After weeks inside, it’s no surprise that as soon as lockdown restrictions eased in England, people started flooding to beaches and beauty spots around the country. But after weeks inside, who wants to find themselves in the middle of a heaving crowd?
And with holidays abroad still looking very doubtful for this summer, it’s a problem that’s not going away if you’re hoping to travel later this year.
Over half of British holidaymakers would swap a trip abroad for a staycation if the government advises against foreign travel, one recent survey discovered, with 19% choosing Cornwall.
But while the UK’s most popular holiday spots are popular for a reason, once it’s safe to travel again, there’s never been a better time to head a little further from the tourist track and discover the great alternatives across the country.
As ever, do check any restrictions in force before you book or travel.
Swap the Lake District for the Cumbria coast
Around 16 million visitors head to the Lake District every year, mostly clustered around its beautiful lakes. Unsurprisingly, local communities and tourism organisations have asked people not to rush back too quickly — tempting though it might be — to avoid overwhelming the area.
Fortunately there’s far more than lakes and mountains to discover if your heart’s set on Cumbria, including around 100 miles of coast: new walking routes make it easier to wander Cumbria’s Hidden Coast between Millon and Whitehaven, the empty dunes of Drigg and the Furness peninsula.
The new stretch of the England Coast Path around Walney Island is already open, with a circular walking route letting you spot seals and birdlife, as well as venturing over to the vehicle-free Piel Island — tides permitting.
You might be lucky and see porpoises, but if not, there’s the remains of a 14th century castle, and no cars permitted.
Swap Cornwall for Pembrokeshire
The wilder west coast of Wales has more than a little in common with Cornwall — wonderful beaches, picturesque villages and great walking.
And while Pembrokeshire is not an undiscovered part of the UK (especially not around pretty Tenby), you won’t find quite as many crowds flocking as in hotspots like St Ives and Newquay once travel to Wales is permitted again.
Barafundle Bay is regularly voted one of the UK’s best beaches, but if you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to the area around Marloes Sands as well as the beaches of Broad Haven and Little Haven for surfing, rockpooling and even snorkelling. Or take a walk on the cliffs around Musselwick.
For one of the most picturesque spots in Pembrokeshire, the village of Solva is a little way to the north, along with the quiet beach of Traeth Llyfn near Abereiddi.
Swap Brighton for St Leonards
As some of the closest beaches to London, the Sussex coast is always a popular spot on a sunny day — and nowhere more so than Brighton.
But while you’ll struggle to find a completely secluded spot in this part of the South East, look to St Leonard’s for a similar edgy, arty vibe — and a better chance of avoiding the hordes.
The sister town to Hastings has a rather different feel with its Regency buildings and vintage shops, plus its own section of shingle beach. Hastings Country Park has some lovely walking trails with sea views as well.
And at low tide, Pett Level has the vast expanse of sand that you’ll find at more popular spots like Camber Sands, but also rockpools and the remains of a petrified forest. You won’t find too many facilities, but you might well get some bracing sea air all for yourself.
Swap Whitby for Staithes
From Scarborough and Bridlington to Filey, the Yorkshire coast has plenty of traditional seaside and unspoiled coast to tempt, but it’s Whitby which was named as the most popular British holiday destination earlier this year.
With its twisting streets and gothic associations, there’s nowhere quite like the town but for a quieter alternative, if you’re considering a seaside break later this year, head just a little way up the coast to Staithes.
Perfect for art lovers, it was the home of the Staithes Group of artists in the late 19th century, tempted by its light and attractive fishing village — until its most famous member left for Cornwall, which meant the town has continued to remain out of the spotlight.
With twisting streets and higgledy-piggledy buildings, rock pooling and fossil hunting on the beach, and the sweep of the Yorkshire coast to explore, it’s a treat to discover.
Swap the New Forest for the Forest of Dean
The New Forest has been tempting visitors since it was genuinely a new forest, back in the 11th century — however if you head towards Gloucestershire and the equally ancient Forest of Dean, you’ll find far fewer tourists.
The forest itself has a string of walking trails, including a sculpture trail among the trees if you’re craving for the chance to get outdoors.
On the River Wye, you can take kayaks and canoes from pretty Symonds Yat to see the countryside from the water, or follow one of the Wye Valley Heritage walks to discover the history of the area as you explore on foot.
Some of the area’s biggest attractions, such as Clearwell Caves, the otherworldly landscape of Puzzlewood and Goodrich Castle, whose atmospheric ruins lie on the border of England and Wales, have been closed during lockdown but you can wander along Offa’s Dyke path on the edge of the two countries path once Welsh travel restrictions ease.
Swap the Cotswolds for the Kent Downs
The timeless feel of the rolling countryside and picture postcard villages draw tourists in their millions to the Cotswolds — around 38 million every year, in fact.
And fighting through the crowds to see the delights of this admittedly beautiful piece of England is far from enticing right now.
But it’s also far from the only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the South East. The Kent Downs, running from Sevenoaks to the coast, has its own pretty farmland and rolling hills — Kent is the Garden of England after all — as well as ancient woodland plus walking routes galore.
You can stroll past orchards and hop gardens or set off on a bigger challenge along the North Downs Way. One of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, stretching for 153 miles from Farnham to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover, it’s also home to rare orchids and butterflies.
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