The perfect destinations for countryside getaways in the UK

The perfect destinations for countryside getaways in the UK

From stunning Scotland to the rolling Yorkshire Dales, the glorious English Riviera to the lovely Lake District, the UK is home to lots of stunning countryside that is waiting to be discovered. The natural beauty of the country also provides a wonderful backdrop for enjoying a relaxing escape. So, however you like to spend your downtime, there is the perfect UK countryside getaway waiting for you.

There are plenty of options for your next countryside break, from simple bed and breakfast stays to luxury spa breaks. This means that you can tailor a getaway that’s right for you. Maybe you’re looking for a well-located base from which to explore the area? Or maybe you would prefer to just find a comfortable hotel in a rural idyll and chill out for a couple of days? Whatever you choose, spending time surrounded by calming nature is sure to recharge the batteries, melt away daily stresses, and restore some much-needed balance to your life.

In this guide, we discuss some popular options for a rural escape and highlight a few of our favourites.

Lake District: Perfect for Exploring

Covering 2,362 square kilometres (or 912 square miles) of Cumbria, with 16 major bodies of water, not to mention breath-taking mountain landscapes, charming market towns, and interesting historical sites, the Lake District is a great choice for memorable countryside breaks. Here, you can explore on your own terms. Head out for a leisurely walk, drive or boat trip to see the scenery in a sedate fashion. Alternatively, enjoy more challenging hikes, bike rides, and climbs. For a short getaway, choose a hotel base that offers easy access to the surrounding area, such as Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick, so you can get out and about exploring. Along the way, you can enjoy some downtime in one of the many cafés, inns and restaurants that offer a warm welcome and a relaxed ambience.

For more, take a look at our guide, discover the best places to stay in the lake district.

Our choice for a Lake District getaway

Boasting a fantastic central location right on the banks of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake and the Lake District’s largest body of water, Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa is a great base from which to explore. The bustling town of Windermere has lots of options for shopping and dining, as well as a mainline train station. You can also look forward to unwinding in the relaxed spa, which offers facilities including a swimming pool and thermal suite. Book now.

Yorkshire: Perfect for Relaxing

If you’re looking for a restful backdrop to your countryside getaway, the diverse county of Yorkshire is a wonderful choice. Head to the tranquil, rural east riding of yorkshire, or to west yorkshire, which boasts beautiful bronte country. south yorkshire is the gateway to the peak district, and north yorkshire is home to whitby, scarborough and the spectacular dales. whichever part you choose, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax, from cosy country pubs and inviting beaches to extensive public transport links that let you sit back and enjoy the views as someone else does the driving.

Our choice for a Yorkshire getaway

The peaceful Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa in West Yorkshire is 30 minutes by road from Leeds and also offers easy access to the Yorkshire Dales, as well as the characterful towns of Otley, Ilkley and Haworth, from where you can explore Bronte Country. Alternatively, just unwind against the backdrop of the lovely Yorkshire countryside, stroll in the beautiful woodlands, and enjoy the luxurious spa, which offers facilities including an indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot-tub. Book now.

South West: Perfect for Beach-lovers

While the region does have lots of competition when it comes to awesome beaches and coastal towns, we’ve chosen the super south west for anyone seeking a wonderful getaway to the great british seaside. the region offers plenty of choice for weekend escapes or longer staycations, extending through devon, cornwall, dorset and gloucestershire. if you’re new to the area, devon might be a good choice. home to the 22-mile stretch of majestic coastline known as the english riviera, you can also discover traditional seaside towns such as torbay, paignton, torquay and brixham. explore by car or walk a stretch of the 630-mile south west coast path and enjoy the scenery.

Our choice for a South West getaway

Enjoy plenty of fresh sea air at The Imperial Hotel Torquay in glorious Devon. The hotel boasts fantastic views and is located right on the South West Coast Path, so you can look forward to lovely coastal walks. You are also within easy reach of the bustling town of Torquay, the delightful harbour and, of course, the wonderful sandy beach. Torquay also has a train station, if you want to head off to explore the region. The relaxed spa hotel is the ideal place to unwind, with indoor and (seasonal) outdoor pools. Book now.

Scotland: Perfect for Adventure

If you’re seeking a more action-packed countryside escape, spectacular Scotland and, specifically, the Scottish Highland region may be the perfect choice. Here, you’ll find Cairngorms National Park (the UK's largest National Park). As well as providing a stunning backdrop, the Cairngorms offer extensive biking and hiking trails, water sports, snow-based sports, climbing and mountaineering, and gorge walking. In short, it’s an adventure-lover’s paradise! This is especially true if you’re drawn to the mountains, with the Grampians, including Ben Nevis, among the area’s ranges waiting to be scaled. Climbers, walkers and nature-lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in magnificent Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in the southern highlands. 

Our choice for a Scottish Highland getaway

Located within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa is a terrific base for an active country escape. Surrounded by stunning Scottish countryside on the banks of lovely Loch Ard, the hotel is within reach of the Ben Lomond mountain range and Beinn Ime peak, and offers access to plenty of water sports, biking and walking trails. You can return after a long day of activity to enjoy award-winning dining, comfortable accommodation and a superb spa that offers such facilities as a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Book now.

SpaSeekers’ locations perfect for a countryside getaway

We’ve only just scratched the surface of all the great country locations you can explore and enjoy. For example, you can also find wonderful countryside and coastal getaway destinations across charming rural Wales, calming East Anglia, the lovely South East and the windswept North East, to name a few.