Top UK Countryside Destinations for a Peaceful Summer Holiday

Summer is the perfect time to press pause, reconnect with nature and take in the beauty that’s all around us. While coastal holidays have their charm, there’s something uniquely grounding about a countryside escape, with the UK’s rolling hills, wildflower meadows and star-filled skies that remind us of the simple joys of life.
 

Whether you're yearning for long walks through ancient woodlands, picnics beside calm lakes or peaceful evenings by the fire in your holiday home or holiday lodge, the UK countryside offers an abundance of tranquil settings for the ultimate peaceful summer break or staycation.
 

Here’s our guide to the top UK countryside destinations where you can truly unwind this summer.

The Lake District, Cumbria 

The Lake District is one of the UK’s best-loved national parks, and for good reason. It’s a paradise of fresh lakes, forested valleys and rugged mountains. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a painter or just in need of some stillness, this World Heritage Site has everything you need to keep you occupied.
 

Top places to stay:

• Windermere and Ambleside for classic lakeside charm
• Ullswater for serenity and spectacular walks
• Buttermere and Ennerdale for real peace and minimal crowds
   

In summer, the hills are bathed in sunshine and the lakes invite you in for paddleboarding, wild swimming or even just a quiet picnic by the water’s edge if that’s what you wish. The Lake District feels like the kind of place where time slows down, and being able to retreat back to your holiday home or holiday lodge after a day of exploration is the perfect way to unwind. 
 

Consider our 2-bedroom holiday home, the Kahlo – which is the epitome of style. Alternatively, our Franklin holiday lodge makes clever use of windows throughout; letting you enjoy all the views the Lake District has to offer. 

Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire

With its green valleys, stone-built villages and rolling pastures, the Yorkshire Dales offer rural beauty in abundance. It’s a brilliant destination for those who love countryside walks, historic ruins and tranquil market towns.
 

Highlights include:

• Grassington and Malham for that picture-perfect village charm
• Swaledale and Wensleydale for hiking in the hills 
• Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay for ghost walks and scenic views 
   

Summer in the Dales brings farmers’ markets, country fairs and endless walking trails framed by dry stone walls and sweeping landscapes. If you're after a traditional countryside escape, North Yorkshire has all this and more.
 

Looking to buy a holiday home in Yorkshire? Why not consider our Lakewood holiday home, which has been designed with neutral tones throughout to create a warm, inviting retreat to come home to after a day of exploring. 

The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire & Oxfordshire

The Cotswolds are a stunning area of the country, with their cosy cottages, lavender fields and quiet walking spots. Spanning over several counties, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the most idyllic settings in the country.
 

Top locations to consider:

• Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold for family-friendly stays
• Bibury and Castle Combe for romantic retreats
• Painswick and Broadway for peaceful walks and artsy escapes
   

During the summer months, the Cotswolds come alive with floral displays, country house gardens and open-air concerts. There’s always a quiet path to explore or a village green to picnic on as well, offering plenty of opportunities to find a peaceful summer holiday. Consider our Parkview holiday lodge for this part of England; inspired by a modern farmhouse, this luxury lodge is the perfect retreat for unwinding on an evening. 

Norfolk Broads, Norfolk

Norfolk is well known for its dramatic North Sea coastline, inland waterways and countryside. In some ways, it feels hidden away from rest of the country; away from the hustle and bustle of major cities and only having Norwich as its sole city within the county, but the Norfolk Broads offer miles of gentle rivers and lakes fringed with reeds, perfect for boating, cycling and waterside lodge stays.
 

Why visit?

• Serene boat trips and canal walks
• Rich wildlife, including seeing kingfishers and otters
• Pretty towns like Wroxham and Horning with quaint local pubs
   

Perfect for couples and families alike, the Broads offer a unique blend of countryside calm and family activities. Looking to buy a holiday lodge in Norfolk? Look no further than our Faraday lodge; the perfect starter lodge that is designed with cosiness and comfort at its core. 

Peak District, Derbyshire

Interestingly, the Peak District was the UK’s first national park, and it remains one of its most beloved with good reason. With its patchwork of moors, dales and limestone gorges, it’s a countryside lover’s dream.
 

Places to explore in the Peak District:

• Bakewell and Buxton for classic charm and tea shops
• Edale for access to the Pennine Way
• Padley Gorge for offering a peaceful woodland walk 
   

With access to a range of stunning walks and historic towns on your doorstep, there are plenty of reasons to buy a holiday lodge in the Peak District. There are dozens of peaceful walking trails, picnic spots and historic stately homes to explore at your own pace. Check out our blog on the ‘Perfect Picnic Spots in the UK’ to read more about Padley Gorge in the Peak District, along with other stunning picnic spots across the land. 

