Hard work is made all the more rewarding when you take the time to treat yourself with a relaxing weekend away. Taking a pause from the office doesn’t have to mean packing up and heading abroad - the UK is full of breath-taking beauty and calming nature that’ll have you feeling restored in no time.
Getting your fill of fresh air can be as simple as hopping on a train or jumping in the car and heading down the road. If you’re too used to thinking of a holiday as something you have to cross seas or even oceans for, think again. Here’s some inspiration for your next UK getaway.
1. The quaint beauty of the Cotswolds
There is perhaps nowhere that exudes a more iconic image of the “English countryside” than the quaint rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Located in the east of England, the Cotswolds have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966, and cover a massive 787 square miles. This makes it the third biggest protected landscape in Europe after the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The mostly rural landscape is known for its iconic hilly grasslands and stone-built villages. The higgledy-piggledy villages of the Cotswolds possess a unique charm that has made it the go-to postcard image of rural England. The major destinations to visit in the Cotswolds are Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, and Stanton. Walking enthusiasts should be sure not to miss out on the 93-mile long Cotswold Way which leads from Bath to Chipping Campden.
2. Stunning cliff views at Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are a series of cliffs that line the coast of East Sussex, in the south-east of England. The cliffs are made of chalk and run the line between the mouth of the River Cuckmere near Seaford, and the headland of Beachy Head, just outside of the seaside town of Eastbourne. A visit to the Seven Sisters makes a great alternative to visiting the more famous Cliffs of Dover, as they are far less affected by modern development. Unlike the chalk Cliffs of Dover, the Seven Sisters have maintained their natural bright white colour far more intensely - as the rock is allowed to erode naturally, while the protected status of the Cliffs of Dover has resulted in a far greener colour. The nearby town of Eastbourne makes a great base for visiting the epic cliffs, itself a charming Victorian seaside destination, packed with beach huts and antique hotels, and a delightful pier.
3. Soak up history in Cambridge
Cambridge University is undoubtedly one of the most recognised institutions in Britain, if not the entire world, but the town that plays home to this historic centre of learning is well worth visiting in its own right. Located less than an hour away from London, the town of Cambridge has been an important trading centre since the time of the Romans and Vikings. The city is teeming with historic college buildings, each with their own unique story and charm. Despite its historic nature, Cambridge remains a centre of learning and is teeming with young students, boasting a vibrant cultural scene to match. Annual festivals worth checking out include the Strawberry Fair music and arts festival, the Midsummer Fair, and the annual Cambridge Beer Festival.
4. Embrace the wilderness of the Hebrides
The Hebrides Islands off the west coast of Scotland are home to some of the most remote locations that the UK has to offer. Split into two groups, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides, the islands have been inhabited as far back as the Mesolithic period. As a result the culture of the islands has been influenced by Celtic, Norse, and Anglo-Saxon peoples throughout its history. The Hebrides are a hotbed for Scottish Gaelic culture, with much literature and music originating on the islands. Aside from the rugged nature of the islands, the Celtic spirit is alive and well, and well worth a visit. Enjoy a traditional ceilidh (Gaelic dance party), concert, or traditional church service and feel yourself step back in time to when the islands were untouched by modern technology.
5. Explore mountain caverns at Snowdonia
At the Llanfair Slate Caverns at Snowdonia, visitors can explore the slate mines that produced the roofs for many industrial towns across Britain and Ireland. The slate found at Llanfair is among the oldest in the world, and has played a major role in the construction of the modern British Isles. Not only fascinating in their own right, the Llanfair Slate Caverns are surrounded by breathtaking vistas of natural beauty which surround the caverns. Once you emerge from exploring the atmospheric caves, you’re greeted with a stunning view of Cardigan Bay. You can look down at Shell Island and the Artro estuary, with the low tide revealing the fourteen-mile-long causeway of St. Patrick. The best base camps for visiting the caves are either the town of Llanfair itself, or the nearby Harlech, which boasts a sandy beach to enjoy.
6. The historic spas at Bath
The city of Bath, in the western province of Somerset in England, is, rather un-subtly, named after the Roman baths for which it became famous. A temple was first constructed on the site between 60-70AD during the very earliest years of Roman Britain. The presence of the Roman temple then led to the development of a small urban settlement, which ultimately produced the impressive Roman baths we can still visit today. The baths were first designed for public bathing, and make use of the nearby natural hot springs that originate in the nearby Mendip Hills. Under pressure, the water rises along fissures in the limestone leading to the bathhouses, and reaches a final temperature of up to 46ºC when it reaches the bathhouses. The baths are one of Somerset’s primary attractions, and if you visit you’ll be able to enter the ancient spa and its museum - although sadly not the water. The rest of the historic city provides ample opportunities for exploration and is perfect for a weekend away.
So what are you waiting for! Hop on a train or get in the car and explore one of these top UK destinations.
