Where is the best place to rent a holiday home in the UK?

While we often think of heading abroad for our holidays, there’s no need for the hassle and headache of flights when there are so many incredible destinations on our doorstep. The United Kingdom is home to a wealth of diversity just waiting to be explored, from the wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the surf beaches of Devon. 

In this guide, we’ll share with you some of the top destinations in the United Kingdom for renting a holiday home, which can be used as a base for exploring the surrounding region. A holiday rental website such as rentola.co.uk is a good first port of call and will provide you with plenty of inspiration. It highlights everything from country homes in the Peak District to beachside apartments in Dorset, with something catering to all interests. You can stay a week or two in one destination, Preston, for example, or move between places on a mini road trip. 

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Dorset

Hugging England’s southwest coast, Dorset is a spectacular region that’s known for its dramatic cliffs, buzzing farmer’s markets and picturesque coves. More than half of the county is designated within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an ideal destination to rent a holiday home if you’re into walking. You can base yourself in West Bexington with its shingle beach, stay in family-friendly Broadmayne or explore the area’s magnificent landscapes from the village of Pentridge.

Northumberland

Home to centuries-old castles, magnificent valleys and wild beaches, Northumberland combines history with natural beauty and feels well and truly off the beaten tourist track. Marvel at the watchtowers and keep of Bamburgh Castle or hike through dramatic crags and rolling hills along the edge Hadrian’s Wall before spotting seals and puffins in the Farne Islands. Families can base themselves in East or West Thirston, which lie just a stone’s throw from the Northumberland Zoo and Warkworth Beach.

Devon

Famed for its glorious beaches, medieval towns and water sports, Devon attracts everyone from history buffs to surfers. You can spot puffins, seals and sharks around Lundy Island, hike through the dense woodland of Lydford Gorge or discover the picturesque moorlands and Stone Age ruins of Dartmoor. Traversing Devon’s coastal villages and towering cliffs is the long-distance South West Coast Path, which extends from Minehead to Somerset. You can base yourself in pretty Seaton, enjoy the majestic views in Satterleigh or hit the surf beaches of South Hams from nearby Challaborough. 

Peak District

Designated as the United Kingdom’s first national park in 1951, the Peak District encompasses some of the UK’s most spectacular natural wonders. It boasts dramatic valleys and moorland plateaus, as well as a handful of charming towns offering holiday rentals. Relive all the action from the “Dam Busters” at Ladybower Reservoir and explore the subterranean landscapes of Peak Cavern or hike to the park’s highest peak, Kinder Scout. You can base yourself in the village of Mossgate, discover the historic sights of York from Fulford or bunk down in lakeside Rudyard.

Somerset

Bordering the Bristol Channel, Somerset offers an easy escape from London and provides the setting for the United Kingdom’s biggest festival - Glastonbury. You can admire the Roman baths and Georgian architecture of Bath, relax on the wide, sandy beaches of Weston-Super Mare or discover the stunning limestone landscapes of Cheddar Gorge. History buffs shouldn’t miss the majestic Wells Cathedral or Glastonbury Tor, which offers magnificent views across Somerset. Golfers should base themselves in Fox Hill while Priston is ideal for those who want to be immersed in the Somerset countryside. 

North Wales

Taking in the rugged landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, this Welsh region is not to be overlooked. It’s home to the eight-towered castle of Conwy and the picturesque resort town of Llandudno, as well as the beautiful Isle of Anglesey. You can follow one of the hiking routes that lead up the slopes of Mount Snowdon, soak up the majestic scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway or relax on the sands of North Shore Beach. Base yourself in the ancient market town of Caernarfon or explore the walking trails of Snowdonia from the village of Betws-y-Coed.

The Scottish Highlands

Encompassing some of Scotland’s most evocative landscapes, The Highlands is a mountainous region in the country’s northwest. It’s here that you’ll find the storied waters of Loch Ness and the cascades of Glencoe, as well as the United Kingdom’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. You can explore the prehistoric remains of Skara Brae or visit the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. With its waterfront location and cultural attractions, Inverness is an obvious place to stay. Adventure lovers should check out the former fishing village of Corran while Peinchorran is a great base for discovering the enchanting Isle of Skye.