While many tourists flock to London…
UNSPLASH Benjamin ElliottThe United Kingdom is a beautiful island with a fantastic mix of vibrant cities, beautiful nature and quant old English towns. There’s plenty to explore and the beauty of an island so small means you can easily plan a road trip from one destination to another!
Whether you want to explore the best beaches, the coziest pubs or the highest mountains, there is something for every type of traveler. While many tourists flock to London (for good reason!) there are an abundance of other locations that are well worth your time. If you haven’t considered the UK as a holiday destination before, then maybe you will after reading our top five destinations to visit this summer!
1. The Beautiful University City of Cambridge.
Cambridge is a beautiful city and known worldwide for its prestigious university. Three days is enough to see the city in all of its glory, and it’s particularly stunning in the summer time. Pack a picnic hamper, rent a punting boat for the day, and lazily glide down the river. A little tip though: it’s harder than it looks to steer a punt boat, so make sure you’re with someone who has got the knack!
There are also plenty of events in summer from the Strawberry Fair to the Shakespeare Festival. There’s a great up-and-coming independent food scene in Cambridge, too; head to Bene’t Street to sample delicious burgers, fresh Italian breads and gelato. Of course, no trip to Cambridge would be complete without having a little snoop inside the university, so add a visit to Kings College to your itinerary.
2. The Fresh Countryside Air of Suffolk.
Just a short drive from Cambridge and you can find yourself in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Newmarket is a particularly interesting town, with a rich history in horseracing. Bring your glad rags for a fun night at the races, and why not enjoy a stay at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa afterwards? This luxurious four-star hotel offers everything you would want for a relaxing countryside stay. Nestle away in their contemporary yet comfortable boutique rooms and enjoy a delicious meal created using local produce in their 2AA Rosette-winning restaurant. If the sun is shining then it’s cocktails on the terrace and make sure to pay a visit to their adjacent 5 Bubble rated spa. Who could possibly say no to a dip in a rooftop hot tub? Heaven!
3. The Beautiful Beaches of Cornwall.
Cornwall is a real gem and certainly definitely a can’t-miss destination! Catching a train from London is easy, and before you know it you’ll be strolling along the coastline with an ice cream in hand. If you don’t have a car then perhaps think about renting one so you can explore more than one place as Cornwall has so much to offer. For surfers, be sure to head to Newquay! You’ll catch plenty of waves, plus the town has a young and vibrant feel especially in peak season. Penzance and St Ives are two other popular destinations full of natural beauty, and both with a blossoming local art scene. Pack your flip flops and just pray for sunny weather!
4. The Glamping Experience in North Wales.
Glamping was a term coined back in 2008 when the rise of “glamorous camping” came about. If you’re not the kind of person that wants to brave a tent but still wants to experience the great outdoors then glamping is definitely for you. For a memorable weekend, why not book a quirky safari tent or yurt? There are tons of options available and North Wales is the perfect location to enjoy the great outdoors. Get your hiking boots and map at the ready, but don’t forget to stop off for a couple of pints along the way. Turn the phone off, zone out from your emails and quit social media for a couple of days. Wales is the perfect place for digital detox, mostly because you probably won’t have any signal anyway!
5. The Rich Historical City of York.
York is a truly wonderful city to spend a few days exploring; there’s plenty to do and plenty to see. Begin your morning with a walk up the York Minster; its quite a few steps so do beware! Once you’ve braved the walk and re-fueled for the day then the Jorvik Viking Centre is another attraction to add to your itinerary. Experience live action and plenty of history surrounding the Viking period and it’s definitely a fun way to spend a couple of hours!
You won’t be short of restaurants and bars either. For dinner head to Delrio’s for delicious homemade Italian. It’s a popular eatery, so be sure to book beforehand. If you’ve caught a sunny day then why not book onto a river cruise? If you’ve got time after a long day exploring the city, a ghost walk is highly recommended, just try not to get too spooked!
Whether you’re a UK resident or overseas visitor, be sure to give these beautiful locations a visit this summer! There is so much more than just the capital city; and while London is a truly unique and amazing city, don’t ignore the other fantastic towns and cities that this country has to offer. The only important question is, where to head first?
Tilly is a U.K. travel blogger and marketer. Follow her travels at tillyjayne.com and check her out on Instagram (@tillyjayne_ ).
