Top Holiday Spots recommends places to visit in this wonderful country. Whether for a short break or a longer holiday, there are many beautiful locations to chose from. Top Holiday Spots will help you find the perfect place for your break away.  The site also provides lots of other helpful advice and tips, and the blog section tells the tale of some of our experiences first hand!

Thank you and enjoy,

Jane@TopHolidaySpotsUK 

A Brief Glimpse at the United Kingdom

Each of the UK’s four nations has so much to explore – from beautiful countryside and stunning coastlines to quaint villages and historic cities.

England has many miles of lovely coastline, which is accessible to the majority of the population. It varies considerably along its length – some parts boast spectacular cliff tops; other areas have wide, flat beaches. Smugglers’ villages, steeped in history, nestle in little coves in areas such as Cornwall, Devon and Yorkshire. Bamburgh beach in Northumberland has a spectacular castle as a back drop. Some people enjoy visiting shingle beaches such as Bognor Regis where kids can spend hours skimming pebbles.

England also has a number of stunning inland locations. One of the most beautiful is the Peak District National Park. The first national park in the UK, this area is close to a number of big cities (notably Sheffield and Manchester), making it easily accessible to many people. There are many different things to do in the Peak District. A paradise for walkers, there is something for everyone from challenging climbs up hills and crags, to gentle rambles.

The Yorkshire Dales is another of the country’s national parks. It boasts stunning scenery, beautiful abbeys, and picturesque towns and villages. It is also home to some of the United Kingdom’s most fascinating geological landscapes. Malham Cove is a case in point. Formed from limestone rock, this impressive natural feature should not be missed by anyone visiting the area. Climb to the top of the limestone pavement and you won’t be disappointed with the views of the surrounding countryside! The picturesque waterfall at Janet’s Foss is also a short walk from Malham village. For those who like to test themselves, there is the daunting Three Peaks Challenge which involves a 24 mile (approximately) walk that takes in the hills of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent.

Wales boasts three national parks : Eryri (Snowdonia), Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) and the Pembrokeshire Coast. Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons are a walkers and climbers paradise. The spectacular landscape provides a stunning environment for those who love to participate in these outdoor activities. Other outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, white water rafting and mountain biking are also incredibly popular in these locations. The dramatic coastline of the Pembrokeshire National Park, part of the Wales Coast Path, is also hugely popular with walkers, particularly those who enjoy observing wildlife. During the spring and summer the cliff tops come alive with a whole variety of different flora and fauna. Bluebells carpet the woodlands, meadows burst with native flowers, puffins return every year to nest on the islands dotted along the coast, dolphins can often be spotted out at sea, and seals inhabit the region too.

From traditional Victorian seaside towns, such as Llandudno to quaint fishing villages like Little Haven, Wales has a coastline that rivals anywhere in the world. The upmarket village of Abersoch on the Lleyn Peninsular is renowned for its stunning beaches and water sports opportunities.

Famous for its castles, Wales has a rich and riveting history. It is reported that it has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe. Conwy Castle is one of the most magnificent, looming impressively over the picturesque town of the same name. Other notable castles include Beaumaris on Anglesey, Caernarfon, Harlech and Caerphilly.

Scotland has long been a popular choice as a holiday destination. It, quite simply, has something for everyone. From stunning, historic cities, to remote areas of breathtakingly beautiful wilderness, it offers a range of different experiences. The capital, Edinburgh, is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. It is rich in culture and history, and makes a great destination for both a day out or a longer trip away.

The magical scenery of the Highlands and Islands is a must see. Home to Great Britain’s highest peaks, the landscape is absolutely stunning. Tourists can walk in the shadow of Ben Nevis or take a cruise on one of the beautiful lochs. Scotland so many islands, it is impossible to list them all here.  Tiree, part of the Inner Hebrides has pristine beaches and fascinating architecture. Mull is well known for its rugged landscape and the colourful village of Tobermory. The atmospheric island of Skye is one of Scotland’s most recognisable – celebrated for its jagged and dramatic scenery.

Scotland boasts many picturesque coastal villages. Anstruther in Fife is well known for its award winning chippy! A little along the coast you’ll find St Andrews, home of golf and a world famous university. There are many locations worth visiting in this pretty seaside town, including a number of historic sites, its impressive beach and a brewery.

Northern Ireland has a wealth of fascinating places to visit. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular. This incredible geological feature was created by a volcanic eruption many millions of years ago. The coastline in this area is truly captivating. Spectacular cliffs and beautiful beaches are all found within a short drive. Though not for the faint-hearted, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is well worth a visit. The Glens of Antrim are a unique landscape where visitors will find wooded areas, pretty waterfalls and quaint villages.

Belfast is fast becoming one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting cities. It boasts a wealth of history and culture, along with offering a plethora of fantastic hotels, bars and eateries. A relatively short drive from Belfast is Carrickfergus Castle. This imposing symbol of Norman power is well worth a visit for anyone who is fascinated with history.

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