This guide will take you through some of the best UK holiday destinations if you are looking for a trip closer to home. Below, I have listed 15 of the best UK holiday destinations so you can choose somewhere that really suits what makes a trip great for you.

The UK is small but mighty, especially for me after living in Australia and Asia; a few hours’ drive feels like a breeze. However, there is something special about discovering new areas in the country where you were born, and nothing quite beats the UK countryside for me. Within a few hours, you can go from the beautiful Highlands to Roman baths to surf beaches. You might have heard of popular events and even movies like the Edinburgh Fringe, the Beatles, or Game of Thrones locations. Not every trip in the UK has to remind you of a very wet and soggy childhood caravan trip you did (although that is some of my core memories!).

If you are hunting for the best places to travel in the UK, you are in the right spot. This guide covers the best UK holiday destinations, plus tips and tricks along the way. It’s the perfect time to grab a very British cup of tea, custard cream, and get settled into this guide

Useful tips for UK travel

Book trains early

UK rail travel is pretty good, but prices can be sky-high, especially compared to Europe; the UK is notorious for expensive travel.

Booking 8 to 12 weeks ahead on National Rail or Trainline is ideal, or at least a couple of weeks ahead if you’re more spontaneous, like me. Also, worth grabbing a Railcard to get 1/3 off travel, especially if you travel a lot, as it can save you lots of money

Pack for four seasons

The weather changes fast, even in summer months. As you’ve most likely heard, it can be rainy and cold, so it’s always best to pack lots of layers. I went to Edinburgh last August, and we had 4 days of heavy rain, which sums it up perfectly. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes/walking boots that can handle mud. Summer days usually sit around 18 to 22°C; winter hovers near 5°C but can change drastically day to day.

Travel in the shoulder season

In my opinion, May, June, and September are the perfect time to travel. The kids aren’t around, and the main ‘summer’ crowds aren’t out yet. Sounds perfect to me. If you can, avoid the August bank holiday weekend. Winter can also be equally as beautiful and cosy!!

Eat well for less

Supermarket meal deals cost under £5 (my god, we love a meal deal here in the UK!), weekday pub deals and many national museums are free. At the moment, a pint of beer in London costs about an astonishing £8, which really feels criminal! Hopefully you can cut some costs somewhere when you head on one of these best UK holiday destinations.

Download offline maps. 

Signal disappears very quickly in the Highlands, Snowdonia and Cornish areas. Save your route before you set off. Personally, I have always used an offline map app called Maps.me; just make sure you download the area maps before you lose signal. Contactless works almost everywhere, so you rarely need cash.

The Best UK Holiday Destinations

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a walkable city, packed with free things to do and full of social hostels if you are travelling and looking to meet people. Summer is mild at around 14 to 19°C. Climb Arthur’s Seat for sunrise, wander the Royal Mile (you might catch your first glimpse of bagpipes and kilts) and hit the free walking tours, which is my favourite thing to do when I arrive in a new city. It is also brilliant for budget UK travel because museums like the National Museum of Scotland cost nothing.

If Edinburgh really catches your eye or has been on your radar for a while, check out The best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Cotswolds, England

Picture a pub with a cosy log fire, a village with yellow coloured stone and a spa hotel with proper fluffy robes. This is where you go to slow down and recharge. Expect 18 to 22°C in summer and cosy, crisp autumn days (my favourite!). It is one of the best places to travel in the UK for a splurge weekend, and you can save by mixing one fancy night with self-catering cottages.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Think all things: beautiful cliffs, fairy pools and sunsets that last for hours in summer, not quite the same in the winter, but alas. Temperatures range from 12 to 17°C, so bring a jumper at a minimum. Hunt for waterfalls and warm up with fresh seafood; you can’t get much fresher than Scottish seafood. Skye has some of the best things to do, and most of them are free. Remember to pack mosquito spray from June to August.

Feeling inspired? Check out the best things to do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

North Coast 500, Scotland

This 516-mile loop from Inverness is Scotland’s version of Route 66. Expect empty beaches, castles, mountain passes and tiny cafes serving big slices of cake (yum!). Summer temperatures are usually around 13 to 18°C, and it stays bright most of the evening. Book your B&Bs and hostels early to keep costs down, because rooms go fast.

If this sounds like your idea of a fun trip, have a look at all things Scottish road trips:

• The best things to do on your NC500 road trip, Scotland
• How to plan a road trip in Scotland ft. the best routes
• Top tips for your road trip in Scotland

The Lake District, England

England’s biggest national park is all lakes and pubs made for post-hike pints; what more could you want? Summer days sit around 17 to 20°C, but the breeze can still give you a chill, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry; pack a jumper. Tackle Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak at 978m, if you are feeling adventurous. Prefer something easier and slightly more leisurely? The lakeside loop around Buttermere is flat and gorgeous. Whatever your level (as long as you like the outdoors), it is one of the best places to travel in the UK for walkers.

Love outdoors and nature? Think this sounds like the destination for you:

• A complete guide to the Lake District National Park, England
• A 3-day itinerary for The Lake District National Park

Cornwall, England

Cornwall has beautiful waters, white sand beaches, and you must try a Cornish pasty while you are there. Summer air is about 18 to 21°C, and the sea is around 16 to 17°C. Learn to surf at Newquay, explore St Ives‘ galleries or cycle the Camel Trail. Cornwall has some seriously good things to do out of all the best UK holiday destinations. Really feels like you’ve stepped into a European paradise with the clear waters; you wouldn’t believe it!

