The best UK holiday destinations on offer

Travel has undoubtedly been one of, if not the most heavily affected industry by the COVID-19 crisis. With millions of flights cancelled and borders closed, international mobility ground to a complete halt, deeply impacting the transport and tourism industries. And while things are slowly returning to normal, the situation isstill very uncertain; it is unclear whether we’ll be able to travel far for our vacations this summer.

The good news is, though, that you don’t need to jet to the other side of the world to enjoy your much-needed holiday. You don’t even need to cross an ocean at all – the UK, with all its charm and stunning natural beauty, has more than enough to offer in the summer months. So, here is a list of some of the Wingly team’s favourite places to holiday in the UK!
 

The Lake District is one of the most stunning areas of the UK, boasting nearly 1,000 square miles of pristine natural beauty. This one is certainly one for all the nature-lovers out there; from England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, to the famous Lake Windermere, the national park’s largest lake, the walking and cycling trails never seem to end. On top of this, the Lakes also offer plenty of activities for the kids, who might not be as keen on hiking up mountains for the whole holiday! With everything from wildlife parks and alpaca walking, to the famous World of Beatrix Potter, the children will never get bored with so much choice to keep them entertained!
 

Originally a small fishing town, the coastal resort of St Ives has been transformed into a thriving tourist destination in recent years. It’s easy to see why holidaymakers flock here every summer…St Ives offers everything from surfing at the vast Porthmeor beach, to hiking and outdoor activities on the St Ives headland, to an array of quirky independent boutiques, restaurants and cafés in its cobbled streets. The town is particularly famous for its large number of galleries and art exhibitions. If you prefer staying somewhere a bit more peaceful, the nearby town of Carbis Bay also offers stunning views from its clifftop accommodation but slightly away from the touristic centre. Take a stroll along the beautiful coastal path whenever you fancy and you’ll find yourself in the bustling centre of St Ives within half an hour.
 

If you’re looking for a good time, there really are very few cities in the UK which rival Brighton, a thriving seaside resort famed for its diversity and culture.The city’s rich cultural, music and arts scene has led to often being labelled ‘the hippest city in the UK’, and when you visit for yourself it’s easy to see why. The famous ‘Brighton lanes’ are home to a myriad of trendy independent stores, quirky cafés and tea rooms, upmarket restaurants, artisan jewellery shops, high-end antique dealers. The list really does go on. Venture further to the seafront and you’ll get more of a taste of quintessential Britain – a traditional pier complete with old-style arcade and a thrilling amusement park perched at the end. Every year, the city hosts the annual Pride Festival, where you can watch the city come to life with colour and joy as thousands of people celebrate diversity and the LGBTQ community.
 

Travel over the Menai Strait along the northwest coast of Wales and you will find yourself on the island of Anglesey, one of the country’s best-loved holiday destinations. Perhaps most well-known for its outstanding natural beauty, the island boasts a stunning coastline of sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and small bays, along which runs a coastal path for walkers to meander. If that doesn’t satisfy your taste for adventure, why not trek up Holyhead Mountain, soaking up the magnificent views of the island from the top, or step back in time at the historic Beaumaris Castle? After a tiring day of exploring, relax and dine at one of the restaurants in the island’s many quaint towns and villages – from street food cafés to Michelin-star eateries, Anglesey hides a myriad of culinary delights!
 

With nearly 10,000 square miles of wilderness to explore, the Scottish Highlands are an unrivalled UK holiday destination for anyone with a taste for adventure. Not only is the region home to the Cairngorms, the UK’s largest national park, but towering above the many mountainous areas you will also find Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. Hundreds of thousands of hikers travel here every year as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, putting their fitness to the test in order to enjoy the stunning panoramic views from the top of the mountain. What better time to do it than when the sun is out and the weather is beautiful?
 

Newquay, often voted Britain’s best seaside resort, is truly paradise on Earth if you’re a lover of the sea and sand. Of the town’s twelve (yes, that’s right, twelve) beaches, Fistral and Watergate Bay Beach are renowned across the UK, as rolling waves from the Atlantic Ocean create a strong surf. For this reason, Newquay has become a magnet for young people around the country, hosting international surfing competitions and the famous annual Boardmasters Festival on Fistral beach. All this makes for a thriving and lively atmosphere, the perfect place to enjoy the UK’s summer months and soak up the sun! IIf you’re staying in Newquay, you’re also only a stone’s throw away from Cornwall’s myriad other seaside resorts and beaches, offering a plethora of opportunities to explore one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
 

We’ve already discussed how much Cornwall has to offer, but what about its neighbouring South West county, Devon? Both boasting stunning beaches, a plethora of quirky towns and villages to discover, and breathtaking landscape to explore, it’s very difficult to decide which makes a better UK holiday destination. So why not go see for yourself? Devon has countless gorgeous spots but one of the most beautiful is the coastal town of Salcombe. Situated on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is well-known for its water-sports, offering everything from sailing and kayaking to surfing and paddle boarding. The streets themselves are lined with boutique shops, local art galleries and gift shops, as well as some of the best restaurants in Devon, serving locally caught fresh seafood and locally farmed produce. Being one of the most southern towns in Devon, Salcombe also benefits from wonderful weather during the summer months!
 

The breathtaking Isle of Wight is truly one of the UK’s most beautiful spots. Situated in the English Channel, off the coast of Hampshire, the island is renowned for its mild climate (arguably the best weather on offer in the UK can be found here!), coastal scenery, and verdant landscape against a stunning ocean backdrop. There is plenty here to do for all ages and all interests, from the abundance of sports activities on offer to the world-renowned Isle of Wight Festival which takes place in June every year. Particularly impressive is the island’s most famous attraction, the Needles, three large chalk stalks which rise 30m out of the sea and are headed by the Needles Lighthouse at the most western point.

And while you’re holidaying in the UK, why not try something completely different and take a Wingly flight experience to see the area from the sky? It’s sure to be a unique memory you’ll never forget!