I hate to break it to you... but the summer holidays are about to start.

On one hand, morning travel gets a lot easier.

On the other, if you haven't already made your holiday plans, it make feel too late.

But it's not too late - promise.

The UK is packed with incredible places that don’t always make the ‘must-visit’ lists—and they’re often much easier to enjoy at this time of year.

If you’re still wondering where to head, here are five of my favourites…

🏖️ Northumberland

If you love dramatic castles, endless beaches and quiet coastal roads, Northumberland is hard to beat.

Don’t miss:

• Bamburgh Castle – one of the most spectacular castles in Britain, overlooking miles of golden sand.
• Holy Island (Lindisfarne) – cross the tidal causeway (at the right time!) to explore the priory, castle and harbour.
• The Farne Islands – take a boat trip to see puffins, grey seals and plenty of other wildlife.

(It's also often a lot cooler than the south of England...)

🌄 Mid Wales

People often drive through Mid Wales on the way to Snowdonia… but they’re missing a trick.

Central Wales is full of woods, lakes and great scenery without the huge crowds.

Don’t miss:

• The Elan Valley – spectacular reservoirs, Victorian dams and some of great driving roads.
• Devil’s Bridge – famous for its three bridges and beautiful waterfalls.
• The Cambrian Mountains – perfect if you enjoy scenic drives with plenty of places to stop and admire the view.

🏴 The Scottish Borders

Everyone heads towards Glencoe, the NC500 or Skye, but the Borders deserve far more attention.

Enjoy rolling countryside, fascinating history and roads that are made for motorhome touring.

Don’t miss:

• Melrose Abbey – one of Scotland’s most beautiful historic ruins.
• Scott’s View – an incredible viewpoint over the River Tweed.
• Abbotsford House – the former home of Sir Walter Scott, with lovely gardens and riverside walks.

🌿 The Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

If you enjoy walking, cycling or simply relaxing in nature, this is a fantastic destination.

It’s also surprisingly easy to reach from much of England.

Don’t miss:

• Symonds Yat Rock – one of England’s best viewpoints.
• Puzzlewood – an enchanting ancient woodland that’s thought to have inspired scenes in Harry Potter and Star Wars.
• The River Wye – whether you fancy a gentle riverside walk or hiring a canoe for the day.

⛰️ The Peak District

The Peak District is popular (for good reason!)—but it’s a huge National Park, so it’s fairly easy to find quieter spots away from the busiest villages.

Don’t miss:

• Mam Tor – one of the best viewpoints in the Peaks.
• Castleton – a lovely village with caves, cafés and the ruins of Peveril Castle.
• The Monsal Trail – a brilliant traffic-free route for walking or cycling through tunnels, across viaducts and past stunning scenery.
• Luds Church Walk – find a hidden and mysterious gorge in the rocks. Worth the effort!

Where are you heading this summer? Hit reply and let me know—I always love hearing what adventures everyone has planned.

Safe travels,

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P.S: If you'd like to make summer touring even easier, I'm running a free workshop at the end of July - the Wild Parking and Off-Grid Workshop.

I'll share how to find places to stay off-grid without breaking any laws or upsetting the locals, how to choose the best spots, stay safe and practical tips for staying off-grid for days or even weeks at a time.

It's FREE to join, but spaces for the live call are limited, so reserve yours here​