9 of the best places for a solo UK holiday – according to the travel insiders

Once budget airlines started to pop-up British seaside towns became bit wistful and nostalgic. You know: dilapidated buildings, empty arcades, amusement piers that once teemed with Victorian day-trippers populated by a lone seagull scowling and eating cold chips. But not Brighton.

With its riotous nightlife, thrumming live music scene and winding lanes with quirky shops selling all sorts of curiosities, it’s a bit of a rarity: a truly future-facing coastal town. Plus, the locals are so friendly, the culture so vibrant, that you’re bound to make some new pals when you’re exploring solo.

Getting there: 2-hour drive / 1-hour train ride from London

I’m lucky that I get to visit the North Norfolk coast and a little village called Brancaster (which is a retreat in itself) quite often. But lately I’ve been stalking West Lexham’s Insta page. West Lexham is the perfect place to travel solo – you could stay on the estate in the Norfolk countryside and not really need to go anywhere else! It also offers some of the dreamiest accommodation: treehouses, bell tents, barns and cottages, if you’re looking for a peaceful bolthole. They also run holistic and wellness retreats, including yoga, sound therapy, star gazing – the list goes on. The best bit? It’s an eco-friendly paradise. 

Getting there: 2.5-hour drive / 3-hour train ride from London

 

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Picturesque pubs, amazing delis and epic dog walks (a trip with your pooch counts as a solo holiday, okay) – this cluster of villages is the English countryside at its best. From Burford to Bourton on Water, you can basically eat your way around the villages, drinking in the traditional honey-coloured stone houses along the way. There are so many local foods to try – from cheeses to pastries – and with plenty of cafes instead of posh restaurants, you might feel less intimidated when it comes to eating out. Don’t miss Daylesford’s organic farm shop.

Getting there: 2-hour drive / 2.5 hour train ride from London

Dublin seems to have a never-ending supply of things to do. It’s so easy to be a solo traveller here. I love the Irish Museum of Modern Art, wandering around Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse (it’s like visiting a theme park dedicated to the classic Irish tipple!). Pack your itinerary with activities and you’ll 100% fall in love with the Irish way, or you can just browse the shops – Grafton Street is a world-famous shopping street – and wander along the Grand Canal if you’re on a budget.

Getting there: 1-hour flight from London

This city is great for a solo break as it’s so easy to navigate. Sheffield is also one of the greenest cities in the UK so it gives you the best of both cool city vibes and a little nature, too. Check out Sheffield Botanical Gardens, the Antiques Quarter if you love vintage shopping or you can even get a local bus all the way into the Peak District if you fancy a hike. I’d stay in a central hotel so you can pretty much walk everywhere, or you could always rent a city apartment if you want your own space.

Getting there: 1.5-hour drive / 50-minute train ride from Manchester

You just can’t get bored in Bristol. I’d recommend doing a fun street art walking tour where you can join and meet new people (and spot a few original Banksy works!). I love walking around Clifton as it’s such a cute area with beautiful houses, book shops and cafes. A great way to finish the day is by watching the sunset from the Clifton Suspension Bridge (if you’re lucky with the weather). If you’re there for a while, you could book a day trip to Bath, which is just 15 minutes away by train.

Getting there: 2.5-hour drive / 1.5-hour train ride from London

 

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I love a wild swim and this is one of the best places in the world to do it! The Highlands are just stunning, so if you don’t mind getting a little bit chilly, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning views in the UK, plus some great swimming and hiking opportunities. If you’re worried about going it alone, then the detour trip I went on is a perfect way to explore with other like-minded travellers. You get guided around by a local (and can get cosy by the campfire after chasing waterfalls).

Getting there: 4 hour drive from Edinburgh

Rye in Sussex is perfect for a solo getaway in the UK. This quaint English town is all cobbled streets and antique shops. I also love browsing the local charity shops. There’s a great independent local cinema plus heaps of good places to eat – from modern health food cafes to seafood and pub grub. And the bonus is you’re only 10 minutes from the stunning Camber Sands beaches which stretch for miles and miles.

Getting there: 2-hour drive / 1-hour train ride from London

Okay, so the Isle of Skye isn’t the easiest to travel to, but that’s part of the appeal. If you’re looking for a remote and stunning solo escape this is it. The ethereal landscape will have you falling in love, and if you’re an adventurous solo traveller, there’s SO much to see. Here, waterfalls rush into the sea, cows swim from the mainland out to islands (YEP) and you can even spot dolphins and whales just off the coast (June and July is great for this!). You can always bolt it onto a longer trip to Scotland.

Getting there: 5-hour drive from Edinburgh