25 March 2021
As dewy spring bouquets bloom across the nation, UK locals are already laying plans for their first post-lockdown trip out of town. According to the Tripadvisor Spring Travel Index 2021, far-flung coastal towns and scenic areas with sprawling natural and architectural landscapes are gaining popularity with local travellers. To find your next escape, get inspired by where other locals are headed.
Top 10 Destinations for Post-Lockdown Travel:
- Portree, Isle of Skye: Known best for its picturesque harbour, Portree is Skye’s cultural centre. With stunning views of surrounding hills and breathtaking cliff faces, this quaint little town is defined by charming seafood eateries and a close-knit community of restaurants and pubs.
- Newquay, Cornwall: Home to the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain, Cornwall boasts a vibrant surfing culture and fantastic waterfront views from just about anywhere in town. Whisk away on fantastic walking trails, gardens, and historic attractions, or visit Rick Stein’s fish-and-chip café on the world-famous Fistral Beach.
- Windermere, Cumbria: Set foot on this idyllic lakeland resort town by the banks of the scenic Windermere Lake, the largest lake in England. Perfect for family-friendly ferries or thrill-seeking water sports for the adventurer in you, there’s always more to discover in the scenic Lake District.
- Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria: The tiny cousin of Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere plays host to a great deal of high street gift shops, artisanal grocers, and art galleries along the lakeshore. This lively village offers a great complementary visit for those exploring Windermere.
- Torquay, Devon: Enjoy the beauty of Mediterranean magic in this cheerful English town. Nestled in the heart of the English Riviera on South Devon Coast, Torquay is iconic for beautiful beaches, refined Victorian landmarks, and a plethora of botanical species seen in the works of renowned crime novelist Agatha Christie, who grew up here.
- Penrith, Cumbria: Ah, the adventure capital of New South Wales. Located just 50 kilometres west of Sydney along Nepean River, Penrith offers a host of activities from water sports on Ullswater Lake to informative tours of the imposing Penrith Castle ruins, making it a prime destination for adventure chasers and history buffs alike.
- Inverness, Scottish Highlands: The perfect gateway to the Highlands, there’s plenty to do in and around Inverness including winery tours, serene river trails, and historic castle explorations. Cover the town on foot easily, passing by events at Eden Court and revelling in the busy Victorian market. (Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Nessie over at Loch Ness.)
- Weymouth, Dorset: A seaside resort town popular with families for its shallow waters and seasonal lifeguard service, Weymouth’s central position in Dorset is the perfect starting point to explore the UNESCO-certified Jurassic Coast in both directions.
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire: A sparkling U-shaped bay adding to the U.K.’s best seaside stays, Scarborough is connected by railway to South Bay and the harbour – a mecca for beachgoers in summertime. As you explore the township, don’t miss the 12th century Scarborough Castle, one of the town’s most recognised icons.
- Eastbourne, East Sussex: Eastbourne is a popular day trip destination for Londoners. Blessed with sunny shingle beaches, a vibrant arts scene, and charming Victorian-style hotels, this bustling town makes for a refreshing respite close to the splendorous South Downs countryside.
While the prospect of international travel remains unclear, the UK’s four-step lockdown exit plan has reset expectations for the return of domestic travel by 27 May with the reopening of hotels, hostels and B&Bs in England.