• A Complete Guide To Cornwall, England
• The best things to do in St. Ives, Cornwall
• A 2-week Cornwall road trip itinerary
• 10 Beautiful Villages You Must Visit In Cornwall
  

Belfast and the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is lively, friendly, and a bargain compared with London, and with the cost-of-living crisis that brings music to our ears. Expect 14-19°C in summer. Visit Titanic Belfast, eat your way through St George’s Market, and I’d recommend taking a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway. Northern Ireland is easy UK travel for couples, with short drives between stops and plenty of cosy pubs along the way. An underrated choice on this list and one we don’t often think about.

• The best places to visit in Northern Ireland
• A City Guide to Belfast, Northern Ireland

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Wales has cliffs, seals, puffins and tiny harbour towns. Summer temperatures sit at around 16 to 20°C. Walk part of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path (or all of it if that’s your thing), try a coasteering session or catch a boat to Skomer Island to see the puffins. For a cheap and wild getaway, it is one of the best places to travel in the UK that few people think of. It is the only national park in Britain made up mostly of coastline.

• A complete guide to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales

Bath, England

Bath is all Georgian-style streets with a hot spring right in the middle of it, pretty cool, hey? Summer sits around 18 to 22°C, and honestly, autumn is just as good, with the ultimate cosy vibe. Start with a wander round the Roman Baths, then head up to the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa and soak while the sun goes down. It’s easily one of the best romantic city breaks in the UK, and it’s only 90 minutes from London by train.

Fun fact: Bath’s hot springs are the only naturally hot springs in the UK.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is gritty, friendly and full of live music. Summer is 14 to 19°C, with a good chance of rain (always). Go to a gig at a tiny venue, wander the street art trail and eat your way through the West End. It is great value UK travel for solo travellers, because locals chat to anyone. People are warm and chatty, and the accent is part of the charm. Give your ears a day to tune in.

• A guide to Glasgow, Scotland

The Cairngorms, Scotland

The UK’s largest national park is home to wild deer, red squirrels, ospreys and Britain’s only reindeer herd. You can walk up to the reindeer on a guided trip, any time of year. Summer is 13 to 18°C, while winter brings snow and cosy cabins (my kind of vibe!). Hike, bike or hop on the steam railway at Aviemore. This is one of the best places to travel in the UK for slow, nature-filled days.

If you want to learn more about the things you can do here, you will find it all in our:

• A complete guide to Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.

Liverpool, England

Liverpool has a rich music history, huge museums, and a lively waterfront. Summer is 16 to 20°C. Take a Beatles tour, wander Albert Dock and catch the ferry across the Mersey. Or if you are a Liverpool football fan, try to watch a game.

Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia is full of peaks, slate quarries and also adrenaline (choose your vice). Summer sits at 15 to 19°C. Hike Snowdon at 1,085m, try the zip lines at Zip World or take a mountain train if your legs need a break. For adrenaline lovers, it offers some of the UK’s most exciting travel. Snowdon’s summit has had a cafe for years, so you can reward yourself with tea.

If Snowdonia has been on your bucket list and now is the time you actually want to book the adventure, check out all our Snowdonia guides:

• A complete guide to Snowdonia National Park, Wales
• Cwm Idwal walk, Snowdonia National Park Wales
• WMGT Snowdonia: The first adventure

The Peak District, England

The Peak District was the first UK national park, and you can reach it by train from Manchester and Sheffield. The park became a national park in 1951. Summer days are 16 to 20°C. Hike Mam Tor, wander Edale and warm up with a cosy Bakewell pudding. It is one of the best places to travel in the UK if you do not want to hire a car, as everything is easily accessible.

• A complete guide to the Peak District National Park, England
• A weekend with friends in The Peak District

The Jurassic Coast, England

This stretch of Dorset and Devon shows off 185 million years of history in its cliffs. Summer is 18 to 21°C. Walk to Durdle Door, hunt for fossils in Lyme Regis and swim in coves that look straight out of a postcard. It is a gem for road trippers and walkers alike. It is England’s only natural World Heritage Site.

• The best places to visit in Dorset, England
• The best things to see and do in Devon, England
• A 7-day Dorset road trip itinerary
• The 12 Best Beaches In England

Time to pick your adventure

So there you have it. From city breaks to coastal hikes, the best UK holiday destinations really do cater to every type of traveller. Pick the style that lights you up, then book early to save. Whichever option of these best places to travel in the UK you choose, Happy exploring!

If you are looking for more UK inspiration:

• The 24 best cities to visit in the UK
• The best things to do in the UK National Parks
• The best Christmas markets in the UK
• The best places to go camping in the UK
• 16 Best Hikes To Go On In The UK
• The best Airbnb stays in the UK

Have you been to any of these best UK holiday destinations?

What are the best things to do in the UK? Anything you’d add to this UK bucket list?

Charlotte Storey

Charlotte has spent over ten years working in travel, leading tours across Southeast Asia and working as cabin crew. Having lived in several countries and travelled to over 60, she shares her adventures, practical tips, and what she wishes she’d known before going.