Some of the prettiest small towns/villages in the UK.

Tombermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland 

Where the hit children’s show Balamory was set this little village is something to remember. Known for its unique multi-coloured houses the pretty harbour provides the perfect means to catch day boat and search for local wildlife. 

By DeFacto – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50228832

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

A popular tourist destination for the welsh due to its idyllic beaches and charming town feel. Home to cobble streets and little pastel coloured homes; it’s a beautiful place to escape to.

By Humphrey Bolton, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13718390

Aylesford, Kent, England 

With Kent being nicknamed the “Garden of England” it’s hardly surprising that its home to many beautiful towns and villages. Famed for its medieval stone bridge and church, a site to take your breath away, Aylesford is definitely one to escape to. 

By Lynbarn – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2515366

Beer, Devon, England

Beer, a lovely village with lots of interesting history, sits just along the Jurassic Coast. Once infamous for being a smugglers base its now best known for its fresh, local seafood.

By No machine-readable author provided. Gaius Cornelius assumed (based on copyright claims). – No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=717989

Carnlough, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

A breath-taking place to visit, where you can explore the harbour and get transfixed in the Cranny Falls waterfalls. If that’s not enough to be star struck, some of the incredibly successful Game of Thrones series have also been filmed along the same harbour.

By finaghy – Self-photographed, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35190035

The most romantic cities to explore as a couple.

It doesn’t have to be valentine’s day or an anniversary to want to whisk your other half away on a wonderful adventure. if you’ve decided you’d prefer the thrill of a city stay over the peace and quiet of a seaside holiday then look no further.  The UK has a variety of charming and exciting cities for you to choose from. 

With lots of history and culture to keep you both enchanted and a plethora of restaurants and bars to keep the fun rolling all of these cities provide the perfect place for a memorable and romantic trip away.

London 

Its only right that one of the world’s most iconic cities make the list. As the capital of England it really has it all. An enormous amount for you to both get immersed in. It’s got some of the best restaurants in the country for those special date night dinners but if that’s not your thing there’s also a variety of unusual and quirky foodie spots for you to explore. The list of available attractions is endless but if you’re looking for some of the most romantic ones it has to offer then why not consider taking a trip on the London eye or checking what’s on in the West End. 

By User:Diliff – Taken by user, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=690130

Bristol

Bristol is super trendy at the moment and so is perfect for young couples. You can take a take a hot air balloon over the city, it’s bound to make for a date of a lifetime.  If you’re not that adventurous there’s lots of bars and restaurants to enjoy. The street art adds to the cool atmosphere and if you’re looking to fully explore the home of Banksy you can even get a graffiti guide to show you around. 

By Confusedmiked – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3810832

Cambridge 

A city renowned for its wondrous class and culture, it’s a great place for a couples trip away. This is a city to explore and admire so it’s definitely a great option for those who enjoy blissful strolls and beautiful architecture.

By Ed g2s – Self-published work by Ed g2s, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26159

Edinburgh 

It’s beautiful, it’s fun and its enchanting it’s the perfect couple’s city. As the capital of Scotland you can expect to enjoy much of what the culture has to offer. Its saturated with beautifully preserved little streets and charming architecture for you to explore together. when your done looking around why not sit by Edinburgh castle and watch the sun or grab a pint and some pizza in one of the many unique and beautiful restaurants. 

By Tilmandralle – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6446337

Bath 

Often regarded as one of the prettiest cities in England it has to be recommended for a couples trip. A history lover or not your bound to both enjoy exploring the iconic Roman Baths which have barely changed in centuries. While you’re there basking in the beauty of bath why not head over to Thermae Bath Spa for a romantic dip in the rooftop pool at sunset.

By Thermae_Spa_from_Bath_Abbey_Tower.jpg: NH53derivative work: Simple Bob (talk) – Thermae_Spa_from_Bath_Abbey_Tower.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10187067

Some of the best places to visit in England:

So you’ve decided to visit England and admire all its famous culture and scenery. Now you have to choose where exactly to visit on your trip. While you may be inclined to go to the famous capital London, which is known for being home to the Buckingham palace and in turn the Royal family, you may actually be hoping to explore the lesser known areas of the country. With that in mind, here are ten places in England that would make for a wonderful trip.

