{"id":165845,"date":"2025-06-07T20:22:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-07T20:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/165845\/"},"modified":"2025-06-07T20:22:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T20:22:23","slug":"your-next-uk-holiday-as-recommended-by-local-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/165845\/","title":{"rendered":"Your next UK holiday \u2013 as recommended by local experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\t\t\t\t\tWith predictions of a hot summer, now’s the time to book your UK getaway. Cornwall’s forgotten corner, heritage railways and a lesser-known Scottish gem are among the highlights\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n

Now is the time to organise a UK break. Met Office predictions that summer is more than twice as likely to be hotter than normal, a fall in demand in places such as Cornwall<\/a> last year and protests against mass tourism on the Continent<\/a> may all be tempting a domestic getaway.<\/p>\n

According to a survey carried out last month for VisitBritain, 78 per cent of people plan to take an overnight domestic trip in the next 12 months. And more than half of those planning a UK holiday<\/a> (59 per cent) said they are easier to organise than overseas ones. <\/p>\n

Coastal towns are top of the UK holidays search list for 2025, according to TripAdvisor<\/a>. While the seasides of Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex will draw visitors in a heatwave, there are less obvious highlights in every county. The best recommendations can come from residents, so we asked travel experts to suggest where they would choose to visit in their area this summer. <\/p>\n

Shropshire\u202f\"CaucasianWalking on the Long Mynd in Shropshire (Photo: James Osmond\/Getty\/The Image Bank RF)Mark Hooper Project lead, Visit Shropshire<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be getting my walking boots on and heading to Church Stretton <\/a>for a weekend jaunt or two to try the mapped circular walks from the town<\/a>. There\u2019s something special about that landscape \u2013 big skies, wild ponies and proper peace and quiet.<\/p>\n

A wild swim is on the cards, too, and Carding Mill Valley Reservoir<\/a> is top of my list. It has a man-made stony beach and is surrounded by the Long Mynd hills. In late August, the valley turns purple from flowering heather. <\/p>\n

CornwallJon Hyatt, Chair (non-executive), Visit Cornwall<\/p>\n

This summer, I\u2019m running the length of Cornwall\u2019s south coast path, ending at the remote Rame Peninsula<\/a> \u2013 an underrated finale to an epic journey. After miles of rugged cliffs and bustling coves, Rame offers the peaceful reward of wide-open beaches, raw headlands like Rame Head, and the solitude only wild beauty can provide. I\u2019ll pause at Whitsand Bay, take in the views from Mount Edgcumbe, and reflect on the miles behind me. It\u2019s not just the end point \u2013 it\u2019s the perfect finish: windswept, untamed, and quietly magnificent. Cornwall\u2019s Forgotten Corner, perhaps \u2013 but unforgettable to me.<\/p>\n

Manchester\"Manchester,The city centre of Altrincham (Photo: estherpoon\/Gett\/ iStock Editorial)Victoria Braddock Managing director, Marketing Manchester \u00a0<\/p>\n

In my own patch, Altrincham, south of the city, I enjoy spending a morning walking around Dunham Massey, spotting the deer that run free or exploring the colourful gardens. Nearby, Altrincham Market<\/a>\u202fhas a choice of 10 independent food traders with sourdough pizza, Lancashire cheese and onion pie and craft beer on the menu before a stroll through Stamford Quarter.<\/p>\n

HertfordshireHolly Loftus, Marketing executive, Visit Herts<\/p>\n

I love Ashridge House<\/a>, in the Chiltern Hills. Dating to the medieval era, it has a formal garden and 190 acres of parkland, a 10-minute drive from Berkhamsted railway station. <\/p>\n

Another favourite spot is St Paul\u2019s Walden Bury. It has glorious gardens that were laid out in the 18th century and are filled with statues, temples and ponds. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. <\/p>\n

Puddingstone Distillery <\/a>offers tours and award-winning gins an eight-minute drive from Tring (a market town at the edge of the Chiltern Hills).<\/p>\n

