The most relaxing holiday destinations for 2023

The most relaxing destinations for a quiet holiday in 2023

When looking for the most relaxing holiday destinations, you don’t need to look any further than the UK. Our top locations have some of the best-rated parks, cafés, bakeries, art galleries, and spas, to help you find peace and relaxation.

1. Herefordshire & Worcestershire – Malvern Hills

The Malvern Hills are an 8-kilometre-long range of hills that offer beautiful landscapes and views over the surrounding towns and countryside. It’s the perfect scenic place to visit if you enjoy hiking and walking or even if you just want to sit and watch the world go by for the afternoon. With a whopping 20 cafés and 16 bakeries in the area, there’s no need to pack your own picnic. And when you’ve finished your stroll, relax and unwind in one of the 3 nearby spas. 

2. Cheshire – Dunham Massey

Nestled between the vibrant city of Manchester and the beginnings of rural Cheshire, you can find Dunham Massey, a National Trust-owned estate. Explore the Georgian-era manor house before venturing out into the 300-acre deer park where hundreds of fallow deer call home. Accessible pathways make it easy for families to enjoy the woodland walks and gardens. After all that walking, enjoy a bite to eat and a hot drink at one of the 17 nearby cafés or 9 bakeries and let one of the 2 nearby spas ease your tired feet.

3. Kent, Surrey, and Sussex – White Cliffs of Dover

Once a beacon of hope for weary sailors and sea-worn travellers, the White Cliffs of Dover have a long history and make a particularly good place to visit for a staycation. 

Did you know that research has shown that proximity to water is strongly linked to your brain releasing feel-good hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin? Soak up these benefits of being near the water by following the coastal paths for the best views of the chalk cliff faces. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the nearby castle before heading for a bite to eat at one of the many local spots. You’ll also find 7 different parks in the area to explore before letting one of the 3 spas massage the day away.

4. Devon – Heddon's Mouth (Exmoor cliff tops)

Along the north coast of Devon, you’ll find the picturesque Heddon’s Mouth along the Exmoor cliff tops. The Heddon Valley has plenty to do and see in relative seclusion, so makes a great place to visit to unwind and relax. Easy walks, natural playgrounds, and push-chair-friendly paths make it ideal for families and motorised wheelchairs alike. With 9 art galleries and 3 spas in the area, it’s also a great place to visit as a couple or even as a solo traveller.

5. Dorset – Studland Bay

Right by The Purbecks and a stone’s throw from Corfe Castle, you can find a slice of picturesque beach and quiet bay named Studland. The gently sloping beach and lack of harsh waves make this beach an excellent place to visit for families, and when you’re fed up with all the sand, there’s always Old Harry’s Rocks, the nearby heathland, and plenty of other places to explore in the area. 

There is one spa in the nearby area with a 4 out of 5-star rating for those who enjoy being pampered. And for those who enjoy good food, you can take your pick out of 16 cafés and 5 bakeries, all with good ratings. To top it all off, Studland has 4 bookstores, ideal for browsing the classics and new releases alike and five 5-star art galleries – perfect for art lovers.

The 5 most secluded destinations for a quiet holiday in 2023

For some, the appeal of not being bothered is what draws them to certain areas for a relaxing holiday. If you’re this kind of person, here is our list of the most secluded locations in the UK. 

Where our most relaxing spots boast plenty of well-rated nearby spas, cafés, and parks, these locations have been ranked by their seclusion and complete lack of amenities – so make sure you bring your own snacks.

1. Hebrides – Fingal's Cave, Staffa National Nature Reserve

It doesn’t get more secluded than the island of Staffa off Scotland’s west coast. This tiny island is only half a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide but boasts some stunning views and interesting wildlife. The island is mostly made up of hexagonal basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. In the summer, it’s the perfect place to spot puffins, and of course, there is Fingal’s Cave to visit – formed by thousands of years of sea erosion. Only accessible between April and October, there’s nowhere to stay or eat on the island itself, but it makes an excellent day trip so pack your picnic and your TRIP CBD drink to enjoy while you look out over the waves. Looking for more of an adventure? Pack your tent and wild camp for the ultimate stargazing experience. Just make sure you are a responsible camper and leave nothing behind when you pack up. 

2. Outer Hebrides – Mingulay

Another Scottish island takes the second place for being the most secluded area in the UK. Mingulay island is the second largest island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland and can only be accessed by boat in the right weather conditions from neighbouring islands, Barra and Uist.

Mingulay has remained uninhabited since 1912, and there are no buildings other than the ruins left behind by its previous human inhabitants so this is another island that is either suitable for a day trip or wild camping (just make sure to read the National Trust’s guidance as there is no phone reception).

3. The Peak District and Derbyshire – Kinder Downfall

The Kinder Downfall is a famous waterfall located in the Peak District on the edge of Kinder Scout Hill. During high winds, the water is known to blow back on itself, creating a cloud of steam that can be seen for miles. If you’re into hiking or walking holidays, the Peak District is a wonderfully secluded place to visit. 

4. Somerset and Wiltshire – West Kennet Avenue at Avebury

Connecting the Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments of Avebury and The Sanctuary, West Kennet Avenue is a winding pathway consisting of pairs of white standing stones. This pre-historic site makes a great relaxing holiday for those who love to soak in historical places. You can walk the whole distance from The Sanctuary to Avebury via West Kennet Avenue, so bring your best hiking boots and don’t forget the snacks – there are no cafés along the way. 

5. Norfolk – Brancaster beach

On the lookout for a relaxing beach holiday? It might not have the white sands and turquoise waters of a tropical destination, but this secluded beach in Norfolk still has plenty to offer for a relaxing holiday. Brancaster Beach is a stretch of sandy beach along the north Norfolk coastline. It’s both child and dog friendly and boasts some beautiful sand dunes but the road to access the beach floods at high tide, so time your visit accordingly. When you’re done playing in the sand or walking the dog, stop by the nearby cafe for tea and cake before heading off. 

The UK is full of beautiful locations for a relaxing holiday destination, so even if you’re staying closer to home, you can return to work fully recuperated. The next time you’re in need of a relaxing moment, why not try one of TRIP’s best taste award winning CBD infused drinks to help you relax and unwind in the lead-up to your next holiday?

Methodology

We scraped the listings from National Trust England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National Trust Scotland to find the most relaxing and secluded areas to stay. Then we ranked the most iconic destinations based on nearby spas, parks, art galleries, cafés, bookstores, and bakeries to find the best places to visit in the UK for a super relaxing holiday. Data correct as of May 2023.