This article was produced by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
Whether you want to fill your lungs with sea air or are looking to spend a few leisurely days wandering through the countryside, these British destinations are all perfectly suited to spring travel. From the 'Queen Seaside Resorts of Wales' to the region that is home to the UK's rarest butterfly species, here are 10 of the best destinations to escape to over the Easter holidays and beyond.
1. North York Heaths
Driving in the North York Heaths The national park is a bit like delving into the pages of The Secret Garden: it is indeed these heather-covered moors that inspired Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1911 novel. Certainly, this part of North Yorkshire cannot be -it's no secret: its hiking trails, country pubs and historic villages have a magnetic appeal, and for good reason. Add to this the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), located on the southern edge of the national park, and you have one of the UK's most idyllic getaways.
(Follow in the footsteps of monks and literary giants on the North York Moors).
2.Llandudno
Llandudno, a popular Victorian destination once considered the 'Queen of Welsh seaside resorts', has retained much of the charm that made it so popular. The curving promenade that frames Llandudno Bay, the aroma of fish and chips wafting through the air, the pastel-colored art deco houses lining the seafront and the old-fashioned entertainment on Llandudno Pier combine to offering a quintessential British seaside escape. The town also serves as a gateway to a host of natural attractions in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and water adventures in Colwyn Bay. And a stay in Llandudno can be combined with a trip to Conwyacross the river of the same name, home to a mighty castle and the smallest house in Britain.
(A break in Llandudno, a vintage Welsh seaside resort with lasting charm).
Bodysgallen Hall in Llandudno is one of only three National Trust-owned hotels in the UK. Photography by John Miller
3. Stour Valley
The beauty of the River Stour and its valley has long attracted artists, notably John Constable, whose paintings gave the area its nickname 'Constable Country'. This part of the Essex and Suffolk countryside, with its mills, vineyards and walking trails, continues to inspire today. In Dedham, one of its most popular villages, the Art & Craft Center offers for sale the works of more than 60 artisans and collectors; To get involved, take a painting class in the 15th-century manor house of Dedham Hall.
(A UK escape to the Stour Valley, the picturesque and under-explored corner of Essex).
4. Rutland
It boasts the country pubs, antique shops and honey-coloured market towns of the Cotswolds, as well as the laid-back waterside vibe of the Lake District, and yet many haven't heard of it. Rutland, England's smallest county, takes its Latin motto to heart: multum in parvo, much in a little. Halfway between Cambridge and Nottingham in the East Midlands, with Rutland Water's 3,100-acre inland sea at its heart, it's a place that seems made for a restorative weekend away – and with the country hole With The Barnsdale having a facelift, there's never been a better time to go.
(A UK getaway to Rutland: a waterside adventure in England's smallest county).
With its water sports, cycling and idyllic English pubs, Rutland is one of the UK's best kept secrets. Photography by RJP Photographics, Discover Rutland
5.Winchester
Alfred the Great made Winchester the first capital of England in 871, and the Hampshire The city remained at the center of the action for a long time. The narrow streets of medieval and Georgian buildings are a reminder of its past. The nearby South Downs National Park is also accessible via the South Downs Way. A 100 mile long walking and cycling route, the trail begins in Winchester and extends to Eastbourne.
(A UK break in Winchester: history and hikes in the South Downs in Hampshire).
6. Falmouth
Visit Falmouth and you'll discover a traditional Cornish seaside town embracing its creative side. A historical spectacle took place in its deep-water port, part of which is illicit and linked to 18th-century piracy. Locals remain attached to the tides, with a family fishery supplying restaurants and paddleboarders descending the estuary.
But what really sets Falmouth apart is its creativity, supported by the students enrolled at its two universities, one of the best in the UK when it comes to art. Exhibitions of independent theater, music, comedy and art fill the smaller venue rosters, while the annual (and free) sea shanty And oyster festivals are unmissable events on local calendars.
(A UK break in Falmouth: Cornwall's maritime history on the South West Coast Path).
The Seaweed Institute in Falmouth runs full-day workshops on foraging, cooking and making crafts using different types of seaweed. Photography by River Anderson
7. Arnside and Silverdale
Many bypass Arnside and Silverdale, touching Morecambe Bay to the west and the Lake District to the north, on their journey along the M6 motorway. Take a detour to this AONB – one of the smallest in the UK – and you'll be surprised. The region spans only 29 square miles, but its diversity belies its modest size, with forests, limestone hills and a coastal area all connected by a network of trails. The trails start directly from Arnside station, which has direct rail links to Lancaster and Manchester and e-bikes are available to hire from Ease of driving E.
(A UK getaway to Arnside and Silverdale, the little-known region of natural wonders).
8. Monmouth County
Monmouthshire is a wonder: this county in south-east Wales is full of moody mountains, market towns, winding rivers and Michelin-starred restaurants. It encompasses some of Britain's most beautiful landscapes, stretching from the spectacular Black Mountains in the north to the Eden-esque Wye Valley, an AONB that extends across the border with England, this which makes it a great getaway for outdoor lovers.
The county is dotted with walking trails, including the Wye Valley Greenway, opening in 2021, which passes through pastoral fields, wooded hills, dozens of sleeping castles and the majestic monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey on the banks of the river Wye. Laid-back towns dotted around Monmouthshire include floral Usk, medieval Monmouth and the creative and culinary hub of Abergavenny. The latter is lined with independent shops selling art supplies, wildflowers, fermented sourdough breads, Welsh-made children's clothing and small-batch coffee. It is also home to a number of famous restaurants that offer breathtaking dishes – the city also hosts the famous Abergavenny Food Festival every September.
(A UK Getaway to Monmouthshire: Tintern Abbey, Michelin-Star Cuisine, and Hiking).
Tintern Abbey is a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece located on the banks of the River Wye. Photography by Alamy
9. Bowland Forest
Sandwiched between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool to the south, and the magnificent sites of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales to the north, the Forest of Bowland is just as enchanting as its more famous neighbors. It is a land with a deep history populated by Vikings, witches and kings; where patchwork fields, post houses and pretty villages evoke a feeling of lost time.
Designated an AONB, its magnificent landscapes are more diverse than its name suggests, with the forests of the Moon Valley rising to the wild moors of the Bowland Fells. The new Eco Escapes initiative connects them with local food producers, pubs and B&Bs on public transport, which means it's never been easier to explore the area in an eco-friendly way.
(What to do in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire).
10. Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay was once best known for its caravan parks and fairground attractions, but things have changed in the last decade. Major renovations have cleared the dust from this arty corner of Tyne and Wear, helping to put the old seaside favorite back on the map.
The kilometer-long sandy beach, certified Blue Flag every year since 1994, attracts many. Brave locals swim and paddleboard all year round, and surfers are well served by the North Atlantic swell.
(A UK getaway to Whitley Bay: North East seafood, beach walks and a Spanish town).
