In times like these, many of us are thinking about holidays much closer to home for the foreseeable future. Here’s our selection of holidays in the UK, from narrowboats on canals, to cottages in Cumbria, forest cabins in Cornwall, train journeys in Scotland and weekends in Wales. You can also find out about UK coastal cruising and seacations by clicking here.
This is the time when a holiday in United Kingdom comes into its own! Just take a look to find some seriously good options: self-catering and activities aplenty, hotel stays, coastal and canal cruises. We all know that fabulous weather and continual sunshine cannot be guaranteed, however there is so much to do, it really doesn’t matter! And a Great British quality is to make the very best of it – who has not taken a picnic onto a windy beach or walked in the forest in a chilly August day? Somehow an ice cream, fish and chips or afternoon tea taste so much better after a bit of real weather. And in colder months, a log fire just adds to the cosy atmosphere.
So read on to find out just how many interesting holidays you can take. Look out for the *, it shows the company offers permanent special offers to members of the Silver Travel Club, there’s more information at the very end.
Self-catering breaks in the UK
Many of you really like a self-catering property: for the ultimate in freedom, a holiday where you make your own decisions, day by day, as to how you spend your time.
Forest Holidays
Stay in peaceful woodlands in well-equipped log cabins, with outdoor activities to try. Hot tubs and log burning stoves too.
Call 0330 110495 or visit forestholidays.co.uk
Original Cottages
Beautiful properties, of all sizes from cosy couple to fabulous family and friends, near the sea or in the depths of the country.
Call 0333 2020 899 or visit originalcottages.co.uk
Sally’s Cottages
In the Lake District and Cumbria, from budget to luxury, remote to town centre-based, or pet-friendly to pet-free.
Call 017687 80571 or visit sallyscottages.co.uk
Activity holidays in the UK and Ireland
There are those who flop and drop on holiday and then there are those who like to be doing. And of course, a combination of both, can be the way to go as well. There are holidays for practically everything – walking, photography and cycling are all well-known favourites. Now you can try singing, T’ai chi, art appreciation, ballroom, Latin and folk dancing, crafting, it really is all out there! Staying in comfortable accommodation, with a group who share your interests, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a super way to spend your holiday and maybe learn new skills or brush up some old ones.
Adagio
Gentle ambles around the British Isles and the Channel Islands, interesting excursions, comfortable hotels.
Call 01707 817318 or visit adagio.co.uk
Cycling for Softies
Exceptional cycling tours in Sussex and the Cotswolds, e bikes offered. Stay in superb boutique hotels.
Call 020 3944 8138 or visit cycling-for-softies.co.uk
HF Holidays
Join a friendly group activity, music, photography, yoga, painting, walking for starters.
Call 0345 470 8558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
Intrepid Travel
Great short breaks with walking, cycling and explorations in Scotland. Cornwall, Wales, the Peak District, Lake District and Jurassic Coast. Boutique hotel accommodation. Women-only trips.
Call 0808 274 5111 or visit intrepidtravel.com
Kirker Holidays
Take part in a fabulous music and art festival in London, a real treat!
Call 020 7593 1899 or visit kirkerholidays.com
Promenades Travel
Expert-led short breaks so those with a passion for Britain’s rich past, from the Middle Ages to the First World War, can explore battlefields, castles and churches with historians and authors.
Visit promenadestravel.com
Ramblers Walking Holidays
Wonderful walking trips, suited to all abilities, stunning locations.
Call 01707 331133 or visit ramblersholidays.co.uk
Saga Holidays
Art, dancing, jazz and more! Enjoy special interest breaks around the UK.
Call 0800 096 0084 or visit travel.saga.co.uk
SmoothRed
Find the finest wines in the UK on a vineyard tour. Kent, Sussex & Devon. Whiskey in Scotland.
Call 020 8877 4940 or visit smoothred.com
TDactive Holidays
Adventure holidays in Ireland including accommodation and excursions with a local expert guide. So, all you have to do is arrange your own flights and we’ll see you there.
Call 020 3966 5882 or visit tdactiveholidays.com
Rail holidays and train travel in the UK
It must be said that Brits do trains rather well! We have thousands of miles of track, taking you almost anywhere you might want to go. There are many speciality, historic lines and engines, which offer journeys of yesteryear. Victorian trains and carriages as well as steam locomotives offer romantic trips, with superb dining and an unforgettable atmosphere. Our suggestions are below, and we also have a special rail newsletter that you might enjoy reading. Let the train take the strain!
