How British Travelers are Rediscovering the Simple Pleasures
Our experience of the pandemic has given us the unique opportunity to take a step back and rediscover the beauty of simple pleasures. More time spent at home and various travel restrictions have not only triggered our wanderlust, but has also given us the opportunity to appreciate the wonder of travel, with 34% of British travelers feeling excited about the prospect of traveling again.*
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, when it’s safe to do so again, we have delved into our endorsement insights to uncover the top UK destinations endorsed by previous travelers for simple pleasures, such as nature and scenery, which also happen to be the endorsements that have seen the highest increase in popularity since the pandemic.
Relaxation - Llandudno, Clwyd
This seaside town is the largest in Wales, famed for its Victorian architecture and rich historical heritage. According to our insights, Llandudno is highly endorsed by travelers for its relaxing qualities, including being able to stroll down its sandy beach and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea. There are also plenty of activities on offer in and around Llandudno such as its Pier which is brimming with amusement arcades, cafés and shops or The Happy Valley, a public park that is home to wildlife, an open-air theatre, a toboggan run and even an artificial ski slope.
Where to stay: The boutique hotel, Lansdowne House in Llandudno provides stylish accommodation with a terrace, communal lounge and bar and has been praised for its immaculate service. Built in 1908, the renovated rooms are beautifully decorated with quirky furniture. Leisure Parks is a short walk from Lansdowne House, and the property is within less than a mile of Llandudno Pier.
Nature - Windermere, Cumbria
Windermere is both the largest lake in England and the name of the town in the south-eastern part of the Lake District, regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the UK. Visitors can hop on a ferry to the lake's west shore or embark on a steamboat cruise for the day. Windemere is also the top-endorsed destination in the UK for nature by our travelers, owing to its wealth of natural woodlands, beaches, fells, parks and gardens.
Where to stay: Situated on the edge of Lake Windermere, Merewood Country House Hotel has kept many of its original features from 1812 and includes vast acres of gardens with breathtaking views. Visitors to the hotel will also be able to enjoy the restaurant's delicious menu featuring regional products, such as locally caught trout. This location is ideal for immersing yourself in nature, as it is surrounded by 20 acres of land and is just moments away from walking paths to get lost in the surroundings.
Clean Air - Guiting Power, Gloucestershire
This delightful village is nestled in the heart of the north Cotswold country, above the small Windrush valley. For travelers looking for the best off-the-beaten-path locations, Guiting Power is our number one location endorsed by travelers for clean air. Gloucester City Council monitors local air quality using a network of passive diffusion tube samplers throughout the city. Visitors can also take in the idyllic countryside views, explore the various walking routes and footpaths and even witness sheep, horses and cattle.
Where to stay: The quintessential Guiting Guest House is situated in the charming Guiting Power village and was originally built in the 16th century as a farmhouse. Guests can admire the garden full of rose bushes and hollyhocks or explore the nearby peaceful surroundings, consisting of historic houses, pubs, churches and a village shop. Or during the winter months, travelers can cozy up by the toasty log fireplace inside the guest house.
Scenery - Appin, Argyll and Bute
Appin is a secluded coastal district in the Scottish West Highlands. It is the highest-endorsed destination in the UK for scenery, with its wild and rugged countryside, miles of coastline and glorious views across Loch Linnhe and the Morvern mountains. Popular sights include the romantic Castle Stalker, Kinlochlaich Garden Centre and Gardens and Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve.
Where to stay: This cozy villa in the idyllic Scottish West Highlands named Tigh an Lios, Appin House boasts a garden, barbecue facilities and terrace. The villa has a fully equipped kitchen, an open plan living room, dining area, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Guests can soak up the landscaped gardens, taking a detour around its secluded pathways, or they can embrace their adventurous side by taking up activities such as water skiing, windsurfing and fishing in the area.
Family Friendly - Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough is considered to be one of England's most famous seaside resort towns and has something to offer for everyone in the family with its beaches and endless entertainment among the amusement arcades. This is why it is one of the top-rated family friendly destinations in the UK on Booking.com. Dinosaur-loving kids can travel back in time to when dinosaurs existed at the Rotunda Museum. Water babies can splash about at the Alpamare water park or pay a visit to the SEA LIFE Scarborough Aquarium. The Viking settlement of Scarborough Castle is also a popular hotspot.
Where to stay: The Barn is a holiday home located in Scarborough with a garden, children’s playground and barbecue facilities. The house has a rustic yet modern ambience with lovely spacious rooms. Popular nearby landmarks include Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Scarborough Castle, both just a short drive away.
Tranquillity - Hickling, Norfolk
Hickling is a small village located in the gorgeous surroundings of the Norfolk Broads, with a juxtaposition of old and new houses and is amongst the top-endorsed destinations in the UK for tranquility. Its secluded nature, sweeping fields and large expanse of water contribute to the serene atmosphere, and watching the boats glide in and out along the picturesque broad is the perfect way to achieve tranquility.
Where to stay: Located in Hickling, The Old Dairy is a compact dog-friendly holiday home featuring a kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, bathroom and even a patio and barbecue. This spotless barn lies close to Hickling Broad, a haven for bird watchers, fishing, windsurfing and wildlife photography, and is only a short drive from many peaceful beaches nearby.
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* Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 733 British adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months. Respondents completed an online survey between 29th July and 5th August 2020.