Find your peace: ideal UK getaways for a relaxing May bank holiday
With work, life admin and responsibilities often taking up much of our day-to-day lives, isn’t it time we had a break?
The May bank holiday is the perfect time to recharge and enjoy a well-deserved break. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend or to explore new surroundings, sometimes the most rewarding getaways can be found right on your doorstep. Sometimes, all it takes is a few days away to return home with a calmer mind, a fuller heart and a renewed sense of what really matters. Here are some of the best places in the UK to take a time out.
1. Lake District
Living in the capital and need a change of pace and scenery? Train routes from Central London can take as little as three hours to Lake District, making this the ideal getaway this May.
Sit back, relax and look forward to some sunshine (we hope!).
The Lake District offers breathtaking landscapes, peaceful lakeside walks and charming villages. It’s the perfect location for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you are unwinding with family or hiking up the Scafell Pike, the tranquility of the lakes is guaranteed to clear your head and lift your spirits.
2. The Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is a unique network of rivers and lakes, offering a slower, more scenic way to explore the English countryside. Hire a boat for the day, spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful pace of life that only waterside living can offer. It’s a world away from the office, yet surprisingly close to home.
Enjoy the likes of Wroxham Barns or Cromer Pier. With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Broads provides a world designed to help you drift (quite literally) into relaxation.
3. Cornwall
If you’ve been dreaming of sandy beaches and coastal charm, then Cornwall is the place for you this bank holiday.
Cornwall delivers towering cliffs, golden beaches and a rich heritage. The county was once a global Centre for tin mining and today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cornwall’s Mining Landscape tells the story of centuries of hard work and resilience.
From surfing in Newquay to exploring hidden coves in St Ives, it’s the ideal place to combine fun with well-deserved downtime. And let’s not forget the children. Rock pooling, crabbing and beachcombing are just a few of the endless activities available. Cornwall is the kind of place where everyone can find their moment of magic.
Beyond this, you’ll find a sense of timelessness. A place where you can truly switch off and spend quality time with loved ones.
4. The Isle of Wight
Looking for something that feels like an island escape without the hassle of going to the airport? From the diverse range of beaches to rich history, the Isle of Wight ticks all the boxes.
Just a short ferry ride (from Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington or Southsea) and you’ll be surrounded by sandy beaches, historic sites and scenic cycling trails. Whether you’re travelling with children or enjoying a quiet weekend away, this is a destination that feels like a holiday abroad, but without the jet lag.
5. The Isle of Harris, Scotland
Craving a true sense of escape? The Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides offers stunning white-sand beaches and rugged hills, perfect for those who want to completely disconnect. You’ll find more sheep than people here and that’s exactly the intention. It’s the kind of place that makes you breathe deeper, slow down and truly appreciate the stillness.
Something that makes this place different, is the opportunities to drive along the east coast to explore all the stunning landscapes, low tide beaches and recommended walking routes. With plenty of slower-pace things to do, the Isle of Harris is the ideal location to spend a long bank holiday weekend.
6. The Black Mountains, Wales
The Black Mountains are a group of hills that are spread across the southeastern parts of Wales and extend across the England-Wales border into Herefordshire. These Mountains offer a spectacular yet often overlooked experience for the May bank holiday. With sweeping moorlands, winding trails and panoramic views that stretch for miles on end, this is a place that invites you to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Ideal for hiking, stargazing or simply sitting in silence, the Black Mountains are where adventure and tranquillity meet. This location is relatively easy to travel to, making it the ultimate destination for a restorative weekend.
7. The Cotswolds’
The Cotswolds embody everything we love about the English countryside: gentle rolling hills, historic market towns, cosy country pubs and a sense of calm that’s woven into every cobblestoned lane.
The area is full of villages that feel like they’ve come straight out of a painting and it is often considered to be one of the most picturesque places in the UK. The effortless beauty here encourages long walks, leisurely lunches and uninterrupted conversation.
If you are planning to spend your May bank holiday here, make sure to visit Arlington Row in Bibury. This is known to be one of the most photographed streets in the Cotswolds, featuring on the inside cover of all United Kingdom passports.
