Inspiration

Just a stone’s throw from Glasgow lies the enchantingly beautiful Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Famous for its stunning scenery; the national park offers mountains, lochs, forests and glens across 1,865 square km. There’s so much to see and do in the area, it’s well worth making repeat visits. To make things easier here are the five reasons you need to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.

Glasgow is a thrilling city. However, sometimes you need an escape. Fear not, we have found you 5 exciting UK destinations within 2 hours of Glasgow.

Do you know what an Oast house is? Time for a history lesson! Oast houses are a historically preserved kind of brewery, specifically used for drying hops, or kilning as it’s known. They’re distinguished by their unique exteriors, made up of a rectangular one or two storey building, called the “stowage”, and round/square towers topped with a coloured cone, called the “cowl”. They are most commonly found in Kent and East Sussex, because these were the first and most successful areas for hop farming in the UK!

If you’re on the lookout for unusual places to stay in the UK, then we’re sure these unique properties will catch your eye. From double-decker buses and railway carriages to Scottish castles and fairytale cottages, here are our top ideas for unusual family holidays in the UK. So, whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply looking to get away with the family, we hope these unique ideas will give you some holiday inspiration!

With more and more families choosing holiday parks, here at Snaptrip, we’re not surprised why. Allowing you to tailor your holiday to suit each and every one of your needs, holiday parks are the ultimate family getaway.

A guide to the best places to stay in gorgeous CornwallHANNAHAreabodmin, cornwall, newquay, north cornwall, penzance, st austell, st ives, truroCornwall is renowned for its beautiful beaches, quaint seaside towns and, of course, its pasties. From surfer-friendly beaches to the world-famous Eden Project, it’s easy to see why it has become such a popular holiday destination. Cornwall is a large county with loads on offer, so it’s important that you know where you want to stay. To help you out, we’ve put together this breakdown of Cornwall’s best towns to stay in.Fancy a cracking Cornish getaway? See the best holiday cottages in Cornwall. If you’ve left everything a little late, but are still dreaming of seeing the South West, worry not! Just take a look at the best last-minute cottages in Cornwall.

Was this supposed to be the year you finally made that big trip along Route 66 or escaped it all while on a luxurious retreat to Thailand? Was this going to be the first time you went abroad together as a family or tied the knot as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea?

Whether it’s landscapes formed millions of years ago, impossibly beautiful places or tales of myth and legend, the line between what’s fact and fiction in these magical places in the UK is hard to distinguish. So, we’ll leave it for you to decide for yourself.

As one of the most populated cities in the UK, Leeds is kind of a big deal. Over in the dreamy pastures of West Yorkshire, Leeds has a thriving music scene. This vibrant city has seen several famous bands hail from here over the years, including the Kaiser Chiefs and Alt J. You'll find some brilliant events on here throughout the year but despite the buzzing brilliance of this city, sometimes you just need a break. We all need to escape the crowds every so often. That's why we've concocted this fab list of destinations within 2 hours of Leeds, so you can take your short break getaway, minus the hassle!YorkDriving distance from Leeds: 50 minutes

From March 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic put a halt to international travel to and from the UK. Although Brits endured travel bans and restrictions for much of 2020 and 2021, the pandemic did give leeway to the rise of staycations in the UK, with locations such as Yorkshire and Cornwall experiencing unprecedented demand.

The UK has no shortage of picturesque villages full of houses with thatched roofs, chimneys and lush flowers. It’s these characteristics that coin the village as a chocolate box village. So if you’re looking for chocolate box villages in the UK to add to your ever-growing list of places to visit, we’ll help you discover a few so you can start planning your next getaway.

Dorset is home to one of the most remarkable stretches of coast England has to offer. Most of it is known as the Jurassic Coast; a World Heritage Site which stretches out from Orcombe Point to Studland Bay. This strip of coast is rich with fossils, making it a popular spot for fossil hunting with families and palaeontology enthusiasts alike.

The Wild Mouse, Flying Machines, Waltzers, Dodgems, traditional wooden roller coasters, ghost trains and more – these are the classic fairground rides that many of us grew up with and they’re making a big comeback across the UK in the context of all things vintage. If you’re on the hunt for vintage sights and scenes in the UK, then the British seaside, piers and theme parks are where to head!

Sample the finest Yorkshire Dales local produce and purchase unique crafts and gifts at traditional Yorkshire Dales markets in and around the National Park. Many of the Dales Farmers’ Markets are FARMA Certified, and you’ll find some famous traditional street markets amongst the Dales market selection at Settle, Skipton and Richmond, all major attractions in themselves.

Do you fancy escaping the city and finding your inner Tarzan? You’ll love the high-speed zip lines, free-fall swings and 30 metre high tree top bridges at Go Ape! Perfect for groups of friends, families or a different kind of date with your partner, there are a number of Go Ape centres located across the UK.

Yorkshire’s 1940s Weekend events take place across the summer and autumn months annually in some of the county’s most beautiful market towns and villages. The vintage 1940s calendar kicks off in May with Haworth’s celebrated weekender. Yorkshire Dales centres Ingleton and Leyburn host their 40s weekends in July whilst Dales centre Grassington goes 1940s in September.

