Swap airport chaos for countryside calm with these stunning UK destinations
Key Points:
- Holiday accommodation expert shares his top five countryside destinations in England for an unforgettable summer staycation
- List includes idyllic spots in the Cotswolds, Yorkshire Dales, and a secret gem in Herefordshire with recommendations for activities and attractions
- Expert says these destinations offer perfect mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and real British charm without the hassle of overseas travel
With the UK summer approaching but the cost of living still rising, people across the nation will be turning their attention to holiday plans closer to home. The English countryside offers stunning scenery and tranquil escapes, which means a staycation might just be the perfect antidote to our busy lives.
“A lot of us Brits overlook the fact that some of Europe’s most magical spots are right on our doorstep,” says Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, which offers secluded log cabins nestled in Herefordshire’s stunning Wye Valley. “Summer is when our countryside truly comes alive.”
For those looking to swap city life for country charm this summer, Edwards has revealed his top five countryside destinations that promise an unforgettable staycation experience.
1. The Wye Valley, Herefordshire
Nestled along the border between England and Wales, the Wye Valley is a hidden treasure that offers some of Britain’s most spectacular riverside scenery. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features dramatic limestone gorges and ancient woodland.
“The Wye Valley is truly magical in summer,” says Edwards. “You can spend your mornings paddleboarding or canoeing on the river, afternoons exploring ancient castles, and evenings watching the sunset with a glass of local cider.”
The area boasts impressive attractions, including Symonds Yat Rock, where visitors can spot peregrine falcons, and the haunting ruins of Tintern Abbey.
“What makes Herefordshire special is how unspoiled it remains,” Edwards notes. “You can still find quiet spots where it feels like you’ve got the whole countryside to yourself.”
2. The Cotswolds
With its honey-colored stone villages and rolling hills, the Cotswolds represents quintessential English countryside at its finest. Summer brings this region to life with vibrant gardens and footpaths winding through golden wheat fields.
“The Cotswolds is like stepping into a postcard,” says Edwards. “Wandering through villages like Castle Combe or Bourton-on-the-Water on a warm summer’s day is such a timeless experience.”
Visitors can explore the lavender fields at Snowshill during July, when they’re in full bloom, or take a refreshing wild swim at the Thames Head.
3. The Peak District
England’s first national park continues to captivate visitors with its dramatic landscapes of limestone dales and rugged moorland. Summer in the Peaks brings perfect conditions for hiking the famous trails.
“What I love about the Peak District in summer is the contrast,” Edwards explains. “One moment you’re in a bustling market town like Bakewell, and just a short drive later, you’re completely alone on top of a hill with views that stretch for miles.”
The area boasts natural wonders like Thor’s Cave and Dovedale, while historical sites such as Chatsworth House add cultural depth to any visit.
4. The Yorkshire Dales
With its patchwork of drystone walls, barns, and meandering rivers, the Yorkshire Dales offers a distinctly northern take on countryside beauty. Summer visitors are treated to spectacular displays of wildflowers in the hay meadows.
“The Yorkshire Dales has this uniquely rugged beauty that feels completely different from southern England,” says Edwards. “There’s a wildness to it, but also these incredibly welcoming villages where you’ll find some of the best pub lunches in Britain.”
Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls are must-visits, while traditional summer events like local agricultural shows provide authentic glimpses into rural life.
5. The North Norfolk Coast
For those seeking a mix of countryside and coastline, North Norfolk delivers with its vast beaches, salt marshes, and traditional seaside towns.
“Norfolk offers something completely different,” Edwards points out. “You get these incredible big skies, beautiful beaches without the crowds of more famous seaside spots, and stunning country houses all within a short drive of each other.”
Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, commented:
“A summer staycation in the British countryside offers something that’s increasingly hard to find these days – genuine peace and a chance to reconnect with nature. These five destinations represent the incredible variety of landscapes we have right here in Britain, from dramatic hills and dales to ancient woodlands and pristine beaches.
“What makes a countryside retreat so special in summer is how the longer days let you properly soak in your surroundings. There’s nothing quite like watching the golden hour light across an English meadow, or enjoying a late evening stroll when the temperature is perfect and the crowds have disappeared.
“After years of welcoming guests to our cabins in Herefordshire, I can confidently say that a few days in the countryside completely transforms people. They arrive stressed and glued to their phones – they leave relaxed and tuned in to their environment. That’s the magic of a British summer staycation.”
