Breathtaking getaways in the UK

White sand, turquoise waters, unspoiled nature… these are all things that you think would describe the Caribbean islands and certainly nothing in the UK. You would be wrong - the beaches of the isles of Lewis and Harris off the west coast of Scotland offer a completely natural getaway with incredible views and wildlife and you’ll think you’ve been transported across the Atlantic.

On the Isle of Skye, part of the Scottish Hebrides, you can find (after a hike) rock pools of gorgeous, clear water. As the streams flow from the Cuillin Mountains, the river provides stunning waterfalls of crystal clear spring water. Connecting with nature and connecting with natural beauty.

High Force in Durham is pretty amazing. It is a 70-foot waterfall that is wonderful to behold. Surrounded by natural beauty and with many quaint BnBs to stay nearby, it should be near the top of anyone’s list to visit if you want to take in the natural air and see something special. It resembles the beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica and the fact they received the 2021 Safe Travel award should add to your pros for visiting the site.

(Photo: DiscoverDurham)

The summer months are the best to go to Northumberland and see incredible wildlife such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Take a cruise to enjoy the sun, air, and nature the UK seas have to offer. ‘You don’t need to travel anywhere exotic to see amazing wildlife,’ says Martin Kitching, director of Northern Experience Wildlife Tours in Northumberland.

Take a boat down the famous man-made Broads in Norfolk. With more waterways than Venice, you can travel down them by boat, kayak, or along the cycle paths that run along next to them. Passing villages as you go, you may also like to stumble upon the floating wildlife center, which offers panoramic views of the water. This trip will be one to remember. There are many places to stay and a number of activities for adults and children alike in this huge national park.

Clifftops that resemble Nusa Penida, the island in Bali, are right here in the UK. The Elegug Stacks. The coastline is stunning and the ragged rocks are perfect for climbing, if you love a free climb. The beaches are also great for a paddle! Walks around the area include three flooded limestone valleys which have created the most picturesque Lily ponds.

Looking for something more romantic? You won’t believe the beautiful skies you can appreciate from Devon. There are some luxury ‘stargazing’ cabins with outdoor bathtubs that can make your romantic stay especially special. Honiton is a quaint little town not far from the water where you can also find many things to do during the day.

Another place in the UK that could resemble the white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean, but completely the other end of the Kingdom (and a bit warmer down there too!). Presenting the idyllic Islands of Scilly. 140 islands being to the Island group with only 5 inhabited. Water sports, beaches and helicopter rides to take it all in by air - you really are on holiday there.

Resembling beautiful beaches in Finland, this area will completely transport you thanks to its expansive white beach that is loved by all who are looking for a relaxing staycation with walks through some beautiful scenery. There is also a nature reserve to visit, as well as a Prehistoric and Norse settlement. In fact, you can find such a huge range of historical treasures in one place, making it one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the UK.

Plunging out of the cliff face is Mealt Falls in Skye, Scotland. One of those rare waterfalls that go straight into the ocean, it drops out of ‘Kilt rock’ for 55 meters and is a fascinating sight to behold. The surrounding landscape is pure Scottish beauty with meadows of purple heather and panoramic views of the countryside and water.

Described as ‘the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe’, the settlement of Skara Brae on Orkney, Scotland, is a staggering 5,000 years old (older than the Egyptian pyramids) and still boasts original items within the dwellings such as box beds and dressers. Head to Orkney for some real countryside and go rent a Yurt nearby for a more adventurous, yet comfortable style of accommodation.

Filled with charm and history, there is a 15th-century hotel called the Mermaid Inn that sits among the ancient cobbled streets of Rye. The town is a short drive to the coast and beautiful beaches, which made it a perfect smugglers' town. You will find mysterious hidden passageways, secret entrances, and possibly even haunted rooms within the Inn itself.

