Top 5 relaxing vacations in the UK
Our top five relaxing vacations in the UK are about getting back to nature and leaving everyday pressures far behind. You’re invited to seek out the wild and woolly shores of Scotland as you retrace the threads back to the past on a handicrafts vacation. Further south, you’ll find equally relaxing climes in England. From camping in Lincolnshire to a stone cottage on a farm in Devon – if you’re looking for a quiet break, here’s where the stresses of the daily grind start to unwind.
Keep reading to discover our best relaxing vacations in the UK.
Keep reading to discover our best relaxing vacations in the UK.
1. Art vacation in the Hebrides
This is your opportunity to reconnect with nature. The wild and calming environment of the Inner and Outer Hebrides will be your muse – from the rainbow of harbourfront houses in Tobermory to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa – as you capture the sea and landscapes using a range of creative mediums.
The essence of this relaxing art cruise in Scotland is self-discovery. No experience is necessary – just a willingness to explore the senses and spend time with like-minded people.
Our top selling trip: Art cruise in Scotland
All our trips: Creative vacations in Scotland
Read more: Painting vacations in Scotland travel guide
All our trips: Creative vacations in Scotland
Read more: Painting vacations in Scotland travel guide
2. Farm stay in Devon
Book yourself into a self-catering cottage in rural Devon, and you’ll see signs of stress disappearing from the moment you set foot over the stone threshold. Set within eight hectares of farmland, you can stroll down to the river and spy on kingfishers and dragonflies by day, before returning to the cottage to watch the stars at night.With a range of hiking, cycling and historic coast and country trails right on your doorstep, it’s no wonder that city folk arriving in Devon always feel so relaxed. Borrow a bike and pop to the local farm shop for supplies or, if you fancy a night away from the outdoor barbecue, see what time the local pub opens.
Our top selling trip: Devon self catering cottage, England
All our trips: Devon vacations
Read more: Devon travel guide
3. Small ship cruise in the Inner Hebrides
Set sail for a week of slow cruising around the sounds of Mull, Luing, Shuna and Jura, and you probably won’t see a living soul other than seals, dolphins and seabirds from the moment you depart to the moment you return to the Isle of Mull. This is a relaxing way to spend a week in the Inner Hebrides, getting to know the local skipper and cook, as well as your fellow shipmates – a maximum of 11 passengers. Seafaring tales, stargazing from the deck and the gentle lapping of waves will lull you into a deep sleep.
Our top selling trip: Hebrides cruise – Mull, Islay, Luing, Shuna and Jura
All our trips: Scotland small ship cruising vacations
Read more: Small ship cruising in Scotland travel guide
All our trips: Scotland small ship cruising vacations
Read more: Small ship cruising in Scotland travel guide
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4. Luxury rail vacation in Scotland
Traveling first class around Scotland by train is a sublime experience, with five-star hotels waiting for you at every stop, and one-to-one expert guides accompanying routes that are tailor made to your interests. A vacation might take you from the beautiful capital, Edinburgh, to charming Pitlochry, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye, and Fort William via the iconic Jacobite Express steam train. All taking in some of Scotland’s most dramatic and stirring scenery, that can only be seen by train.
Our top selling trip: Scotland luxury rail vacation
All our trips: Scotland railway vacations
Read more: Scotland by rail travel guide
All our trips: Scotland railway vacations
Read more: Scotland by rail travel guide
5. Walking the Thames River Path
Dawdle for a week alongside the River Thames as it meanders from the dreaming spires of Oxford to Windsor. This classic England walking vacation, covering up to 27km per day, enables you to follow this iconic waterway as it progresses through scenes of rural tranquillity to a thrilling hub of activity in the center of London. Every night you’ll rest your head, and your feet, in a welcoming locally owned hotel or guesthouse, and naturally there are plenty of excellent pubs to enjoy of an evening.Our top selling trip: Thames Path walking vacation – Oxford to Windsor
All our trips: England walking vacations
Read more: England walking travel guide
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