  1. Oxford

As its famed for its prestigious Oxford university, which is said to be the oldest university in the world, you may have heard of the fascinating city before. It’s a lovely city that depicts wonderful scenery and a perfect place to experience some of the fascinating English culture. Anyone who visits is sure to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and beautiful buildings throughout the unique city.

Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net).
Oxford Town Hall. Oxford, United Kingdom.

2. Stonehenge and Avebury

Stonehenge sits as the most architecturally sophisticated stone circle in the entire world and Avebury the largest. Located within Wilture, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and is a very popular place for those who are visiting England to admire. Avebury is also a stone circle but has the additional bonus’ of fewer tourists and fewer restrictions. 

3. Bath 

Bath is a beautiful and unique city largely famed for its Roman period baths, Medieval heritage and wonderful Georgian architecture. It’s the largest city within Somerset and has many wondrous sites to admire.

Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA – Bath, England

4. Jurassic Coast

Another World Heritage site with much beauty to offer. It is otherwise known as the Dorset and East Devon coast and depicts 185 million years of geological history where costal erosion has exposed a sequence of rock formation covering the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

By Paasikivi – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27349349

5. Lake district

This beautiful and popular vacation destination is a region and national park in Cumbria, in the northwest of England. Ambleside, Keswick on scenic Derwentwater and Kendal are wonderful market towns where the area can be explored and the traditional galleries, inns and much more can be witnessed.

By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8165679

6. Cornwall

Cornwall is a popular holiday destination for Brits themselves and with great reason. It sits on the rugged southwestern tip and is home to many beautiful sandy beaches.  A wonderful place to visit to relax, drink great ales and eat locally produced food, all while appreciating the magnificent coastline.

Tom Chambers – originally posted to Flickr as Porthcurno Beach

7. Brighton

Brighton is the nearest south coast to London and so is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the beach and escape the chaos of the city. It would make for a lovely trip for anyone, still featuring much of its original architecture and the breath-taking Royal Pavilion.

By Qmin – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35813629

8. Devon

Much like its neighbour Cornwall, Devon boasts beautiful coastlines that make it a popular family holiday destination. Devon is a charming and enchanting county in southwest England which make it a wonderful place to explore and for a vacation.


Taken and uploaded by Arpingstone (Adrian Pingstone)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149

With wonderful Roman and Viking heritage to be admired Yorkshire makes for a fascinating place to visit. There are many sites to visit there including Industrial revolution-era cities, medieval abbeys and Norman castles to be viewed.

9. Yorkshire 

By Andy Barrett (User:Big Smooth) – Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=969434

10. London

There’s a reason the city is iconic and attracts visitors from around the world. London has incredible art, food, architecture and fashion; some being considered the best in the world. It’s a city with a vibrant culture and many incredible tourist attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and The British Museum.

By © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35768815

Britains most memorable rail journeys.

Rail journeys are a great option for those who don’t want to have to plan out the routes themselves and a means to appreciate the wonders of Britain’s landscape from the comfort of a train. 

Snowdonia, North Wales 

 An hour of a wonderful adventure. Snowdonia sports magnificent views that will be remembered for a lifetime and as Wales’s tallest mountain it is definitely worth seeing. It’s a much more realistic option for appreciating the area than the enormous task of trekking the mountain. If you take this journey you’ll be sitting within an 1896 locomotive and departing from Llanberis station.

By Porius1 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11614480

Flying Scotsman, London to Edinburgh 

A much longer option that takes over four hours provides the ability to pass by many landmarks along the route to the Scottish capital. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable route to take and marvel at the countryside, wonderful cities, and the Northumberland Coastline. A great site to see along this route is the iconic Angel of the North that has a wingspan of 54 meters and really is a sight to behold. 

The Angel of the North, Gateshead
By Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51303501

Settle to Carlisle, Yorkshire Dales National Park 

As the route goes through the glorious Yorkshire Dales National Park you are going to see a lot of wonderous countryside in the form of green valleys, rolling hills and get to appreciate the stone barns throughout the moorland. The Ribblehead viaduct is the most incredible aspect of the route as it stands 31 meters high and 400 meters long with 24 arches. No matter the weather you are going to experience some spectacular scenery on this 1 hour 45-minute long journey. 

