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by Steph Boal / News
Here at Sykes Holiday Cottages, we love creating content that helps you make the most of your UK holiday, as we understand how important these memories are!
As one of the UK’s leading holiday cottage rental agencies, we love all things to do with UK travel and want to help people understand everything the UK offers.
So we thought it was about time we introduced the authors behind our travel blog content. One thing we all have in common is our love of exploring the UK and each of us takes great joy in being able to demystify the best UK experiences.
Read on to learn more out our Sykes Blog authors…
Hi, I’m Sophie! I joined Sykes in 2016 after travelling around Australia for a year and realising I wanted to pursue a career that combined two of my passions: travel and content.
Growing up in the North West of England, I really enjoy walks in nature and am lucky enough to have beautiful parks, walking trails and a forest right on my doorstep. I love to write about hidden gems and lesser-known destinations, as well as places to walk and hike, as they’re the things I enjoy discovering when I go on holiday.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK?
I think Somerset has something for every mood! If I want to be in the hustle and bustle of city life, exploring the city centres of Bath and Bristol tick that box. I love that each city has unique elements too – the bars and restaurants dotted along Bristol Marina mean you can enjoy dinner and drinks with a view, and there’s plenty of green space to sit with a book and relax or take peaceful strolls along the River Avon in Bath.
For peaceful walks in the countryside, the Mendip Hills are hard to beat. Even the scenic drive through Cheddar to find parking is amazing – weaving through the impressive Cheddar Gorge on The Cliffs road is a must! I did the National Trust’s Cheddar Gorge Trail, a fairly challenging 3-mile walk, made all the more challenging by rain and mud! I was covered head to toe by the end of it, but it was worth it as the views were spectacular!
I also have some fantastic memories from Glastonbury music festival, basking in what felt like endless sunshine! The challenging climb back to the tent each night was more than worth the effort!
Where would you like to visit next in the UK?
I would love to drive the North Coast 500 route because Scotland has some amazing beaches that I would love to see. One in particular I want to visit is Achmelvich Bay in the Scottish Highlands, which could easily be confused with an exotic beach in Asia! I love morning swims too, so would like to take a dip in the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.
I would also like to spend more time discovering the Lake District, as it’s so close by and I’ve not had the opportunity to visit in years! My UK travel bucket list includes the Catbells hike, which overlooks Derwentwater and Keswick, and Aira Force waterfall. Waterfall hikes have a special place in my heart as that’s how I got engaged to my fiancé!
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK?
I love writing about the North West and North Wales because they’re the places I know best and have explored most. Chester has some incredible food and drink spots and is brimming with history and impressive architecture. The city centre can be packed full of tourists, but there are some lovely walks on the outskirts that are much quieter. Morning walks along the River Dee are so nostalgic, and if I’m feeling energetic, I enjoy going for a run beside the Shropshire Union Canal.
Liverpool has a bustling atmosphere, with a fabulous bar and café culture. My favourite weekend activity is a walk to Lark Lane to grab a coffee and a pastry from Lunko Bakery. There are lots of gorgeous parks to explore too – Calderstones is my personal favourite.
Walking in North Wales is a true escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life – getting to the top of peaks like Snowdon and Y Garn have been some of my proudest achievements, and I love quaint seaside towns like Conwy and Caernarfon when I want to relax and enjoy the sea breeze and salty air on a sunny day.
I’ve been working at Sykes since I left university in 2017. Although I currently help to write informational content for existing and potential holiday let owners, I began writing the descriptions for our properties and creating blogs about holidaying in the UK.
Travelling, exploring and taking pictures are some of my favourite things to do, but until I started working at Sykes I had no idea how many amazing places there were to visit in the UK! This has led me to holidaying closer to home rather than heading abroad as much.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK and why?
My go-to place to holiday in the UK is always Anglesey! I spent a lot of my childhood there, so have lots of memories of days out enjoying all of the things to see and do. Now, I find it the perfect place to go and get away from it all with a scenic walk or beach trip.
Where would you like to visit next in the UK and why?
Despite it only being a couple of hours’ drive from Chester, I’ve never been to the Lake District. I would love to go there as the scenery and walking trails look incredible.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK and why?
As a proud Welshman, I’ve got to stick with my home country! It’s somewhere that I know well and am extremely proud to be from, so I love nothing more than writing about places I’ve been to and recommending them to people for their holidays.
I’ve been working at Sykes since I left university in 2017. Although I currently help to write informational content for existing and potential holiday let owners, I began writing the descriptions for our properties and creating blogs about holidaying in the UK.
