Country Breaks: Pembrokeshire

The maritime county boasts miles of beautiful coastline, beaches and bays as well as the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Visit the natural harbour Milford Haven, and take a dolphin-watching boat trip to Skomer Island, home to the colourful puffin, or walk among the wild inland hills. Towns such as Tenby have a great resort feel in the summer months, while Britain’s smallest ‘city’ St. David’s, in north Pembrokeshire has a beautiful Cathedral and quaint feel.

If adventure activities are more your style, there’s kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing and surfing. Meanwhile, for family fun Oakwood Theme Park is packed full of rollercoasters – including Megafobia, a wooden rollercoaster voted the third best in the world, rides, bobsleighs, games and more.

Accommodation in Pembrokeshire

Penally Abbey Country House Hotel – Housed in a gothic style country house in the pretty village of Penally, close to historic Tenby in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Visit www.penally-abbey.com

Country Breaks: Scotland’s West Coast

Scotland’s wild West coast, with its weathered mountains, cliffs, castles, harbours and misty islands is a beautiful and ancient destination. Go for the rugged landscape, glens, standing stones, beaches, caves, wildlife and famous whisky distilleries!

Whatever you do though, don’t miss your chance to travel to magical Skye for the waterfalls and dramatic Cuillins Mountains – boasting the highest mountain ridge in Britain. Visit the Mull of Kintyre, which inspired Paul McCartney, Jura Island with its fantastic Corryvrekkan whirlpool, the colourful Tobermory’s waterfront and the mountaineer’s paradise Fort William. It’s the perfect location for tranquil walking trails, rock climbing, abseiling or serious hiking.

And after a hard day’s climb, what better way to celebrate than relaxing with a glass of the Whisky coast’s finest?

Read more: World Famous Distilleries Promote The Whisky Coast.

For more on ancient sights in the Scottish Highlands, Click Here.

  Accommodation in Skye

Dunvegan Castle – the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, the castle is now a major tourist attraction near the village of Dunvegan in the North West corner of Skye. Stay in a traditional Estate Cottage or farmhouse in the shadow of the castle.

Visit www.dunvegancastle.com

Country Breaks: Padstow, North Cornwall

This historic port on the dramatic North Cornwall Coast is fabulous for sailing, cycling, surfing, watersports, fishing, golfing and walking the world famous Camel Trail and South West Coastal Footpath. When you’re not exploring the rugged coastline, visit the old town centre, the riverside Court House of Sir Walter Raleigh fame, and the grounds and opulent interior of Prideaux Place, used as the location for filming Twelfth Night.

For a party to remember, go for the May Day pagan ’Obby ’Oss fertility celebration, or for pure relaxation sunbathe on the beach or bays.

Padstow is also the home of celebrity chef Rick Stein, whose influence has kick-started a foodie revolution in the area; although on the expensive side, visitors have to try-out his fish and chip shop on the harbour front.

Accommodation in Padstow

Treglos Hotel – This sophisticated four star hotel offers stunning views over Constantine Bay, elegant lounges with open fires and a sunny conservatory, perfect for a clotted cream Cornish tea! You’ll also find beauty rooms offering a range of marine treatments.

Visit www.tregloshotel.com

Country Breaks: Norfolk Broads

The UK’s largest nationally protected wetland, the Norfolk broads offer stunning wildlife and natural beauty. The flooded trenches dug by people in the Middle Ages looking for peat are fantastic for a tranquil boating holiday. The broads’ waterways are fantastic for sailing, yachting, canoeing, windsurfing, watersports and fishing. You can also hop off your boat to explore the passing villages, or go for day trips to towns like Potter Heigham, Ludham, Wroxham and Loddon.

It’s also a stunning area for walking, birdwatching and cycling through the swamps and woodlands.

While you’re in the area, visit some of the mills, castles, windpumps and museums that float by. Attractions include St Helen’s Church at Ranworth, the Horsey Windpump, the Bure Valley Railway and now Bewilderwood, a kid’s adventure paradise featuring treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, boat trips and marsh walks.

(Read More: Explore East of England).

Accommodation in the Norfolk Broads

Waveney House Hotel, Beccles, Suffolk – Set on the beautiful River Waveney, the hotel is known for its stunning riverside bar and restaurant.

Visit www.waveneyhousehotel.co.uk

Country Breaks: Torquay, South Devon

Right at the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is a fabulous short break country destination. It’s been a top destination since Victorian times and its waterfront, white villas, beaches, beautiful gardens and the famous seven hills ensure its popularity continues.

The coastline’s 19 coves and beaches are perfect for fishing, diving, angling and sailing, or you could walk the wildlife trails along the cliffs with their natural beauty and stunning views.

Bask in the tranquil seaside atmosphere, take part in the varied sporting action, tan in a secluded bay or relax at a vibey pavement café.
It’s also the home town of the Gleneagles Hotel, the original hotel that inspired the cult TV show Fawlty Towers, when John Cleese stayed there with the Monty Python team in the 1970s.

Accommodation in Torquay

Tor Dean Hotel - An elegant and stylish detached Victorian Villa built in 1850, perfectly located in a conservation area on a tree lined road, within easy walking distance to the sea front and town centre. Definitely not Fawlty Towers!

Visit www.tordeanhotel.com