...and now for the UK
GettinG to know our own country has been one of the themes of this year, while travel overseas has been restricted. So here are some brilliant UK breaks to take in 2021 . . .
Head for the Broads
In the tiny hamlet of Mautby, two miles from the beaches and waterways of the norfolk Broads, are the eight holiday cottages of Lower Wood Farm. With a heated pool and a recently opened play area, they’re perfect for families. DETAILS: three nights in Pipkin Cottage, which sleeps four, cost from £567 in July or August 2021 (premiercottages.co.uk).
Coastal classic
St IveS, Port Isaac, St Mawes — everyone’s got their favourite Cornish seaside village. But the best of the lot might just be Porthleven. Fishing boats bob in the harbour, waves crash into the sea walls and there are plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants. DETAILS: Ideal for a multi-generational break, tregoose Farmhouse, just outside Porthleven, sleeps 12. Seven nights cost from £1,430 (porthlevenholidaycottages.co.uk).
Trip back in time
A trIP to one of the UK’s historic cities will likely be top of the list for many. Lincoln is small and its streets are perfect for meandering. take in the Sir Christopher Wrendesigned library, the castle, or stop off for light refreshment at the pubs and tea rooms of Steep hill. DETAILS: rooms at the Duke William hotel cost from £ 100 ( dukewilliamlincoln.com).
Go wild in Wales
enJoy a Japan-inspired stay on the Pembrokeshire coast in one of Fforest Farm’s onsen Domes ( an ‘onsen’ is a Japanese hot spring; the word also describes the bathing facilities and inns situated nearby). each one-bedroom glamping tent (which can sleep up to four) has a wood-burning stove, barbecue area, indoor shower and outdoor concrete tub. DETAILS: three nights cost from £948 in spring or summer 2021 ( coldatnight.co.uk).
Jurassic jaunt
DorSet’S Jurassic Coast is the magnificent location of the Swanage Bay view static caravan site. explore the nearby ruins of Corfe Castle, road trip through charming villages or spend the day lounging on the beach. A bargain. DETAILS: three nights cost from £421 for a family of four in June 2021 ( ariaresorts.co.uk).
Explore the Dales
GrAnD surroundings befit a grand place to stay and, thankfully, the yorkshire Dales is full of them. Grantley hall in ripon makes for a great base to visit Fountains Abbey, tramp the Dales or strike out to the north york Moors national Park or Pennine trails. DETAILS: Four nights’ B&B are the price of three, from £577 pp including spa and gym, plus one fitness class a day ( grantleyhall.co.uk).
Island dream
there’S something transportive about being on an island, even if it’s just off the British coast. And none is more glorious than the
Scilly Isles. In spring, 400 species of sea birds make this archipelago their home, while tresco Abbey Gardens houses 20,000 plants. DETAILS: Prestige holidays offers five-night B&B tours of tresco and St Mary’s in spring 2021 from £1,499 pp ( prestigeholidays.co.uk).
Rye not?
the charming seaside town of rye is just a couple of hours’ drive south of London, near to quirky hastings and the swathes of beach at Camber Sands. DETAILS: three nights at the threebedroom Winchelsea Cottage cost from £692 in July ( cottages.com).
Wonderful Windermere
WAKe to views of steep Cumbrian hills and mist blanketing the water while staying by Windermere. Go cycling, swimming, canoeing, fishing and power boating, or just enjoy the trails and scenery. DETAILS: Doubles at the Macdonald old england hotel & Spa for June 2021 start at £149 B&B, including dinner ( secretescapes.com).
Highland adventure
A WALKInG tour is a great way to explore the majesty of the Cairngorms national Park — the heart of the Scottish highlands. Pop into a whisky distillery and 13th-century castle along the way. DETAILS: Six nights half-board with Wilderness Scotland in July or August cost from £1,565 pp ( wildernessscotland.com).