Be inspired by the Great British outdoors

It's time to take the chance to go outdoors, grab it with both hands and explore more of this beautiful isle we call home. Go out and discover those hidden gems in the UK which we may never have considered visiting before.

Being outdoors and enjoying all of the pursuits that our beautiful island has to offer has the power to fill our lives with adventure; the power to inspire and the power to provide a huge sense of well-being. Nature in all its stark beauty creates a sense of awe and wonder so, here at holidaycottages.co.uk, we'd like to invite you to be inspired by our campaign, Discover the Great British Outdoors, and set your sights on making the most of everything right here on your doorstep.

Let us set the scene for your next UK adventure and give you a glimpse of some of the great places that you can start exploring. Whether you choose to visit the Great British Coast, our many lakes and rivers, or the abundance of national parks, allow us to share our passion for the great British outdoors.

Find places to fall in love with and make memories which will last.

The South West

The South West is home to some of this country’s most-loved natural landscapes. With a wide range of outdoor activities on offer, as well as some simply astounding views, this region offers the chance to reset in the fresh air.

You could discover Devon, unique with its twin coastlines and two moors, where you can dip your toes in the salty sea or roam the wilderness high on the hills. Or maybe you’d like to discover Dorset, where the meandering green hills that have inspired some of the country’s greatest writers give way to the Jurassic Coast, bursting with history. Or discover Somerset and its abundance of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where incredible landscapes stretch from the craggy heights of Exmoor to the depths of Cheddar Gorge.

Wherever you choose to visit, you cannot fail to be captivated by the diversity of natural settings in this wonderful region.

Wales

A land steeped in myth and legend; you only need to make one visit to Wales to fall under its spell. From the turquoise waters of the coast to the mountainous heights of Mount Snowdon, there is so much to explore here. Within the varied landscape, you’ll find historic towns, majestic castles and a wide range of wildlife too.

With three national parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to uncover, this is a country for those who love to explore. Get your adrenaline pumping by delving deep into a show cave, white water rafting down some rapids or hiking to the top of the highest mountain – the opportunities to find adventure are limitless.

Discover Wales

Scotland

Scotland is an untamed land of sheer natural beauty; snow-capped mountains reaching into the sky, glistening lochs stretching as far as the eye can see, and grand glens carved into the landscape are all waiting to be explored. Seek out unspoilt locations off the beaten track and you’ll be rewarded with a holiday unlike any other.

Visit places you’ve only ever seen in pictures, such as the clear Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, the white sands of Orkney, and the famous Loch Ness. Scattered in between these landscapes are traditional crofting hamlets, historic castles each with their own tale to tell, and an abundance of wildlife too – from eagles flying high above to whales swimming in the ocean depths.

Discover Scotland

The North of England

The region that inspired a whole host of literary and artistic minds with its captivating landscape, the North will certainly stir your soul. You’ll find an abundance of national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to explore, with plenty of tracks and trails to wander as well as more extreme outdoor pursuits to try out.

From the windswept coast of the Northumberland Coast AONB through to the rolling, sheep-peppered hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, each area has its own unique character. Along the way, you’ll discover charming towns, historic castles and some delicious food and drink too.

The Peak District

The Peak District is undoubtedly a location ripe for exploration and discovery and has the honour of being the world’s second most visited National Park. The panoramic views and vast expanses of patchwork landscape bring home the splendour of nature and, when coupled with an endless array of outdoor activities, stunning walks and magnificent waterfalls, you won’t ever want to be indoors.

The Peak District is a place brimming with picturesque beauty spots and places to picnic or photograph. Whether you seek the tranquillity of woodland, fancy a paddle on the water or want to take to two wheels on the Tissington Trail, this is the location to do it. And for those with a sense of adventure, there’s no better time or place than here and now for wild swimming, hiking or journeys underground.

Discover the Peak District

The Lake District

The Lake District is a truly wonderful place to absorb just how beautiful the UK is. Providing inspiration for myriad writers and artists and described by Wordsworth as: “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found," this is one of the ultimate locations to appreciate the outdoors.

With majestic lakes and dramatic, undulating landscapes punctuated with rugged fell mountains, this place is powerful enough to reawaken your senses and rekindle a passion for nature and the outside world. Home to the highest mountain in England, this is a place for adventurers and hikers as well as dreamers and thinkers.

Aside from the lakes themselves, there is also a lovely stretch of coastline which encompasses wild salt marshes and nature reserves, brimming with wildlife.

Discover the Lake District

The East of England

At the far edge of the country, the East of England has an abundance of unspoilt and untouched landscapes to explore all under a giant sky.

Meander along the Norfolk Broads by boat, keeping an eye out for river birds darting in and out of the reeds, or visit Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to immerse yourself in the bucolic landscape immortalised by Constable.

Of course, there’s miles upon miles of coastline to explore too, whether you breathe in the brackish air of the North Norfolk saltmarshes, roam the heather and gorse heathlands of the Suffolk coast or enjoy a traditional day out by the seaside at Great Yarmouth.

The South Coast

Enjoying some of the best weather in Great Britain, and easily accessible from London, the South Coast is perfect for visiting all year round, so it’s no surprise it’s a favourite of many staycationers. If you’re looking for incredible scenery combined with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, the South Coast is well worth a visit.

Wander through the spirit-lifting scenery of the South Downs National Park, the High Weald AONB and the Kent Downs AONB or crunch along the southern shores before stopping for some delicious fish and chips.

You could discover Kent with its towering chalk cliffs, historic landmarks and gorgeous sandy shores. Or discover the New Forest with its huge variety of landscapes including magical woodland, open heathland and beautiful beaches, not to mention the iconic native ponies.