Great Rail Journeys
With exceptional journeys to cities, gardens, ancient sites and Christmas markets.
Call 01904 521936 or visit greatrail.com
Railbookers
For independent travellers, who have a journey in mind. Get planning advice for accommodation and excursions too.
Call 020 3327 0862 or visit railbookers.co.uk
Solo travel and single travellers in the UK
You may be daunted by the idea of taking a holiday on your own, however there are many people in just the same situation and holiday companies are keen to make sure you have a very good time! Rooms and cabins for single travellers are available on many holidays, especially those taken as an escorted tour in a group, see below. It’s an ideal way to meet like-minded people in a safe environment. Cruises offer get-togethers and dining tables for singles so you can meet others just like you. Excursion companions and dance partners are available too.
Just You
Walking tours in England, join a group and enjoy our countryside on foot. Companionable days, with friendly evenings on the way.
Call 01858 898674 or visit justyou.co.uk
One Traveller
Great hotel breaks, with excursions to local sights and attractions. Perfect for a short break and first time single travel.
Call 01760 614853 or visit onetraveller.co.uk
Saga Holidays for singles
Friendly group trips to comfortable hotels, with a tour leader on hand.
Call 0800 092 9038 or visit travel.saga.co.uk
Solos Holidays
Try dinner dances, social excursions, Christmas parties, New Year balls, music weekends. You can enjoy breaks around the UK doing a huge variety of things. Group leaders accompany every trip.
Call 0843 781 4487 or visit solosholidays.co.uk
Hotel breaks in the UK
What could be better than a short break away, staying in a lovely hotel and being pampered? Many hotels offer themed breaks, evening entertainment and plenty to do during the day. These are great places for couples, singles or groups.
Alfa Travel*
Self-drive holidays to Alfa Travel’s Leisureplex hotels in iconic seaside resorts.
Call 01257 248000 or visit alfatravel.co.uk/silver-travel-advisor
Greatdays Holidays
Take short breaks in hand-picked hotels across the UK, perfect for exploring under your own steam.
Visit greatdaysholidays.co.uk
Kirker Holidays
For a wonderful stay in London, Edinburgh, The Channel Islands plus tours and treats.
Call 020 7593 1899 or visit kirkerholidays.com
Saga Holidays
Super breaks in many of our finest towns and cities, group travel with personal choice!
Call 0800 092 9083 or visit travel.saga.co.uk
Shearings Self Drive Breakaways
Self-drive to a Shearings hotel, with half-board included. From Llandudno to St Ives, Whitby to Weymouth.
Call 01709 249 698 or visit shearings.com/self-drive
Warner Leisure Hotels*
Just for adults! Wonderful activities, fabulous entertainment, great rooms, glorious grounds. Quote PHC Silver for special Silver Travel Advisor discounts.
Call 0330 100 9774 or visit warnerleisurehotels.co.uk
Holidays with assistance & care in the UK
We all like a change of scene, a break from routine, whatever our situation. And the good news is that if you have limited mobility or need some extra care when away from home, you can go off on holiday too. Our partners below provide accommodation you can be certain will work for you, letting you have a well-deserved happy time.
Dementia Adventure
Supported holidays for those who need assistance and their carers. Walking and sailing are specialities.
Call 01245 237548 or visit dementiaadventure.co.uk
Driving Miss Daisy
For home to holiday assisted transfers, with qualified and understanding drive/companions. Perfect if you need a little help.
Call 0333 014 6211 or visit drivingmissdaisy.co.uk
Enable Holidays
Take a break in Europe and beyond, accessibility guaranteed, as are adapted rooms and transfers.
Call 0871 222 4939 or visit enableholidays.com
Limitless Travel
Tours and holidays for those with disabilities and limited mobility, with adapted coaches and accommodation. Carers on hand too.
Call 0800 069 8060 or visit limitlesstravel.org
MindforYou – Dementia Holidays
Wonderful joy-filled UK breaks for those living with dementia, staying in safe, small groups for fun and activities.
Call 01509 351 008 or visit mindforyou.co.uk
Revitalise Respite Holidays
For disability and limited mobility holidays with offering respite for carers too, at 3 British locations.
Call 0303 303 0145 or visit revitalise.org.uk
Escorted tours & coach tours in the UK
Great Britain is a wonderful place to travel around by coach, whether you take a traditional trip, staying at one hotel and enjoying daily excursions, or join a small mini-bus tour, moving around the country, taking in sites along the way. Both have much to recommend them, and both offer tour managers and guides, as well as experienced drivers, so you can totally relax.
