When planning a solo mini break, European cities are often the go-to. But look a little closer to home, and you’ll find the UK has so many brilliant places worth venturing to alone.
After the global pandemic slowed travel for the world, I began to explore cities, towns, and regions I’d previously dismissed; places I could get to without flying across the Channel. And what I found is that the UK, with its endless pretty towns and villages is an amazing place to take a solo trip, especially if it’s the first time you’re travelling without a companion.
A little less daunting than countries that speak a different language, closer to friends and family if plans go awry, and more affordable than you may think (if you book well ahead; or just a few days before for last-minute offers), the UK offers endless memorable places for a safe solo staycation.
Whether you’re after a nature-filled weekend, looking to dabble in the contemporary art scene, or simply want a mid-week change of scenery, these are the spots I’d recommend after over 20 years of solo travel.
Rye and Dungeness, East Sussex
Best for: Film buffs and enthusiasts of the avant-garde
open image in galleryI had long wanted to visit Dungeness, to see Prospect Cottage, the home of Derek Jarman which sits on a plot of shingle beach. As an artist and filmmaker who swerved the mainstream, his distinctive cottage – with its jet-black clapboard exterior, bright yellow windows and unique garden – has long been a sanctuary for dreamers and romantics. I was no exception.
I had made the equally quaint and historic town of Rye my base so that I could take the public bus all the way to the hamlet of Dungeness to stroll along the atmospheric beach and visit the cottage I had long dreamt of seeing up close.
Read more: Why a weekend in medieval Rye is the perfect British seaside escape
With its whimsical scenery, Dungeness is unlike anywhere else in the UK. It offers myriad photo opportunities; making it ideal for solo-ers like me, who like to take their time exploring.
Rye itself is equally wonderful, with its cobbled streets, picturesque lanes, and many impressive cafes, boutiques, and bars. It’s well worth strolling without a plan to see the town’s main sights, making sure not to forget Mermaid Street, dotted with buildings dating back to 1156. If you’re a film fan, catch a movie at the independent cinema, Kino, on Lion Street.
For anyone craving wide sandy beaches, nearby Camber Sands won’t disappoint, and it’s just a 10-minute bus ride away.
Where to stay
Last-minute bookings in Rye seem to serve up the most affordable options, with guesthouse Aviemore Rye standing out as a top pick in terms of affordability and comfort. I like the fact that they bake their own bread in-house and offer yoga classes, too.
Price: From £130 per night
Just opposite Camber Sands, The Gallivant, is a flawless boutique hotel with well-designed bedrooms and a fabulous restaurant.
Price: From £245
Read our hotel review of The Gallivant, East Sussex
Bakewell, Derbyshire
Best for: Wholesome hikes and hearty food
open image in galleryBakewell pudding, homity pies and cheese-filled Derbyshire oatcakes; the wholesome food of this region is pure gastronomical pleasure, which is reason enough that solo foodies will adore a stay here. Add into the mix some seriously atmospheric hikes, and it has all the trappings of the ideal UK solo staycation.
Having grown up about 30 minutes away from Bakewell (and its unmissable puddings), I’ve got a big soft spot for this region. The Peak District, for me, is preferable to the tourist-loved Lake District, and offers more magical hikes punctuated with hidden stone circles and hermit’s caves.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to nearby Chatsworth House and Haddon Halls, while The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is the place to pick up those delightful, aforementioned pies and puddings.
Where to stay
Pretty village cottages can get expensive in and around Bakewell, especially during the school holidays, but the YHA Ravenstor is a brilliant option, offering en-suite bedrooms from just shy of £50 a night. A 15-minute drive from Bakewell town and housed in a grand country house, it’s more of a hostel than a hotel, but it is a good place to meet up with fellow solo travellers.
Price: From £45.90 per night
This cute cottage is one of my all-time favourite Airbnbs. It sits within the gorgeous village of Youlegrave, just a 10-minute drive from Bakewell. The cottage has everything you need for a fabulous countryside getaway for one, including a well-stocked kitchen and sun-trap garden.
Price: From £166 per night
Bath, Somerset
Best for: Healing waters and Michelin-starred cuisine
open image in galleryWith its honey-hued Georgian architecture, elegant gardens, and rich history, Bath is an ideal destination for solo travellers looking to explore at their own pace. It’s home to the iconic Royal Crescent, and it boasts the only hot spring in England, so a visit to the Roman Baths is essential. For a truly memorable solo experience during the summer months, head there after dusk, when the Great Bath is illuminated by torchlight, creating a dream-like atmosphere. You can even enjoy a glass of something chilled while soaking in the healing waters. Or head over to The Saracens Head if you’d rather have a drink in a drier, equally historical setting.
One of Bath’s greatest pleasures is simply wandering its charming cobbled streets, discovering independent shops, cafes, and hidden corners along the way before settling down to top-class cuisine like the kind found at Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Olive Tree. I like the fact that it welcomes solo diners and serves a fairly well-priced lunchtime menu starting at £55, focusing on regional, seasonal produce.
