Delightful British Escapes to Inspire Your Local Exploration in 2021
From closed borders to quarantine and constantly changing travel restrictions - the unprecedented impact of the global pandemic has catapulted domestic travel to new popularity heights. According to our recent research, four in 10 (42%) Brits* reveal they intend to stay closer to home when travelling in the coming year and 40% of Brits* want to explore new destinations in their own country. In Booking.com’s recent Future of Travel predictions, domestic travel will only continue to grow in popularity, with travellers preferring to be familiarists not tourists. To cater to those looking for the most exciting doorstep delights, we have delved into our top-endorsed destinations in the UK to create a list of places known for their spectacular scenery, snowy ski slopes and white sandy beaches to show travellers you don’t always need to travel far to experience something special…
Aviemore, Highlands
The 18% of British travellers* who don’t want to miss out on a winter sport trip in the coming year will be pleased to know that they won’t have to travel overseas to hit the slopes. Aviemore in Scotland offers one of the best areas in the UK to ski and snowboard, so it is no surprise that this destination is Booking.com’s most endorsed region for skiing in the UK. Visitors travelling here can take advantage of the CairnGorm Mountain area, with long rolling slopes which hold the snow well throughout the winter season.
Where to stay: No ski trip would feel complete without a cosy, alpine themed accommodation. A ski trip to Scotland is of course no exception, and Aviemore Lodges is the perfect spot to get into the mountain mindset. The chalet style accommodation is the perfect set-up to relax and enjoy an evening in with a tastefully decorated kitchen and dining area and a comfortable lounge area to rest after a long day on the mountain.
Windermere, Lake District
The 43% of Brits* who want to take time to appreciate the natural beauty when travelling on their home soil, will not be disappointed by a trip to Windermere in the Lake District, the top-endorsed destination in the UK for nature according to Booking.com travellers. Windermere Lake is a staggering 10.5 miles long, with a 219 feet drop at its deepest point! The views around Windermere are also like no other, with the region’s four mountains towering high in the sky, providing breathtaking views of the snowy peak of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain.
Where to stay: Located near Ambleside on Lake Windermere is The Samling Hotel, a luxurious hotel that offers spectacular views of the mountain or the lake from most bedrooms. Guests will be tempted to not even leave the hotel when visiting as the property features fantastic facilities including a decadent bar area, a restaurant serving locally sourced British cuisine, plus a garden and terrace to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Hartington, Peak District
Travellers looking for striking scenery will find everything they dreamed of – and more - in the Peak District. An area that offers landscapes so mesmerising one might think they are in New Zealand, and not in the middle of Derbyshire. When looking for a place to stay, Hartington Village is the number one endorsed destination by our travellers for walking in the UK. This charming village is in prime location to explore those highly rated walks to experience the best views the Peak District National Park has to offer.
Where to stay: Situated right in the heart of Hartington is the Devonshire Arms, an inviting Inn that has been beautifully modernised to offer guests a truly comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and garden area, and with added health and hygiene measures, travellers can rest assured they will have a safe and relaxing stay, just what is needed after a long day exploring the Peak District.
Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth has long been a traditional and popular British summer destination, yet located just outside the city on a small, quiet peninsula, is Sandbanks; an up and coming destination for seaside delights. Bournemouth’s next-door neighbour has become the stomping ground for a few famous faces in recent years, thanks to its soft golden sand beaches, tranquil location and sparkling sea views. Insights from Booking.com reveals that Bournemouth is one of its top-endorsed destinations for walking in the UK, and a popular walk is heading along Bournemouth’s promenade which leads up to the shores of Sandbanks. When visiting Bournemouth, travellers will have plenty to do, from spending the day exploring the cosmopolitan town centre or escape the town for a peaceful day walking along the beach to take in the sea views.
Where to stay: For travellers wanting to make the most of being by the sea when visiting Bournemouth, a stay at Stunning Sea View Apartment Near the Beach, Bournemouth & Poole should be on their list. Located moments from the beach and in close proximity to the glamorous area of Sandbanks, this property boasts amazing sea views and impeccably stylish designs, featuring elegant décor and a plush bathroom with a marble finish.
North Queensferry, Fife
North Queensferry in Scotland is a little gem not to be missed. This lesser-known destination is in fact making its mark as one of the most-endorsed destinations for scenery according to Booking.com travellers due to being situated next to three iconic bridges - the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge, its younger neighbour the Forth Road Bridge, and the newest addition, the Queensferry Crossing. All uniquely designed bridges are cementing North Queensferry as a must-see destination for travellers with a passion for architecture and design.
Where to Stay: With panoramic views across the Firth of Forth, the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing is the perfect accommodation for travellers wanting to be wowed by Queensferry’s iconic bridges. The hotel also features a fantastic restaurant, North Shore, serving up gastronomic delights of both international and traditional dishes, always using fresh, local produce. Moreover, this property has customers safety front of mind and has introduced extra health and hygiene measures to give visitors peace of mind when staying.
Machynlleth, Gwynedd
Insights from Booking.com also reveal that 71% of Brits* now appreciate more simple experiences such as spending time in the great outdoors, and for travellers hoping to get back out to reconnect with nature, Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic place to visit. Machynlleth, Wales is a quaint market town situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park,making it the perfect base to enjoy a plethora of picturesque walks. This small town also features within Booking.com’s top 10 UK destinations endorsed by travellers for nature. A highlight and must-see is Dolgoch Falls, a series of three breath-taking waterfalls easily reached from Machynlleth.
Where to stay: For a glamping experience with a rustic twist, guests can stay at Bwlcheinion Sea View Glamping, a bespoke wooden pod providing cosy accommodation. This peaceful location, five miles from Machynlleth, is the perfect spot for those wanting to get back in touch with their wild side and to have some peace and quiet in the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy taking in the sea views or sitting around the glamping pod’s campfire toasting marshmallows!
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com is sharing travel offers for travellers to use on their next trip, as it is safe to travel. Whether planning ahead or booking last-minute, local options around the corner or further afield, discounts start at 15 percent.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and must be planning to travel in the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total 20,934 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including from 999 USA, 496 from Canada, 497 from Mexico, 997 from Colombia, 999 from Brazil, 499 from Argentina, 995 from Australia, 499 from New Zealand, 999 from Spain, 996 from Italy, 996 from France, 999 from UK, 996 from Germany, 498 from Netherlands, 499 from Denmark, 499 from Sweden, 498 from Croatia, 1001 from Russia, 498 from Israel, 997 from India, 994 from China, 499 from Hong Kong, 497 from Thailand, 496 from Singapore, 499 from Taiwan, 997 from South Korea, 500 from Vietnam and 995 from Japan). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2020.