Rich histories, exciting culture, unique charm, stunning scenery and fantastic wildlife are all brilliant aspects of the UK and Ireland that you can enjoy and appreciate whilst on a luxury cottage retreat. Whether you consider England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland your home or are looking for a foreign self-catering luxury location to spend a holiday or getaway, the UK and Ireland have multitudes of fantastic locations that will take your breath away, leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed and provide you with some unforgettable memories.
Many people who already live in the UK and Ireland enjoy visiting popular areas and destinations throughout the country for a summer holiday, weekend break or city get away. There is just so much to explore and so many different distinctive cultures and characters to discover that even if you live here you’ll find plenty of places you have never experienced before. And if you are looking at traveling overseas to visit us, you will not be disappointed except for when you leave to return home!
Abundant with amazing histories, beautiful heritage and fantastic places of interest you may even leave your luxury holiday with a new knowledge of the UK and Ireland’s epic history. Each country has its own stories and fantastic cultural experiences for you to investigate and enjoy from the Roman Baths in Bath to the stunning castles dotted throughout Scotland and the wonderful Victorian seaside heritage of the south and south western coasts of England. No matter where you choose to spend your luxury self-catering holiday, you are sure to find some delightful attractions, activities and sights that will keep you intrigued and entertained throughout your visit. However, inevitably the UK and Ireland are also home to many destinations that have become more popular than others and are now established as popular tourist destinations. These extend from amazing counties and areas of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland to beautiful National Parks and popular cities that make for fantastic breaks.
Scotland
To begin with we will start at the top in the awe inspiring and sensational country of Scotland, found at the very north of the British Isles and boasting exceptional landscapes, breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife. Scotland is a truly unique and wonderous place and would make exciting and thrilling location for anyone looking to find a luxury self-catering country cottage holiday location. One of its most popular areas has got to be the Highlands. This spectacular area of the country, found at the very north including the Outer and Inner Hebrides as well as the Orkney Islands, it is also a very historic region of Scotland. This region is very sparsely populated although boasting a large collection of castles and rich Gaelic pastimes. There are many stunning mountain ranges which dominate the region, including the highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis. Making the Highlands a popular choice for people who are looking to enjoy many outdoor pursuits whilst on their luxury trip.
If you’re looking for a luxury city break destination in Scotland, it can only be Edinburgh. This beautiful city, overlooked by an impressive castle and home to iconic landmarks, wonderful attractions, delicious restaurants and a interesting heritage is the only luxury city break location you need to consider. The city is also situated in such a wonderful location that stepping out to explore the countryside and landscape is no problem as the city is surrounded by beautiful, peaceful countryside in the Lothians. It also boasts a tranquil coastline, a stunning, rich architectural history which is now recognised as a world heritage site, great cafes, beautiful gardens and interesting attractions.
Other fantastic popular tourist destinations in Scotland are actually considered to be or to be within National Parks. Loch Lomond and the Cairngorms are stunning areas of Scotland boasting spectacular scenery and impressive views. The Cairngorms National Park is situated within the Highlands region and includes Aviemore, Angus Glens, Royal Deeside, Donside, Glenlivet, Highland Perthshire and Strathspey. The National park has a huge variation of landscape and countryside including woodland, arctic mountains, forest, rivers, marshes, lochs, glens and much more. All home to some wonderful wildlife such as deer, otters, eagles, red squirrels and the rare and protected Capercaillie. You can enjoy many activities in the Cairngorms including skiing and snowboarding at one of the 3 ski centres based in the National Park, three out of the five in Scotland. Walking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, pony trekking, wildlife watching, fishing, windsurfing and canyoning are just a few of the favourites.
Loch Lomond is situated within the Trossachs National Park in the county of Stirling just north of Glasgow. Loch Lomond is the largest lake or loch to be found in Great Britain and contains many islands which includes Inchmurrin which is the largest fresh water island in the British Isles. The Loch is a popular destination for people looking to enjoy a luxury cottage holiday due to its amazing collection of activities, its tranquil nature and the amazing landscape that surrounds the lake. Enjoy a gentle paddle in your very own rowing boat or take a high adrenalin speed boat tour of the loch, whatever you choose to do you’ll find something to keep everyone happy.
England
Moving south we find ourselves in England, a wonderful country full of various landscapes, beautiful country villages and refreshing coastal towns. The most popular counties to visit for a luxury country cottage holiday are Cornwall and Devon, found in the south west of England, sitting on a beautiful peninsula at the most westerly point of England. These fantastic counties boast traditional British and Victorian Seaside culture, a huge collection of thrilling activities and sports as well as some truly amazing historical attractions and places of interest. Popular towns to visit in Cornwall include Newquay, Lands End, Polzeath, Mevagissey and St Ives. Popular towns to visit in Devon include Plymouth, Torquay, Ilfacombe and Salcombe. Devon is also home to two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, both beautiful areas of breathtaking countryside and wonderful nature. Both counties are popular for surfing and other water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, coasteering and sailing.