Guernsey is the second largest Channel Island and, if it’s ‘sun, sun, sun’ you are looking for, then look no further as Guernsey has around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year compared to the UK average of 1,493. Walking, island hopping, and generally enjoying the unspoiled beaches and delicious seafood are the best ways to see the island.

Identical to the Mae Tad waterfall in Thailand is a Welsh waterfall that lies in Brecon Beacons called Sgwd yr Eira. From the village nearby, you take a walk to these incredible falls and pass other waterfalls on the way. The path leads along the river until you reach this breathtaking waterfall. The path then meanders behind the waterfall where you can stand looking out at the blanket of water rushing overhead.

Now, the Son Doong cave in Vietnam is the largest cave in the world, but North Yorkshire has a cave chamber that is the largest in Britain - the aptly named, Gaping Gill. The cave and routes around the chambers are expansive and there are so many entrances that you are sure to maintain distancing.

The Sidmouth coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is clear to see why. The expansive beaches and green coast are a delight to see and they are simply charming. There are plenty of activities for families and couples alike, making this a staycation adapted to all. Not far away there is a farm with lodges and hot tubs to make your rural retreat something special, as you sit under the stars with a campfire to reflect on the day.

Sandwood Bay in Sutherland mirrors Lønstrup in northern Denmark. The beach boasts 1.5 miles of sand in front of the bay’s large dunes and the Sandwood Loch. Completely unspoiled - the beach doesn’t even have road access and can only be reached after a 4-mile walk down a path from the nearest place you can park your car.

(Photo: dieter_weinelt)

Portmeirion was inspired by Italian architecture - featuring colorful buildings, a central ‘piazza’, and winding streets that pass through spectacular gardens and structures. It feels so Mediterranean, that you won’t believe you are in Wales. There are many events throughout the year, although you’ll have to check the schedule to find out what’s going to be organized this year.

A list of marvelous places in the UK wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Jurassic Coast which mirrors the Nusa Penida in Bali. It is one of the most popular getaways in England and you can see why. With expansive beaches and walkways where you can literally pick up history in your hands. Many go fossil hunting as rocks along with the shore offer an almost complete record of three entire time periods, a bit like viewing history itself in a walking timeline.

Watersports, play areas, and beach time for all the family, Sandbanks in Dorset is a great place for the whole family to escape. You feel like you have made it to the Mediterranean resorts, with the beautiful golden sands and sparkling clean waters. Renowned as one of the UK’s best beaches.

Brighton is, of course, a bustling beach town worthy of a visit. But, seven miles away, you can stroll through the beautiful Sussex countryside and find a hidden gem called Blackberry Wood Farm. There, you can stay in fairy-tale treehouses, a 1964 Routemaster London double-decker Bus, a refurbished fire engine, a converted 1965 Wessex Search and Rescue helicopter, or an original 1930s Gypsy Wagon. Quirky and fun.

(Photo: coolcamping.com)

St Ives, known as the ‘jewel’ in Cornwall’s crown, remarkably resembles the town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, which has been a popular holiday site for many Brits in the past. Look no further than this picturesque fishing village with cobbled streets and cottages for a relaxing staycation with some impressive views of the English countryside. The coastal paths pass award-winning restaurants, cafes, and bars to give you different backgrounds in which to kick back and relax.

The coast of Portugal is renowned for its surfing waters, but here in the UK, Croyde Bay can certainly come close to a surfing paradise. One of the most accessible surfing spots from London, Croyde is an idyllic village with golden sands and economical surfing. Want to try something new this year? This would be for you.

Bamburgh in Northumberland offers a beautiful, pristine beach as well as layers of sand dunes that resemble the French coast and secret restaurants tucked away on street corners. Not to mention the magnificent Bamburgh castle that dominates the landscape for miles. Social distancing would be a breeze here as the expansive beach offers plenty of space.

This year is one for reconnecting and getting the family together after years that, for many, have been haunted by separation. The UK has everything to offer right under the Brits' very noses and, now with all the new post-Brexit travel changes, the British people won't need a Visa to get there either!