Luxury holidays can be found all over the UK – from unwinding and relaxing with a luxury spa break in Hampshire to a staycation in plush beachside resorts along the Cornish coast or spending the night in a castle hotel in Herefordshire. Whatever you prefer, the UK will leave you with travel memories worthy of a splurge.
Here are the best destinations in England for incredible luxury travel.
Hampshire
Hampshire offers the perfect blend of city and coastal break, boasting natural beauty and a thriving culture, rich history and heritage. Whether visiting on a short weekend break or a day trip, you’ll find numerous things to do on your luxury travel to Hampshire. The best places to visit include museums that tell the story of the region’s role in aviation and naval industries, national parks where wildlife roams free, and seaside towns home to luxurious resorts and spas.
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must-visit for history lovers. It’s one of the city’s best museums for naval history, showcasing warships dating back to the 16th century. Next, check out the Winchester Cathedral, one of the cathedrals in Europe. At 560 feet, it’s one of the world’s longest Gothic cathedrals dating back to the 11th century.
If you prefer a relaxing break, head to Hayling Island, a picturesque seaside resort on the south coast of England. It’s home to beautiful beaches, offering the perfect place for swimming and relaxing. These beaches are also famous for their water sports. In fact, Hayling is the birthplace of windsurfing. But aside from windsurfing, it’s also a prime destination for paddle boarding and kayaking.
Suffolk
Given its gorgeous lavender fields, meandering estuaries, and idyllic beaches, Suffolk is one of England’s best destinations for incredible luxury travel. The best way to spend your holiday in Suffolk is to take scenic coastal walks, discover beautiful beaches, and explore famous abbeys.
Suffolk’s beaches are some of the best in England. You’ll find the finest beaches in East Anglia, such as Holkham, which features a vast and majestic sweep of luminous coasts, making it a favourite among holidaymakers. Meanwhile, Lowestoft, in the most easterly point of the UK, is home to the gorgeous South Beach.
If you’re fond of scenic nature hikes, you’ll love discovering Suffolk. The Suffolk Coast and Healths are considered Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to fascinating wildlife like kingfishers and otters.
Suffolk is also a haven for food lovers. Whether you’re craving traditional fish n chips or sumptuous seafood with a glass of champagne, you’ll find a restaurant to cater to your cravings. Schedule your visit during the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival to discover more about Suffolk’s vibrant food scene. For fancy dining, check out one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, offering the perfect spot to indulge in fine cuisine made from fresh and local ingredients.
Herefordshire
Herefordshire’s breathtaking scenery, thriving arts scene, and delightful mix of Welsh and English culture and heritage are enough reasons to visit for an incredible luxury trip in England. One of the things to look forward to is the opportunity to relax in a castle in the UK, an ideal option for those seeking unique and luxurious accommodation.
Take the time to explore Herefordshire’s top attractions, such as the Hereford Cathedral and Goodrich Castle. Stroll along River Wye and discover the city’s many cosy pubs and bars.
The Forest of Dean is the best place to explore for nature lovers. Nestled along the border of Gloucestershire, it’s a must-visit for those who love to take scenic hikes. Its picturesque trails take you to expansive forests, beautiful lakes, and small villages.
No visit to Herefordshire is complete without visiting one of its majestic castles. Check out Eastnor Castle, a historic castle featuring fine arts, medieval armour, and spectacular scenery. Even if you’re not into history, you’ll love the castle’s beautiful greenery and lake.
Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is renowned for its centuries-old structures, charming villages, beautiful wildlife parks, and fascinating heritage sites. On your luxury trip to Oxfordshire, you can spend your days discovering museums to learn more about its history, walking along its scenic footpaths to explore hidden gems or sightseeing in its quaint villages.
Get a peek into life during medieval England by visiting Broughton Castle, a fortified manor house surrounded by lush parkland. Book a guided tour around the manor to learn more about its history and discover the elegant great hall.
Another attraction to visit is the Blenheim Palace, featuring stunning Baroque architecture, gorgeous gardens, and a history dating back to the 17th century. Don’t miss the chance to join the virtual seminar by a palace historian and pay homage to the ancestral mausoleum.
If you want to indulge in a luxury shopping spree, the Bicester Village is the place to be. Located close to the picturesque village of the Cotswolds, it’s a village-style shopping destination bringing together some of the world’s most popular brands.
Cornwall
Boasting wildly romantic moors and a stunning 250-mile-long coastline, Cornwall offers plenty of great things to do. It’s a haven for beach bummers and nature lovers seeking incredible luxury travel in the UK. The popular seaside destination has a fantastic selection of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic trails along the Southwest Coast Path.
Cornwall’s beaches are varied. Those into surfing and sunbathing can visit Newquay. Fur parents taking their dogs on holiday should check out the dog-friendly sands of Carbis Bay Beach. Families with adventurous kids who want to try surfing should head to the iconic Fistral Beach, home to Cornwall’s best surf schools.
While a holiday to Cornwall is often about the beach, there’s more to discover in the region. You can visit numerous historic and iconic attractions, from lavish castles to excellent art galleries and museums.
Those who love nature should conquer the natural beauty of Cornwall’s famous hiking trails, especially along the Southwest Coast Path. If you’re up for some challenge, take the cliff-top hike towards Compass Point, starting in the charming town of Bude.