Sometimes, the best holidays are the ones that you don’t plan out months in advance. Not every holiday needs to be meticulously thought out, more spontaneous trips away can be just as much fun – if not more so!
Plus, you can snag some great deals if you want to go for last minute caravan holidays, as places don’t want to see their accommodation left empty. So, if you’re considering packing up your bags for a last-minute getaway soon, then consider these UK destinations that are just ripe for some holiday exploration.
Yorkshire Dales
Plenty of people’s first thoughts when it comes to planning a UK holiday are to head south, but that means missing out on some of the best landscapes in the entire country. The glorious Yorkshire Dales are undeniably worth a visit, and you’re less likely to run into any holiday crowds up here on the rugged moors.
Holidaymakers can easily spend weeks exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with enough outdoor activities to get in all your daily steps and more! Whether you’d rather trek or amble, there are countless trails of all levels ranging across the region’s dramatic landscapes.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning views to capture in your photos, from waterfalls like Aysgarth Falls to the natural limestone formations of Malham Cove. And if you’ve had your fill of nature for the day, there are plenty of nearby market towns to explore and refuel in.
The Cotswolds
For something that’s as quintessentially English as it comes, the Cotswolds offer a great getaway destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of work life. With rolling hills and lush green pastures straight out of a storybook, you can’t beat the idyllic beauty of the area.
Stretching across five different counties, the Cotswolds have plenty of variety to offer in terms of scenic trails, pretty towns and historic tea rooms. It’s easy to explore the area, using your caravan park as a base to set out on a fresh adventure every day.
Iconic villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury – home to the UK’s most photographed street – and Stow-on-the-Wold are all spots any visitor needs to include on their itinerary. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more imposing, visit nearby Blenheim Palace.
Pembrokeshire
Another area with rugged beauty is Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales, known for its dramatic coastline and beaches. Anyone seeking an adventure holiday by the sea can’t go wrong with a visit to Pembrokeshire.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has a wealth of opportunities for exploration, with over 186 miles of scenic coastal paths for visitors to amble along. Just don’t try to do it all in one visit!
For a break from the hiking, beaches like Barafundle Bay and Tenby are ideal for a spot of relaxing on the sands. Once you’ve got your energy back, take it to the waters for some surfing, kayaking, or perhaps even coasteering to get a different perspective on the region’s coastline.
Northumberland
Another region of the UK that gets overlooked in plenty of holiday plans, Northumberland is another tranquil escape that’s full of peace and quiet. Not to mention its fair share of beaches, coastal paths and inland landscapes.
There are historic castles to visit – such as Bamburgh Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne – as well as the wide-open spaces of Northumberland National Park. For something really impressive, head out into the park to enjoy some incredible star-gazing under clear and dark skies.
If the mood’s striking you for an impromptu, last-minute getaway then any of these destinations would make the perfect backdrop for creating some lasting holiday memories.
