written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 27.05.2020
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written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 27.05.2020
With lockdowns starting to gradually lift across Europe, travellers everywhere are looking to the future. The question on everyone’s lips: will I be able to take a summer holiday? The short answer is (probably) yes – though it might be sensible to set your sights on somewhere a bit closer to home. And it almost goes without saying that while you’re away you’ll still need to respect all government and local regulations.
The good news is that if you’re based in the UK, there are some great options the length and breadth of the country. We’ve picked ten stellar spots for your summer-holiday shortlist – quieter places, safely away from the madding crowds – ranging from blissful beaches to historic towns and blustery mountaintops where you can blow the corona cobwebs away. (That said, it’s best to avoid anywhere too remote, where you could risk bringing the virus to isolated communities with limited access to medical services: check for recommendations before you travel.) Reduce the risk further by packing the family into a car and approaching by road.
If you’re not based in the UK, while a 14-day quarantine on all arrivals will come into effect on 8 June, changes – as seen in other countries – may still make summer trips possible. Check our Corona Travel Updates page for breaking news.
Here are 10 great post-corona summer holidays, all tucked into the borders of the UK.
Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire © ian woolcock/Shutterstock
Where to stay? Near the Gorlech Circuit, if you want somewhere to call your own, book the Glanafon Holiday Home. It sleeps five and is perfect for self-catering – with a high cleanliness rating, too.
Rough Guides’ Isle of Wight author, Aimee White, says, “The Isle of Wight is seriously underrated – perfect for a post-Covid getaway. Enjoy the bucket-and-spade glories of Ryde, Sandown and Ventnor beaches, take bracing clifftop walks across Tennyson Down and coastal trails along Totland Bay, and while away the balmy evenings with fresh fish and island-distilled gins. I'll raise a glass to that!”
Look out for the new Pocket Rough Guide to the Isle of Wight, out in August 2020.
The Cliffs of Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight © JM Ritchie/Shutterstock
Where to stay? Weston Manor in Freshwater, dating from 1871, is a charming B&B. Set within a National Trust Heritage Site, it’s family run and surrounded by woodland.
Ballintoy, Antrim © Paul J Martin/Shutterstock
Where to stay? Check into the Castle Bed & Breakfast, decked out in wood panelling and neutral tones. It’s a ten-minute walk from Ballintoy Harbour.
Cairngorms National Park in a purple haze of heather © Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock
Where to stay? For self-catering accommodation in the heart of the park, try Silverglades Holiday Homes. A selection of 1- to 4-bedroom bungalows with private garden, BBQ facilities and patio – you’ll have plenty of your own space.
Aldeburgh, Suffolk © Gordon Bell/Shutterstock
Where to stay? Two-bedroom Marsh View Cottage in Aldeburgh is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all. There’s a terrace, garden and BBQ – with a stunning setting overlooking Hazelwood Marshes.
View of residential houses alongside the River Dee in Chester © trabantos/Shutterstock
Where to stay? For something a little bit different, try the Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms. There’s a terrace and – as you’d expect – river views from plenty of the rooms.
Helen O’Kane from the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism commented, “Fresh air and the calming effects of being on the water sounds like a pretty good idea right now. We are blessed with the River Wye in our region, with the kayaking and canoeing opportunities it offers to visitors. The scenery is outstanding, so much so, it was really the catalyst for the beginning of domestic tourism 250 years ago when the Reverend William Gilpin published the first tourist guide in Britain when the 'Wye Tour' began and coined the term 'picturesque’.”
Cheptow Castle, Gwent © Billy Stock/Shutterstock
Where to stay? If it’s simple, no-nonsense self-catering you’re after, make for the Paddocks Cottages. Located in Symonds Yat, perfectly situated for exploring the glorious Wye Valley, there’s a garden and BBQ facilities too for enjoying the al-fresco life.
Crail's old harbour © mountaintreks/Shutterstock
Where to stay? Crail House Apartments is set in gorgeous, manicured grounds. Separate units are all equipped with Wi-Fi, and have a “home-away-from-home” feel.
Bird's-eye Lewes © Gianluca Figliola Fantini/Shutterstock
Where to stay? YHA South Downs is one of the best youth hostels around, occupying a refurbished Sussex farmhouse, with original brickwork and features poking through. Bunk rooms are colourful and the grounds are sprawling.
North Yorkshire Moors landscape © Bewickswan/Shutterstock
Where to stay? With a range of room types and self-contained cottages, Church House Farm is found in Danby Dale in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. It’s got a real farmhouse feel, while the gardens and surrounding scenery are the epitome or rural idyll.
Top image: Cairngorms National Park near Lecht Ski Resort, Scotland © Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock
written by Helen Fanthorpe
updated 27.05.2020
Helen worked as a Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and Insight Guides, based in the London office. Among her favourite projects to work on are inspirational guides like Make the most of your time on Earth, the ultimate travel bucket list.
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