Hidden Holiday Locations, UK

As Maria says, London isn't for sure the only place worthy of a visit on the UK. As you may be guessing the thanks of today goes to Maria for her insights on several cool UK places ;)

Don't be fooled into thinking that London is the only place worth visiting in the UK. Sure, the sprawling metropolis of the capital has all the glitz and the glamor of a dazzling west end theater district, centuries of culture engrained in every street and more shopping, museums, sightseeing tours and sporting activities than you could ever get bored of. But London is not even half the story of the great British Isles.


The UK houses a population over 62 million people and is one of the leading economic and political countries on the world stage. It didn't get this way through accident and a trip to the country will illustrate the thousands of years that have contributed to its success.

With the combined force of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland alongside England, the United Kingdom has a rich and diverse history. The sandy shores of the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales and the Cornish coast in southwest England have for many years been popular holiday spots amongst British holidaymakers. The height of summer can see these tiny coastal retreats turn into hives of activity, with families flocking to the seaside for locally caught seafood, respectable surfing conditions and the chance to indulge in the great British past time of building sandcastles.


England's Lake District and Peak District are vast national parks in the north of the country with glorious panoramas of the British countryside. Sweeping mountains and serene lakes are coupled with some of the greatest country houses in the land. Places such as Chatsworth House and Howard Castle offer an insight into the historical gentry and aristocracy that helped build the country.

Thriving metropolises such as Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle are great for indulging in retail therapy, café culture and nightlife. On the fringes of all these big cities are some real gems of hidden holiday locations. The Warwickshire countryside surrounding Birmingham extends down into chocolate-box style villages.


With quintessentially English stone cottages and old world charm, the villages around Stratford-Upon-Avon and extending down into the Cotswold's hark back to a country that Shakespeare would be familiar with. The Cheshire countryside outside Manchester offers pockets of affluent small towns that still exist around the hub of the medieval parish churches.

The contours of majestic Scotland are often overlooked due to its cold climate near to the top of the northern hemisphere. However, an adventure north of the English border is certainly worthwhile to discover some beautiful scenery and cosmopolitan cities. The beautiful mountains, glorious lochs and natural wildlife are breathtaking and inspirational.


Scottish cities such as Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are thriving hubs of business, culture and economy. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival during August draws artisans, actors, film and TV professionals and authors to the various facets of the festival around Edinburgh Castle in the middle of the city. During this excitingly busy month, self catered Edinburgh apartments are often a great option for accommodation, giving guests to the city the freedom and independence to explore the delights of the festival and the city at their own leisure.