It’s around this time of year that the holiday itch arrives. Right on schedule, the call to distant beaches, uncharted cobbled streets and the satisfying anonymity of discovering somewhere new grows from a whisper to a roar.
But why should that entail red-eye flights and airport queues? Sources tell us that in-the-know Brits are staying put this summer – with a recent YouGov survey finding that Blighty is the second-most-popular holiday destination for Brits this year.
From hedonistic highland getaways to Michelin-starred room service, there’s plenty popping up across these enchanted isles to entice. Here are seven destinations across the UK that we’ve got our eye on, none of which require a passport stamp.
But why should that entail red-eye flights and airport queues? Sources tell us that in-the-know Brits are staying put this summer – with a recent YouGov survey finding that Blighty is the second-most-popular holiday destination for Brits this year.
From hedonistic highland getaways to Michelin-starred room service, there’s plenty popping up across these enchanted isles to entice. Here are seven destinations across the UK that we’ve got our eye on, none of which require a passport stamp.
Feathers Hotel, Woodstock
Just down the road, with a stellar wine list and small plates menu to match, the Back Lane Tavern is a local institution, while historic The Bull, Charlbury is a scenic 15-minute drive away.
Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Its US equivalent might be famed for festivals, but this quaint market town in the rolling fields of Oxfordshire is more teacups and hedgerows than tie-dye and tambourines, making it the perfect antidote to city life. Newly refurbished The Feathers Hotel, which reopened last autumn, is a stylish place to stay – and has a soon-to-be-unveiled outdoor bar and terrace for the summer. The 18 rooms and five suites blend period charm with contemporary élan, while the restaurant plates up modern European dishes using local produce.Just down the road, with a stellar wine list and small plates menu to match, the Back Lane Tavern is a local institution, while historic The Bull, Charlbury is a scenic 15-minute drive away.
The Anglesey coast | Credit: Rhianna Parry
Anglesey, Wales
The Welsh north-west is experiencing something of a foodie renaissance – and Anglesey is leading the charge. The dramatically beautiful coastline on both sides of the Menai Strait provides an abundance of fresh seafood – check out the Seafood Trail to connect with fishermen and restaurateurs in North Wales, and check out exciting restaurants like Catch 22 and Y Marram, both of which offer creative twists on brunch and dinner classics.
The open-plan kitchen at Du Cabana | Credit: Birch StaysIf you’re seeking somewhere to decamp for the summer with a gaggle of friends, Anglesey fits the brief. Alongside excellent local produce perfect for whipping up evening feasts, there are beaches, walking trails and pubs aplenty for slow-paced summer days.
Group accommodation can be tricky, but Birch Stays’ stylish Du Cabana is a standout. Overlooking Maelog Lake and with views of Rhosneigr Bay, it’s the antithesis of tired seaside clichés, with its open-plan kitchen lending itself to delicious evenings in. Head to Hooton's Homegrown farm shop or & Caws Deli for supplies.
Group accommodation can be tricky, but Birch Stays’ stylish Du Cabana is a standout. Overlooking Maelog Lake and with views of Rhosneigr Bay, it’s the antithesis of tired seaside clichés, with its open-plan kitchen lending itself to delicious evenings in. Head to Hooton's Homegrown farm shop or & Caws Deli for supplies.
Camp des Rêves | Credit: Langlois Photography
For a stay that feels as fresh as the surrounding sea breezes, check into a shepherd hut at Camp de Rêves or book one of the canopy-gazing treehouse rooms at Fermain Valley Hotel.
Guernsey, Channel Islands
With rugged coastal walks along the Jerbourg Peninsula and wild swimming in the crystal-clear L'Ancresse Bay, Guernsey has shed its retirees-only reputation. Case in point? Starry chef Nathan Davies – of SY23 in Aberystwyth and Great British Menu fame – is opening his latest restaurant, Vraic, there in July. While the details are hush-hush, rumour has it that the menu will feature island produce exclusively, cooked over fire. The Puffin & Oyster is a good option for a relaxed evening meal.For a stay that feels as fresh as the surrounding sea breezes, check into a shepherd hut at Camp de Rêves or book one of the canopy-gazing treehouse rooms at Fermain Valley Hotel.
A bedroom, and afternoon tea, at Osip in Bruton | Credit: Dave Watts
There’s a buoyant creative scene in Bruton, too, reflected in the small independent shops you’ll find throughout town. Head to Swan Vintage for a curated fashion edit, New Romantic for bohemian interior picks, and Rag of Colts for handmade leather bags.
The farm-to-table, Michelin-starred Osip has just transformed a 17th-century coaching inn into luxury accommodation and is the best place to stay in the village. Each room sports oak floors and exposed brick – and allows guests access to Osip’s cardamom buns first thing in the morning.
