The UK has plenty of incredible destinations for a relaxing break, whether it’s only for the weekend or several days! If you prefer a coastal break, visit the likes of Devon, Cornwall, or Norfolk. But if you prefer something more adventurous, you can hike the peaks in Scotland!
To help you find the perfect holiday, refer below for the top things to do for a relaxing UK break.
Stay by the Seaside
The seaside towns of England may not be famous for their powdery white sands and sunny weather, but there’s no denying they have a unique charm. Here, you can spend the day lounging by the beach, soaking up the sweeping coastal views and tucking into fresh and delicious seafood.
Devon is one of the best seaside towns to visit for a relaxing break in the UK. It has tropical-like beaches and countless picturesque towns worth a stroll. Exmouth Beach, an expansive beach with long golden sands, is worth a visit. You can walk into the estuary to marvel at the panoramic views of the river or hike through the East Devon way, taking you to the moors. In Cornwall, visit St Ives, a bustling port town with a shoreline of beautiful sandy beaches. Brimming with art and culture, St Ives also offers a great selection of restaurants and cafés, where you can relax after a day at the beach. Book yourself a beautiful cottage by the seaside of St Ives and spend a night or two.
Newquay is another picturesque seaside town in Cornwall, home to golden sandy beaches. As the surfing capital of the UK, Newquay’s beaches are well suited for catching some waves. Given Newquay’s relaxed and chilled-out vibe, you’ll enjoy a restful break in this beautiful seaside town.
Try a Yoga Retreat
If you want to enjoy utmost relaxation on your holiday break in the UK, why don’t you go on a yoga retreat? Aside from being able to relax, you’ll gain several other benefits when you book a yoga retreat. It’s also good for the health and a great bonding experience with friends or loved ones.
Joining yoga retreats for a weekend in the UK is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature. Most of these retreats take place in a stunning natural location, which is undoubtedly relaxing. During your yoga session, you’d be able to connect with nature on a deeper level and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Going on a retreat is also a perfect excuse to disconnect from technology. Although yoga retreats are not necessarily a digital detox, you always have a choice to make it that way. Staying away from toxic social media and other digital distractions can help you to focus better on relaxation.
A yoga retreat can also help you to find healing mentally and physically. It could significantly improve your mental well-being, allowing you to better deal with whatever mental and emotional issues you are dealing with.
Swim in the Lake District
The Lake District is one of the world’s most beautiful places for wild swimming. From refreshing lake dips to river swims or a good soak by a waterfall, you’ll have plenty of spots to enjoy swimming in the Lake District.
Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, is the perfect spot for water sports. Aside from swimming, you can also enjoy water-skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in Windermere, right next to Bowness-on-Windermere, one of the Lake Districts most quaint villages. If you prefer to swim in a lake with a more tranquil atmosphere, head to Ullswater. It’s also a haven for mountain climbers since it’s at the base of Helvellyn, one of the highest peaks in England.
Meanwhile, Derwentwater, a 2-mile-long lake, is an ideal location for island hopping. Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful fells, Derwentwater is also a haven for hikers. There are plenty of scenic trails by the lake, such as the Derwentwater Walk, a well-marked path taking you on a 10-mile journey around the lake. It’s an easy hike of flat trails passing through ancient woodlands and along the lakeshores. The scenery is truly stunning, with several stops to take a dip or swim at the lake.
Enjoy the Lows and the Highs of Scotland
Scotland is famous for its amazing multi-day hikes, taking you to its beautiful, wild, and rugged countryside, especially in the magnificent area of The Highlands. And if you’re into mountain climbing, you’ll find many beautifully high peaks to conquer in Scotland. What you will also find is lots of interwining canals, perfect for a low and relaxing caledonian canal boat cruise so you can chilllax before or even after your climb.
As the highest peak in the country, Ben Nevis offers some of the best hikes in Scotland. The tourist route can be crowded, so it’s better to take the path via Carn Mor Dearg Arête. This route opens to some of the most stunning views in the UK – a fitting way to summit Scotland’s highest peak. Once you’ve trekked the highlands it’s not far back to Edinburgh where you can enjoy a unique city break via a narrowboat and travel across the canal towards Falkirk, enjoying the scottish scenery along the way.
Back on the highs the Aonach Eagach Ridgeline is one of the UK’s narrowest ridge walks. Sure, it’s a dangerous climb, full of hazardous and slippery paths, but if you’re looking for something to up your heart rate after your narrow boat trip, your efforts will be rewarded with stunningly beautiful views once you get to the top. Of course, experience is required and must not be conquered alone or during bad weather conditions. Also, consider spending the night or two in one of comfy scottish narrowboats before your climb, so you’ll be able to relax in preparation for the hike.
Book a Spa Break
Another way to enjoy a relaxing break in the UK is to go on a spa break. A spa break offers an ideal opportunity to unwind, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved pampering. Nowadays, you’ll find many beautiful places to go on a spa break in the country.
Set in a historic 18th-century converted barn, the Four Seasons Spa in Hampshire is the perfect setting for a relaxing break in the UK. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the English countryside, the Four Seasons offer guests a range of relaxing massage therapies, from restorative yoga sessions to a relaxing dip in the hotel’s indoor pool.
The Spa at Bedford Lodge in Newmarket is the perfect place for a luxurious spa treatment. Offering exceptional treatments, including floatation exercises and detoxifying scrubs, The Spa at Bedford Lodge is guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.