Coastal or country: which makes the best holiday destination?

The UK is home to both incredible coastlines and beautiful rural scenery. While this is great for holidaymakers, it sometimes makes it difficult to choose between a coastal or countryside getaway. Do we prefer to feel the sea breeze in our hair or is the peace and quiet of the countryside more appealing? 

Here, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of both types of holiday to help you decide on a destination in 2018…

Holidays in the countryside 

To start, we’ll look at the benefits of driving off into the country. For many of us living in the UK’s densely populated towns and cities, the main draw of a break to the country is to fulfil our desire for peace and quiet. But the pleasures of the countryside don’t stop there, rural stately homes, picturesque landscapes, Britain’s starriest skies, and an abundance of walking and cycling routes all make the countryside a top place to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. 

Are you a nature-lover who enjoys spotting animals in their natural habitats? If so, country breaks are for you. Heading into rural landscapes offers a great opportunity to get closer to nature. Dig out your binoculars and observe beautiful birds, butterflies, hedgehogs, foxes, rabbits, and even deer in the countryside. 

But are there any drawbacks with countryside holidays? Many people would say that a lack of connectivity might put them off. If your smartphone is in your hand at all times, you may find an issue with the distinct lack of Wi-Fi and phone signal in the countryside. You might also find yourself travelling much further to pick up the evening’s dinner than you might at the seaside, due to a lack of supermarket superstores and express shops. However, these are small prices to pay for many people who are looking for quality family time and a peaceful getaway. 

Holidays on the coast

Most of us will fondly remember days or weeks at the beach when we were younger. With stunning sea views, tasty food and plenty of family-friendly activities, it’s no wonder that almost 40% of the top ten holidays involved trips to the beach last year, according to research compiled by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).  

But what are the main advantages of opting for a coastal break? Seaside holidays are also therapy for the mind, body and soul — relax by listening to the sound of the waves, sleep well after a day of fresh sea air, and take a gentle stroll along the beach with the kids. From paddling in the sea and eating fish and chips, to making sandcastles and getting cosy in your coastal cottage in the evening; the percentage of trips to the beach last year shows that people of all ages love heading to the coast for holiday throughout their lives. 

Of course, similar to country getaways, coastal breaks have downsides in some holidaymakers’ eyes. Firstly, they’re often more expensive than their countryside counterparts even in the off-peak season (reportedly, these holidays start from around £450 for seven nights, compared to £360 for seven nights in the countryside). Also, taking a coastal break in peak time also means that the town or village where you choose to reside will be much busier people-wise than a stay, at any time, in the open countryside. However, some people don’t mind a few crowds and enjoy the holiday atmosphere when there are more people around. 

However, the choice is yours. Whether you enjoy the excitement of traditional seaside fun or prefer the tranquillity and quiet beauty of the country; UK trips away offer a world of opportunity for holidaymakers of all tastes.