While most find themselves invariably looking towards the Mediterranean when thinking about their next big holiday, the increasingly prohibitive cost of trips abroad has made it harder to enjoy such travels. Luckily, there are some incredible alternatives right here on home soil!

    While a domestic holiday might not have the same allure as jet-setting your way to the golden sands of southern Sicily, you might surprise yourself with just how much you can wring out of a trip to our own coast. To give you a little inspiration, we’ve gathered up some of the most special seaside locations in the nation, for you to explore the next time you fancy a little trip away.

    Queen Bess rock Bedruthan Cornwall

    1. Cornwall: Rugged Cliffs and Sandy Coves

    We’ll start with a clear, and even somewhat mainstream, contender for ‘best domestic holiday destination’: Cornwall. Cornwall is, of course, England’s south-westerly peninsula, a huge tract of stunning land that juts out into the Atlantic; this is a county, rich in potential for your next holiday.

    You could stick to the relatively urban side of things, and take in the unique cultural attractions of resorts like St. Ives or even the port-city bustle of Plymouth. You could head inland and ensconce yourself in the semi-rural brilliance of Truro or Bodmin. This is a kid-friendly county insomuch as it’s the home of the nation’s best ice-cream – so tread carefully with your wallet if you’re going with kids in tow!

    1. Northumberland: Peaceful Shores and Castles

    On practically the opposite side of the country, you’ll find Northumberland. Northumberland features little in domestic getaway guides, save for Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed – but this does a disservice to the whole of the region, which offers imposing cliffs, wistful moors and some incredible road routes between. If you’ve the motorhome insurance to cover it, this is truly the motorhome owners dream – being the perfect place to flit about and catch something of everything.

    1. The Jurassic Coast: England’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Back down south, and we come to one of the most arresting UNESCO World Heritage Sites on UK soil: the Jurassic Coast. This is a near-100-mile stretch of southern coastline, reaching from Studland Bay to Exmouth – and along which you’ll find stunning remnants of the natural world from over 180 million years of history. Fossils and incredible rock formations define this stretch of cliffs and beach land, the most iconic formation of which is Durdle Door – the limestone arch that that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

    The Brighton Pavilion is a popular tourist attraction

     

    1. Brighton: A Seaside City of Culture

    Last but not least, we’re heading back to a node of civilisation – this time, in one of the most subversive resort towns you’ll find in the West (are we biased much?) Brighton is more than a resort of beach arcades and sun-loungers; it is also home to one of the most vibrant alternative cultural scenes in the UK, boasting music and art just as excellent as the ice creams you’ll find on the beach.

    Highlights include:

    1. Royal Pavilion: A former royal residence with stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, offering a glimpse into the lavish life of King George IV​(Brighton Dome: A multi-arts venue offering a variety of performances, from music to theatre, and home to the annual Brighton Festival​
    2. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery: Located within the Royal Pavilion estate, this museum offers eclectic exhibitions, from fashion to world cultures
    3. The Artists’ Quarter: A collection of seafront art studios where local artists showcase and sell their works
    4. Street Art: Brighton’s vibrant street art scene includes pieces by famous artists like Banksy, scattered throughout the city
    5. Brighton Palace Pier: A Victorian-era pier with traditional seaside entertainment, including arcades, rides, and eateries
    6. .Volk’s Electric Railway: The world’s oldest operating electric railway, running along the seafront since 1883​
    7. Kemptown: A historic district with 19th-century architecture, known for its lively LGBTQ+ community​
    8. The British Airways i360: A modern landmark offering panoramic views of the city and coast from a 450-foot high observation tower​
    9. SEA LIFE Brighton: The world’s oldest operating aquarium, featuring a wide range of marine life and interactive exhibits​
    10. Brighton Toy and Model Museum: Home to an impressive collection of vintage toys and models, perfect for both children and adults​
    11. Brighton Beach and Zip Wire: Families can enjoy the beach, play volleyball, or ride the UK’s longest zip wire​
    12. .GLOBALLS Mini-Golf: A glow-in-the-dark crazy golf experience, ideal for both children and adults​
    13. Madeira Drive: A lively seafront area offering activities like beach volleyball, crazy golf, and scenic walks

     

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