With a variety of places to visit across the UK, we really don’t need to travel far for an unforgettable trip. If you’re looking to travel a little closer to home this year, check out these awesome destinations!
The Jurassic Coast
Whilst the Jurassic Coast sounds like a location you’d find in a dinosaur movie, it’s actually one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline you’ll find in the UK.
It runs from Exmouth to Swanage, giving us 95 miles of stunning cliff-top views and beaches. Its name is a nod to the fact the area showcases history dating back 185 million years – with erosion exposing impressive rock formations that date back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Keep your eyes peeled for fossils on the beach.
Durdle Door is one of the most iconic sights the Jurassic Coast has to offer. It’s a limestone arch that sits along a beautiful beach.
Belfast
Belfast might not be one of the most obvious choices for a UK-based city break – but it certainly has a lot to offer.
The city is divided into quarters, with each one offering something a little different for you to explore. These are:
The Cathedral quarter – the historic part of the city, complete with narrow, cobbled streets.
The Titanic quarter – located near the harbour and named after the iconic ship built here in 1912.
The Queens quarter – a green area of the city, home to Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens.
The Gaeltacht Quarter – the most authentic area of the city, where Irish is widely spoken and you can experience the best of traditional Irish culture.
A visit to Belfast isn’t complete without a trip to Giant’s Causeway. If nothing else, the drive out to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth it for the incredible views alone. The causeway itself dates back 60 million years.
Northumberland
Northumberland is an underrated corner of the UK, with the North East only getting 556,000 visitors per year (compared to 19.8 million in London).
But it’s well worth a visit if you ever get the opportunity. As well as being a beautiful place to visit – with plenty of walking and gorgeous scenery – it’s also home to the darkest skies in Europe. This makes it the perfect place for a romantic weekend of stargazing.
The Scottish Highlands
Everyone should visit the Scottish Highlands at least once in their lifetime. If you love the great outdoors, you will be blown away when you realise this place was right on your doorstep all along.
The beaches look like they’re straight out of the Caribbean. And you can find everything else you need – from lochs to waterfalls and big mountain ranges – for the perfect outdoor adventure.
Wild camping is legal in Scotland, which means you don’t even need to book a place to stay. Just hit the road with your tent, and sleep wherever takes your fancy.
Manchester
If cities are more your style, Manchester is one of the best places in the UK for a weekend getaway. The city boasts plenty of culture, awesome food and incredible nightlife.
The music scene here is thriving, so make sure you check the gig listings before you travel. And, if football’s your thing, you have two of the country’s biggest clubs to choose from.
What’s one of the best places you’ve ever visited in the UK?