As holiday season reaches full swing, families and individuals alike look forward to enjoying their time off at one of countless vacation destinations around the world. For many, the United Kingdom offers a variety of stunning escapes fit for every palate.
From relaxing beach getaways to cozy mountain retreats, there’s a unique charm and distinct character to the UK that is truly unforgettable. Here are our top 3 beautiful vacation destinations in the UK.
1) Dunbar, Scotland
A few hours outside of Edinburgh, Dunbar is a hidden gem on Scotland’s southeast coast boasting breathtaking ocean views and rolling emerald landscape, all with a quirky small-town attitude. Dunbar lives up to its status as the birthplace of naturalist John Muir, as natural adventure is around every corner.
Enjoy walking through the gorgeous Lammermuir Hills on Muir Way, the coast-to-coast trail, explore the remains of a 1640s estate in the mystical Lochend Woods, or enjoy the seals and sea-battered castle ruins of the Dunbar Harbour. For the adrenaline junkie, Fox Lake offers the perfect fix as Scotland’s first waterpark. Whether you get your rush from wakeboarding, tubing, or even ziplining, Fox Lake offers an array of high-energy fun for all ages.
If the outdoors aren’t your cup of tea, absorb the city’s rich culture on High Street. Founded in 1370, Dunbar’s status as of the oldest cities in Scotland is best seen on High Street, its central hub of activity, brimming with small businesses and unique trades.
Whether you’re enjoying shops and restaurants of High Street or its abundant natural wonders, Dunbar promises a quaint, enjoyable vacation for the adventurous heart.
2) Dingle, Ireland
The artistic soul might find its calling in Dingle, a charming peninsula on Ireland’s southwestern coast with a reputation for its rich nightlife and vibrant music scene. Grab a pint at one of the over 52 pubs in the area and get a true taste of Dingle’s most well-known specialty: trad music.
Dingle has become a mecca for enthusiasts of Irish traditional music, and folk songs, bar chants, and string instruments create the beating cultural heart of this remote town, filling the air every night.
Dubbed “the most beautiful place on Earth” by the National Geographic Traveler, Dingle is encircled by the steep cliffs of the Dingle Mountains and overlooks the sparkling waters of Dingle Bay, creating a stunning visual landscape of greens and blues speckled with bright fishing boats and cottages. Then experience the local cuisine with a tasting tour, from the local distillery’s world-famous whiskey and gin to Murphy’s Ice Cream, made from hand with milk from native Kerry cows.
A tiny city with a distinct local flavor, Dingle is perfect for travelers seeking a complete cultural experience filled with art, eats, and endless views.
3) Perranporth, England
Nestled amongst the rugged cliffs of the southwest English coast and centered around a stunning three-mile stretch of beach, Perranporth in Cornwall is an enchanting village with a little something for everyone.
Take advantage of your coastal retreat and relax in the golden sands, or for the brave at heart grab a surfboard and dive into the clear Atlantic waves that have earned their place as one of the best surf spots in the UK. For a terrestrial challenge, hike the South West Coast Path and bask in some of the world’s most beautiful ocean views.
If exploring the city is more your speed, experience the rich culture of Cornwall on the main strip of St. Piran’s Road. Browse the charming shops, brimming with jewelry, crystals, and handcrafted trinkets. Shop at the weekly flea market for local artisan wares before grabbing a local delicacy to snack on like a Cornish pasty or scone with clotted cream.
There are a rich variety of restaurants. Some local favorites include The Smuggler’s Den, a traditional hole-in-the wall pub. It offers local ales and produce, and the only beachfront bar in the UK, The Watering Hole, offering live music and a diverse menu.
Perranporth is a picturesque taster of Cornwall, boasting breathtaking coastlines, incredible local cuisine, and a distinct small-town charm that guarantees something for everyone.
