8 Inspiring UK Holiday Ideas for 2023
As we say hello to 2023, you may be looking ahead to what adventures this year may hold.
We’ve been organising award-winning self-drive holidays in the UK since 2004. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, experience a culinary or historical journey, or simply treat yourself to a luxury escape, we can create the holiday for you.
We have compiled a list of 8 ideas to give you a dose of travel inspiration for the year ahead …
Get into the Great Outdoors
The UK is home to a wide variety of stunning landscapes which are accessible by car. A self-drive holiday is a great way to discover the wilder side of the UK and take a step back from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The Lake District
The Lake District is well-known for being a charming paradise for photographers, walkers, and those simply looking for a relaxing Lakeland retreat. There are ample opportunities for boat trips, scenic walks in the hills, by the lakes and through quaint little villages with winding lanes and traditional slate homes.
Our Highlights of the Lake District itinerary is the perfect way to bring this vision to life!
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Scottish Island Hopping
If you are keen to do some island hopping, Scotland is the place to do this. With over 700 islands, all with distinct characteristics, there are plenty of places to experience the serenity of staying on an island.
Our Magical Islands of Mull, Iona and Skye itinerary is a fantastic way to discover some of the most scenic islands. There is plenty to see, from coastal villages and castles to sandy beaches and dramatic mountains. The Isle of Skye is home to some of the most dramatic, peculiar landscapes the country has to offer, along with other sights such as the famous Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle and the pretty town of Portree.
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On the Isle of Mull, the distinctive colourful town of Tobermory has a distillery, a museum and an arts centre. Elsewhere on the island, there are plenty of great walks, historical sites, and opportunities to take boat trips to smaller islands such as Staffa and Iona.
Mull is also known for being a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise – especially for those interested in bird-watching as the varied landscapes provide diverse habitats.
Treat Yourself
Britain has an abundance of luxury hotels in a variety of beautiful settings, from lochside retreats to grand castle hotels.
North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s most famous driving route, and it’s no surprise why. It covers various stunning landscapes, from dramatic mountains to quiet, isolated beaches and lochs. Along the route, there are many luxurious hotels which offer the best of Scottish hospitality to make your adventure extra special.
From The Torridon, perched on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon against a dramatic backdrop of mountains, to Forss House Hotel on the far north coast, a hotel which combines traditional hunting lodge features with a modern charm – there are memorable places to stay at every corner of the route.
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Oxford & The Cotswolds
Deep in the heart of England you will find the Cotswolds, with a plethora of peaceful villages, market towns and green rolling hills to explore. Why not experience this from the comfort of Ellenborough Park? Elegant decor, soothing spa treatments and 90 acres of parkland will ensure you have the most relaxing stay.
Not far from the Cotswolds are the cities of Bath and Oxford, both famed for their charming architecture and historical prominence. Our self-drive holiday Classic England: Oxford & The Cotswolds, combines these locations into one easy itinerary, with a variety of memorable places to stay along the way.
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Experience a Culinary Journey
Sampling local cuisine is one of the best ways to experience a new place.
Scottish Seafood Trail
Scotland’s west coast is home to many world-renowned seafood restaurants, and our Scottish Seafood Trail itinerary is a true culinary adventure where mouth-watering delicacies are complemented by spectacular landscapes.
Destinations include Oban, known as the seafood capital of Scotland, and the famous Isle of Skye, where colourful Portree has a generous offering of exceptional restaurants.
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Devon & Cornwall
Nestled in the south west corner of England, the regions of Devon and Cornwall are home to an abundance of high-quality local produce. Delve into fresh seafood, rich ice cream, and of course – Cornish pasties – a savoury baked pastry typically filled with beef and vegetables. You will also find that many local pubs that serve a classic Sunday roast, a staple across the country, which serves as a great way to bring friends and family together over a hearty meal.
If you are looking for something special, there are three restaurants in Cornwall with a Michelin Star – the two Outlaw’s restaurants in picturesque Port Isaac, and Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow. Padstow in general is a haven for foodies, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and artisan bakeries.
Our Devon and Cornwall Road Trip takes you through these areas, which are complemented by breathtaking views along the rugged coastline.
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Step Back in Time
Learning about local history allows you to step back in time and understand how societies lived in different eras, telling the story of how these places came to be as they are today.
Northumberland & Hadrian’s Wall
Northumberland has an abundance of castles, set in arguably the most dramatic locations in the UK. Alnwick Castle is perhaps the most famous, as it was used as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Bamburgh Castle sits imposingly on a crag above the expansive beach, and no trip to Northumberland is complete without a visit to Lindisfarne Castle – perched on a volcanic plug and accessible only via a causeway at low tide.
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the UK’s most fascinating (and certainly longest!) historical sites. Stretching for 73 miles across northern England, the wall was built in AD122 to mark the boundary between Roman Britain and Caledonia. As well as spending time walking alongside the wall itself, on the Hadrian’s Wall Path, there are over 20 sites to visit such as Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda.
Our self-drive itineraries Hadrian’s Wall & Northumberland and Historic Borders of Scotland & England are a great starting point for visiting these places.
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Shetland & Orkney
A haven for fascinating prehistoric sites, wildlife, dramatic cliffs and white-sand beaches, a trip to Shetland and Orkney is the perfect way to discover the wilder side of Scotland, and learn about the turbulent past of these northern isles.
Partly due to their isolated location, these islands have retained many of their ancient customs through various festivals and traditions, despite being much more accessible to visitors from across the world now.
With many fascinating prehistoric sites and museums to visit around the islands, there’s a wonderful opportunity to delve into their history and culture to understand more about these stunning archipelagos.
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Enjoy an Inspirational Journey with Absolute Escapes
What kind of adventures will 2023 have in store for you? We hope this has given you some inspiration for your own tailor-made escape!
Our self-drive packages include hand-picked accommodation, personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team.
Our itineraries are fully-customisable, so if you would like to adjust them or combine multiple itineraries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and one of our friendly team members will be delighted to assist you.
Zoe Kirkbride