Birmingham is often said to be the second biggest city in the UK after London. Now, while residents of other bustling cities such as Manchester, Edinburgh and Leeds might want to dispute that, there’s no arguing that Birmingham can certainly hold its own.

The year might be 2022, but we’re not giving up our staycations. With so much to see and do up and down the country, the best way to escape the daily grind can actually be right here on home turf.  So as most of us continue to swap our European city breaks and luxury beach holidays for UK adventures, get inspired for your next trip with our round-up of the most popular locations to book this year. 1. Whitby North Yorkshire Quirky seaside townCliff Cottage

London is one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in the world. If you are planning a visit to the capital but want a bit more peace and quiet, there are plenty of fantastic nearby towns that are easy to reach by rail and road. For those not wanting to stay in London, these towns all offer something different for a perfect get-away. Whether you’re looking for seaside charm, historic grandeur or wide-open countryside, this handy guide will help you find the best one for you.  If you see anywhere you like, why not make a trip of it, and book one of our incredible holiday cottages nearby. If you’re dreaming of a UK getaway but have left everything a little late, worry not, just check out our selection of cottages.Whitstable Seaside and relaxation

Sometimes it’s nice to leave the car on the drive and head out somewhere new on the train. There’s no need to worry about parking spaces or getting lost on the way to your destination - instead, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. Plus, it’s a far more eco-friendly and sustainable way to get about the UK. Here are 11 of our most popular holiday cottages near train stations to give you some inspiration for your next break.

From its Norman rule and Royal upheavals to one of the country’s most prominent battles, the War of the Roses, England has a long and exciting medieval history, perhaps most visible in its distinguished architecture. So many towns bear the stories of this remarkable age so we’ve looked at some of the best spots to visit if you want to learn more.

You don’t have to travel halfway across the world to get up close to rare exotic animals. Plan a special day out with your loved ones where you could feed giant giraffes, walk with lemurs and hear a lion roar. We’ve rounded up the best safari parks in the UK, that are guaranteed to deliver a day to remember.

A quaint town in Devon, Bideford is situated on the west bank of the River Torridge. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away with award-winning restaurants or somewhere to explore with the whole family, there are plenty of things to do. Plus, it’s the perfect base to adventure though North Devon.

Are you looking for the best places to stay one hour from Longleat? Well, we have the answers. Longleat is the UK’s number one safari park; making it an immensely popular spot to visit on holiday. Luckily there are some fantastic places to stay nearby; each with their own individual charm.

Holiday parks in the UK are great for keeping the kids entertained while you’re away. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing change of pace, while they run free and make the most of all the activities on offer. From crazy golf and kids clubs to nearby theme parks and Blue Flag beaches, here’s our rundown of the 19 best holiday parks for kids in the UK.

Ice cream vans, fish and chips on the beach, long walks with the dog and afternoons in the arcade; the British summer is packed full of nostalgia. Our holiday cottages are spread throughout the United Kingdom, from the tip of Scotland to Cornwall’s Land’s End. Whether you’re a beach junkie or a mountain fanatic; a city slicker or an off-the-gridder, we have a cottage to suit you. Get some inspiration for your next holiday with our guide to the best places to visit in the UK over the summer.

Holiday parks are packed full of fun so it’s no wonder more and more families are heading for parks across the country. If you and your clan want to stay in the heart of stunning scenery, with access to endless adventures and attractions, as well as the convenience of on-site amenities and facilities, then a holiday park could be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re in need of a seaside staycation, a family-friendly break or a luxury getaway, there’s something for all budgets here in Scotland.

Now, we hate to break it to you but flowers and chocolates were so last years. If you want to impress your loved one, then you need to give them something that will at least grab their attention long enough that they can look away from their phone.

A guide to the best places to stay in SnowdoniaHARRIETAreabala, betws y coed, dolgellau, hartlech, llanrwst

Planning on booking a holiday, but you haven’t yet found the perfect property to ‘wow’ you? If you’re looking for a holiday cottage with a little more character and personality, then look no further. From converted castles to railway carriages and buses, these are some of the most unique places to stay in the UK. Without further ado, here’s our handpicked choice of quirky cottages to stay in, complete with toasty hot tubs.

London life is all about the hustle and bustle but all of us need to escape every so often. We’ve got some good news – you don’t have to drive for hours and hours to get to pretty little villages, picture postcard views and a totally different pace of life. Who knew that there are a National Park and four Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty so close to Greater London? We certainly didn’t before we started our research, so here are five amazing slices of Great British countryside within an hour’s drive of London.

