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Some of the best holidays are done from a bolthole where you can return each evening for a night of comfort, whether a B&B or private cottage. You’re saved the stress of packing up and moving on every few days and knowing what to expect from your accommodation provides peace of mind.
It doesn’t have to mean restrictions either, if you base yourself in the right location. Just make sure all drivers are covered with appropriate car insurance and conduct essential vehicle safety checks before setting off so you’re properly protected for daily journeys behind the wheel. Discover our top three spots for a summer holiday in England with scenic day trips.
- The Jurassic Coast
The 95-mile stretch of coastline between Exmouth and Studland (Devon and Dorset) on England south coast is a unique cultural gem. It’s the only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in England, recognised for providing insight into 185 million years of the Earth’s history through striking rock formations which reveal layers from different periods and contain a wealth of fossils. Enjoy fossil-hunting on the beach, walks along the cliffs and leisure time along the coastline.
Weymouth, the largest town with a lively atmosphere, is well-connected for the entire area via main roads and public transport routes. Lyme Regis is another popular option with a quieter atmosphere and varied accommodation options, although it’s an hour by car to hotspot Lulworth Cove. To really get away from it all, base yourself in the quaint seaside town of Swanage close to the beautiful Isle of Purbeck.
- The Cotswolds
This gorgeous part of south-central England is famous as an unparalleled UK holiday destination. Expect scenic farmland including swathes of lavender, dappled woodland and river walks and centuries-old villages oozing character and charm. There are a number of historic houses to visit including the magnificent Blenheim Palace which hosts a prestigious flower show in June.
Choosing your base carefully is important, with each area offering something different. For intimate romantic getaways, quieter villages like Bibury and Painswick are picturesque and peaceful hideaways. Cheltenham and central market towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Cirencester are best for exploring the wider area. Beware of staying in very popular tourist spots which are very busy during the day, like Bourton-on-the-Water (known as ‘Venice of the Cotswolds).
- North York Moors
Third largest national park in England, the North York Moors is a place of magic. The drives are as spectacular as the destinations, crossing high in the hills through fields of heather with the sea glittering beyond, and many of the attractions are shrouded in legend like the awe-inspiring Whitby Abbey. Cycling and walking is highly rewarding, with sensational far-reaching views. It’s also a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 25 in the world, making it an unbeatable spot for stargazing (be careful when driving in the dark!).
Base yourself closer to the moorland for escapist walks, in charming villages like Hutton-le-Hole or Goathland, known for its film-worthy railway. The coastal towns like Robin Hood’s Bay boast winding cobbled streets lined with independent shops and legendary smuggler’s coves and provide easy access to the golden beaches and invigorating clifftop trails. The market town of Helmsley, which shelters 900-year-old Rievaulx Abbey, is another popular option.