Kent\u202fSophie Hewitt, Senior marketing manager, Visit Kent<\/p>\n

This summer, I will be heading to Great Comp in Sevenoaks with seven acres of tranquil gardens, romantic ruins and woodland walks and events, including open air theatre.<\/p>\n

I also love paddling just outside Canterbury and will be spending sunny afternoons here on the River Stour. <\/p>\n

Close to Faversham, the brand-new Nordic wood-fired Sea Scrub Sauna<\/a> makes the most of the surrounding rural views.\u202f<\/p>\n

And near Ashford, Boys Hall <\/a>is a foodie dream in a lovingly restored manor house hotel. My summer highlight is the grilled sea bream with charred lime butter and chive sauce.<\/p>\n

Pembrokeshire\"CelticCeltic Deep Snorkelling with puffins in Skomer (Photo: Liam Webb)Emma Thornton, Chief executive, Visit Pembrokeshire<\/p>\n

There\u2019s always something happening at Milford Waterfront in summer, from live music to festivals, such as the Milford Haven carnival in July. <\/p>\n

I\u2019ll squeeze in a walk along the coast path, too \u2013 one of my favourite lesser-known rambles is a circular route starting at Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill <\/a>and looping through the peaceful Abermawr region, with wild coast path views along the clifftops above Pwllstrodur and secluded Abermawr beach.<\/p>\n

I might even pull on a snorkel and swim near Skomer to see the puffins and other seabirds. <\/p>\n

West MidlandsBecky Frall \u00a0Head of tourism, West Midlands Growth Company<\/p>\n

I love to go to Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens<\/a> and Birmingham Botanical Gardens<\/a> to get away from it all \u2013 they are colourful oases of calm, refuges from the hubbub of city life. I\u2019m particularly looking forward to joining in with Garden Yoga there this summer, enhanced by a post-session treat from the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Bantock Park in Wolverhampton, Walsall Arboretum<\/a> and Black Country Living Museum<\/a> have hundreds of years of history between them, and they\u2019ll provide the perfect backdrop for the Digbeth Dining Club<\/a>\u2019s summer tour, which highlights the Black Country\u2019s proud past, combining with the very best contemporary street food. I\u2019ll be visiting with friends. <\/p>\n

LondonMaya Mroue, Marketing Director, Opportunity Kensington<\/p>\n

It\u2019s amazing how much is packed into just a few streets in this often-overlooked corner of west London. I\u2019m really looking forward to [visiting the exhibitions] Dress Codes at Kensington Palace<\/a> and Splash! at the Design Museum.<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll go for coffee at the lovely Leighton House caf\u00e9<\/a>, while the free fortnightly Friday lunchtime opera in Holland Park during June and July is also on my hit list.<\/p>\n

Northern Ireland\u202f\"AMussenden Temple from below on Downhill Beach (Photo: CraigWWalker\/Getty\/iStockphoto)Etta Austin, Publicity manager, Tourism Ireland<\/p>\n

Benone Beach<\/a> in Limavady, County Londonderry, is my favourite place to go. It stretches for miles, and I have so many happy childhood memories here. Head to Magilligan Point, where The Point<\/a> serves amazing seafood chowder.<\/p>\n

Mussenden Temple<\/a>, perched on the cliff edge, always looks dramatic, and adds to the spectacular landscape. A session in HotBox Sea Sauna<\/a> is the perfect experience after a dip in the Atlantic, and hot chocolate at the Sea Shed coffee shop <\/a>is also a great idea.\u202f<\/p>\n

DevonHayley Reynolds, Founder and director of RAW food and drink PR<\/p>\n

I live in the South Hams near Salcombe, which is stunning and home to Salcombe Gin<\/a>, a waterside distillery that you can reach by boat.<\/p>\n

I grew up in east Devon and, just east of Sidmouth, Branscombe is one of England\u2019s oldest villages with pretty thatched cottages \u2013 it\u2019s quieter than many of the tourist hot spots. The Masons Arms<\/a> is a lovely place to eat.<\/p>\n

