Countryside

Although probably best known for its bustling cities, such as London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff, there’s a lot more to the UK than urban chic, so why not head out of the city and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Wherever you are in the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall, and the west coast of Ireland to the Peak District, you’ll find plenty of wide-open spaces perfect for walking, rambling, golfing, or just lazing in the sun.

Obviously, the best time to visit the countryside is in the summer when the weather is warm and bright, but you’ll get a friendly welcome whatever time of year you decide to go.

Of course, if you’re planning on making your stay in the country last longer a day you’ll need to find accommodation but you’re in luck because the UK countryside is home to some amazing hotels, including Low Wood Hotel, Windermere, Devonshire Arms Country House, Skipton and Lodge on the Loch Hotel, Fort William.

You’ll also find a huge selection of cheap countryside hotels scattered all over the UK, such as Waterhead Hotel, Coniston, County Hotel, Carlisle and Clifton Hotel, Scarborough along with plenty of camping and caravan sites, luxury cottages, and cosy B&Bs and guest houses.

If you are planning a break in Scotland’s glorious countryside then you’ll be spoilt for choice as the country is packed to bursting with mesmerising mountains, tranquil lochs and lots of greenery.

The best place to go for countryside is probably the Highlands where you'll want to stay in hotels such as Drumossie or The Columba in Inverness or Copthorne Hotel or Macdonald Ardoe House in Aberdeen. Alternatively book your accommodation in the heart of the countryside in a scenic village, such as Inverurie, where you could stay at MacDonald Pittodrie House or Swallow Thainstone House, or Banff, which is home to Banff Springs Hotel.

Among the highlights worth visiting in the Scottish countryside are Loch Lomond and a hotel you could opt for near here is the De Vere Cameron House Hotel or the Winnock Hotel, Fort William close to the Ballachulish and the Highland Hotel, Argyll Forest Park close to Arrochar Hotel, Monikie Country Park surrounded by Swallow Hotel Dundee and Hilton Dundee. Ben Nevis is close to Isles of Glencoe Hotel and, of course, the hugely famous Loch Ness which isn't too far from Macdonald Four Seasons or the Macdonald Highlands Hotel.

If you want to see the best England has to offer visit the beautiful Lake District in Cumbria, where you can stay in hotels overlooking the magnificent lakes, such as Beech Hill Hotel or Famous Wild Boar Hotel in Windermere, or enjoy beautiful mountain views at Armathwaite Hall Hotel or Derwentwater Hotel in Keswick.

Alternatively, make the most of Cumbria’s coastline by staying at the Macdonald Leeming House near Maryport, the Lodore Falls Hotel near Whitehaven, or the Melbreak Hotel close to Workington.

There are masses of attractions and activities to keep young and old busy for days in the Lake District, including water sports on Lake Windermere for which you could stay at the nearby Storrs Hall and cycling along the Pennine Way National Trail, which is close to Appleby Manor Country House Hotel in Dufton.

Also a perfect place for countryside lovers is the Peak District, which includes the first National Park in Britain and lots of magnificent scenery. A favourite with ramblers and walkers, as well as those who prefer a gentle stroll, make sure you take the time to see the area’s best attractions, such as Cromford Mill near Swallow New Bath Hotel in Matlock Bath, the Pavilion Gardens close to Palace Hotel and Buckingham Hotel in Buxton, and Tissington Hall, which isn’t far from Quality Hotel and Peveril of the Peak in Ashbourne.

One of the most unique regions in the UK, the Cotswolds attracts thousands of visitors every year, who flock here for the winning combination of interesting history, beautiful gardens, terrific views and comfortable accommodation, such as Bear of Rodborough Classic Hotel in Rodborough.

So make the most of your break in the Cotswolds by visiting the top attractions, such as old silk mills close to Noel Arms Hotel and Three Ways House Hotel in Chipping Campden, the River Avon running through Evesham, where you can stay at Salford Hall Hotel or the Wood Norton Hotel and the ancient cottages of Snowshill village, which are near Broadway Classic Hotel and The Lygon Arms in Broadway.

With its Festival of Spring Gardens, glorious beaches and intriguing heritage, Cornwall is a magnificent location for a short break or a long holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

So whether you stay at the Headland Hotel in Newquay, the Carlyon Bay Hotel in St Austell or the Queens Hotel in Penzance, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy the best of what Cornwall has to offer. Top tourist attractions here include the Tate St Ives Gallery near the Tregenna Castle Hotel in St Ives.

If you’re organising a trip to Wales then make sure you put visits to the Snowdonia Mountains and the Glamorgan Valley on your list of must-sees because these are two fine examples of UK countryside.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a buzz of activity, there are many places to go in the Welsh countryside, so why not try mountain climbing at Snowdonia, for which you’ll want to stay at Seiont Manor Hotel in Caernarfon or Travel Lodge in Bangor.

Other things to do in Wales include fishing on the River Llynfi, which is near Welcome Lodge Sarn Park near Tondu, walking in the Brecon Beacons, for which you’ll want to stay close by at Caer Beris Hotel in Buith Wells, and golfing at Rhyl Golf Club, which isn’t too far from St George’s Hotel in Llandudno.

More well known for ‘The Troubles’ than tourism; don’t under-estimate the beauty of Northern Ireland because this place certainly has a lot to offer those planning a holiday in the country. Whether you want a budget break or a luxury weekend away, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in Northern Ireland.

Among the most popular destinations are the valleys of County Antrim, where you can stay at Ballygally Castle in Ballygally and the county of Londonderry, which has a good choice of hotels including Everglades Hotel that is perfectly placed for you to explore the forts, gorges and other historic attractions of the area.

Known as the Emerald Isle because it stays green all year round, the Republic of Ireland is a dream come true for cyclists, walkers, historians, tourists and, well, just about anyone really!

The west coast, with its views of the Atlantic Ocean, is the best place to go if you’re looking for beautiful countryside and you can choose from many hotels, such as Connemara Coast Hotel or Days Hotel in Galway and the Shannon Court Hotel in Shannon.

Among the places worth visiting are the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare, which are close to Woodstock Hotel in Ennis, Sligo County Museum close to Riverside Hotel & Leisure Centre in Sligo, and Ross Castle in Killarney, for which you could stay at Killarney Royal Hotel or Quality Hotel Killarney Ryan.

Situated in the depths of southern Ireland, County Cork also offers glorious scenery, beautiful views and plenty of tourist attractions, such as Fota Wildlife Park and Bantry Harbour. If you’re heading to this part of the country you’ll want to stay at Silver Springs Moran Hotel and Jury’s Cork Hotel.