The UK has many forgotten pockets of beautiful countryside where you can lose yourself in a range of invigorating activities, glorious food and heritage. Even better, the UK’s relatively small size makes it easy to get away for a midweek break rather than waiting for the weekend. However, if you are considering a UK break then why should you consider making it midweek? Is that not what weekends are for?!
Weekends are ideal for a short break but a midweek break can be even better as accommodation costs are generally lower with better availability and whichever way you choose to get to your destination, you’ll find it far less crowded on the roads and public transport. It’ll also be quieter at your destination meaning that if you really want to get away from it all then midweek is the time to do it.
Midweek in the forest
With luxury log cabins set exclusively within Forestry Commission estates in seven beautiful woodland and lochside locations, a Forest Holiday is ideal for a midweek break. Here are some locations you may want to consider:
For utter relaxation and to immerse yourself in some truly breath-taking scenery nothing can beat escaping to the towering mountains, mirror-like lochs, lonely glens and cascading streams of the Scottish highlands. Strathyre Cabins sit in dramatic countryside, along the pine-fringed banks of Loch Lubnaig and are watched over by the magnificent Ben Ledi, which stands nearly 3,000 feet tall.
Although the Wye Valley holds a deserving title as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region, along with the neighbouring Forest of Dean, remain fairly unthought-of corners of the UK for short breaks. The Forest of Dean will spoil you for choice for walking and cycling routes that offer breathtaking valley views and opportunities to spot wild flowers, deer and even the odd wild boar. This, coupled with an unrivalled opportunity to taste your way around the region, makes it a nature and food lover’s paradise.
To walk or pedal your way around the region’s food and drink delights, the Forest of Dean cabins in the heart of the forest is a good spot to plan your days of decadent activity.
If you are familiar with the harsh landscape described in Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights, you may be pleased to know that whilst traces of this romantic eeriness can still be found, in contrast, the North Yorkshire Moors is home to a diverse range of colourful scenery providing the perfect base for a revitalising break. The landscape includes 44,000 hectares of heather moorland, 26 miles of beautiful coastline and woodlands bursting with colourful flora and fauna. If you’re a fair weather seeker it’s also worth noting that it has the least rainfall and is the driest of the UK National Parks.
Activities for the adventurous
Every one of the Forest Holiday sites provides energising and exciting activities for all ages. Perhaps start by exploring some of the wonderful forest walks and trails or if you want to get out and about on a bike then bike hire is available too.
For a more adventurous midweek break you could choose to head down to Deerpark in Cornwall where you can ride the waves and explore the coastline on a sea kayak or try ‘coasteering’ where you squeeze into a wetsuit, safety helmet and old trainers then scramble, climb and cliff jump your way around Cornwall’s spectacular rocky coastline.
Something even more luxurious
If you’re not the adventurous type or simply want to use your midweek break for utter relaxation then you’ll find that catered for too with a fabulous range of pampering experiences in the comfort of your own cabin. You’ll be in good hands with an experienced qualified therapist who has created a number of relaxing pamper packages for you to indulge in.
Most cabins have their own outdoor hot tub for you to unwind in too and a cosy log fire so you can curl up at the end of your day with a nice meal and watch a film, read a book or play some games.
