We’ve split this blog post up into five sections of some of the most popular areas for your holiday property: The Lake District, Yorkshire, Wales, Cornwall & Devon, and Scotland. We’ll take a deep dive into each area to discover it’s charm, major attractions, and places of beauty nearby and a handy insight into how far you are from each of these areas.
The Lake District
The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and UNESCO world heritage site. This unique corner of the UK boasts picturesque villages (one being the home of Beatrix Potter!), several stunning lakes and panoramic views atop famous mountains.
Areas:
- Windemere
- Keswick
- Coniston
- Hawkshead
- Ambleside
- Ullswater
Things to do:
- Release your inner mountaineer and climb Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and The Old Man of Coniston
- Hire a boat on lake Coniston
- Visit Hardknott Roman Fort
- Follow the Beatrix Potter trail at Hill Top
Restaurant recommendations:
- The Drunken Duck, Ambleside
- The Cottage in the Wood, Keswick
- The Old Stamp House Restaurant, Ambleside
- Heft, High Newton
Places of natural beauty:
- Arnside & Silverdale district
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Aira Force waterfall
Distance from major cities:
Manchester: 73.9 miles
Birmingham: 147.8 miles
London: 310 miles
Newcastle: 82.1 miles
Glasgow: 122.8 miles
Cardiff: 247.7 miles
Southampton: 328.9 miles
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county in Northern England, known for its rich Roman and Viking heritage, making it a must visit for history buffs! Nevertheless, with cities such as Leeds and York on your doorstep, there is something for everyone in t’ Shire!
Areas:
- Bridlington
- Scarborough
- Knaresborough
- Driffield
- Thirsk
- York
Things to do:
- Swing from the trees at Go Ape, Temple Newsam, if you dare!
- Visit the medieval town of York and learn about the Viking history at the Jorvik centre
- Shop ‘til you drop in Leeds
- Visit The Deep aquarium in Hull
- Let’s go to the beach! Take a trip to Scarborough and Whitby, some of the North Yorkshire’s finest coastal towns
Restaurant recommendations:
- The Star Inn the City, York
- The Pipe and Glass Inn, Beverley
- The Wensleydale Heifer, Leyburn
- Where There’s Smoke, Masham
- The Bull Inn, Tanfield
- Ivy Asia, Leeds
Places of natural beauty:
- Aysgarth Falls
- Yorkshire Three Peaks
- Brimham Rocks
- Ilkley Moor
Distance from major cities:
Manchester: 80.4 miles
Birmingham: 134.5 miles
London: 211 miles
Newcastle: 85 miles
Glasgow: 212.3 miles
Cardiff: 242 miles
Southampton: 250.3 miles
Wales
Wales really does have it all, from outstanding areas of national beauty in Snowdonia National Park and bustling nightlife in Cardiff, paired with its enchanting Celtic culture, you’re sure to fall in love with this country!
Areas:
- Towyn
- Conwy
- Llandudno
- Anglesey
- Aberystwyth
Things to do:
- Zip World (various locations across Wales)
- Calling all budding mountaineers – why not climb Pen y Fan, situated in South Wales
- Soak up the history at Conwy Castle
- Visit beautiful Portmeirion, designed and built in the style of a vibrant Italian village
Restaurant recommendations:
- Ynyshir, Powys
- Sosban and the Old Butchers, Anglesey
- The Stone Crab, Saundersfoot
- Three Horseshoes Inn, Brecon
Places of natural beauty:
- Snowdonia National Park
- Brecon Beacons
- Wye Valley
- Lyn Peninsula
Distance from major cities:
Manchester: 109.5 miles
Birmingham: 93.5 miles
London: 206.8 miles
Newcastle: 252.5 miles
Glasgow: 307.5 miles
Cardiff: 90.7 miles
Southampton: 198 miles
Cornwall & Devon
What springs to mind when you think of Cornwall and Devon? Beautiful stretching beaches, quaint coastal towns, one of the most popular tourist areas in the UK? Well, you would be correct! We’re here to prove why it gets its nickname of the ‘English Riviera’!
Areas:
- St Austell
- Newquay
- Torquay
- Penzance
- Paignton
Things to do:
- Adrenalin Quarry
- Flambards Theme Park
- Visit historical sites in Exeter
- Torquay’s Miniature World
- Hunt for fossils on the Jurassic Coast
Restaurant recommendations:
- The Shore Restaurant, Penzance
- Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow
- Saltwater Fish & Chips, Torquay
- The Puffing Billy, Exton
Places of natural beauty:
- Bedruthan Steps
- Lizard Peninsula
- UNESCO World Heritage coastline
- Lydford Gorge
- Dartmoor & Exmoor National Parks
Distance from major cities:
Manchester: 327.2 miles
Birmingham: 256.7 miles
London: 284.9 miles
Newcastle: 454.4 miles
Glasgow: 530.4 miles
Cardiff: 195.1 miles
Southampton: 197.7 miles
Scotland
Home to some of the most striking landscapes in the UK, rich history, and legends alike, Scotland really does have everything. If you’re a fan of relaxing escapes and scenic drives, this is the one for you!
Areas:
- Isle of Arran
- Moray
- Highlands
- Fife
Things to do:
- Scottish Fisheries museum
- Arthurs Seat
- Go monster hunting at Loch Ness
- Royal Mile walking tour in Edinburgh
- Hogwarts Express Tour
Restaurant recommendations:
- Lobster Shack, North Berwick
- The Cellar, Fife
- The White Hart Inn, Edinburgh
- The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye
Places of natural beauty:
- Fairy Pools in Isle of Skye
- Three Sisters of Glencoe
- The Old Man of Hoy
- Luskentyre Sands
Distance from major cities:
Manchester: 217.2 miles
Birmingham: 289.5 miles
London: 403.1 miles
Newcastle: 151.4 miles
Cardiff: 391.8 miles
Southampton: 427.3 miles
We hope that you found this week’s blog post informative and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message on socials! Please note the above list is not conclusive, and there are many other beautiful sites available that are not listed above.
