The UK is full of luxurious nooks and crannies for travellers expecting a little bit extra from their holiday. If you go to the right place, you can find accommodation, food and vistas that rival many an upmarket European destination. You can even kick start that UK travel journey with first-class train tickets.
Here are a few of the best places to be for a taste of refinement.
1. The Isle of Jersey
Journey to Jersey in summer and find a sunny beach island with a very pleasant climate. It’s closer to Northern France, sitting only 14 miles off its coastline. Great start for a first UK travel!
You can retire to a luxury cottage after a day of soaking in the sun or enjoy a 5-star hotel in St Helier or St. Aubin. The Atlantic Hotel is one of the most well-known luxury hotels there, though it’s certainly not the only one. It has both an outdoor and indoor swimming pool and overlooks the stunning St. Ouen’s Bay.
2. Salcombe, Devon
Over on Devon’s south coast, Salcombe is another destination that luxury-seekers love. Watch the sun go down over the turquoise waters from a cottage or spa hotel after a day well-spent swimming, sailing or paddleboarding.
And there’s a lot more to Salcombe than water sports. Pass the day at a leisurely pace browsing the boutique shops and reflecting with an award-winning gin and tonic at Salcombe Gin Distillery. If rum is more your thing, you’ll be lucky enough to find the Devon Rum Co. just down the road.
3. Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands
Whether you’re up for a bit of mountain climbing or just want to relax amidst dramatic, remote scenery, Glen Coe could be for you. Stay in a private suite in Glencoe House, a beautiful period property with private gardens, spacious sitting rooms and gorgeous freestanding bathtubs.
The ancient volcanic landscape is the perfect backdrop for any holiday and is even home to one of Scotland’s very own ski slopes.
4. The Lake District
In the 1800s, the Victorians started to recognise the Lake District for its impressive beauty. They started to build villas and mansions around Lake Windermere in particular. Today, many of these structures have been turned into beautiful hotels that you can stay in yourself.
Boating opportunities abound because of course, it’s called the “Lake District” for a reason. And with a rich supply of local produce and talented chefs, Cumbria is a hotspot for fine dining restaurants (many of which are Michelin-starred). The Old Stamp House in Ambleside and Keswick’s The Cottage In The Wood are two notable eateries.
Whether it’s a cosy winter holiday or a sunny summertime retreat you have in mind, the UK has so much for travellers who like the finer things in life.
