We all need a break from time to time, but when picking a destination, you might be surprised to find out that the U.K. has contenders to rival some of the best holiday destinations the world over.
A UK holiday might conjure up the image of a week spent in the rain, but it really doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re in the U.K. already, you can find your perfect holiday without having to step foot on a plane. If you’re living elsewhere and you’ve never considered a holiday in the U.K., then read on and you may just find yourself searching for a U.K. visitor visa.
The Inner Hebrides.
1: For those of you who want to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, but fear that it’ll be locked away behind typical British cloud you may be surprised to find that a good solution is hiding in the north.
Scotland’s inner Hebridean islands may not seem like places you’d come back from with a tan but their climate during summer months might surprise you. The white sand beaches of islands like Mull and Iona form shorelines for an area of ocean where the temperature is controlled by the gulf stream. While the average temperatures on the inner islands might seem mild at times, they can spike during July, August and September and can combine with the scenery to provide some truly glorious days out.
You can also take advantage of the islands close proximity to each other through one of the many island tours available to make sure you see the best each island has to offer.
Portmeirion.
2: If you didn’t know any better, you could be forgiven for thinking that Portmeirion was situated in an Italian province, rather than North Wales. Given its history as a filming location, standing in for many different European locations this perhaps should be a surprise but Portmeirion offers more than just a visual taste of the Mediterranean at home.
If you choose to stay within the village itself, you won’t be restricted to its official opening times which also means you’ll be able to enjoy the setting free of the bulk of tourists. Portmeirion’s beautiful surroundings and local woodland provide plenty to explore after which you can relax on the local beach or take advantage of the quaysides heated swimming pool.
How ever you spend your time in the Welsh answer to Portafino, be sure to pick up some of Portmeirion’s famous ceramics to remind you of your stay.
Brighton.
3: If you’re a fan of a city break then you can’t go wrong with Brighton. There’s plenty of shopping to be found whether you’re looking for traditional high street brands in the city centre, or exploring the lanes for something a little more eclectic to take back home. Once the stores are closed there’s still plenty of fun to be had with a visit to the pier or dinner in one of Brighton’s excellent restaurants such as Food for Friends.
The added advantage of Brighton’s location is that if you want an alternative to the beach and the more bohemian atmosphere, excellent rail links mean you’re only a short train journey away from a day trip to London. This gives you the advantage of hitting all the major sights secure in the knowledge that you can end the day in more relaxed surroundings.
Cornwall.
4: If you want to head a little further south, you can always consider Cornwall. From classic cream teas to walks on the beach, Cornwall has a lot to offer those who are choosing to stay in the UK this year. There’s plenty for the more active fun seeker from climbing to learning to surf or even exploring an ancient tin mine, but you don’t have to wear yourself out to enjoy Cornwall.
If you’d prefer a slower pace, you can surround yourself with the natural beauty of the award winning Lost Gardens of Heligan or take a trip to The Eden Project. You could even take a short journey out to the Isles of Scilly where temperatures permitting you can enjoy white sand beaches topped off with palm trees for a more tropical effect.
While the uncertainty of Brexit has made it more difficult for UK citizens entering mainland Europe, there’s never been a better time to stay local for your holiday.
Jake Parker is a writer for the Immigration Advice Service, a firm of specialist immigration lawyers.