Alfa Travel*
For trips offering excellent value, many pick up points and friendly hotels.
Call 01257 248000 or visit alfatravel.co.uk
Coach Tourism Association
Find a day trip, holiday or tour, leaving from near your home, with a local coach operator. Just put in your postcode to receive the details.
Visit welovecoaches.com
Cosmos
Tours across the UK and Ireland, sampling the best there is to see! You might be surprised at what you’ve missed.
Call 0330 880 1858 or visit cosmos.co.uk
Find a Coach Holiday – from the Coach Tourism Association
For local coach companies all in one place, find a day trip or longer break, leaving from somewhere near home.
Call 01694 781283 or visit welovecoaches.com
Grand UK Holidays*
Especially for those over 55, sociable and great fun. Turkey and tinsel too. Special discounts for Silver Travellers.
Call 01603 619933 or visit grandukholidays.com
Jules Verne
Small group tours, nostalgic journeys on steam trains, breath-taking scenery. Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
Call 020 3733 0240 or visit vjv.com
Just Go! Holidays
Partner with the National Trust and Historic Houses Association to bring you historical insights and unique visits.
Call 08432 244 222 or visit justgoholidays.com
Lucketts Group – Holidays*
Days out, holidays in the UK, group tours and private coach hire are all available along with Holidays by National Express.
Call 0333 200 7408 or visit lucketts.co.uk
Omega Breaks
Visit West End shows and the theatre, stay overnight in London. Or enjoy unique Northern Lights flights.
Call 0330 013 0145 or visit omegabreaks.com
Shearings Coach Holidays
With pick up points around England and holidays across the UK, you’ll be spoilt for choice – Scotland, Wales, the north east or south coast!
Call 01709 249 698 or visit shearings.com
Titan Travel
With door to door travel, visiting towns and cities in Britain, excursions and time to discover by yourself too.
Call 0808 278 5121 or visit titantravel.co.uk
Travel Editions
Fascinating themed short breaks across the UK, gardens, castles, historic events and even flying machines!
Call 020 7251 0045 or visit traveleditions.co.uk
Travelsphere
Tours of the Isle of Man and Scotland, including heritage rail journeys. Glorious experiences in friendly groups!
Call 01845 415101 or visit travelsphere.co.uk
Boats & cruising in the UK
As an island nation, the British coastline has not only stunning beaches and important coastal cities but scores of islands dotted around its shoreline. Read more about the cruises and seacations currently available for summer and late 2021.
Our rivers and canals have always played a major part in transport, often flowing through uninterrupted, stunning countryside.
ABC Boat Hire
Experience the magic of British waterways. Leisurely exploration in self-drive narrowboats.
Call 01905 610660 or visit abcboathire.com
Azamara
Sail from Dover or Southampton and cruise the British Isles. Enjoy longer overnight stays.
Call 0844 493 6035 or visit azamara.co.uk
Celebrity Cruises
Sail from Southampton, Celebrity Silhouette will voyage around the British Isles and Ireland in summer 2021.
Call 0844 493 2043 or visit celebritycruises.co.uk
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines*
Travel to beautiful British ports & remote islands. Home, yet so different.
Call 0845 314 2222 or visit fredolsencruises.com
Hebridean Island Cruises
Elegant and stylish, like a country house hotel. Cruise the Highlands and Islands.
Call 01756 704704 or visit hebridean.co.uk
Hurtigruten
a unique experience aboard an expedition ship, active and interesting excursions.
Call 020 8003 9582 or visit hurtigruten.co.uk
Noble Caledonia*
Expedition cruises on small, informal ships. Superb for nature and wildlife.
Call 020 7752 0000 or visit noble-caledonia.co.uk
Princess Cruises
Known for their exceptional itineraries, sail from Southampton and explore our four nations and Ireland too.
Call 0344 338 8660 or visit princess.com
Saga Cruises
Just for the over 55s, boutique cruising with every comfort and all the style you’d imagine.
Call 0800 092 9083 or visit travel.saga.co.uk
Scenic Eclipse
Indulge in ultra – luxurious cruising and visit our Viking heritage around Scotland’s rugged coastline and islands.
Call 0808 149 9264 or visit scenic.co.uk
Silversea
Departing from Tower Bridge, London or Southampton, you’ll be highly impressed with the discreet elegance and service.
Call 020 7340 0700 or visit silversea.com
St Hilda Sea Adventures
