Welcome to Countryside / UK Holidays

Countryside holidays and UK breaks offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Think rolling hills, cosy cottages, quiet woodlands, and the comforting sound of birdsong replacing your morning alarm. Whether you're seeking a weekend away or a week-long retreat, staying closer to home can be just as refreshing—and often more convenient—than a trip abroad.

What makes countryside holidays so enjoyable is the slower pace and the chance to truly disconnect. You can explore walking trails, visit quaint villages, enjoy hearty pub lunches, or simply sit back and admire the view. They're ideal for families looking for outdoor space, couples wanting a peaceful retreat, or solo travellers in need of a mindful break. And with dog-friendly stays widely available, even your four-legged family members can come along.

The UK is packed with countryside gems perfect for a relaxing holiday. The Lake District offers breath-taking scenery and scenic hikes, while the Cotswolds charm with chocolate-box villages and rolling farmland. Head to North Yorkshire for dramatic moors and cosy tearooms, or down to Cornwall and Devon for rugged coastlines and hidden coves. For a more remote escape, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands provide peace, wilderness, and unforgettable views.

This section of the site is your one-stop guide to the best countryside getaways and UK short breaks. From boutique farm stays and converted barns to glamping pods and rural spa retreats, we’ll help you find the perfect setting to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're escaping for a long weekend or planning a seasonal staycation, your ideal UK break starts right here—with muddy boots, fresh air, and plenty of cream teas included.

The Lake District, Cumbria – Big Views, Bigger Adventures & Unmatched Natural Beauty

The Lake District is one of the UK’s most iconic countryside destinations—and for good reason. With its stunning lakes, dramatic peaks, woodland trails, and postcard-perfect villages, this UNESCO World Heritage Site delivers scenery and serenity in equal measure.

Whether you're planning a family walking holiday, a group getaway with friends, or a relaxed break in nature, the Lake District offers something for everyone—adventure, tranquillity, and a whole lot of fresh air.

For central access to the region’s main attractions, Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere are top picks, offering boat trips, shops, and easy trails. Keswick, further north, is the perfect base for outdoor lovers, nestled by Derwentwater and surrounded by dramatic fells.

For a slower pace and fewer crowds, head to Grasmere, beloved for its literary links and riverside charm, or explore the lesser-known Buttermere Valley and Wasdale for a real sense of escape.

The Lake District is a walker’s paradise. Choose from gentle lakeside strolls to more demanding hikes like Helvellyn or Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. If walking’s not your thing, lake cruises on Windermere, Ullswater, or Coniston are a brilliant way to soak in the scenery at a slower pace.

Families can enjoy the Lakes Aquarium, Brockhole Visitor Centre, or Go Ape for treetop fun. History buffs will love Muncaster Castle, Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s home), or the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway—a heritage steam train through scenic valleys.

And of course, you can’t leave without sampling local favourites—from sticky toffee pudding and Cumberland sausage to cream teas and pints in traditional Lakeland pubs.

The Lake District is wild, welcoming, and full of moments that stay with you. It’s the kind of place that suits any pace—an action-packed break with friends, a peaceful retreat with family, or a weekend to simply recharge.

Add in friendly locals, dog-friendly trails, and endless panoramic views, and it’s no wonder so many return year after year. Whatever your reason for visiting, the Lake District is always a good idea.

The Cotswolds, England – Storybook Villages, Rolling Hills & Classic English Charm

Few places capture the essence of the English countryside quite like The Cotswolds. Spanning five counties, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known for its honey-stone villages, gently rolling hills, historic market towns, and picture-perfect walking routes.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend with friends, a wholesome family escape, or just some time away from the bustle of everyday life, the Cotswolds offers scenery, serenity, and a timeless charm that suits every kind of traveller.

Start your Cotswolds adventure in Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," where small stone bridges cross the River Windrush and shops, tearooms, and family attractions are just steps away.

Head to Stow-on-the-Wold for antique browsing, Broadway for arts and galleries, or Cirencester for a livelier market town feel. Chipping Campden and Painswick are ideal for those after less-trodden charm, while walkers can base themselves near Winchcombe or Moreton-in-Marsh for easy access to countryside trails.

