With a summer of staycations hotly anticipated, you certainly won’t be alone if you’re looking for somewhere you and the family can get away from it all without flying off to faraway shores this year. Thankfully, the UK has no end of beautiful backdrops to get out and explore, whether you plan on getting around by foot, bike or car. From lush national parks to soaring mountains and sweeping coastlines, here are five of our favourite places to enjoy a brush with nature around the UK.
One of Britain’s most spectacular stretches of wilderness, the Cairngorms National Park occupies more than 4,500 square kilometers of Northern Scotland. Combining soaring peaks, lush forests and glistening lakes, the area is one of few places in the UK where you can enjoy landscapes that are totally remote and relatively untouched by humans. What’s more, the park is home to a whole host of rare and endangered species of birds and mammals for you to keep your eyes peeled for.
You can find a range of trails right across the park, and each is well signposted and should be easy to follow. They are up to 65 miles in length, so don’t expect to be completing these in full, especially if you have any little ones in tow. Popular options include the Speyside Way, which links the Moray Coast with the Grampian Mountains by following the valley of the River Spey, or the Cateran Trail which runs in a circle and takes in farmland, forests and moors across Perthshire and the Angus Glens.
If you’re looking for a comfortable base while exploring the Cairngorms, there’s always our Leonardo Hotel Inverness and Leonardo Boutique Hotel Huntingtower Perth.
Spanning more than 500 square kilometres of rural Hampshire and Wiltshire, the beautiful New Forest is one of the last and largest remaining tracts of natural woodland in England. While the sprawling New Forest was designated a national park as recently as 2005, this vast woodland was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It’s legendary for the sheer diversity of plant and animal species that can be found here, and the area has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest as a result. If you’re looking for a brush with nature in Southern England, it’s pretty tough to beat.
What’s more, there’s a whole host of activities on offer to keep families busy. Spot one of the UK’s largest land mammals at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, before hitting the trails on bikes hired at Cyclexperience in Brockenhurst. Then there’s Avon Tyrell Outdoor Centre where you can try things like archery and kayaking, before ramping up the thrills on the treetops course at Go Ape! Moors Valley.
While the wilderness of the New Forest is a delight to explore by day, you may need somewhere cosy to recharge your batteries each evening. If so, there’s always our stylish Leonardo Hotel Southampton hotel a short distance away in the neighbouring city.
Taking in rugged moors, epic cliffs and a scattering of quaint seaside towns, North Yorkshire’s Coast offers plenty of ways to mix things up. Facing out across the choppy North Sea, there’s plenty to enjoy as you make your way north or south through the county, including sweeping beaches and lush green open countryside.
We recommend starting with the towering cliffs and secluded coves of Flamborough Head at the border with East Yorkshire, before heading north and seeing what’s on offer in classic seaside resort Scarborough. From there, you can make your way through the spectacular
North York Moors and also explore North Riding Forest Park, which even has a visitors centre, bike hire and Go Ape! treetops course. Continuing north, you’ve got a lovely stretch of coastline at Robin Hood’s Bay before you reach historic Whitby with its legendary Abbey. Go for a paddle at Sandsend or Runswick Bay before you reach the postcard-perfect fishing village of Staithes.
If you need a base for starting or ending your journey (depending on the direction you choose), our Leonardo Hotel Middlesbrough hotel is only a touch further up the coast from here.
Sitting at the heart of England, the Peak District is one of the country’s best loved national parks. It’s characterised by rugged hills, broken only by chains of reservoirs and pretty little villages set into its valleys. As such, this is easily one of the most picturesque places in the UK and you’re spoilt for choice as to family friendly ways to take it all in.
To begin with you can get high above and far below the ground at the spectacular Heights of Abraham, the tickets to which get you both a thrilling cable car ride and access to two impressive caverns. Then there’s the chance to get up close with adorable species like penguins and meerkats at Peak Wildlife Park, while stately homes such as Chatsworth should keep any history buffs entertained. Meanwhile, reservoirs like Ladybower and Derwent are perfect spots for a family walk or bike ride.
All that adventuring is sure to take it out of you, so there’s always Leonardo Hotel Sheffield nearby where you can kick back and relax come evening.
Occupying swathes of open country in South Wales, the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park combine extraordinary landscapes with exciting family activities. From strolls around reservoirs to summiting peaks and finding your way through forests, this treasured corner of the UK feels a million miles from everyday life.
There’s something to suit all ages in the Brecon Beacons, from paddling and kayaking in the River Wye to brushing up on your history at Carreg Cennen Castle. Then there’s the option of pony trekking, not to mention the spectacular stargazing on offer in this part of the UK.
If you need somewhere stylish to unwind after long days spent outdoors, our Leonardo Hotel Cardiff hotel is well within reach, just a short drive south.
Whatever your staycation plans are this year, with so many beautiful wilderness environments across the UK, you won’t be running out of options.
The Second Names of Cities in the UK and Around the WorldThe Big Apple, The City...
MORE +