Travelling, exploring and taking pictures are some of my favourite things to do, but until I started working at Sykes I had no idea how many amazing places there were to visit in the UK! This has led me to holidaying closer to home rather than heading abroad as much.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK and why?
My go-to place to holiday in the UK is always Anglesey! I spent a lot of my childhood there, so have lots of memories of days out enjoying all of the things to see and do. Now, I find it the perfect place to go and get away from it all with a scenic walk or beach trip.
Where would you like to visit next in the UK and why?
Despite it only being a couple of hours’ drive from Chester, I’ve never been to the Lake District. I would love to go there as the scenery and walking trails look incredible.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK and why?
As a proud Welshman, I’ve got to stick with my home country! It’s somewhere that I know well and am extremely proud to be from, so I love nothing more than writing about places I’ve been to and recommending them to people for their holidays.
Hi! I’m Steph, I’ve been working at Sykes since 2022 as part of the marketing team. Growing up in a coastal town in the North East of England, I love exploring the wealth of beautiful beaches that the UK has to offer and writing about some of the most stunning locations has inspired my own travels!
As a keen swimmer and lover of all things water, I love writing about wild swimming hot spots, the best beaches in the UK and stunning coastal walks. Nothing brings me more joy than helping others find their holiday destination; and selfishly my job also helps me pad out my own UK travel bucket list!
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK?
As if I’ve not hammered it home enough – anywhere along the coast! I’m particularly biased when it comes to northern beaches; there’s something so peaceful about wrapping up warm to walk along the beach in the dreary northern weather.
Some of my favourite places include Bamburgh Beach, which is hidden behind the magnificent castle that dominates the village’s skyline, and Holy Island, which is bursting with history and stunning views. Check the tide times before you go though, I have a vivid memory of disappointment when after a nearly 2-hour drive, we couldn’t cross the causeway!
I also love visiting Whitby; one of my earliest holiday memories is tackling the famous 199 steps up to St Mary’s Chruch and Whitby Abbey. I love it so much that we’re planning on returning later this year, with the aim of spotting Minke whales on a wildlife boat tour.
Where would you like to visit next in the UK?
Cornwall has always felt a million miles away to me, but my eyes have been opened to the region’s countless beautiful beaches, home to exciting water sports, golden sand and crystal-clear water. In stark contrast to the beaches I’m used to, I might even catch a glimpse of the sun there!
Another thing I would love to experience is The Wild Atlantic Way, which spans the coasts of Northern Ireland and Ireland. I have visited family in Northern Ireland countless times, explored Giant’s Causeway and conquered the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (I even have the certificate to prove it!), but I’ve never ventured to the west coast. It’s an epic 1600-mile route, encompassing coastal villages and the untameable swells of the Atlantic Ocean. I’d love nothing more to spend a couple of weeks following the route and stopping off at Aillte an Mhothair (Cliffs of Moher) and Sliabh Liag (Slieve League).
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK?
I think a lot of people forget the beautiful and vast region of Northumberland that exists between Newcastle and Scotland. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and is home to some of the best staycation spots. I love nothing more than writing content that demystifies this region and opens people’s eyes to the wonders that await in Northumberland.
With highlights including iconic coastal towns and villages like Beadnell, Seahouses and Almouth, the endless history in Alnwick and along Hadrian’s Wall, and of course the immeasurable beauty of Northumberland National Park, I’m not sure I’ll ever run out of things to write about!
Hi, I’m Chloe. Before joining Sykes in 2018, I spent some time exploring the world (across three continents in one year to be precise!). I travelled from New York City, across 12 of the 50 United States of America, to Australia, New Zealand and across Southeast Asia via Bali, Singapore and Thailand!
A little closer to home, in my spare time I play in a netball team and I also love going to the gym and on country walks to keep fit! I live right in the heart of the countryside, a few miles from Holywell, so there’s plenty of natural beauty and walking trails on my doorstep.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK and why?
Like most people, I love visiting new places and it has always been on my bucket list to discover more of the country I was born in.
I can recommend Edinburgh in Scotland for its enchanting history, with a special mention to The Real Mary King’s Close attraction, a fabulous guided tour coupled with many a fascinating tale about the residents who lived, worked and died there.
Richmond in North Yorkshire is another recommendation of mine for its iconic castle, as well as Stroud in the Cotswolds, which is well located for beautiful walking country and picturesque buildings.