The Cotswolds is perfect for slow exploration. Walk part of the Cotswold Way National Trail, take in the views from Broadway Tower, or simply ramble between villages, stopping off for cream teas and local ales along the way.

Families can enjoy Cotswold Wildlife Park, Birdland, or The Model Village in Bourton. History lovers will appreciate Sudeley Castle, Snowshill Manor, and Blenheim Palace (just outside the region).

Foodies are in for a treat. Local pubs, farm shops, and award-winning restaurants serve up seasonal produce, traditional dishes, and indulgent baked goods. Try a hearty ploughman’s lunch or a pint of Cotswold cider in a countryside beer garden.

You’ll also find craft studios, artisan chocolatiers, and charming boutique shops—perfect for finding thoughtful gifts or handmade keepsakes.

The Cotswolds is quintessentially English and endlessly inviting. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, appreciate the little things, and enjoy simple pleasures—whether that’s a walk in the hills, a chat with locals, or a perfectly brewed pot of tea.

With its fairytale looks and welcoming pace, The Cotswolds makes every visitor feel at home—no matter how long they stay.

The Scottish Highlands – Wild Landscapes, Ancient Legends & Epic Escapes

The Scottish Highlands are where untamed beauty meets rich history. Stretching across the northern reaches of Scotland, this is a land of dramatic glens, misty lochs, snow-capped peaks, and castle ruins that whisper tales of clans and kings.

Whether you're a walker, wildlife lover, road tripper, or someone simply looking to disconnect, the Highlands offer space to breathe, scenery to stir the soul, and a timeless charm that’s hard to match.

Begin your journey in Inverness, the Highland capital, and a great base for exploring Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and the surrounding countryside. From here, head west to Fort William, framed by Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and the jumping-off point for the Nevis Range.

The Isle of Skye is a must for its otherworldly landscapes, while the Cairngorms National Park offers outdoor adventures, wildlife parks, and peaceful forest lodges. The North Coast 500, a scenic driving loop, ties it all together for those looking to take it all in at their own pace.

Hiking is top of the list—whether you’re scaling Munros, following forest trails, or strolling the shores of Loch Lomond. Don’t miss a boat trip on Loch Ness (monster spotting optional), or the scenic Jacobite Steam Train—made famous as the Hogwarts Express—running from Fort William to Mallaig.

History buffs will love exploring Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, or the hauntingly beautiful Clava Cairns. For a taste of culture, stop by a whisky distillery, enjoy traditional Scottish music in a local pub, or learn about Gaelic heritage at a small village museum.

Wildlife lovers can spot red deer, golden eagles, puffins, and even dolphins along the Moray Firth. And if you're visiting in winter, parts of the Highlands offer skiing, sledging, and snowy mountain scenery.

The Scottish Highlands are rugged, romantic, and refreshingly real. Here, every bend in the road brings a new view, every walk feels like an adventure, and every evening ends with that satisfied feeling of having truly escaped.

Whether you're travelling with kids, friends, or flying solo, the Highlands promise a memorable mix of beauty, history, and wild-hearted freedom—the kind of holiday that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Yorkshire Dales, England – Rolling Hills, Stone Villages & Pure English Escapism

The Yorkshire Dales is where green valleys, limestone cliffs, and historic villages come together to create one of England’s most charming and accessible countryside escapes. Whether you're walking the moors, exploring hidden waterfalls, or relaxing with a pint in a cosy pub, this National Park offers a perfect mix of adventure, tranquillity, and good old Yorkshire hospitality.

Ideal for walkers, cyclists, families, and anyone in need of a digital detox, the Dales delivers raw beauty and real simplicity.

Set up base in Grassington, Hawes, or Reeth for a traditional Dales experience, complete with cobbled streets, tearooms, and family-run inns. Malham is famous for its dramatic scenery, while Settle, Skipton, and Leyburn offer great local markets and easy access to major walking routes.

The Swaledale and Wensleydale valleys are especially popular with families and those seeking quieter corners of the park, while Aysgarth and Muker showcase some of the Dales’ most photogenic landscapes.

Start with the Malham Cove & Gordale Scar walk—an iconic route that takes in soaring limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. For a more relaxed stroll, follow the Ribblehead Viaduct Trail, or meander along the River Wharfe in Bolton Abbey.