Nearby, Beer<\/a> has a timeless feel, with narrow, winding streets. It\u2019s a great place for a swim in the sea or to watch the fishing boats while eating some delicious local seafood.<\/p>\n

ScotlandErin Hickey PR manager, VisitScotland<\/p>\n

The Black Isle<\/a>, a peninsula in the Highlands north of Inverness, is a real hidden gem, packed with history and stunning views. It\u2019s great to explore on foot. Cromarty, on the north-eastern tip, is beautiful with its little cottages, and fascinating Hugh Miller\u2019s Birthplace Cottage & Museum.<\/a><\/p>\n

I have a dog, and Rosemarkie beach and Fairy Glen are our favourite walks. <\/p>\n

Chanonry Point has amazing views across to Fort George, and you might even spot some dolphins playing in the Moray Firth.\u202f<\/p>\n

Norfolk\"GreatGreat Wheels Great Yarmouth is one of the quirkier local events (Photo: Supplied)Asa Morrison, Chief executive, Visit Great Yarmouth<\/p>\n

Great Yarmouth is full of surprises, beyond its 15 miles of golden sands and seafront attractions, with a rich heritage and some real hidden spots.\u202f<\/p>\n

To escape the crowds, I\u2019ll head to the quiet beaches at Winterton-on-Sea<\/a> or Scratby with their peaceful coastline, windswept dunes and real charm.\u202f<\/p>\n

In June, the Great Yarmouth Wheels Festival<\/a>, one of the biggest events of its kind, brings roaring engines\u00a0and\u00a0vintage vehicles right to the seafront.<\/p>\n

West Yorkshire\u202f\"GreenThe Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (Photo: Tom Marshall)Andrew Stokes OBE Director, VisitEngland<\/p>\n

From mid-July to September there is a theatre production of The Railway Children taking place along the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway,<\/a> where the film was shot.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be heading to the moors above Haworth, where there\u2019s a new, free Wild Uplands <\/a>open-air art exhibition trail, plus the newly reopened Bront\u00eb Birthplace in Thornton.<\/p>\n

North Yorkshire\"FountainsFountains Abbey has the largest monastic ruins in the country (Photo: Visit North Yorkshire\/Mark Bickerdike Photography)Tony Watson, Head of tourism, Visit\u00a0North Yorkshire \u00a0<\/p>\n

I love stepping into North Yorkshire\u2019s timeless past with a visit to majestic Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden<\/a>, near Ripon, which has the largest monastic ruins in the country. <\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s Malton, Yorkshire\u2019s celebrated food capital, bursting with bakeries, delis, and a monthly food market with live music, as well as a traditional Saturday market.<\/p>\n

Savour creamy Wensleydale cheese at Hawes Creamery or Yorkshire curd tart in cosy village tearooms.<\/p>\n

Celebrate 200 years of the passenger railway, with a trip aboard heritage railways like the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway.<\/a><\/p>\n

NorthumberlandNeil Carney, Head of destination, Visit\u00a0Northumberland\"AHadrian\u2019s Wall is a lure for scenic hikes (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

This summer, I\u2019ll do what I love most: set out to walk along Hadrian\u2019s Wall<\/a>, Britain\u2019s most spectacular and expansive World Heritage Site. I never tire of the\u202fwalks linking the forts and milecastles that each tell a different story of the frontier of the Roman Empire. <\/p>\n

Perhaps my favourite experience, though, is stargazing at the Battlesteads Dark Sky Observatory<\/a>. There is nothing quite like watching the night sky blossom into stars in the heart of the county.<\/p>\n

CumbriaGill Haigh, Managing Director of\u00a0Cumbria\u00a0Tourism<\/p>\n

I\u2019d recommend a visit to Whitehaven<\/a> on Cumbria\u2019s west coast, a characterful harbour town with a proud maritime heritage and a growing energy. It is undergoing major regeneration, with investment transforming public spaces, enhancing the town centre, and creating new opportunities for both visitors and the local community. With its coastal charm, historic architecture, and a rising number of independent businesses and attractions, Whitehaven offers a refreshing and authentic experience for those looking to explore a different side of the county.<\/p>\n