To simplify your travel planning, here’s a breakdown of six fantastic UK destinations, looking at the three key elements of any great trip: the food, the accommodation, and the activities. All are easily accessible by train for a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Cornwall: Stay in a chic, glass-fronted cabin with sea views. Eat at top-notch seafood pubs like The Tolcarne Inn or enjoy the provided hamper with local sourdough. Explore the art galleries of Newlyn, walk the coastal path to Mousehole, or cycle around Penzance.
Northumberland: Stay in a cozy two-bedroom cottage overlooking the beach. Eat local produce from Scott’s deli or hire a private chef for a special treat. Explore Alnwick and Warkworth castles by bike via the traffic-free cycleways and enjoy the vast sandy beaches.
Essex: Stay in a unique lakeside lodge with a private sauna. Eat a breakfast hamper with produce from the local butcher and the owner’s hens. Explore your own wellness with on-site yoga, reiki, and sound healing, or take a dip in the natural swimming pond.
Berkshire: Stay in a funky, affordable country house hotel. Eat at one of the two excellent on-site restaurants after a day of pampering. Explore the 16 acres of grounds, play a game of tennis, or take a walk along the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal.
Scotland: Stay in a sleek, sustainable bothy in the woods. Eat a feast of local produce cooked over your own firepit. Explore the 400-hectare estate on a wildlife tour, go for a cycle on the gravel tracks, or visit the neighbouring Devilla Forest.
Lake District: Stay in a new, budget-friendly hotel in a 19th-century stone house. Eat at acclaimed local cafes like Homeground or Toast for a delicious breakfast. Explore the fells by hiking up Orrest Head or take the scenic 555 bus to Ambleside and Grasmere.