White Scar Cave and Ingleborough Cave offer family-friendly underground adventures, while the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is a must-visit for cheese lovers. Children will love the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, and adults can enjoy tours of local breweries and artisan distilleries.

Bring your boots or bikes—the Dales are made for the outdoors. And with dog-friendly pubs, campsites, and cottages, even your four-legged friend can join the fun.

The Yorkshire Dales is authentic, welcoming, and refreshingly unspoilt. It’s the kind of place where you can walk for hours, lose track of time, and reconnect with nature—and each other.

Whether you're sipping tea in a stone cottage café, watching sheep dot the hillsides, or hiking to a hidden waterfall, the Dales invites you to slow down and soak up the best of rural England.

Norfolk Broads, Norfolk – Lazy Rivers, Big Skies & Life at a Slower Pace

For a holiday that flows as gently as the rivers themselves, the Norfolk Broads offers something truly unique. This vast network of rivers, lakes, marshes, and sleepy villages is perfect for those who want to escape into nature—whether you’re cruising on a boat, exploring by bike, or settling into a waterside pub for a long, lazy lunch.

Ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends, the Broads invites you to switch off, slow down, and soak in the simple pleasures of life on the water.

The main hubs for holidaymakers are Wroxham, often dubbed the “Capital of the Broads”, and Horning, a picture-perfect riverside village lined with boat moorings, pubs, and tearooms. Potter Heigham and Ludham are ideal for exploring the northern Broads, while Beccles and Oulton Broad give you access to the southern waterways.

Prefer dry land? Stay in a traditional Norfolk cottage, a family-friendly holiday park, or a luxury lodge with waterside views.

The best way to explore is by boat—hire a self-drive cruiser, day boat, or paddleboard and discover the Broads at your own pace. Moor up for a pub lunch, drift past reed beds and windmills, and spot kingfishers, herons, and even the occasional otter.

Nature lovers should head to Ranworth Broad or Hickling Broad Nature Reserve for wildlife spotting and peaceful walking trails. For family fun, visit BeWILDerwood, a magical forest adventure park, or hop on the Bure Valley Railway—a miniature steam train through the countryside.

There’s plenty of cycling too, with flat, scenic routes perfect for all ages. Don’t miss Norwich for a day trip—it’s just a short drive away and offers shops, culture, and history.

The Norfolk Broads is laid-back, low-stress, and full of hidden gems. Whether you’re gliding across a quiet river at sunset, enjoying fish and chips by the water, or watching your kids giggle on a rope swing, it’s a place where life slows down and the little things start to matter again.

If you’re craving a break that’s as relaxing as it is memorable, the Norfolk Broads delivers gentle adventure in every direction.

Snowdonia National Park – Majestic Mountains, Hidden Villages & Wild Welsh Adventure

If you’re looking for a UK holiday packed with big landscapes, real adventure, and rich cultural heritage, look no further than Snowdonia National Park. Located in North Wales, this spectacular region offers towering peaks, ancient castles, serene lakes, and a warm Welsh welcome at every turn.

Snowdonia is the perfect destination for walkers, thrill-seekers, families on the move, or anyone ready to embrace the great outdoors—with views and experiences that truly make you feel alive.

The park is centred around Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the highest mountain in England and Wales. Towns like Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, and Llanberis make excellent bases, offering a mix of local shops, riverside walks, and easy access to mountain trails.

If you’re after coastal scenery, head west to Harlech or Barmouth, where sandy beaches meet rugged hills. For more remote beauty, explore Dolgellau or Blaenau Ffestiniog, gateways to less-trodden corners of the park.

Start with the big one—climbing Snowdon. You can hike one of six paths to the summit, or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for incredible views without the legwork. Either way, the panorama from the top is unforgettable.

Snowdonia also boasts the world’s fastest zip line at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, underground trampolines in Bounce Below, and scenic steam trains that chug through valleys and past waterfalls.

History lovers can explore Harlech Castle, a dramatic medieval fortress perched above the sea, or delve into Slate Caverns that tell the story of the region’s industrial past.

There are plenty of gentler activities too—cycle trails, peaceful lake walks around Llyn Padarn or Llyn Tegid, and wildlife spotting in forests and moorland.