Scottish Highlands

For those looking to truly escape, there’s nowhere quite like the Highlands. Towering peaks, mirror-still lochs, and vast skies make this one of the UK’s last great wildernesses. Scotland truly is a stunning location that needs to be experienced. 
 

Top peaceful spots:

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs for a mix of forest and water
• Glen Coe for dramatic landscapes and solitude
• Cairngorms for rare wildlife and panoramic views
   

Even in the height of summer, the Highlands retain their magical sense of remoteness, away from the fast pace of everyday life. The Highlands make the ideal staycation for nature lovers, stargazers, photographers and anyone who finds peace in open spaces. See our blog on why Scotland is the perfect setting for a holiday lodge for more inspiration. 

Wales

A land of myths, waterfalls and open skies, Wales has plenty to offer with Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and charming coastal towns, making it a peaceful countryside retreat to buy a holiday home or holiday lodge. Expect green rolling hills, scenic drives and charming towns like Tenby and Brecon.
 

Why Wales is great in summer:

• Mountain hikes and stargazing at one of the UK’s Dark Sky Reserves
• Stunning coastal towns with sprawling beaches, such as Tenby 
• Farmers’ markets, food festivals and local art fairs
   

This is countryside escapism with a distinctly Welsh flavour. Friendly, rich in heritage and filled with soul, there’s so much of Wales just waiting to be discovered. Imagine yourself sitting in an Ashberry holiday home or Liberte holiday lodge as the perfect way to unwind. We’ve also written a handy guide on everything you need to know about buying a holiday lodge in Wales. 

Exmoor, Devon & Somerset

Sometimes overshadowed by neighbouring Dartmoor, Exmoor is a peaceful alternative with its own unique appeal. Think heather-covered moorland, steep valleys and riverside picnic spots, offering a little bit of something for everyone. Devon receives around 1,8000 hours of sunshine annually, making it a great countryside retreat for those seeking rays. And Somerset? Famed for its cider production, historic Bath and Dunster Castle, there’s plenty for people of all interests to enjoy all this county has to offer. 
 

What are the highlights?

• Porlock and Dunster for charming historical settings
• Tarr Steps and the River Barle for family-friendly walks
• Exmoor ponies, red deer and starry skies galore
   

This area of the South West in an idyllic region of England. It has a range of quaint villages and towns, along with rolling scenic views and stunning coastal walks. Why not look at buying our Lakewood holiday home or Highcroft holiday lodge to fully immerse yourself in this stunning part of the country? 

What Makes a Great Peaceful Countryside Destination?

We’ve looked into some of the areas in the UK to consider owning a holiday home or holiday lodge in. With an abundance of the countryside at our fingertips, the UK is a great location make your dreams a reality – yet there are many factors When choosing where to spend your peaceful summer holiday. You may want to consider:
 

• Pace – How slow do you want life to feel? Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and retreat to the countryside? 
• Nature – From mountains to meadows, the UK countryside has the potential to inspire calm and peace whichever location you choose. 
• Accessibility – Finding a remote countryside location is good, but make sure it’s still convenient to get there and check for local amenities or those that are accessible with a nearby drive or public transport. 
• Local Culture – Soak in all the markets, foods, small museums and activities that the UK countryside has to offer. 
• Holiday Home or Holiday Lodge Location – Whether you’re tucked away in the hills or beside a stream, the setting of your holiday home or holiday lodge matters. You want to find the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. 

Tips for a Tranquil Summer Stay

At Victory Leisure Homes, we realise there are many elements that can make your countryside staycation as tranquil as possible. Here are some of our tips to make the most out of your peaceful summer holiday:
 

• Choose a holiday home or holiday lodge with outdoor seating for morning coffees and sunset dinners. 
• Pack walking boots, binoculars and your favourite books to unwind after a long day. 
• Plan slow days to really soak in the peace and tranquillity the UK has to offer. Exploration is great, but sometimes so is sitting back and soaking it all in. 
• Explore local produce for home-cooked dinners with a view. Some of our holiday home and holiday lodge models allow you to add decking, giving you the perfect setting to sit outside and eat. 
• Disconnect from devices to truly switch off. We look taking our phones to capture those all-important summer holiday memories, but even giving yourself a few hours in a morning or evening to reconnect with nature helps to get the most out of any countryside holiday. 

Where Will You Find Your UK Countryside Retreat?

The UK’s countryside is incredibly varied, offering everything from the elegance of the Cotswolds and Wales to the open spaces of the Scottish Highlands and Yorkshire. Wherever you choose, a countryside summer holiday offers the rare gift of peace, and time to pause, reconnect and savour the season.
 

Whether you’re exploring river paths in Norfolk, climbing ridgelines in the Peak District or enjoying a gentle breeze through the trees outside your lodge window, the countryside awaits with open arms. See our blog on ‘7 Reasons to Book a UK Staycation in 2025’ for further inspiration or contact us to book a showground visit.