or to enjoy a spot of mountain biking or wild swimming. Those in searchof a more secluded stay will easily find places off the beaten track, either inone of many luxury holiday cottages in the area – where you can enjoy a nippy sweetie by the fire – or in a mountainside tent, as wild camping is perfectly legal in Scotland.
Fresh air, exercise, friendly locals and untouched nature are allto be found in this most beautifully dramatic part of the country.
Snowdonia, Wales
The last few months may have been anxiety-inducing, but they’vealso been extremely boring. Holidaymakers seeking a spot of adventure after ayear indoors will find no better place than Snowdonia.
As with the West Highlands, you will find some spectacular viewsin this national park, whether or not you decide it’s worth joining the queueto climb Snowdon itself. If you'd rather not, there are other ways to get youradrenaline pumping. How about spending the night suspended over a cliffside ina portaledge tent, being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves below? Or – for slightly less risk – take a rock-climbing course so you can battle your way to the top of the region’s majestic peaks like a true explorer.
Lake District, Cumbria
It’s always a treat to spend some time in Beatrix Potter country,but in 2021, the Lake District will be celebrating the seventy-year anniversaryof achieving its national park status.
Help the region commemorate this great occasion by booking a hotelwith a spectacular view of England’s deepest lake and tallest peak. Spend yourdays like the famous children’s author herself, hiking the trails, or paintingthe views. Or else take a more thrilling approach by hiring a rowing boat or paddleboard on Coniston Water, followed by a hop through the surrounding villages to sample local ales.
Lundy Island, Devon
This tiny island off the coast of Devon successfully raised thefunds to secure its survival through 2020. And thank goodness.
If, after all the upheaval of the past months, you want to separateyourself from the world, Lundy Island is for you. With a population of only 30(plus a lot of puffins) this gorgeous island is dotted with many historicbuildings which have been converted into cosy holiday rentals. It’s beautiful, it’sa fantastic experience, and it makes for a truly intimate couple’s getaway.
Norfolk
As flat and pretty as Holland, Norfolk is the place for a sociallydistanced holiday, even in the height of summer. You’ll find more empty sandybeaches than you’ll know what to do with, such as Holkham Beach, which is edgedby a pinewood.
Water is Norfolk’s trademark, so why not rent a self-containedcanal boat to float along the Broads? You can ignore civilisation entirely or leavethe boat every evening to enjoy some fine dining at the county’s many top-notchhotels and restaurants.
Salford, Manchester
You might not think of Manchester as the place to go to reconnectwith nature, but thanks to the recent opening of RHS Bridgewater, it is.
This grand, 154-acre public garden is located in the grounds of Salford’sWorsley New Hall. It only opened in May 2021, so you could be among the firstto take in its orchard, lake, woodland, community growing area and ancientwalled garden.
And once you’ve had your fill of peace and quiet, the vibrantculture and nightlife of Manchester awaits. There truly is something foreveryone.
Isle of Sheppey, Kent
For Londoners looking for a break that won’t require hours oftravel, Kent is the place to go. For rural idyll there’s the Kent Downs, for atrip to the seaside there’s Margate, and for a historic city break there’sCanterbury.
But if you want to feel like you’ve travelled halfway across theworld while being within 50 miles of the English capital, try the Isle ofSheppey. Located in the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is known for its vast marshlandand even vaster skies. A night or two in an Elmley cabin with a view of thenature reserve will be enough to make you forget lockdown ever happened.
Shropshire Hills, Shropshire
With its vast moorlands, hills, craggy peaks and trickling rivers,the Shropshire Hills is the place to go if you want to feel like the spirited heroineor brooding hero of a 19th century romanc
e.
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Welsh border providesboth tranquillity and history, in the form of ancient ruins at the village ofClun, and the grand castle at Ludlow, a town also known for its exciting foodscene. Or for wilder entertainment, you can hop over the border to Worcestershireand stay in a luxury cabin at West Midland Safari Park.
Dedham, Essex
Few things beat the bucolic idyll of English countryside. Here onthe banks of the River Stour is the land that inspired the romantic paintingsof John Constable, and you’ll soon understand why such beauty had to becaptured in paint after spending your afternoons sat outside riverside pubs,enjoying your beer to the accompaniment of the wind blowing softly through the trees around you.
England Coastal Path
By the end of the year, England is going to have the longest coastalwalking route on the planet. At 2800 miles long, this epic trail will link upexisting trails while improving others that have fallen into disrepair.
It’s currently opening in sections. The North East path will takeyou all the way from the Scottish Border to the Wash, with the North Sea asyour companion. See the land that was once a battleground between two greatwarring nations of the British Isles, now a gorgeous and historic resort for thosein search of sand, sea and spectacular ruins, served with a helping of fish and chips.