Snowdonia is wild, welcoming, and wonderfully varied. It’s a place where you can summit a mountain in the morning, swim in a lake by afternoon, and enjoy hearty Welsh cooking in a cosy pub by evening.

Whether you’re planning a family hiking trip, an adrenaline-fuelled weekend, or a quiet escape to reconnect with nature, Snowdonia offers space, beauty, and stories carved into every hill.

Peak District – Gritstone Edges, Green Valleys & Great British Getaways

The Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s best-loved outdoor escapes—offering a mix of dramatic scenery, charming towns, and endless walking trails right in the middle of the country. From wild moorland plateaus to peaceful river valleys, the Peaks are as varied as they are beautiful.

Whether you’re planning a family adventure, an active trip with friends, or a relaxing countryside break, the Peak District has something for everyone—and it’s easier to get to than you might think.

For dramatic landscapes and serious walking, head to the Dark Peak in the north. Stay near Edale, Hope Valley, or Castleton for quick access to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, and Stanage Edge—popular with hikers, photographers, and rock climbers.

In the White Peak to the south, you’ll find rolling hills, dales, and riverside trails. Base yourself in or around Bakewell, Matlock, or Ashbourne for picture-perfect towns, historic houses, and easy family-friendly walks.

Walking is the main attraction—and there’s something for all levels. Try the Mam Tor ridge walk for panoramic views or explore Dovedale, with its famous stepping stones and limestone ravines. For cyclists, the Monsal Trail and Tissington Trail offer scenic, traffic-free routes along old railway lines.

Visit Chatsworth House, one of the most beautiful stately homes in England, with gardens, art collections, and a great adventure playground for kids. In Castleton, explore underground caverns like Speedwell or Blue John for a glimpse into the region’s geology.

Bakewell is the place to try the original Bakewell pudding, while the area’s many village pubs and tearooms serve up hearty fare perfect after a day outdoors.

Families will also enjoy the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath, complete with a cable car ride, caverns, and treetop trails.

The Peak District is diverse, accessible, and packed with old-fashioned charm. It’s where you can walk all day or just potter around villages; climb a crag or cruise along a bike trail; and always end with a pint in a cosy pub.

From open skies to winding valleys, the Peaks offer freedom, beauty, and an unbeatable taste of England’s natural heart.

Cornwall – Coastal Cliffs, Cream Teas & Laid-Back Adventure

Cornwall isn’t just a summer destination—it’s a way of life. With its dramatic coastlines, golden beaches, rugged moorland, and quaint harbour villages, Cornwall offers something for everyone: families looking for seaside fun, couples after romantic views, or groups of friends chasing surf, seafood, and sunsets.

Whether you're inland among the rolling fields or perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, Cornwall is wild, warm, and endlessly welcoming.

For beach lovers, Newquay is a firm favourite—surf schools, sandy beaches, and a buzzing town centre. Families might prefer St Ives, with its gentle beaches, charming streets, and artsy vibe.

Padstow is foodie heaven (thanks to Rick Stein’s seafood empire), while Fowey, Mevagissey, and Mousehole offer idyllic harbour scenes. If you want to explore Cornwall’s wilder side, head to Boscastle, Tintagel, or Penzance, where the coastline is steeped in legend and natural drama.

You’re spoiled for choice. Walk part of the South West Coast Path—with jaw-dropping sea views and hidden coves at every turn. Visit The Eden Project for giant biomes and environmental education, or take the kids to Newquay Zoo or the Blue Reef Aquarium.

History buffs can explore Tintagel Castle, linked to King Arthur myths, or roam the dramatic ruins of Restormel Castle and Pendennis Castle. Don’t miss the Minack Theatre, an open-air stage carved into a clifftop with views that steal the show.

Take a boat trip to spot seals, dolphins or even basking sharks, or enjoy a more relaxed ride on a fishing boat or ferry. And of course, no visit to Cornwall is complete without a proper Cornish pasty and a debate over whether cream or jam goes first on your scone (hint: in Cornwall, it’s jam first!).

Cornwall is laid-back, windswept, and completely unforgettable. It’s a place to dip your toes in the sea, breathe in salty air, and switch off from the rush of everyday life. Whether you're hiking, swimming, surfing, or simply sitting with an ice cream in hand, Cornwall offers a coastal escape that delivers in every season.