By David Ingham from Bury, Lancashire, England – 02943, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8847086

West Highland Line Scotland

If you’re looking for a rail trip in Scotland then you’ll likely benefit from visiting our page dedicated to Scotland’s best but this route is so incredible it demanded space on this list too. Most notably known for its appearance in the iconic Harry Potter movies where their train passes over the Glenfinnan viaduct it’s a great route that is said to take around 1 hour 25 minutes. It boasts some of the UK’s most mesmerizing scenery and makes for a trip to remember.

By Alan Mitchell, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13211982

Dawlish, South Devon

This route has reopened after being destroyed in a coastal storm in 2014. It’s a short and charming trip that can take as little as 11 minutes. Running parallel to the River Exe it makes for a great opportunity to marvel at various wildlife such as otters, grey seals, and egrets. A short and enjoyable route for just about anyone but particularly attractive for those looking to enjoy the journey as a family.

By Geof Sheppard – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63245605

Different types of Holiday Accommodation

The destination isn’t the only variety to consider when looking to book a getaway, there’s also a variety of accommodation types for you to choose from. Holidaying in the UK can mean you’re saving money on travel, indulging in the culture, and experiencing so much that Britain has to offer. That being said it’s vital you have insight into the types of accommodation available before you book your own get-away.

Caravans 

Often considered to be the most affordable and so attainable for many families looking to holiday in the UK, Caravan holidays are among the most popular accommodation choices. They’re often situated within large holiday parks with entertainment options and a community surrounding, meaning they’re a great option for family holidays.

They can vary in size with some large enough to fit 8 people depending on your size preference or needs. They provide the perfect opportunity for an affordable and fun trip away with whomever you choose. The static homes make for a great place to call home for a few days while you explore the coast or countryside surrounding. 

Lodges 

Often considered to be a step up in luxury, lodges can also make for a romantic and charming trip away. Offering a more high-end experience for those who visit and varying in size and destination depending on your wants and needs. 

The additional amenities that often come with a lodge make it a highly attractive option. Many of them come with a hot tub and or balcony and often overlooking memorable views to appreciate throughout the get-away.

Chalets 

Much like a lodge, chalets are charming little homes made out of wood. The few that the UK does have are primarily found in the woodlands such as Yorkshire and Norfolk. Much the same lodges they’re a great option for small families looking for relaxation and a means to appreciate the outdoors.

Glamping pods

Quite literally a more luxurious alternative to the classic camping holiday. These pods are a growing choice for holiday accommodation. They’re unique and compact often only having space for two people, meaning they’re a great option for fun couples get-away.

Cottages

Possibly the most popular choice for those holidaying in the UK cottages make for charming and enjoyable holiday accommodation. The UK is highly saturated with them often meaning that they are an option no matter what destination you have your heart set on. Another thing that makes them such an attractive option is the amount of size diversity, with some allowing for up to 30 people they’re a great option for those looking to celebrate with the whole family or all your friends.

Wonderful walks in the UK

West Highland Way

Scotlands first designated long-distance trail was opened in the 1980s and has amounted to vast popularity which it maintains today. From the trail, the beauty of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Fort William can all be appreciated and admired. The walk is considered to be ‘moderate’ although the whole 96-mile walk takes around a week. However, there is much beauty to be admired throughout the entire trial.

By Mogens Engelund – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3980958

Pembrokshire Coast Path National Trail 

Considered to be some of Britain’s most wonderful coastline the trail provides the opportunity to marvel at breathtaking landscapes of dramatic rock, clifftops, beaches, and charming towns. The trail is a better option for those with more experience in hiking due to its saturation with steep hills and sheer cliff faces. That being said if you have your heart set on experiencing the beauties of the Pembrokshire Coast but aren’t so confident in your capabilities there are less challenging options such as the trail between Stack Rock and The Green Bridge of Wales to St Govan’s Chapel. 

By Saffron Blaze – Own work, Resolution restricted-by-sa, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31253831

Cotswold Way National Trail 

Boasting wonderful countryside, saturated with scenic hills, and being home to sites of great ancient historical significance; the Cotsworlds makes for a memorable place to explore and its trails provide the perfect opportunity. If you’re looking to complete the entirety of the route it’s said to take between 7 and 10 days, stretching over 100 miles of countryside. 

