As a 100% home grown British brand we're more than a smidge proud of our little island we like to call home. So much so that when it comes to taking a break from handcrafting beautiful bespoke furniture, there's nowhere else we'd dream of spending our down time than right here on home soil. Now we know what you're thinking. Oh dear, too much time whittling wood into gorgeous frames and feet has made us go a little bit cuckoo. But trust us, the UK has so many amazing destinations to boast about, and we at Willow & Hall have been fortuitous enough to experience a fair few of them first hand. So, for all you naysayers out there, here's our top picks of the places on our fair isle where you can experience a holiday of a lifetime without leaving on a jet plane.
Get a true taste of the Italian Riviera in Portmeirion
While it might resemble the Almalfi coast, this charming, picture perfect village is actually located in Gynedd, North Wales. Intentionally built in an Italian architectural style, its central palazzo is flanked by restaurants serving pizza, pasta and of course Italian beers (what else would you do here?) making it the perfect destination for a slice of Italy, as well as a slice of thin crust margarita. It also borders a beautiful breath-taking beach (Wales never disappoints when it comes to its shorelines), making it an ideal spot for a summer staycation.
Journey to the centre of the earth in Somerset
If you've ever wondered what lies beneath then Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset is the place for you. This intricate and expansive labyrinth of caves, which has a constant temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, has existed underground for millions of years. In fact, remains dating back to the ice age were discovered during its excavation. Today, this historical time capsule has been made visitor friendly, so you can delve deep into the series of intertwining tunnels and chambers and bask in all of its awe inspiring beauty.
Fool your friends into thinking you're in Sydney; in Glasgow
Glasgow might have achieved notoriety as the birthplace of a certain deep fried confectionary snack, but there's so much more to this Scottish city than that calorific claim to fame. Steeped in culture, and with a thriving arts, music and impressive culinary scene that's sprung up in recent years, it's not short of attractions to entertain and inspire.
Sleep under the stars on an authentic African safari, in Kent
An African Safari is often top of the bucket list, but if your budget doesn't stretch to Kenya, than make for Livingstone Lodge in Kent instead. This award-winning overnight safari experience offers you the opportunity to observe native African wildlife as it roams freely on 100 acres of open land. You'll be driven around in a tour guided jeep, and sleep overnight on site, in one of the lodges luxury stilted tents where you can watch the animals graze until the sun goes down.
Swap Island hopping in South East Asia for the Scilly isles
Ok, so technically this does involve leaving the UK mainland, but the Isles of Scilly, just off the Cornish coast, are still UK property. Reached by flight from Exeter, or ferry from Penzance, this hamlet of tropical islands offers pristine white beaches and crystal clear waters that give Thailand a run for its money. Often described by visitors as paradise, travellers can spread their visit between the Scilly's five main inhabited islands, connected by frequent boat crossings several times a day.
Kind regards,
The Willow & Hall team