Bruton, Somerset
American novelist John Steinbeck once wrote to his wife about Bruton, saying: “I wish you could feel this place. There’s goodness here… something that clears your eyes.” It’s a sentiment that still holds. Tucked into the Somerset hills, this magnetic town brims with antique shops, artisans and a strong sense of place. The region’s famed cider and cheddar are best sampled at Godminster in the town centre, or, just outside the village, at Southdown Cider, where small-batch blends are served in an orchard taproom.There’s a buoyant creative scene in Bruton, too, reflected in the small independent shops you’ll find throughout town. Head to Swan Vintage for a curated fashion edit, New Romantic for bohemian interior picks, and Rag of Colts for handmade leather bags.
The farm-to-table, Michelin-starred Osip has just transformed a 17th-century coaching inn into luxury accommodation and is the best place to stay in the village. Each room sports oak floors and exposed brick – and allows guests access to Osip’s cardamom buns first thing in the morning.
Wild swimming in Braemar | Credit: Sarah Weal
Take a dark sky tour with Mountain Skies Braemar for some dreamy stargazing, or ground yourself in nature at Wilderness Sauna. Against the backdrop of heather-strewn hills, this transformed horsebox has spectacular views over a waterfall and allows guests to jump in the river for an icy-cold plunge. If your trip lands at the end of summer, you might even catch some caber tossing at the (royally attended) Braemar Gathering, alongside other traditional Scottish games. Hammer throw, anyone?
Braemar, Scottish Highlands
Word is that 2025 is set to be one of the best years for aurora activity in decades – and in the UK, there’s no better vantage point than the Scottish Highlands. For the best chance of a sighting, head to Braemar – now a celebrity haunt, thanks to Margot Robbie acquiring a new home here. The village is also home to The Fife Arms, a maximalist marvel of a boutique stay housing over 16,000 works of art within its story-book walls, including an original Picasso.Take a dark sky tour with Mountain Skies Braemar for some dreamy stargazing, or ground yourself in nature at Wilderness Sauna. Against the backdrop of heather-strewn hills, this transformed horsebox has spectacular views over a waterfall and allows guests to jump in the river for an icy-cold plunge. If your trip lands at the end of summer, you might even catch some caber tossing at the (royally attended) Braemar Gathering, alongside other traditional Scottish games. Hammer throw, anyone?
The Yard in Bath
Just minutes away, The Yard, a former Georgian coach house drenched in Scandi pastels and furnished with vintage treasures, makes for a smart city crashpad – with a breakfast hamper delivered to your door each morning. Those seeking a stay more suited to a Darcy than a Bennett should check in at No. 15 by Guesthouse. Located on one of the city’s grandest, widest streets, it offers elegant rooms and an indulgent in-house spa.
After a stroll through Bath Farmers' Market or the curios-filled Bartlett Street Antiques Centre, the city’s dining scene offers plenty to satisfy even the most discerning sensibilities. Beckford Canteen, set in a converted greenhouse, is worth a visit for its modern Mediterranean menus, while its sister spot, Beckford Bottle Shop, is known for its wine and sharing plates. For a dash of evening drama, slip into the moodily lit Dark Horse Bar.
Bath, Somerset
Bath is having a moment this summer, with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in full swing. Literary pilgrims should head to No.1 Royal Crescent, where original manuscripts and personal letters will be on display from July, offering a rare glimpse into the writer’s world.Just minutes away, The Yard, a former Georgian coach house drenched in Scandi pastels and furnished with vintage treasures, makes for a smart city crashpad – with a breakfast hamper delivered to your door each morning. Those seeking a stay more suited to a Darcy than a Bennett should check in at No. 15 by Guesthouse. Located on one of the city’s grandest, widest streets, it offers elegant rooms and an indulgent in-house spa.
After a stroll through Bath Farmers' Market or the curios-filled Bartlett Street Antiques Centre, the city’s dining scene offers plenty to satisfy even the most discerning sensibilities. Beckford Canteen, set in a converted greenhouse, is worth a visit for its modern Mediterranean menus, while its sister spot, Beckford Bottle Shop, is known for its wine and sharing plates. For a dash of evening drama, slip into the moodily lit Dark Horse Bar.
Fowlescombe Farm
Dartmoor, Devon
Not a national park without good reason, Dartmoor is one of the UK’s last true wildernesses, promising raw, cinematic beauty. At its edge sits Fowlescombe Farm, a new hideaway that pairs rustic luxury with off-grid calm. Guests bed down in timber-clad cabins and spend days roaming the surrounding moors or sinking into outdoor baths under starry skies. The on-site Refectory restaurant turns out a daily changing seasonal menu, built around what’s grown or foraged on the estate. Nearby Tavistock is worth a detour. Head to The Cornish Arms, a traditional high-street pub recognised by the Michelin guide for its elevated cooking and no-fuss charm. For something even more remote, the Dartmoor Inn in Merrivale temps with open-fire cooking and hyperlocal produce, all served up in a rustic, roadside location.