Take your next break, far from the madding crowds Domestic travel is set to be busier than ever this summer. Escape the bustle by avoiding the obvious destinations, says SARAH MARSHALL
REGARDED as being ‘too close to home’, domestic holidays are frequently overlooked in favour of more exotic escapes; shelved for a later date, because we can go any time.
But lockdown has taught us even local travel has value, promising just as many pleasures as other parts of the world.
As restrictions ease, hotels and attractions are preparing to open in the UK and Ireland, and it’s likely many holiday-hungry travellers will hit the road. But there are fears a rush of numbers could ruin the experience, with concerns of overcrowded beaches and overrun national parks.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to the obvious honeypots.
For those prepared to search a little harder, these are some of the quieter, more remote locations to explore on our shores.
NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK:
THE title of least-visited National Park in the UK, is an accolade to be proud of in these crowd-dodging times. Even better, with only 2,000 residents, the 405-square-mile Northumberland National Park is the least-populated protected beauty spot, too.
Sitting below the Scottish Borders, it’s spliced by Hadrian’s Wall, and neighbours Kielder Water & Forest Park, a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, where stars sparkle like gems. A sprawl of woodlands, streams and a rocky gorge, College Valley is one of the most remote areas to explore.
Sleep in 14th-century surroundings at Langley Castle 888) where doubles start from £94 per night.
HAYLING ISLAND, HAMPSHIRE:
EVEN though it’s only a short hop across a bridge to this island offshore from Portsmouth, life slowly unfurls in its own holiday bubble.
A popular seaside resort in the 1930s, it still has several holiday