The 14 Best Holiday Parks in the UK for 2025
Looking to make unforgettable memories or a place that has it all? Then read our blog on the best...
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
Without a doubt, there are more than a handful of beautiful places in the UK to discover and explore! But how do you pick which to visit? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
From award-winning beaches to quaint villages and towns known for their rich history, it can be really hard to pinpoint where the most beautiful places in the UK are.
So, we asked the team here at Sykes Holiday Cottages to give us their suggestions, with bases across the Uk and a wealth of travel knowledge, they’ve shared some fantastic tips!!
Keep scrolling to uncover our staff’s top picks when it comes to the most beautiful locations in the UK…
Deciding where the prettiest place in the UK is a tough decision! It’s so subjective as it is known for being a country with vast natural beauty.
However, many people, including myself, consider the Cotswolds to be one of the prettiest places in the UK. With its charming villages, rolling hills and picturesque stone cottages, it’s easy to see why!
Unsurprisingly, Lacock, one of these picturesque villages, features in our guide to the 10 most beautiful places in the UK, so read on to learn more.
One of the most beautiful areas of countryside in the UK is the Lake District, which is renowned for its stunning landscapes that includes majestic mountains, 18 stunning lakes and a host of charming villages.
This national park offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and open-water swimming, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. It’s also home to, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in the UK, Lake Windermere! Read on to learn my top tips for experiencing this breathtaking place.
Despite there being so many idyllic and picturesque towns dotted across the country, one of the nicest towns to visit in the UK is Rye in East Sussex.
This charming medieval town is known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and vibrant arts scene, making it a delightful place to visit during your next staycation.
One of the most magical places in the UK is York, a city steeped in history and boasting a unique and charming atmosphere.
Known for its stunning medieval architecture, cobbled streets and the iconic Shambles, the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, York offers a whimsical atmosphere that captivates visitors; undoubtedly one of the best city breaks in the UK!
Kicking off our guide to the most beautiful places in the UK is Robin Hood’s Bay, an old and picturesque fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. Voted for by Steph this idyllic village is a must-visit destination for lovers of the coast, history and charming villages.
Known for its narrow and winding cobbled streets and alleyways, Robin Hood’s Bay is steeped in history. It once was home to sailors, fishermen, and smugglers. Today, it is home to small, independent shops, pubs, and cafés, as well as an old coastguard station that now serves as the town’s museum.
Make your way down the steep hill through the village to find one of the UK’s best beaches. When the tide is in, the waves lap at the road, adding to the village’s charm. Keep your eyes peeled because you might even find the gemstone Jet that falls from the cliffs. The village also hosts various cultural events, including the annual Folk Weekend and Victorian Weekend, which are fun for the whole family.
With all this and more, it’s unsurprising that Robin Hood’s Bay was chosen to appear on our list of the UK’s most beautiful places. Don’t just take my word from it, hear from Steph herself:
Southwold, a charming seaside town in Suffolk, has also been selected as one of the most beautiful places in the UK, a place that definitely retains a timeless appeal!
A firm favourite for holidaymakers since the Victorian age, this town has everything you need to make your next beach break an unforgettable occasion. Boasting a recently-restored pier home to a popular bar, restaurant, café and amusement arcade, this town is the perfect place for your next staycation. Look forward to basking in the breathtaking views across the sea from Southwold Pier.
As well as being one of the prettiest places in the UK, its high street boasts an eclectic mix of independent shops, traditional sweet shops, and high-street stores. Further outside the town, you’ll also find the fantastic boating Lake and tearoom, which serves as a popular family-friendly spot for relaxation and entertainment.
If you’re still not convinced, hear Matt explain why he thinks Southwold is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.
Nestled in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Tenby, the next entry on our list of the most beautiful places in the UK. Chosen by Jack, Tenby is a fantastic holiday destination that draws in visitors from all over the country every year.
This beautiful coastal town is connected to the impressive 186-mile Welsh Coast Path, the perfect place for keen ramblers, dog walkers and wildlife lovers. Tenby is also home to some the best beaches in Wales; Tenby North Beach, Castle Beach and Tenby South Beach.
The picturesque harbour, surrounded by grand Georgian pastel-coloured buildings, is a great spot for people-watching and enjoying sea views. As a medieval walled town, Tenby features well-preserved stone walls, towers and gates from the 13th century, along with Victorian architecture and colourful seafront houses.
With excellent transport links to the rest of the county and plenty of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants, Tenby offers something for everyone… making it an unforgettable destination for any visitor! Jack has also shared some of his favourite things within reach of Tenby:
Porth Iago is a beautiful, sheltered beach with golden sand and crystal-clear water, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil seaside experience.
Porth Iago is one of the best beaches in Cornwall and is completley enclosed, protecting it from the wind and offering stunning sunset views. Although it is a bit tricky to access, being located on private land and down narrow country lanes, the effort is well worth it.
This beautiful place in the UK is perfect for various activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling, thanks to its calm and sheltered waters. It also provides direct access to the Welsh Coastal Path, allowing for some incredible walks in the surrounding area.