By Saffron Blaze – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15675403

Tramway Trail

Located in idyllic Cornwall, a popular holiday destination the 11-mile long trail makes for a charming and beautiful option for those looking for a walk to remember. It’s a coast-to-coast trail that’s popular with many and follows the lines of tramways remaining from the Cornwall 19th Century mining boom. It’s a great option for those who prefer the prospect of a day-long walk.

By Chris Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13693989

Ancient England

 A potential walk for the family that sits in Northumberland and stretches over 5 miles long, it’s a trail that’s said to have a special and quiet atmosphere. It’s a simple round trip trail that starts in Craster and follows along the coast, passing a wonderous limestone feature, Embleton Bay, and scenic cliffs. 

By Peter McMillan, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13006447

Camping checklist: The one for the whole family.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trougnouf

Camping:

  • Tent + inner tent if they’re separate.
  • Mallet 
  • Rug
  • Doormat
  • Pegs
  • Pillows 
  • Sleeping bag’
  • Blanket’

Furniture for the family:

  • Camping chairs 
  • Foldable table 
  • Blow up mattresses + don’t forget an air pump!

Cooking:

  • Water carrier or bottles
  • Stove and fuel 
  • Matches or a lighter
  • Thermal flask
  • Plates + bowls 
  • Cutlery 
  • Cups 
  • Paper towels or kitchen roll
  • Bin bags 
  • Washing up liquid 
  • Oil 
  • Pots + pans 
  • Sharp knife 
  • Wooden spoon 
  • Spatula 
  • Tin + bottle opener
  • Potato peeler 
  • Cooler box
  • Food bags 
  • Washing up bowl 
  • Sponge or dishcloth  
  • Food! (tins are a great option)
  • Seasonings 

Great additional items:

  • Light/lantern/torch 
  • Batteries 
  • Dustpan + brush 
  • First aid kit
  • Umbrella 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Cleaning wipes 

Entertainment:

  • Books + magazines 
  • Cards and other family games 
  • Balls 
  • Frisbee 
  • Radio 
  • Tablet/laptop (don’t forget a charger!)

Don’t forget!!

  • Money 
  • Identification 
  • Any tickets or booking confirmations you may need 
  • Your toiletries + clothes 
  • Any medication you may need 
  • Insect repellent
  • Your phones
  • Your satnav (if needed)

Camping for rookies: A guide to camping for the first time.

Maybe you’ve never been camping or haven’t been since you were a child, maybe you’re just drawing a blank on what you need to do to prepare. Well if that’s the case then this is the page for you. 

1st step: Decide on your destination.

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in the UK and if it’s your first time it’s probably best not to set your sights on somewhere too far. Choosing somewhere within a reasonable distance from you will mean you have plenty of time to get there and set up in daylight so that’s definitely something to consider. Additionally, you’ll need to choose between being in the countryside or camping near the coast and sandy beaches.

2nd step: Select a campsite.

There are various types of campsites to choose from and different camping options available. it’s important you decide on whether you’d like to be on a basic campsite where there are only tents to glamping sites or even luxury camping sites where the possibilities are endless. If you’re on a budget basic camping is probably going to be the best option for you. You can have a great time whatever type of campsite you choose. 

3rd step: If you’re going for the full experience then you’re going to need to buy a tent.

Things to consider; how many of you are there, how much effort do you want it to be to set up, what kind of weather are you going to be camping in. With those things in mind as well as preference and budget then you’ll be set to choose your tent. There are so many variations available these days so there should be something to suit your needs.

4th step: Now you need to pack!!

If you need help with this it may be worth checking out our basic camping checklist! This may give you some inspiration and make sure you don’t miss out on anything you absolutely need but of course, it’s up to you what you pack to take with you on your trip.

5th step: Set up.

Depending on the campsite you’ve chosen on there will be varying rules and restrictions on where and when you can set up your tent. Some may ask you to book a slot, others may select your plot for you, while others will have no input and leave you to your own devices. Although it’s always important to be mindful of being a respectful distance from others camping and how far you are from the campsite facilities. Additional things to keep in mind are the direction the sun comes up and you’ll likely have the best experience if you can find a flat place to pitch. Now just enjoy!!

