Going abroad is a real treat, but if you plan on keeping it local and exploring the beautiful places we have here at home, you'll want to know the best UK holidays to experience at least once.
Providing you with quaint villages, sublime countryside and dramatic mountains, not to mention culture-rich cities beyond London, the best UK holiday destinations leave you with memories you won't make anywhere else in the world.
If you've always dreamed of exploring Scotland's islands, or going on a luxurious spa break in the unsung Leicestershire countryside, you'll want to read on for inspiration to tick these holidays (and more) off your travel bucket list.
And because we don't do things by halves at Good Housekeeping, we've brought you a selection of exclusive UK breaks and hotel offers in these wonderful locations, which you can book safe in the knowledge that you'll travel with like-minded readers. Here are the top holidays in the UK, from the Isles of Scilly to Norfolk.
UK breaks are a great option for a last-minute escape. For our full collection of last-minute breaks, head over to Good Housekeeping Holidays.
1. Witness the incredible starry skies of Northumberland
The countryside in Northumberland is some of the finest in the UK, with its rugged moorland and dramatic coast. England's northernmost county is also an officially designated Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the country to marvel at the starry skies. On a clear night you'll be able to spot thousands of stars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye.
Good Housekeeping has a wonderful tour of Northumberland where you'll go star-spotting with expert astronomer Richard Darn. You'll visit two observatories in the Dark Sky Park, where you can take a look through their telescopes, and will also have plenty of opportunity to witness dazzling displays with the naked eye.
2. See the beauty of Norfolk with Lucy Worsley
With its royal connections, wildlife spotting opportunities and lovely river scenes, Norfolk is an absolute must-see – and there's no better way to experience it than with a celebrity expert. We have a terrific holiday, where you will be joined by historian Lucy Worsley, an expert in all things royal. You'll get to visit the Sandringham Estate, lovely Cromer and the brilliantly scenic Norfolk Broads.
You can drink in the amazing landscapes – from unspoilt countryside dotted with windmills to pretty market towns – with relaxing train rides on the Poppy Line and Bure Valley Railway. During the trip, you'll meet Lucy at Sandringham, where she'll give a talk and tell you about the royal residence.
3. Learn the secrets of the English country garden in Kent and Sussex with Sarah Raven
Anyone with a passion for plants and flowers should head for the glorious gardens of Kent and Sussex. Here you’ll find English country gardens at their best, with acres of the loveliest manicured grounds surrounding stately homes and historic buildings. In the height of summer, these gardens are at their most brilliant, with the scent of dazzling blooms filling the air.
Take a trip to Great Comp Garden, near Sevenoaks, to appreciate its ornamental grasses and colourful borders, Pashley Manor, for its fragrant roses and lavender, and Sissinghurst, where you can wander along its beds of bright tulips, fritillaries and hyacinths. Visit Kent and Sussex with Good Housekeeping and you’ll also visit Perch Hill with garden designer, writer and broadcaster Sarah Raven, who has lovingly transformed this site from a ramshackle ex-dairy farm into an elegant, organic garden.
4. Be amazed by the wonderful wildlife and gardens of the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are just a short boat ride from the coast of Cornwall, yet once you arrive you’ll feel a million miles away.
This stunning archipelago is undoubtedly one of Britain's most beautiful places, teeming with wildlife and bordered by pristine white-sand beaches. You'll be delighted by the range of wildlife to be spotted on the Isles of Scilly, with many species that can't be seen anywhere else in the UK. Thanks to the isles’ unique geography, there’s a wonderful array of flora and fauna to spot here, including porpoises, dolphins, seals, and many species of birds.
On Good Housekeeping’s tour, you'll explore the islands with Julian Branscombe, the Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust who knows the isles inside out. You’ll also visit some of the isles’ spectacular gardens, including the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Garden, described as 'Kew without the glass.'
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5. Escape to Cornwall's glorious coast and stay in a Shepherd's Hut
The Cornish coast hardly needs an introduction as one of the UK's best-loved holiday destinations. With miles and miles of unspoilt coastline, characterised by golden beaches, quaint fishing villages, and towering cliffs, it's easy to see why people come back to this beautiful county time and time again.
As well as its vast sandy beaches, parts of Cornwall have gained a reputation as foodie hotspots, not least the fishing port of Padstow, where top chef Rick Stein has several restaurants and eateries. One of the best-loved is the Cornish Arms, and you can stay on the grounds of this award-winning gastro pub in one of six cosy Shepherd's Huts. With Good Housekeeping's offer, you'll enjoy two nights here with a three-course meal in the pub and a portion of cod and chips from Rick Stein's Fish and Chip shop.
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6. Ride a luxury train to Cardiff to see England play Wales at the Six Nations
The Six Nations is one of the most anticipated events in the rugby calendar, so the chance to combine a match with a luxury day trip is not to be missed. Head to Cardiff's swish Principality Stadium with Good Housekeeping to enjoy a nail-biting match between Wales and England and the journey there and back will be part of the experience.
