Three Must-See Holiday Destinations in the South of England
Thinking of getting away sometime this year? Southern England is rich in history and beautiful landscapes. It has a pleasantly warmer temperate climate than the rest of the region. Let’s run through three of the south’s unmissable spots.
Why holiday in southern England?
By staying in the UK for your holiday, you can discover a new region without having to worry about airport regulations and wait times. You’ll be keeping your carbon footprint down and contributing to the local economy.
If you like to eat out when you travel, the UK features a broad selection of different international cuisines.
How to prepare for a holiday in southern England?
A staycation is often more affordable than a holiday abroad and requires less preparation. As with any holiday though, you’ll find it beneficial to budget wisely. While it’s important to consider financing carefully, loans may help to make family holidays more comfortable in the current economic climate.
If you have pets, you’ll need to think about whether you want to take them with you or not. It is possible to find dog-friendly holiday cottages, but if you have other pets or just want one less thing to worry about, consider finding somewhere else for them to stay.
Three top holiday destinations in the south
The Cotswolds
Enjoy 800 square miles of picture-perfect villages and rippling hills. One village not to miss is Bibury. It’s home to Arlington Row, thought by many to be one of the prettiest streets in England.
Bath is also well worth a visit. As early as 70 AD, this was a Roman hub for bathing and socialising. You’ll see some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world here, as you admire the complex that homes the baths. Jane Austen fans will also be able to walk the streets where the author lived for five years and based two of her novels.
Exmoor, Devon
Located in north Devon, the landscape of the Exmoor countryside carries a unique flavour of wilderness. For a circular walk in the moors, try Doone Valley, made famous by R. D. Blackmoor’s famous novel. You’ll also see the medieval village of Badgworthy, a river of the same name, and a woodland of twisted oak trees.
The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are worth seeing. Lynton is based atop a steep cliff that connects to Lynmouth down on the harbour edge below. The villages have earned the nickname “Little Switzerland of England”. You can climb between the villages or take the cliff railway to traverse between the two quicker.
Cambridge
For a city break that provides plenty of green space, historical buildings and places to eat and drink, Cambridge is worth a visit. It even won the Condé Nast Traveller Best UK City Award in 2022.
There’s something new around every corner, with hundreds of independent businesses and a medieval market in the city centre. Many of the historical University of Cambridge’s colleges are open to tourists, especially in the summer.
You can also enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam or a picnic in one of the parks. In summer, you can often catch an al fresco music performance while you unwind in one of the city’s green spaces.
The south of England is a hive of historical towns, cities and idyllic countryside with thatched cottages. With over 400 miles of coastline on the South Coast, this part of England offers everything you could hope for out of a short getaway.
