Wells Cathedral in Somerset, a magnificent medieval cathedral, was a highlight for one reader. As a fan of the film Hot Fuzz, they were excited to explore the city where much of the movie was shot. Wells is a charming, compact, and walkable city, filled with medieval architecture and the gothic cathedral, which houses one of the oldest working clocks in the UK (late 14th century) and the Bishop's Palace and Gardens. It is within easy reach of the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, and Wookey Hole Caves, making it a low-key alternative to touristy Bath.
Wild Camping in the West Highlands
The Ardnamurchan peninsula, including the most westerly point in mainland Britain at Corrachadh Mòr, offers stunning landscapes. One reader spent a night wild camping by the shell-sand beach at Sanna Bay, surrounded by machair grassland and wildflowers. They walked to Ardnamurchan lighthouse, spotted dolphins, and swam in cold but crystal-clear waters. The simplicity of the trip, with no accommodation check-ins, was a plus.
Cinematic Light and Seabirds in East Lothian
North Berwick in East Lothian feels like a proper holiday without needing a passport. Take the early train, walk to the beach, and continue past the harbour towards the Scottish Seabird Centre, where the light over the Firth of Forth changes by the minute. At low tide, the views are cinematic, with wide stretches of sand. On clear evenings, Bass Rock turns gold, offering a remote feel despite being close to Edinburgh.
Rock-Pooling and Picnics in Devon
Beer in east Devon was an ideal choice for a group of women in their 40s with six children aged 4 to 11. They stayed at the large YHA hostel, which was relaxed and family-friendly. The kids enjoyed the stream running through the village and spent hours rock-pooling on the beach, discovering tiny crabs and sea anemones. The clifftop walk to Seaton offers incredible views. Woozie's Deli is a must for fresh treats, perfect for seaside picnics.
A Cycling Tour of the Northumberland Coast
One reader cycled the Northumberland coast from Newcastle to Berwick over four days, visiting Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh castles, the mining museum at Woodhorn, and the RNLI Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh. They swam from huge, empty beaches. Cycling over the causeway to Lindisfarne was the highlight, an incredible place where the road disappears under the sea after returning to the mainland.
A Community Co-op in the Outer Hebrides
Ravenspoint community hostel on Loch Èireasort, south of Stornoway, is home to nesting sea eagles and sea otters. It feels remote even by Outer Hebridean standards. The hostel has a rich history, owned by Co-Chomunn na Pairc, a community co-operative from the 1970s. Profits from the hostel, shop, and tea rooms support vital services for visitors and locals year-round.
Happy Days in West Yorkshire's Happy Valley
Sharing an obsession with Happy Valley, a reader and their teenage son spent a long weekend in Hebden Bridge. They scouted filming locations in Sowerby Bridge and Hebden, climbed to Heptonstall to visit Sylvia Plath's grave, caught a film at the independent Picture House, and hiked along the river and moors beyond Hardcastle Crags. An early morning run along the canal and the best pizza in town topped it off.
Cliffs, Castles, and Chips in Ayrshire
Ayrshire is beautiful, bucolic, and full of family-friendly activities, often overlooked by Munro-baggers heading north. It offers excellent local produce, coastal splendour, and historic attractions. Start at Dumfries House with its gardens, treetop adventure area, and interactive water play. Visit the ruins of clifftop Dunure Castle, then stroll along Croy Bay to Culzean Castle, with gardens, play area, and views of Arran and Ailsa Craig. Finish at the Coo Shed for local ice-cream and the Wee Hurrie for outstanding fish and chips.
A Village Idyll in Snowdonia
A weekend break in Trefriw on the River Crafnant in north Wales offered a peaceful village with lively pubs. Staying at the Fairy Falls hotel, they explored surrounding river and mountain walks and viewed the cascades.
Winning Tip: Hadrian's Wall by Bus and Train
Exploring Hadrian's Wall by train, bus, and on foot was a standout UK trip. The holiday began once the first train was boarded. Staying at the Sill youth hostel, they used the AD122 bus from Hexham station to visit several Roman sites, including Housesteads, 'Britain's most complete Roman fort'. Another highlight was Vindolanda fort and museum, a mile and a half from the Sill.