You'll board the luxury Northern Belle at London Paddington, taking a step back to the Golden Age of train travel. You'll be shown to your plush armchair seat in one of the restored 1930s carriages, enjoying a glass of Champagne and a three-course Welsh themed lunch as you glide towards Cardiff. On the way home, look forward to a three-course English themed dinner accompanied by wine, tea and coffee.
7. Visit London's finest royal palaces with a Tudor historian
London is hard to beat when it comes to special long weekend breaks for history buffs. From the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey and Hampton Court Palace, the list of historic buildings to explore is seemingly endless. And what better way to explore some of the best than with a renowned Tudor historian as your guide?
That's exactly what you'll get on Good Housekeeping's four-day tour of London's royal palaces. The palaces and castles on the banks of the Thames have seen great romances, grand banquets, and deadly betrayals play out within their walls, and you'll learn all about these historic events from Tudor historian Dr Tracy Borman, who'll give a fascinating talk during the trip.
Highlights of the tour include Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace, where you'll get the chance to explore the vast formal gardens.
8. Hop aboard the British Pullman for a luxurious day trip to Bath
For those looking for a memorable UK getaway, but pressed for time, there are a variety of special day trips that will show you different corners of the country in style. One of the best ways to get the most out of a day trip is to ensure the journey is part of the experience. This is the case on Good Housekeeping's Bath day trip, where you'll ride in style through the countryside from London to Bath on the British Pullman.
This renovated 1920s train has everything you need for a truly special journey. Sit back in a plush armchair seat and enjoy a delicious, three-course brunch served at a table adorned with pristine linen and bespoke glassware.
On arrival in Bath you'll have time to explore independently, admiring the elegant buildings of creamy Bath Stone, and ducking into some of the city's inviting independent shops before hopping back on board for a four-course dinner with the sommelier's choice of wine as you glide back to London.
9. Meet rare breeds at a Cotswolds farm with a TV farmer
As well as its glorious gardens, the Cotswolds is also home to miles upon miles of beautiful farmland, where cows and sheep graze against a backdrop of sleepy hills and tiny stones churches. At the Cotswolds Farm Park you can meet over 50 flocks of rare farm animals, including Highland cattle and Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs.
On Good Housekeeping's Cotswolds holiday you'll visit some of the Cotswolds' finest gardens, including Batsford Arboretum, Sezincote House and Painswick Rococo Garden, as well as the Cotswolds Farm Park. TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson runs the farm and will answer some of your questions about his conservation work and sustainable farming over a light lunch. You'll then take a tour to see some of the farm's rare breeds.
11. Explore the islands of the Outer Hebrides with a travel writer
The islands of the Outer Hebrides are a dream UK destination for anyone who loves ancient history, gorgeous beaches, and excellent whiskies. The landscapes here are some of the finest in the UK, with magnificent towering mountains, vast, white-sand and a whole host of wonderful wildlife.
On Good Housekeeping's five-day tour of the Outer Hebrides you'll explore these intriguing islands with travel journalist and broadcaster Monty Halls, who'll join you for a day exploring the islands of Eriskay and Barra. You'll also visit some of the isles' best historic attractions, including the Standing Stones of Callanish, the Gearrannan Black Houses and the Shawbost Norse Mill.
12. Ride the British Pullman to pretty Oxfordshire and visit Blenheim Palace
Another excellent day trip awaits with a ride on board the opulent British Pullman to the leafy Oxfordshire countryside. This lovingly restored 1920s train offers the ultimate luxury train ride, with a three-course lunch served with selected wines, perfectly matched with the seasonal dishes by the train’s expert sommeliers.
On arrival in Oxfordshire you'll enjoy a guided visit to the exceptional Blenheim Palace. You'll have time to explore the elegant grounds and meet John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, before hopping back on board the British Pullman for your homeward journey.
Settle back into your armchair seat, with a glass of champagne in hand, and enjoy a three-course seasonal menu accompanied with the sommelier's handpicked wines as the train glides back through the countryside to London.
13. Discover Jane Austen’s Bath with Lucy Worsley
Lovers of classic literature can take a step back in time in Bath, discovering locations that inspired many of Jane Austen's beloved novels. Good Housekeeping's Jane Austen-themed tour of Bath will be extra special thanks to a guest appearance by Austen expert and biographer Lucy Worsley.
Lucy will join you on a walking tour of Bath, pointing out the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country. She'll later give a talk on the life and times of Jane Austen followed by a Q&A session. You'll also get to visit Jane Austen's House in Chawton, Hampshire, where she wrote her six major novels, as well as Chawton House, which she called 'the Great House'.
Browse more extraordinary journeys from Good Housekeeping Holidays by downloading our latest brochure.