From seaside adventures to quiet countryside hideaways, Cornwall is where memories are made, come rain or shine.

Isle of Skye – Misty Mountains, Wild Coastlines & Scottish Storybook Scenery

If you’re after a UK break with drama, beauty, and soul-stirring views, the Isle of Skye should be top of your list. Located off the west coast of Scotland and connected by a bridge, Skye is a place of craggy peaks, sea-sprayed cliffs, fairytale waterfalls, and ancient folklore.

Whether you're hiking with friends, road-tripping with family, or escaping with someone special, Skye delivers raw nature and unforgettable moments at every turn.

Portree, the island’s colourful capital, makes a great base, with its harbourside pubs, shops, and easy access to Skye’s top sights. For quieter stays, try Broadford, Dunvegan, or tucked-away spots like Elgol and Staffin, where the views stretch for miles and the skies feel endless.

Accommodation ranges from cosy cottages and B&Bs to luxury lodges with hot tubs overlooking the mountains—ideal for winding down after a day of exploration.

Skye’s landscapes are its biggest draw. Hike the iconic Old Man of Storr, explore the jagged peaks of the Cuillin Mountains, or visit the Quiraing, a surreal landscape of ancient landslips and cinematic backdrops.

Take a stroll to Fairy Pools, where crystal-clear waterfalls tumble through rocky streams—great for photos and even better for brave wild swimmers. Visit Neist Point Lighthouse for unbeatable sunset views, or follow the coast to see seals, eagles, and otters in their natural habitat.

History lovers can explore Dunvegan Castle, home to Clan MacLeod, or trace Skye’s rich Gaelic culture and Jacobite past in small museums and local storytelling tours.

For rainy-day activities, cosy up in a tearoom, browse local crafts, or sip whisky at Torabhaig Distillery, one of Scotland’s newest—and most scenic—distilleries.

The Isle of Skye is rugged, remote, and deeply rewarding. It’s the kind of place where you feel connected—to nature, to history, and to the wild side of Scotland. From sunrise hikes to seafood feasts and starlit skies, Skye offers a countryside escape that feels like stepping into another world.

For a holiday that stirs your senses and stays with you long after you leave, Skye is nothing short of magical.

The New Forest – Woodland Trails, Wild Ponies & Fresh Air Escapes

Tucked away in Hampshire and part of the wider South East of England, The New Forest National Park is a tranquil and timeless destination that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. With its open heathland, ancient trees, free-roaming ponies, and thatched-roof villages, it’s a countryside escape perfect for all ages and travel types.

Whether you’re here for walking, cycling, wildlife watching, or simply relaxing in the fresh air, The New Forest invites you to slow down, stretch out, and breathe easy.

Base yourself in one of the area’s charming villages like Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, or Lyndhurst—each packed with cosy pubs, tearooms, and independent shops. For coastal charm, head towards Lymington, a pretty Georgian town with a marina, market, and ferry links to the Isle of Wight.

Accommodation ranges from luxury forest lodges and family holiday parks to B&Bs, campsites, and dog-friendly cottages—so there's something for every budget and travel style.

The New Forest is best explored outdoors. Walk or cycle through endless woodland trails, keeping your eyes peeled for New Forest ponies, donkeys, and deer that roam freely across the landscape. The Ordnance Survey Explorer map or local visitor centres can guide you to scenic picnic spots, lakes, and circular walks for all fitness levels.

Families will love Paultons Park (home of Peppa Pig World), Longdown Activity Farm, and Moors Valley Country Park, with its treetop trails and miniature railway.

History lovers can visit Beaulieu Abbey and Motor Museum, a top-notch attraction with vintage cars, royal exhibitions, and monastic ruins. Or head to Buckler’s Hard, an 18th-century shipbuilding village on the banks of the Beaulieu River.

Prefer a gentler day? Take a slow drive through the park, enjoy a pub lunch in a forest beer garden, or grab an ice cream and go pony-spotting near Burley.

The New Forest is calm, carefree, and full of character. It’s a place where you can walk for hours, see ponies at the roadside, or relax with a book under an ancient oak.

Whether you're adventuring with little ones, reconnecting with nature, or simply escaping the city, The New Forest is the perfect blend of countryside comfort and wild beauty.