Also found within the same area of England there is the county of Somerset, a destination of dramatic coastline, epic english countryside, wonderful seaside resorts and historic locations. Described by the ancient welsh celts and the saxons as the land of the summer people, Somerset is also a county of captivating contrasts. Its coasts include long stretches of beautiful sandy beach, quaint harbours and stunning marinas whereas inland you can discover wild moorlands, ancient woodlands, wetland and fantastic historic villages and towns. The local food and drink is also spectacular and well worth investigating.
To the east of England we find the county of Norfolk, home to a great coastline, internationally important nature reserves and amazing wildlife. There is also some lovely picturesque villages, historical market towns and of course the Norfolk broads which is Britain’s magical waterland. You can also discover the city of Norwich with is amazing cathedral, entertainment, shopping and restaurants. Moving more to the west you will find yourself in the Heart of England an area that includes beautiful places such as Warwickshire, the Cotswolds and Shropshire, Herefordshire, Coventry, Birmingham and Worcestershire. Situated in the centre of the country visitors to this area get a brilliant opportunity to witness what really makes England tick. Easy to get to and home to some truly stunning areas and hidden gems of England, you will not be let down by a luxury country cottage holiday to the heart of England. Warwick Castle and the home of William Shakespeare Stratford-upon-Avon await you, as well as the outstanding countryside of the Cotswolds with its quaint country villages and the amazing film locations for Harry Potter.
Last but definately not least we have probably one of the very top places to visit in England, the Lake District. The perfect holiday destination for someone looking for the best of the best in terms of fantastic surroundings and location. Cumbria and the Lake district not only boast beautiful landscapes and countryside but also great places to visit, brilliant activities and an experience for all the senses. As England’s largest National Park it is a popular choice for tourists looking for a refreshing and relaxing get away and being home to England’s highest mountain and its deepest lake, it is also probably one of the most awe inspiring.
Wales
When it comes to visiting Wales, there are two very well known and popular areas that receive the most visitors each year, Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Snowdonia can be found to the north of Wales, beside the beautiful island of Anglesey. It is home to the biggest mountains in Wales and England as well as a beautiful coastline of impressive cliffs and sandy beaches, along with the protected ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ the Llyn Peninsula. There is plenty to do from family attractions and historical places of interest to intense, adrenalin pumping adventure activities and gentle strolling. Take to the water or the mountain tops and take in the spectacular views and scenery that is the Snowdonia National park.
The Brecon Beacons National park can be found in the opposite direction to the south of Wales. This National Park has its own history and heritage as well as its own foods, traditions, myths and culture, various collections of standing stones, forts and castles can be discovered here as well as stunning countryside, rolling hills and plenty of outdoor pursuits.
Pembrokeshire should also be considered when looking for a luxury country cottage holiday destination, it may be at the very top of the list for popular destinations but it is certainly a favourite amongst visitors to Wales. Boasting the Pembrokeshire coast National Park with a 186 mile coastal path and around 51 forts and castles to investigate you will find plenty of exciting things to do during your days here. You may also be pleased to hear that no other county in the Britain has more blue flag awarded beaches and with over 50 to choose from you will be spoilt for choice when looking to go out for a family day at the beach.
Ireland
The most popular destination for a luxury self-catering holiday in Ireland has got to be Dublin. The city is steeped in history as well as a youthful energy that will emerge you in the charming and traditional culture of Ireland. Packed with fine museums, stunning art galleries, vibrant Irish pubs and cafes as well as beautiful countryside in its surroundings, this city will blow you away with its interesting culture, entertainment and lifestyle. Shopping is always a good bet in the city with quaint independent boutiques and private stores as well as chain shops and well known brands. Beyond the city you can also enjoy lovely beaches, delightful towns and villages and some great landscapes filled with deep river valleys, the Wicklow mountains and green belts.
Discover the great castles of Ireland during the day and enjoy the traditional music in one of the popular pubs or bars in the evening. South Dublin county also boasts almost 1,400 hectares of public parks and open spaces, making it a fantastic location for sports and leisure activities such as cycling, walking, horse riding, golf and fishing.
Some other fantastic places to visit in Ireland are its national parks such as Glenveagh, Ballycroy, Connemara, Burren, Wicklow Mountains and Killarney. All of which are popular destinations to enjoy the amazing nature and culture of Ireland.
Ultimately there are so many more fantastic, wonderful and beautiful places to visit throughout the UK and Ireland and although the ones named above are the most popular, this does not mean they are the best. Some of the most impressive and idyllic places in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are off the beaten track, undiscovered and waiting for someone to come and enjoy them, so keep that in mind when looking for your perfect luxury self-catering country cottage holiday destination.
By Yvonne Christina