However, my favourite UK destination is the lovely fishing village of Port Issac in Cornwall; you can’t beat a delicious cream tea at Port Issac Pottery and Chapel Café and a walk along the seafront!
Where would you like to visit next in the UK and why?
I would love to visit the north coast of Northern Ireland and marvel at the iconic Giant’s Causeway! The thought of seeing this beautiful landscape in person is inspiring, but I also find it fascinating that around 60 million years ago these incredible basalt structures were formed from volcanic activity and erosion, producing something so intriguing on the earth’s surface. I’d love to learn more about it while exploring the site.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK and why?
The UK is rich with history, combined with breath-taking landscapes and varying cultures, making it a fantastic place to write about, however, some of my favourites include Edinburgh and Cornwall.
Edinburgh is dominated by its castle, which provides a perfect backdrop for storytelling, whilst Cornwall is full of colourful towns and villages, as well as being home to dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, both wild yet romantic.
Hi, I’m Chloe. Before joining Sykes in 2018, I spent some time exploring the world (across three continents in one year to be precise!). I travelled from New York City, across 12 of the 50 United States of America, to Australia, New Zealand and across Southeast Asia via Bali, Singapore and Thailand!
A little closer to home, in my spare time I play in a netball team and I also love going to the gym and on country walks to keep fit! I live right in the heart of the countryside, a few miles from Holywell, so there’s plenty of natural beauty and walking trails on my doorstep.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK and why?
Like most people, I love visiting new places and it has always been on my bucket list to discover more of the country I was born in.
I can recommend Edinburgh in Scotland for its enchanting history, with a special mention to The Real Mary King’s Close attraction, a fabulous guided tour coupled with many a fascinating tale about the residents who lived, worked and died there.
Richmond in North Yorkshire is another recommendation of mine for its iconic castle, as well as Stroud in the Cotswolds, which is well located for beautiful walking country and picturesque buildings.
However, my favourite UK destination is the lovely fishing village of Port Issac in Cornwall; you can’t beat a delicious cream tea at Port Issac Pottery and Chapel Café and a walk along the seafront!
Where would you like to visit next in the UK and why?
I would love to visit the north coast of Northern Ireland and marvel at the iconic Giant’s Causeway! The thought of seeing this beautiful landscape in person is inspiring, but I also find it fascinating that around 60 million years ago these incredible basalt structures were formed from volcanic activity and erosion, producing something so intriguing on the earth’s surface. I’d love to learn more about it while exploring the site.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK and why?
The UK is rich with history, combined with breath-taking landscapes and varying cultures, making it a fantastic place to write about, however, some of my favourites include Edinburgh and Cornwall.
Edinburgh is dominated by its castle, which provides a perfect backdrop for storytelling, whilst Cornwall is full of colourful towns and villages, as well as being home to dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, both wild yet romantic.
My name is Jack and I have worked at Sykes since 2019. I love exploring new places, especially around the UK and I still have a long list of places that I want to see!
I enjoy long walks, especially along the coast, with the sound of the waves providing the soundtrack to my day. I would love to learn how to surf one day, sooner rather than later, as I’m well aware that the quicker the years go by, the less capable I will be of riding a wave!
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK and why?
There are a number of locations across the UK that I love to visit. The first is the Lake District; I love walking with our dogs, so heading out on a hiking trail around the lakes and the national park is a joy. Places like Ambleside and Hawkshead are a must-visit.
Another area to visit is Pembrokeshire; this side of the Welsh coast has always been a favourite of mine. From a young age I have been lucky enough to stay in locations across the county, from St Davids to Haverfordwest and the popular town of Tenby. One of my favourite walks along this coast is the Bosherston to Stackpole Circular; heading across beaches and around lakes, it is a perfect setting for an escape to nature.
Where would you like to visit next in the UK and why?
A couple of places I would love to visit around the UK are at opposite ends! The first is Sennen Cove; if I knew how to surf I would be out on Sennen Cove Beach every day for sure! I would also have to pay a visit to Lands’ End and of course, get a picture with the sign of England’s westernmost point.
On the opposing side, I would love to head to the North of Scotland and in particular, I would love to do the North Coast 500, which starts at Inverness and heads around the Scottish coast, with stops such as John o’ Groats and Ullapool. It has been voted one of the world’s top coastal touring routes and is a must-visit for me.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK and why?
My favourite places to write about in the UK are of course Pembrokeshire and the Lake District because of the points mentioned above. I have been lucky enough to spend a good amount of time in these areas so I enjoy writing content to help people who may not have explored there before.