English Castles to take your breath away.


England is a country highly saturated with culture and history and architecture and landscapes that allow visitors to appreciate it. The country has a variety of castles to be proud of and you would truly regret not visiting some of them at least once. Here we are hoping to narrow down those that demand your attention the most, as there really are so many throughout the country. 

Warwick Castle

Much like the rest of Warwickshire the castle that resides there is magical and well worth a visit. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved and most aesthetically pleasing castles in England. It’s a great reason to take a day trip with the family and admire amazing architecture.

By DeFacto – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49100590

Bamburgh Castle

As one of the oldest castles in England, it is a castle that has much history to admire. Located on the Northumberland Coast the castle has stately rooms, grounds, and a magnificent beach to explore on your visit. 

By Michael Hanselmann – Quaoar10 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5205849

Lindisfarne Castle

A castle that sits on the Holy Island, also in Northumberland, that interestingly gets cut off from the rest of the United Kingdom a few times a day due to the tide taking over the road which normally allows access to the island. It has a wonderous history and it’s even said to be the place where the Viking Age began as Vikings are said to have first invaded here. 

By matthew Hunt – originally posted to Flickr as Holly Island 11, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4234713

Cowdray Castle

Sitting within the countryside of West Sussex it’s a great option if you are looking to explore the South Downs National Park. The castle was visited by Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry VII and has an interesting history as far back as the 16th century. 

Simon Burchell – Own work
Ruins of Cowdray House, Midhurst, West Sussex, England.

Dover Castle

It is commonly referred to as the key to England because of its location where it protects the southeastern shores from continental Europe. It’s been long-standing said to be built in the 11th century and so makes for an interesting place to visit. 

By Chensiyuan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60956709

Windsor Castle 

As home to the Royal Family, I’m sure you really don’t need convincing as to why this is an incredible castle to visit. It’s iconic and a must-see for those visiting London. The castle is beautiful and you won’t be disappointed. 

Bodiam Castle

Another gem to be found in East Sussex the 14th-century castle boasts incredible architecture and a lot of history. Originally created by Kight of Edward III in order to protect against the French during the hundred year way it’s a great castle to wander and learn about.

By WyrdLight.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7910287

All castles listed above make for wonderful days out exploring history and appreciating architecture but if these aren’t enough for you England has many more marvellous castles to take your breath away.

Best places to visit in Wales

Wales is a small and charming country, scattered with beautiful views and rugged coastlines. Welsh people are friendly and warm and the wonderful greenery and breathtaking beaches make it a great option to visit. Whether you’re looking for an atmospheric city, world-class beach holiday, or an action-packed trip wandering the coast and greenery, wales have much to choose from. 

Cardiff City and Cardiff Castle

First to mention is the charming and lively capital city where friendly culture can be fully felt and experienced with many restaurants, bars, and people. With the added attraction of the beautiful Cardiff Castle which has been around since the 11th century, you can too learn much about the fascinating history of the country and culture. Cardiff is a welcoming city with much to experience and the castle is also often open to the public which makes Cardiff a truly inviting city.

Pembrokeshire Coast 

It a beautiful place to holiday and a popular one for the residence of wales too. The remarkable 186 miles long Pembrokeshire Coast Path that overlooks the shoreline makes it a stunning place to visit and also marvel at a variety of wildlife.

Snowdonia 

Snowdonia National Park which sits in North Wales is a beautiful and popular place to visit. With views that can not be appreciated anywhere else, it makes for the experience of a lifetime. Snowdonia is home to peaks that top 3,000 feet and the park are too home to lakes, rivers, and villages so there’s plenty to be captivated by. 

Brecon Beacons National Park 

A stunning park that allows visitors to see and appreciate waterfalls, underground caves, water meadows, and much much more. Get lost in the beauty of the park while also gaining deeper insight into the history of Wales through some of the archeological remains scattered throughout the park. 

Aberystwyth 

A university town that’s also become a popular holiday destination. It sits on the west coast of Wales and allows visitors to access the beautiful seafront and appreciate the remains of an Iron Age fortress that sits on one of the surrounding hills.