Overall, Porth Iago and the Llyn Peninsula offer a blend of natural beauty, serene beaches and scenic walks, making it an excellent destination for those looking to explore the lesser-known treasures of North Wales. Lets hear what Cari loves most about Porth Iago…
No list of the most beautiful locations in the UK would be complete without South Stack, an island off Holy Island in Anglesey.
Recommended by Owen from our SEO team, the island is home to the captivating and historic landmark, South Stack Lighthouse. Towering over the sea, South Stack Lighthouse was built in 1809 by Trinity House to warn ships of the treacherous rocks below.
Today you can marvel at this awe inspiring landmark after climbing down 400 steep steps and crossing a small bridge; the walk is well worth it! The area is renowned for its stunning sea cliffs, reaching up to 300 feet in height. Not only that, but it’s also a haven for wildlife, where you’ll find thousands of breeding seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and razorbills.
To get a closer view, we’d recommend heading over to the RSPB’s Ellin’s Tower observatory! Read on to learn more about why Owen thinks South Stack deserves a spot on the list of prettiest locations in the UK.
Next up on our list of the most beautiful places in the UK is my pick, Lake Windermere. As well as being the longest and largest natural lake in England, it is also arguably the most famous body of water in the Lake District.
Flanked by picturesque fells, Lake Windermere offers a diverse landscape, from the rugged volcanic northern basin to the softer shales and gentle fells of the southern basin.
The surrounding towns, which includes the likes of Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside and Newby Bridge, offer a range of amenities and things to do for visitors. From outdoor equipment shops and cafés to historic sites and scenic walks, Windermere is easily one of the most popular and beautiful places in the UK for holidays and outdoor adventures.
The area is also steeped in literary and cultural history, having inspired writers like Arthur Ransome, William Wordsworth and Alfred Wainwright. The lake is also part of the Lake District National Park, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2017. Read on for my top tips when visiting Lake Windermere.
If you’re looking to step back in time, then the next entry on our list of beautiful places in the UK, will be right up your street.
Picked by Chloe, Lacock is a stunning village in the Wiltshire part of the Cotswolds and is best for its long-lasting historic charm.
Almost entirely owned by the National Trust, Lacock is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including a host of quaint and traditional stone cottages, the 14th-century and Grade I-listed Tithe Barn, and the village church of St Cyriac.
The village’s central grid of four streets also looks much as it did 200 years ago, making it a popular filming location for productions like the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. You might also recognise it as a filming location for Downton Abbey and several filming locations in Harry Potter. No wonder the rooms in Lacock Abbey look so familiar!
We’re venturing back into North Wales for the next entry on our guide to the most beautiful places in the UK. Llanrwst, a historic market town in the heart of the Conwy Valley that combines rich history, stunning natural beauty and a vibrant community.
Nestled on the eastern bank of the River Conwy, Llanrwst is famous for its three-arched stone bridge, Pont Fawr, attributed to Inigo Jones, which leads to the 15th-century Tu Hwnt i’r Bont, a beautifully restored cottage that now serves as a popular tearoom.
This quaint town also boasts significant historical landmarks, including the Parish Church of St Grwst, which houses the stone coffin of Llywelyn the Great, as well as Gwydir Castle, a grand Tudor manor with roots dating back to 1492.
Llanrwst’s high street is lined with independent shops, artisan food stores, and historic buildings such as the 17th-century almshouses and chapels, making it an ideal destination for those of you interested in the rich history of the “Land of Song”.
Although Bamburgh and Lindisfarne (Holy Island), are technically two different beautiful places, we’ve included them together as they can easily be boxed off in one visit!
Overlooking Northumberland’s picturesque coast, Bamburgh and Holy Island are both renowned for their rich history and stunning natural beauty. Bamburgh is dominated by the imposing Bamburgh Castle, one of the best castles in Northumberland.
This medieval fortress has a turbulent past and was built on the site of an Anglo-Saxon fort. Today it offers panoramic views of the coast and surrounding countryside and is a popular tourist attraction that draws in visitors from all over the region and the rest of the country.
Lindisfarne, however, is a tranquil and historically significant destination located just off the coast near Bamburgh. Accessible by a causeway that is submerged by the tide twice a day, it’s a place of early Christian pilgrimage that earned the island its name and gave rise to the 7th-century priory that still stands to this day.
Both are truly breathtaking and can be easily visited on the same day, be sure to read Mike’s top tip, if you’re a wildlife lover!
Last but most definitely not least on our list of the prettiest places in the UK is Aviemore. Situated in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland, Aviemore is a vibrant and versatile tourist destination that has evolved from a sleepy village into a thriving resort town.
Once a key railway junction since the late 1800s, Aviemore experienced significant growth with the development of the Cairn Gorm ski area in the 1960s, making it Britain’s most visited ski resort during the winter months.
The town also offers a wide range of other activities, including skiing, hiking, cycling and climbing, catering to all ages and abilities. It also lies close to some of the best Scottish mountains, perfect for those looking to partake in Munro bagging! Aviemore was suggested to us by Bernie who also has a top tip to share with any visitors to this beautiful UK location.
If you’re looking for more beautiful locations to visit in the UK, be sure to check out the UK bucket list, which is packed full of places and attractions! No matter where you choose to visit, there’s a UK holiday cottage nearby that you can book as your base.
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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