Best solo holiday UK destinations and ideas
Solo holidays are quickly becoming a popular venture for people from all walks of life – and the UK is one of the most idyllic places to experience on a solo trip.
From charming countryside villages to sun drenched beaches, through to bustling city breaks, there are so many exciting spots to discover around the country. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast or are simply looking for a quiet spot to unwind, the possibilities for a UK solo staycation are endless.
With some of the safest cities in the world and comfortingly low crime rates, many of the most popular solo-travel hotspots around the country are packed with cultural and culinary delights, not to mention breath-taking views and friendly locals.
Whether you’re a first-time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for a new location to explore, here our top 10 list of solo UK holiday destinations.
Cornwall
With over 400 miles of unspoilt coastline, golden shores and sparkling blue waters, Cornwall is a paradise for leisurely beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Grab a cone of delicious Cornish ice cream as you stroll along the sand or settle into a cosy café with a scone piled high with clotted cream and jam. Visit The Watering Hole - the UK’s only bar on a beach, or snuggle up with a good book in your own hamlet cottage or waterside retreat.
A solo holiday to Cornwall is perfectly suited to those in pursuit of adventure, as well as those looking for a picturesque spot to relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Lake District
From rolling hills and striking mountain ranges to deep, green valleys and, of course, the iconic glacial lakes stretching out across the Cumbrian countryside, the Lake District is an idyllic getaway for any solo traveller.
Solo holidays to the Lake District are popular with nature lovers, with plenty of walks, hikes and cycling trails, as well as lakeside water sports.
Amble around sleepy villages and stop off at a local pub to sample some hearty, homemade cuisine and a refreshingly pint of locally produced beer. With 16 stunning lakes and miles of uninhabited countryside to choose from, the Lake District is an idea spot for a complete digital detox, or a taste of traditional English country life for solo travellers.
The Cotswolds
Experience the quintessential charm of the English countryside on a solo getaway to the Cotswolds.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds stretches across six different counties, comprising of market towns draped in Roman heritage such as Cirencester, or quiet village riverside retreats like Bourton on Water – also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.
Step back in time as you explore the 12th century marvel of Berkeley Castle or stroll through historic settlements on one of Painswick’s many delightful walking trails.
A safe and serene spot for solo travellers, visitors to the Cotswolds will enjoy a delicious taste of homemade cheeses, pastries and other regional delicacies in one of the many cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the area. If you’re feeling like treating yourself, why not pick up a hamper to enjoy in your own cosy Cotswolds cottage?
Norfolk
A solo holiday to Norfolk is full of cobblestone streets, iconic historic architecture and lush green countryside.
Take a trip to the Medieval city of Norwich, home to the impressive Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle, or head towards the picture-perfect Norfolk coastline. Dotted with charming seaside towns and spectacular bays, Norfolk’s 90 miles of picturesque coastline is a superb location for solo travellers.
Try your hand at crabbing or hop on a boat and pay a visit to the UK’s largest seal colony as Blakeney Point.
Essex
Vibrant seaside towns merge seamlessly with spectacular countryside landscapes on a solo holiday to Essex.
The region is generously dappled with a wonderfully engaging range of National Trust sites, with the perfect mix of cultural hotspots and peaceful, natural beauty. Explore great stone castles, ancient temples and forgotten towers, or head to the spectacular coastline, speckled with quiet bays, golden sands and bustling towns. Some of the most popular attractions in Essex include the Alderford Watermill, Battlesbridge Antiques Centre and Beecroft Art Gallery.
What better way to relax after a long day of exploring Essex than with a dip in your very own hot tub in one of our indulgent lodges?
Northumberland
Nestled on the boarders between Scotland and Cumbria, Northumberland is an idyllic location for a solo weekend getaway in the UK.
A region packed with culture and history, countryside and coastline, there’s something for everyone in Northumberland.
From the awe-inspiring majesty of Alnwick Castle to the iconic Roman fortifications dotted along Hadrian’s Wall, history buffs will find no shortage of things to see and do.
Snuggle by the fireside in a local pub, indulge in a delicious afternoon tea in a quaint village bakery, or head to the spectacular seaside for a healthy portion of fish and chips before heading back to your cosy Garden Cottage.
Scottish Highlands
Showcasing some of the most spectacular scenery the UK has to offer, a solo trip to the Scottish Highlands is an unforgettable experience.
Sweeping glens and towering mountains surround peaceful lochs and cosy cottages surrounded by fields of heather, with plenty of walks and cycling routes to explore.
Sample some locally distilled whisky at the Edraour Distillery, or indulge in some traditional Scottish fare at one of the local pubs or cafes.
No solo trip to the Highlands would be complete without a visit to the iconic Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle that sits nestled along its shores.
Oxfordshire
Teeming with areas of historical significance dotted throughout sleepy towns and bustling cities, Oxfordshire is a truly unique destination for a UK solo holiday.
Take a trip to the main city of Oxford, a ‘city of dreaming spires’, and experience the beauty of its cream-bricked buildings, bustling markets, vibrant nightlife and of course, the iconic Oxford University.
Step outside of city life for a stroll in the open countryside in the Chilterns, or kayak along the Shotover Country Park canal before heading back to your own Oxfordshire escape.
Kent
A stone’s throw from the big-city sights of London, relax and recharge on a solo trip to Kent.
From pretty countryside scenery and towering castles of old to quaint villages filled with unique art galleries, delicious eateries and vibrant markets, Kent is the perfect opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.
Hike along exhilarating clifftops, stroll around centuries-old heritage sites or indulge in a spot of shopping at the Bluewater shopping complex. Take a trip to the iconic city of
Canterbury and step foot inside the famous cathedral, one of the oldest Christian structures in England.
Relax after an exhilarating day in Kent in your own countryside retreat.
Somerset
From the dramatic Roman architecture of bustling Bath to the serene open moors that surround Cheddar Gorge, Somerset is an eclectic location for a solo holiday.
With a collection of beautiful towns and villages steeped in English history, you won’t be short of things to see and experience in Somerset.
Stroll around the historic Roman thermal spas in the city of Bath, packed with unique shops, delicious eateries and fascinating museums and galleries, it’s a thrilling day out for any solo traveller.
Escape the city and unwind in the untouched Somerset countryside, or head to the picturesque coastline for a delicious ice cream as you watch fishing boats bob on the horizon.
People also ask
Can I travel alone in the UK?
The UK is one of the safest places to travel solo, with excellent transport links across the country and no shortage of beautiful places to stay.
Who goes on solo holidays?
The short answer is anyone. People may choose to go on a solo holiday for several reasons, from a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to an opportunity to explore parts of the UK without worrying about family or friends.
Can I go on a solo holiday as a single person?
Many single people choose to go on a solo holiday, with plenty of accommodation options perfect for single travellers. If you’re unsure about travelling alone, there are several forums and online groups dedicated to supporting solo travellers.