There’s nothing like a dreary February to get you in the mood to plan a holiday. Whether it’s a staycation, a trip abroad or even a day out, it’s lovely to have a trip to look forward to—something to take your mind off the weather, the news, the weather, the news…we’re sure we’re not the only ones!
If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that our own slice of land is glorious. Staycations have become a great way to feel quickly refreshed and there are so many beautiful corners of the UK that, quite frankly, we’d never even thought about exploring.
So if it’s a canal holiday that floats your boat (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves), a quaint cottage in the Cotswolds, or a hiking holiday—the UK has so much to offer.
There are many hidden gems here in the UK, and you might never have heard of some of them! So buckle up; let’s explore the top 5 beauty spots that you really should add to your must-visit list this year…
Craigievar Castle in Scotland
This pink castle is fresh out of a fairy tale—in fact (rumour has it), it was the inspiration for the castle in Walt Disney’s Cinderella! The magical Craigievar Castle dates back as far as 1576 and lies in beautiful Aberdeenshire. Now owned by the National Trust, it makes for a perfect day out.
Thor’s Cave, Peak District
Set up high in the Manifold Valley sits the impressive Thor’s Cave. You can park up in the nearby village of Wetton and are able to enjoy an easy walk up to this natural cavern. The views are impressive once you get inside the cave, so take a minute to sit and enjoy the vista. Even better— there’s plenty of quaint village pubs nearby, so after you’ve worked up your appetite with the walk, you can return for a hearty lunch. Enjoy!
Trevose Head Lighthouse
Sunset lovers, put your hands up? It’s no secret that Cornwall is a slice of heaven. It’s a really beautiful part of England but…have you been to Trevose Lighthouse? Most people will probably say no. Maybe because there’s nothing there but the lighthouse? The best way to enjoy this special place is to pack a picnic and a couple of blankets, and pull up to the carpark at the top (you can’t miss it!) in time to witness the sky turning pink over some tasty nibbles. Just sit, watch and truly enjoy life’s simple things. Just remember to leave no trace at this beauty spot— litter either goes in the bin or back in your car!
Bodnant Gardens, Wales
Famed as a world-class garden in Wales, Bodnant Gardens is a National Trust property near Tal-y-Cafn in Conwy, Wales. It might not be somewhere you’d think of visiting, but this beautiful horticultural gem sits on the River Conwy, spans over 80 acres and makes for a wonderful day trip that you can weave into a restful Welsh staycation!
Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight
Fancy a bit of island life? How about the Isle of Wight? It’s full of beaches, pubs, arcades and historic houses to explore. Whether you’re up for SUP (Stand Up Paddle) at Watcombe Bay or lunch at Steephill Cove, there are plenty of beaches to explore and it’s only a quick ferry ride from Portsmouth.
So, there you have it! A few ideas to get those holiday planning juices flowing. If you need a helping hand to get some exciting staycation dates in your diary, then you know where we are.