Where to stay
Centrally located, clean and affordable, The Z Hotel will appeal to solo travellers on a budget. Expect small rooms with minimal design kudos, but some of the best value for money in town.
Price: from £45 per night
Affordable hotels in Bath range from simple crash pads to nondescript chains, but if you can spend a little bit more it’s worth booking in to The Queensbury as the rooms, service and food are all top-notch.
Price: From £148 per night
Read more: The best cheap hotels in Bath
Glasgow, Scotland
Best for: Street art aficionados and culture lovers
open image in galleryWhile Glasgow doesn’t initially jump out as the ideal solo staycation destination, it shouldn’t be discounted. The Scottish enclave has a thriving arts and culture scene, booming bar culture and lots more to keep solo travellers happy. Equally appealing is the fact that Glasgow Central train station really is slap bang in the city centre, ensuring anyone travelling without a car will find the city easy to navigate.
Begin by hunting out the large-scale street art murals that grace many a facade, all of which can be traced from this helpful online map. Also be sure to check out the Gallery of Modern Art, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – home to work by some of the world’s greatest masters, such as Rembrandt and Titian.
Later, swing by Gloriosa, my favourite restaurant in the city, brought to life by Rosie Healey, who previously worked under renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi. The open-plan, modern restaurant serves a selection of delicious sharing plates, and while it’s a concept that can be tricky for solo dinners, it’s anything but, here. The pasta dishes are ideal for one, as are most of the fish dishes, which are complete meals in their own right, sometimes paired with zingy salsa rossa, or comforting potatoes. Order with a glass of biodynamic wine, and don’t forget to leave room for a deep-fried Mars bar from a low-key chippy on the way home ( … when in Rome).
Where to stay
The Social Hub Glasgow is the ideal all-rounder for solo travellers. Rooms are simple but well priced, there’s a good co-working space if you need to get some work done or want to interact with others, and there’s plenty of dining options if you want to stay in after a day of sightseeing.
Price: From £69 per night
With warming saunas, shiny marble bathrooms and grand bedrooms, Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa guarantees a great night’s sleep in Glasgow, and it’s centrally located.
Price: From £361 per night
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Best for: A nostalgic off-season escape
open image in galleryA classic Victorian seaside town is one of my favourite places to go solo, especially in the depths of winter when it feels as though you have it all to yourself. Eastbourne, with its striking Grade-II listed pier, is one of the best. Once described as “so comfortably old-fashioned” by Bill Bryson, you only have to have a nose around the ageing cafes and tumbledown guesthouses to see what he means.
Charming in an unpretentious, nostalgic way, it isn’t too firmly rooted in the past, however. Home to the fabulous rainbow-painted Towner, an award-winning gallery that hosted the Turner Prize in 2023, there’s an underlying artistic presence that gives the town an exciting edge.
There’s not too much to see and do, but that’s the appeal of this relaxing solo destination, and if you visit in the cooler months, it’s well worth booking a slot at the beachfront communal sauna, Luna Hut.
For a truly Bill Bryson immersion, follow his lead and order a coffee and sandwich at Favo’loso; it’s an ageing gem that’s always full of locals.
Where to stay
I visited Port Hotel not long after it opened in 2021, and thanks to its well-priced and stylish rooms, I’d recommend it to anyone heading to Eastbourne. You can even hear the waves crashing from the bedrooms situated at the front of the hotel.
Price: From £82 per night
The Grand Hotel, a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, boasts spacious bedrooms, many of which have sea views. Decor leans more on the glitzy side, but it’s nice to embrace it while in Eastbourne.
Price: From £243 per night
London
Best for: A holiday that has it all
open image in galleryI lived in England’s capital for nearly two decades and now return whenever I’m back in the country to see how the city has evolved and to enjoy the latest openings.
Having visited over 200 cities, I can firmly say London really is one of the best in the world, boasting diverse cuisine, historical sights and nature. It’s especially great for solo travellers since it’s super easy to get around via the underground and bus networks, and caters to every interest, from art to nature, history to food.
A firm favourite for me is Maltby Street Market, where everything from Ethiopian to South American cuisine can be sampled away from the crush of tourist-loved Borough Market.
Every time I’m back in town, I swing by The White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey. Along with the Tate Modern, it’s one of my favourites due to its size, impressive architecture, and free entry.
A Hampstead Heath stroll, dip in the women’s pond, and roast pork bap at The Southampton Arms afterwards is always a winning combination.
Where to stay
Not many people know about the dorm beds available at the Finnish Church on Albion Street. There are two four-person rooms, a typical Finnish sauna that’s open to the public, and a cute cafe on site, too. Book fast; this is one of the most affordable spots in London.
Price: From £35 per night
One of my all-time favourite London hotels is The Lost Poet, with its Notting Hill location and dreamy decor. The fact that there are just four bedrooms makes you feel more like a local than a tourist.
Price: From £187 per night
Read more: Why Glasgow’s food scene makes me question living in London