Places to visit in the off season
Elton John famously enjoys theme parks and restaurants to himself thanks to the power of celebrity. But you don’t need to be an A-lister to get that crowd-free feeling. Simply head to Great Britain’s holiday hotspots out of season to enjoy a tourist-free break – no selfie sticks in sight!
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Get that 'exclusive' feeling when you travel off-peak
Soothe your soul in Porth – a mile from Newquay, Cornwall
Cornwall is famously jam-packed in the summer, and with good reason. The beautiful beaches and the endless skies are a tonic for the soul. Not to mention the world-famous cream teas – remember to put the jam on first when you’re in Cornwall!
The best way to circumvent the summertime crowds is to enjoy Cornwall off season. The Porth Veor Manor hotel is part of the Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western and is in the village of Porth which is known for its wide, expansive beaches. Porth is also just a pebble’s throw from the surfing paradise of Newquay. Breathe in the salty air on Fistral beach and enjoy some surfing or body boarding on a semi-empty shoreline. Once you’ve rinsed off your wetsuit, you can warm up in one of the cute beach cafes or hunt out some unique souvenirs in the shops. If the weather isn’t playing ball, you can head to the Aquarium for a fun day out.
Top tip: If you fancy a dip in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool, plan your break for after 1st April.
Have the beach to yourself in Bournemouth
Another coastal stunner is Bournemouth and its surrounding beaches. You can walk for miles along the cliffs, soaking up the sea air and admiring the horizon. There’s also plenty for families and groups of friends, with trendy cafes, restaurants and independent shops galore. Kids especially will love exploring the Jurassic coastline and having the freedom to spend all day hunting for fossils.
It offers dog-friendly rooms, and your furry friend can roam freely on Bournemouth’s beaches from 1st October to 30th April. After that, there are still a decent number of beaches that welcome pooches all year round, including east of the Fisherman’s Walk Cliff Lift at Boscombe. It’s a unique experience, travelling down to the beach in a lift that’s classed as a light railway and was built in 1935.
And not to worry if the weather decides to be a little ‘off season’, there’s an indoor pool and hot tub at the hotel. Bliss.
Make like a Traitor in the Scottish Highlands
It started with Harry Potter, and now thanks to BBC’s The Traitors there’s another flurry of interest in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a wonderful part of the UK that’s full of heritage, nature and famous architecture. To avoid the ‘muggles’, head to Inverness – the cultural capital of the Highlands – in spring, autumn or winter.
Ness Walk, WorldHotels Luxury is situated on the banks of Loch Ness (if you hadn’t already guessed from the name!) with unspoilt views for miles. After a morning off-peak glen walking and monster hunting, why not enjoy some refreshments in one of the area’s cafes or pubs – with no queues in sight? Alternatively, you can sample some authentic Scottish cuisine in the hotel’s 5-star hotel restaurant, prepared by executive chef Craig Douglas. You’ll soon see there’s a reason that both the Ness Walk hotel and Highlands themselves have been described as wonderfully romantic.
Breathe in the perfect views in the Lake District
Supremely popular with both UK tourists and visitors from overseas, the Lake District is very, very busy in the summer months. Described by the Lonely Planet as ‘hauntingly beautiful’, the off-season is a great time to have this dramatic scenery to yourself – bar a few sheep, of course.
For your off-peak break to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, why not try Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, BW Premier Collection by Best Western? It’s set in 14 romantic acres of garden and woodland and has a gym and an indoor pool. When you’ve finished exploring your fill of the 16 lakes and over 200 fells, settle down to a sumptuous traditional English afternoon tea in the Greenhouse Restaurant.
Did you know? Kendal inspired the fictional setting for the iconic children’s programme, Postman Pat. See if you can spot Pat in the village centre!
Step back in time in ye olde York
York is on every international visitor’s hit-list when they arrive in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The city has history and charm in spades and it’s small enough to explore on foot.
You’re more likely to have the place to yourself off-season – but rest assured that York is vibey all year round. You can hunt for ghosts, pretend you’re a Viking or step back to the Middle Ages along the Shambles. And the queues for Gothic extravaganza York Minster should be a lot shorter if you avoid the busy summer season.
Best Western Kilima Hotel is a great base for exploring York. A former rectory, it’s now equipped with a swimming pool and steam room, plus there’s a cosy bar for relaxing after all that history, shopping and cakes in Betty’s Tea Room.
With so many exciting options to explore, where will you choose for your spring mini-break in the UK? Wherever you choose, you’re bound to appreciate the extra space, shorter queues and fewer tourists with selfie sticks!
Step back in time in ye olde York
York is on every international visitor’s hit-list when they arrive in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. The city has history and charm in spades and it’s small enough to explore on foot.
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