One of the things I love about travelling to Europe and the UK is that there is always somewhere new to visit. I do tend to return to one or two of my favourite places on each trip but I make sure to always include new destinations as well.
Sadly I’ve spent very little time in the United Kingdom. There was a brief stay in London on my first trip to Europe way back in 1988 and then the two weeks I spent driving around the UK and Wales a few years ago.
When I do get back to the UK, I’ll definitely re-visit the Cotswolds and the Lake District, but after asking some fellow travel bloggers where their favourite places in the UK are, I’ve now got even more places to add to my ‘must-visit’ list.
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CORNWALL
Nominated by Justine of Wanderer of the World, a travel blog designed to inspire the next generation of female wanderers. To explore, escape and experience is to live (preferably with a cocktail in hand and a dessert in the other).
When exploring the UK, Cornwall should always be on your list. This is the best place to come to for sandy beaches and for killer surfing waves alongside some more unique experiences. High up on the list of unique experiences are the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno and the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Saint Austell.
Minack Theatre is right on the edge of the coastline and is a theatre like no other. Open-air, Roman-looking and with seating carved into the side of a cliff, this theatre is bound to offer you some magical moments whilst watching an original play.
The sea-view behind offers the most superb natural backdrop to any performance and the open-air element makes for such a thrilling atmosphere in the summer evenings. You may even be lucky enough to spot a full moon on a clear night!
Right up there with the Minack Theatre in offering a unique and breathtaking experience are the Lost Gardens of Heligan. These gardens are completely unique in their offerings – from large stone carvings of people and heads to glorious landscaped gardens, you are sure to have another magical day in Cornwall.
The gardens were lost for decades and have been suitably reinvented to showcase all of its beauty whilst reminding you of the ‘lost’ nature with every turn.
If staying in Cornwall, I am likely to always recommend finding Airbnb or homestay type accommodations. With Cornwall itself offering so much unique beauty, your accommodation should also fit the bill.
We stayed in a stunning wooden cabin in someone’s garden during our most recent trip, which was unique and cosy during the summer months. And other times, we’ve opted for a spot of camping near the seaside to also soak up all of Cornwall’s best bits.
SCOTLAND
Nominated by Amy and Nathan who write the couples travel and lifestyle blog TwoDrifters.us. They currently reside in New England, seeing the world on both weekend adventures and exciting getaways.
Our favorite place in Europe is, without a doubt, Scotland. There’s so many reasons we love this wonderful country.
First, it is where we first met. In 2011 we were staying in the same hostel dorm room in Edinburgh. Fast-forward six years later and we’re married and traveling the world together!
But aside from that, Scotland is a gorgeous land with so much history, myth, and magic.
Visiting the Scottish highlands takes your breath away, not just because of the towering mountains, but because there’s a palpable feeling of mysticism. It’s a sense that the past still lives on. It’s pretty indescribable and unforgettable.
But Scotland is not just the incredible highlands. It’s also the lively cities with friendly folk, great food, and (in Edinburgh) a bagpiper always just a stone’s throw away!
We recommend staying at the Ballachulish Hotel in the Scottish highlands. (Click here to check current prices.)
NORTHERN WALES
Nominated by Sally Anne Howard, Co-Founder of Lady and the Tramper Travel Blog.
This year, Lonely Planet placed North Wales in the top 10 regions to visit in 2017 and it is not hard to see why.
From its rich history, which can be admired through its many medieval castles, particularly those in the ‘Iron Circle’ built by King Edward I, to its small cosy towns like Betws-y-Coed in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales has something for everyone and it is our favourite place to visit on the rare occasions we get to head back to the UK.
Days of hiking trails are begging to be explored along with small slate-built villages where you will find great local food and even better hospitality.
Seaside towns such as Llandudno are perfect for families and Zip World boasts the fastest and longest zip lines in Europe, perfect for all you thrill seekers out there.
Are any of these destinations amongst your favourites places in the UK, or are any of them on your must-visit list?
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