Top 5 Places to Holiday in the UK

At ALTIDO, we are passionate about giving advice, inspiration and reasons to smile. We are all getting used to dealing with uncertainty, but what shouldn't be uncertain is your precious time away with family and friends. 

Trust ALTIDO with your UK holiday. You won't be disappointed. 

We have compiled a non-exhaustive, utterly subjective list of our favourite destinations to holiday in the UK, along with the best local secrets from our team around the country.

 

Cornwall, England

 

Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash

 

Local Secret

Cornwall is a place that makes people say, "why would we ever go abroad on holiday with this on our doorstep?" and for a good reason, Cornwall has something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a beach bum or a fish-loving foodie. If you are a nature lover, take a break from the beach and lose yourself in the ancient woodland of Draynes Wood (near Liskeard) to witness the cascading Golitha Falls. Follow the River Fowey (pronounced "Foy", as in "Joy") as it descends and eddies 90m through the woods and enjoy the changing scenery. The best time to come is after heavy rain, although the gradient means that the river is always fast-flowing.

Places to stay

Take the whole family down to Cornwall and stay in this rustic 5-bed in Treburgett, just 15 minutes drive away from the surf at Polzeath and the delicious food of Padstow. Click here to book.

 

Stay at this verdant 5-bed hideaway close to Polzeath & Padstow

 

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

 

Photo by Seema Miah on Unsplash

 

Local Secret

Hike one of the many coastal walks on this isolated part of the Aberdeenshire coastline between Peterhead and Fraserburgh.  Enjoy over 17 miles of deserted sand dunes (some of which are over 100 ft tall), birdwatching, castles, stone circles, nature reserves, fishing villages and a view of Rattray Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse is completely disconnected from the mainland, so it can be reached at low tide only.

Places to stay

Just under an hour from Rattray Head and Aberdeen, you'll find the wee hamlet of Forgue, the home of the Glendronach Distillery, and Drumblair House. This 7-bed family home is set in 8-acres of gardens and is traditionally furnished to a high standard. Drumblair House is situated between the beautiful Aberdeenshire coast to the East and the Cairngorms National Park to the South.

 

This family home dates back to the 1500s

 

Essex, England

 

Osea Island

 

Local Secret & Places to stay

Osea Island is Essex's best-kept secret, an idyllic haven basking serenely on the Blackwater Estuary, yet remarkably, just a little over an hours drive from London. This private island, accessible only by a tidal causeway, boat or helicopter, is the perfect place to retreat from the quagmire of city life and do nothing at all. For those with the spirit of adventure, you can take advantage of the awesome facilities, such as the pool, tennis courts, bicycles, beach walks, and ad-hoc activities like paddle-boarding and fishing. Osea Island has a charming selection of houses, apartments and cottages to choose from.

 

Picturesque and private

 

The Cairngorms, Scotland

 

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

 

Local Secret

The Cairngorms National Park is achingly beautiful. Despite a diverse range of activities, historical sites and lovely towns to visit, we can only really recommend that you get togged up and head out for a memorable hike. One of our favourites is a 5 km easy walk around Loch Morlich - a charming circuit around the water, with fine views of the mountains above and a good chance of seeing Goldeneye, red-throated divers and even otters. Head to the beach car park to start the walk.

Places to stay

Just 15 minutes drive from Loch Morlich is The Polchar, Rothiemurchus, a stunning 5-bed home set in extensive landscaped gardens with ponds, a summer house, a hot tub, a children's play area, an outside kitchen, a BBQ’s (weber style and built-in gas), a lawn garden, a Japanese garden, apple trees and pond with a stream running along the bottom of the garden. The house itself sleeps 10 people, so it is ideal for your annual family getaway, corporate retreat or celebration.

 

The Polchar, Aviemore

 

Buckinghamshire, England

 

Photo by Simon Godfrey on Unsplash

 

Local Secret

The Home Counties of England have a huge amount to offer other than proximity to the nation's capital and Buckinghamshire is no exception; it is home to the beautiful Chiltern Hills, Pinewood Studios and Silverstone race track. Bucks also plays host to some of the most gorgeous little villages in the UK, such as Long Crendon, a quaint Manor village replete with chocolate box houses and thatched cottages. Midsomer Murders, the ITV crime series is often filmed in Long Crendon with locals as extras.

Places to stay

The Orchard House is a stunning architectural masterpiece of a home situated near the village of Long Crendon in between Oxford and Aylesbury. Attractions nearby include Waddesdon Manor, Waterperry Gardens and Bicester Village. The house itself is set across 2 floors and offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a living room, a fully-equipped kitchen and a dining area. Outdoor facilities include a spacious wraparound garden, a swimming pool and a kids play area. It sleeps up to 8 guests.

 

Orchard House