Whilst having a passport puts you one step closer to exploring the world, it doesn’t mean those without one have to miss out. With so many great destinations across the UK, a fantastic holiday or weekend break is waiting for you that doesn’t require your passport for entry. So, where can you go for a memorable trip?
As the UK is fortunate to have many diverse destinations, no matter the type of holiday you’re looking for, whether an active or lazy one, you’re sure to find a unique escape just a short journey from your doorstep.
To help you have a hassle-free getaway, below you will not only discover some of the best places but also some practical travel tips you’ll want to consider too. Ready to explore the convenience and beauty of domestic travel? There really is something for everyone…Top of Form
Quick Travel Tips and Considerations
When planning your UK getaway to one of the destinations below, consider the following:
- The Common Travel Area (CTA) includes the UK, Ireland and Crown Dependencies which are Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Mani. This means that if you are a British citizen, you won’t be required to show your passport to border force when travelling between these destinations.
- However, you may still need to show a form of ID such as your driving licence or passport (if you have one) to prove your identity. You can find out more about the CTA and requirements on the GOV.uk website.
- If using a train to get to your destination, consider using a National Railcardii for cost-effective travel across regions. Buses and local coaches also offer scenic routesiii at a lower cost. That way you can keep your travel costs low and have more money to spend when you arrive.
- It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance for overnight stays just like you would for a holiday abroad. This can save you both time and money, especially during peak seasons.
- For added security and peace of mind, look into travel insurance for the duration of your trip, especially if you are spending more than one night away. This can protect against any unexpected circumstances.
- Always check local travel advice and weather conditions before setting out. We know the weather in the UK can be unpredictable sometimes, so best to plan ahead when packing for any changes in conditions.
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The Scottish Highlands
An adventure to the Scottish Highlands is a must for those looking for dramatic landscapes and plenty of history. The region is famed for its vast, unspoiled wilderness that covers 10,000 sq. miles of Northern Scotlandiv, offering endless views of rolling hills, deep lochs, and its impressive peaks which are the highest in the UK. Whilst any time of year is fine to visit, the late Spring and early Summer months can bring milder weather and the days are longest, allowing maximum exploration. However, the weather can be changeable at any time of year, so pack for every outcomev.
Must-see locations include the legendary waters of Loch Ness, where you can search for Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monstervi. You can also attempt to scale Ben Nevisvii near Fort William, the largest mountain in the British Isles at 1,345m above sea levelviii, for panoramic views that are truly unmatched. The Isle of Skye, accessible via a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh as well as the ferry from Mallaig in the West Highlandsix, is renowned for its natural beauty, including The Cuillin Mountainsx, and mythical history such as Dunvegan Castle and gardensxi, which is the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland. Both are perfect for walking, hiking and photography enthusiasts.
There are plenty of great places to stay such as quaint cottagesxii, lodges and chaletsxiii, which offer a cosy retreat after a day of exploring, or traditional bed and breakfastsxiv that provide warm Highland hospitality. Or if you fancy a deeper connection with nature, campingxv under the vast, starry Highland sky can be an unforgettable experience. Whichever option you choose, the Scottish Highlands is a superb destination with plenty to offer.
Isles of Scilly
A stunning archipelago off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scillyxvi can provide everything you would want for a peaceful holiday. Known for its azure waters and pristine sandy beaches it’s the closest you can get to a tropical paradise without a passport, and is accessible via a short flight or ferryxvii. The islands offer a peaceful retreat with their slow-paced lifestyle and scenic beauty. If you visit between late Spring and early Autumn, the weather is at its warmest and the wildflowers bloom in vibrant colours across the hillsides, but the islands are a year-round destination no matter the weatherxviii.
You can visit Tresco Abbey Gardenxix, which houses a spectacular collection of subtropical plants, and the historic Cromwell’s Castlexx which was built in 1651. A visit to St. Mary’sxxi, the largest island, offers a chance to explore ancient sites with the isles holding the greatest density of archaeological sites anywhere in the UKxxii, and enjoy the coastal walks with stunning views of the Atlantic. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to see the seals and seabirds that inhabit the smaller islands such as on the Eastern Islesxxiii.
Accommodation options on the Isles of Scilly range from luxurious beachfront hotels to charming self-catering cottages and eco-friendly pods that offer privacy and stunning sea viewsxxiv. If you want a rejuvenating escape, this idyllic setting is perfect.
Bath
If you’ve never been to Bath in Somerset, a city steeped in Roman and Georgian history, it’s the perfect location for a cultural trip. Celebrated for its stunning architecture and ancient thermal springsxxv, the City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage sitexxvi that offers a journey back in time with its well-preserved Roman Baths, majestic Abbey, and stone buildings everywhere you look. Bath is delightful to visit year-round, so it just depends on whether you prefer the warmer or colder weather.
The Roman Bathsxxvii are a must-visit especially if it’s your first time, where ancient thermal springs still flow with natural hot water reaching 46C. Just as compelling is Bath Abbeyxxviii, known for its remarkable fan-vaulted ceiling and tours of the towerxxix that provide expansive views of the city. The Royal Crescentxxx, a semicircular terrace of majestic townhouses overlooking the Royal Victoria Park, offers a glimpse into Georgian life too.
Bath boasts a range of places to stayxxxi overnight or a few days from luxurious hotels like the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, to small guesthouses that offer an intimate atmosphere. You may want to stay at a boutique hotel near the city centre to be close to the baths and many restaurants. Bath’s charm, enriched with its spas and galleries, ensures a relaxing and culturally enriching visit, making it a perfect UK destination for those looking to soak up both heritage and luxury.
Lake District
To round off our list, there’s nothing quite like an escape to the Lake Districtxxxii, the perfect location for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Nestled in Cumbria, this picturesque region is renowned for its stunning lakes, forested hills, and rugged mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities. It’s also home to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sitesxxxiii, with the National Park and Hadrian’s Wall taking the honours. Like anywhere in the UK, the best times to visit will depend on what you want to see and do, but it tends to be busier in July and August during the Summer. Whenever you choose to go, expect rainfall at any time!
The Lake District is home to Windermerexxxiv, the largest lake in England, which is perfect for boat tours, canoeing and sailingxxxv. Scafell Pike, the highest peak in Englandxxxvi, provides challenging climbs and rewarding summit views for those feeling up for the challenge. For a taste of local culture, visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmerexxxvii to delve into the life of poet William Wordsworth.
The Lake District has many places to stayxxxviii including charming B&Bs as well as traditional stone cottages. This unique area of the UK is not to be missed for those who treasure the great outdoors, so as long as you pack for the changeable weather, you’ll have a great experience.
Explore The UK’s Best Locations This Year
So as you can see, the UK boasts plenty of stunning destinations that offer spectacular getaways without the need for a passport. The best thing is, this is just a snapshot of places to go, with many others you could add to this list. For now though, these locations should be more than enough to keep you busy – this year at the very least.
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