[dropcap]Home[/dropcap] to one of the world’s most elite academic institutions, Oxford is famous the world over. Beautifully built, rich with history, and only a 1hr 30 minute train journey from the Big Smoke - the city may be known for its prestigious university established back in the 12th century, but if you think Oxford is all straight-laced bookishness, think again. Oxford is a dynamic town with youth on its side and history at its back, ready to welcome in the curious tourist with open arms. So get inspired, with the 10 very best reasons to visit Oxford!1. Study like a student 🤓Bodleian LibraryBritish Library2. Get your dinosaur on 🐚Oxford University Museum of Natural History3. The best 360 degree panoramic view 🔭Sheldonian Theatre4. Have yourself a leisurely picnic in the park 🌲The Oxford University Parks5. Take a trip on the quirky side 🎨6. Dive into coffee culture (and play board games while you eat!) 🎲 Thirsty Meeples7. Welcome in the spring 🌻 The University of Oxford Botanic Garden8. Soak up some meadow peace and quiet ⛲️Port MeadowThe Trout9. View some 'jaws' dropping street art 🐳Bill Heine10. Release your inner Jackson Pollock 🖌Modern Art Oxfordvoted the #1 thing to do in Oxford on Trip Advisor[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/oxford" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ef6c2d" size="4"]Oxford cottages[/su_button]

Fossil huntingfossil hunting in DorsetCoastal walkingWater sportsHistory and heritageBeaches

BreakfastMac & Jac'sWorcestershire Sauce FactoryTop Barn Farm ParkTop Barn Farm ParkLunchThe Olive BranchWorcester Wood Country ParkWorcester Wood Country ParkWorcester CathedralTudor House Museum Tudor House MuseumSaffrons BistroSaffrons BistroThe Swan Theatre The Swan Theatre

1. Goosnargh, Beacon Fells This is a stunning village sandwiched between Preston and the Forest of Bowland.2. The Ribble ValleyThis is a particularly beautiful area within the Forest of Bowland.3. Hest BankThis pretty village can be found a 20 minute drive north of Lancaster.4. Forest of Bowland This is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the north of Lancashire.5. RivingtonThis village can be found within an hours drive of Manchester.6. Stanley ParkA beautiful park near the coast, about half an hour from Preston.7. Crook O'LuneThis pretty spot is within the Forest of Bowland, not far from Morecambe Bay.8. Singing Ringing TreeThis sculpture is within an hours drive of Manchester.9. Pendle HillAn infamous hill within an hours drive of Preston.10. Wycoller Country ParkA pretty park on the eastern edge of Lancashire, within an hours drive of Preston.

1. The crowdsThe best places to skip the crowds:

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] totally underrated, but widely depended-upon mode of transport is the trusty train (and as you know, we here at Snaptrip like a romantic railway or two). For those out there who find themselves car-less, the train is the next best option, and for those who can't stand sitting idly in traffic, the train is THE best option. Depending on the situation, you can even sleep through the journey! Whatever your reason for choosing the train to whisk you off on your short break, we here at Snaptrip have rustled up a list of the UK's most delightful destinations to reach via the tracks. Fire up the trainline.com, and get planning today!Edinburgh Fortartan-wearing, bag-piping playing displays of pride, culture and history.Edinburgh WaverelyFrom London Kings Cross: 4hrs 45 direct train with Virgin East Coast TrainsFrom Manchester Piccadilly: 3hrs 21 direct train with Transpennine Express[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/edinburgh" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your Edinburgh break[/su_button]The CotswoldsWhy go? For quaint tearooms, gorgeous canals and a much needed respite from the 9 to 5.Moreton-In-MarshFrom London Paddington: 1hr 30 direct train with Great Western RailwayFrom Birmingham New Street: 2hrs (including one change) with Cross Country/Great Western Railway[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/cotswolds" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your Cotswolds break[/su_button]CornwallWhy go? For spectacular coastline, salty sea-air, bucket and spade fun, world-class seafood and amazing attractions.Station: TruroFrom London Paddington: 4h 30 direct train with Great Western Railway(There are also 7 hour/8 hour sleeper trains departing at 22:30 every night from LDN, except on Saturdays.)[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/cornwall" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your Cornwall break[/su_button]Brecon BeaconsWhy go? For jaw-dropping waterfalls, mystical woodlands, underground caves and totally climb-able mountains. Station: AbergavennyFrom Manchester Piccadilly: 2h 40 direct train with Arriva Trains Wales[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/brecon-beacons" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your Brecon Beacons break[/su_button]WhitbyFor first class fish and chips, gothic attractions, stunning seaside strolls and friendly locals.From Manchester Piccadilly: 4hrs (including one change) with Transpennine Express/Northern(On all major routes - from Leeds, Manchester, etc - you are required to change at Middlesborough)[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/whitby" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your Whitby break[/su_button]New ForestFor the infamous ponies, theme park-fun, lush forests and woodland, plus a fantastic beach!BrockenhurstFrom London Waterloo: 1hr 30 direct train with South West TrainsFrom Birmingham New Street: 2hr 55 direct train with Crosscountry[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/new-forest" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your New Forest break[/su_button]Lake DistrictFor the sweet Kendal Mint Cake, bustling lakeside shopping scene, outdoorsy attractions and evening cruises!Oxenholme Lake DistrictFrom Manchester Piccadilly: 1hr 14 direct train with Transpennine ExpressFrom London Euston: 2hr 40 direct train with Virgin West Coast[su_button url="https://www.snaptrip.com/holiday-cottages/lake-district" target="blank" style="flat" background="#ff6600" color="#ffffff" size="4" icon_color="#FF6600"]Book your Lake District break[/su_button]