While it is perhaps not as exotic or temperate as other parts of the world, the UK still manages to be a treasure trove of diverse lifestyles, landscapes, and experiences that make it an ideal place to purchase a holiday home. Whether your desired destination is a bustling city like Manchester or Edinburgh, a tranquil countryside village in the heart of the Cotswolds, or a coastal gem on the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, it can certainly be found in the UK.
The lush landscapes of the UK are iconic, with their rolling hills and vast green fields. The British countryside is perfect for hiking, cycling or even just simply enjoying the views. Where the fields end, the cliffs begin, outlining the country’s dramatic coastlines and beautiful beaches. From the white cliffs of Dover to the stunning sands of Wales, the seaside resorts of Britain make for a perfect holiday.
One of the most important considerations when booking or buying a holiday home is the local attractions. The UK is certainly not lacking in this area as the country’s holiday hotspots are full of exciting experiences and activities. While British cuisine may not be to everyone’s liking, restaurants in the UK offer culinary highlights inspired by flavours from across the globe. Festivals, galleries, and music events are also plentiful, from the West End to local folk festivals. Rural England is one big outdoor adventure, with hiking trails in the Highlands to stargazing spots in the Brecon Beacons.
This guide will take you through some of the best spots, remote and bustling alike, to buy a holiday home in the UK.
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
Data taken from Airbnb and a range of other booking sites in 2023 showed that the Cotswolds is currently the best place to buy a holiday home in the UK, and situated right at the heart of the area is the beautiful town of Bourton-on-the-Water. Nicknamed the Cotswolds’ very own Venice due to its proximity to the river Windrush and the flow of its clear waters under the town’s historic bridges, is a wealth of ancient cottages, quaint little shops, and cosy pubs. It is also conveniently located between Cheltenham and Oxford, making exploration of the Cotswolds and trips to the Cheltenham racing and literary festivals very accessible. Further activities in the local area include visiting the Cotswold Motoring Museum, a perfect spot for car enthusiasts, or a trip to Birdland Park and Gardens, a beautiful wildlife park that is home to a variety of birds ranging from penguins to flamingos.
For an attractive detached house in Bourton-on-the-Water, asking prices range from £500,000 to over £1 million.
Whitstable, Kent
Located on the scenic coast of Kent, the seaside town of Whitstable boasts 1600 annual hours of sunshine and a convenient escape from the city, sitting just two hours away from London. The Whitstable coastline is lined with brightly coloured weatherboard houses that lead directly onto its stunning sandy beaches. The town is famous for its oysters, with Wheeler’s Oyster Bar and The Forge providing some of the seafood highlights and The Sportsman catering for more refined tastes with its local wines and fresh catch. The Whitstable harbour market is another of the town’s main attractions, showcasing a variety of trendy eateries and art and craft stalls. Whitstable also holds some historical significance, first with Whitstable Castle, built for the Pearson family in the 1790s, and second with the town’s affiliation to Charles Dickens who often stayed in Whitstable and is responsible for its strong literary heritage.
The iconic weatherboard houses of Whitstable directly overlook the sandy shores of the Kent coast and are often available for purchase, costing upwards of £450,000.
Snowdonia, Wales
Perfect for outdoor adventure and remarkable landscapes and pristine wilderness, Snowdonia National Park in Wales is not as much of a tourist hotspot as other places in this guide, but what it lacks in popularity it more than makes up for in beauty. The area’s remoteness provides the perfect opportunity to completely disconnect from the city and enjoy a week or two of privacy and tranquillity, set against the stunning backdrop of Snowdonia. The park boasts 15 of the tallest Welsh mountains, all over 3000 feet high, with the tallest, Snowdon, reaching 3650 feet. The mountains give way to glittering lakes and deep valleys making the area’s natural charm diverse and immersive. Hikes are not the only activities available in the area, a trip to the coastal village of Dyffryn Ardudwy will reveal wide beaches and ancient sites like the Chambered Tomb, a Neolithic burial site overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Property prices in this area are high due to its status as a national park but the market is plentiful, offering a range of properties from historical manor houses to detached modern homes overlooking the sea. Prices range from £1.5 million to £3.5 million.
The Highlands, Scotland
Another remote outdoor retreat slightly further up north is the rolling Highlands of Scotland. Home of the UK’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, as well as the deep valleys and snow-capped peaks of Glencoe and the rushing waters of the Steall Waterfall, there is an abundance of breathtaking sights to take in at The Highlands. This includes the famous Loch Ness as well as other, lesser-known lakes like Loch Lomond and Loch Maree, all of which are perfect for outdoor swimming, especially in the summertime. Tours of the Eilean Donan Castle perched on the shores of Loch Duich make for a captivating day out, as does the site of The Battle of Culloden with its historical resonance and poignant atmosphere.
Stunning luxury properties across the Highlands are available to purchase from £300,000.
Isle of Wight
Nicknamed the Garden Isle for its beautiful countryside, The Isle of Wight is an island situated about 2 miles off the coast of Hampshire that first became a popular holiday destination in the 1800s. This popularity was inspired by Queen Victoria’s decision to build her family’s home, Osborne House, on the island. When it comes to picturesque landscapes in the UK, the Isle of Wight is largely unrivalled. Half of the island is considered an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a large section of its rugged coastline is a designated heritage coast, leading to the sensation of stepping back in time to an untouched corner of England. There is more to the allure of the Isle of Wight than rolling fields and sandy beaches, with a number of stunning towns and villages to visit like East Cowes where you can take a tour of the magnificent Osborne House, or the village of Blackgang, home of the UK’s oldest family theme park, Blackgang Chine.
Some of the detached houses on the island boast beautiful brownstone and vast gardens. The value of these types of properties starts at £700,000.
The UK is home to a diverse range of stunning locations for those looking to invest in luxury holiday properties. From the popular and picturesque Cotswolds to the remote tranquillity of the Scottish Highlands, there is a perfect spot for every taste and lifestyle. Whether you prefer a coastal getaway or a rural retreat, the ideal place for a luxury holiday home can be found in the UK.