Another on the list is Kent; with a part of my family from Kent, I have spent a lot of time along the Kent coast so enjoy talking about the best walks and the top attractions to visit to help people find the best locations for a fantastic time away!
Hi, I’m Rob and I joined Sykes in February 2024. I grew up in Chester, Sykes’ hometown, and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK.
Growing up, I spent most weekends in Anglesey exploring the countryside, going to the beach and going on long walks. So, taking the opportunity to write about these amazing places was a no-brainer for me!
As well as exploring new and unique places, I have a passion for history and the importance of people and places. So, whenever I get the chance to get away for a short break, I always try to find landmarks, buildings and interesting hotspots that I’ve read about or researched.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK?
As mentioned, Anglesey has to take the top spot for me. Although I’ve enjoyed plenty of holidays across the UK, I find Anglesey to be totally unique, rich in history and always having plenty of things to see and do. It’s also packed full of hidden treasures, so you’re likely to find something new every time you go there!
The Yorkshire Dales is also a place where I’ve spent many great holidays. Having the chance to explore towns and villages that have remained virtually untouched for hundreds of years has always been a big draw for me, not to mention the many amazing castles and ruins dotted around places like the Wensleydale Valley.
Another fantastic place that I’ve always had fond memories of is the Yorkshire Coast, particularly around Whitby and Scarborough. Although the weather wasn’t perfect, I still remember having the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted there!
Where would you like to visit next in the UK?
Despite having a long bucket list of places to tick off, I’ve always fancied the idea of visiting St Ives and Land’s End. Having loved spending so much time in Wales as a child, the unique culture of Cornwall, its people and its language are a particular point of interest for me, not to mention the gorgeous countryside and amazing beaches there!
Another UK destination I’d love to visit is Loch Lomond. Despite how impressive the Lake District is, I’d love to be able to explore the forests and valleys around the loch and go to the places where famous writers and poets gained so much of their inspiration.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK?
For me, Devon is a particularly interesting place to write about. It strikes me as a place that offers tonnes for visitors to see and do, whether you’re looking for a serene countryside escape or a relaxing break by the beach. I also like writing about unique and historic towns and cities, particularly places like Wells in Somerset, Canterbury in Kent and York.
Hi, I’m Rob and I joined Sykes in February 2024. I grew up in Chester, Sykes’ hometown, and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK.
Growing up, I spent most weekends in Anglesey exploring the countryside, going to the beach and going on long walks. So, taking the opportunity to write about these amazing places was a no-brainer for me!
As well as exploring new and unique places, I have a passion for history and the importance of people and places. So, whenever I get the chance to get away for a short break, I always try to find landmarks, buildings and interesting hotspots that I’ve read about or researched.
Where is your favourite place to holiday in the UK?
As mentioned, Anglesey has to take the top spot for me. Although I’ve enjoyed plenty of holidays across the UK, I find Anglesey to be totally unique, rich in history and always having plenty of things to see and do. It’s also packed full of hidden treasures, so you’re likely to find something new every time you go there!
The Yorkshire Dales is also a place where I’ve spent many great holidays. Having the chance to explore towns and villages that have remained virtually untouched for hundreds of years has always been a big draw for me, not to mention the many amazing castles and ruins dotted around places like the Wensleydale Valley.
Another fantastic place that I’ve always had fond memories of is the Yorkshire Coast, particularly around Whitby and Scarborough. Although the weather wasn’t perfect, I still remember having the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted there!
Where would you like to visit next in the UK?
Despite having a long bucket list of places to tick off, I’ve always fancied the idea of visiting St Ives and Land’s End. Having loved spending so much time in Wales as a child, the unique culture of Cornwall, its people and its language are a particular point of interest for me, not to mention the gorgeous countryside and amazing beaches there!
Another UK destination I’d love to visit is Loch Lomond. Despite how impressive the Lake District is, I’d love to be able to explore the forests and valleys around the loch and go to the places where famous writers and poets gained so much of their inspiration.
What are your favourite places to write about in the UK?
For me, Devon is a particularly interesting place to write about. It strikes me as a place that offers tonnes for visitors to see and do, whether you’re looking for a serene countryside escape or a relaxing break by the beach. I also like writing about unique and historic towns and cities, particularly places like Wells in Somerset, Canterbury in Kent and York.
If like our authors you want to explore the UK, use our travel blog and our travel guides to help you plan every second! You might also be interested in the story of the beginnings of Sykes, as well as how else you can contact us.
by Steph Boal / News
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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