The UK is blessed with gorgeous places offering endless opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast. Sure, sometimes the weather is not in your favour, but if you've got countless national parks perfect for hiking and stunning beaches offering an ideal setting for water sports, the bad weather won't ruin your day. From the scenic lakes of the Lake District to the postcard-perfect beaches on the Isle of Wight, here's where to go in the UK for outdoor enthusiasts.

Camping in Surrey

Despite its unpredictable weather, camping remains a popular activity in the UK. There are hundreds of wonderful campsites in the UK, with a few glamping options. Camping is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts, with millions going on camping and caravanning trips each year.

Surrey is one of the best places to camp in the UK, where you will sleep surrounded by the South East's most stunning scenery. Only a stone's throw away from the bustling city of London, Surrey offers an incredible array of unique outdoor accommodations with vast green spaces, lush woodlands, scenic canals, and riverbanks.

One of the best places to camp in the lush woodland of Sussex is Beech Estate Campsite, which offers an off-grid camping experience, perfect for true adventurers. You will not have access to electricity, mobile phone signal or internet when staying at this campsite. The tent pitches are spread out evenly amongst lush forests in a 2,000-acre land area, with hiking and cycling trails for the exclusive use of guests. If you prefer to sleep at remote private spots, you can request to pitch your tent at faraway woodland pitches on a hill overlooking the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The Lakes of the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful regions to explore in the UK. Its incredibly stunning landscapes have lured literary giants like William Wordsworth, who lived in a cottage by the lake for many years. The Lake District continues to attract visitors, especially adventurers searching for a fascinating place to explore.  

A stroll around Lake Buttermere, one of the Lake District's most gorgeous lakes, is highly recommended for anyone visiting the region. Hike the four-mile trail around the lake's circumferences, showcasing the area's stunning sceneries of rugged peaks and fells. If you're craving more adventurers, climb the Orrest Head, a lovely hill above Windermere. 

If you're curious about Wordsworth's life while living in the Lake District, visit the Dove Cottage, his home from 1799 to 1808. Step inside the idyllic cottage in Grasmere to witness the dwelling place of the famous poet, where he composed some of his greatest works. Don't forget to check out the museum nearby, which showcases some manuscripts and other memorabilia.

A Cottage in the Cotswolds

Stretching from Oxfordshire to Somerset, the Cotswolds is one of the UK's most picturesque places for a staycation. With its laid back atmosphere and stunning luxury rental cottages in the Cotswolds, it's easy to see why it's a favoured place to visit.

The Cotswolds is an ideal place to get active in the UK and engage in fun activities like walking or cycling. Featuring green rolling hills crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails taking you to secluded river valleys, charming towns, and villages of honey-coloured cottages, the Cotswolds offer various opportunities to enjoy scenic walks.

The Cotswold Way is the most popular path to hike in the Cotswolds, taking you to explore some of the region's most gorgeous areas. It starts from Bath and ends in the town of Chipping Campden, passing through picture-perfect villages and famous landmarks. Walking the entire route could take several days, depending on your hiking abilities and how often you stop along the way. The path will also take you to several smaller trails, which you can take if you're not keen on walking the entirety of The Cotswold Way.

The Highlands in Scotland

The Highlands in Scotland offer a fantastic range of fun-filled activities suitable for anyone keen on exploring the outdoors. Whether going for a solo trip or taking your family and friends, the Scottish Highlands offer all kinds of outdoor adventure for every type of traveller.

If you're keen on heart-pumping hikes, conquer the Cairngorms National Park or summit the UK's tallest peak, Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis also offers the perfect setting for canyoning adventure, where you go through several abseils, hop on slides and conquer rope works to descend. Gorge walking is another heart-pumping activity geared for daredevils. It requires scrambling, sliding, jumping, and swimming towards a deep river gorge.

For low-level adventures, enjoy a scenic walk along the rugged cliffs of Ducansby or venture into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Road-tripping is also a fun way to explore the Scottish Highlands. For an unforgettable adventure, drive the North Coast 500, which starts and ends in Inverness. The road makes a giant loop, passing through some of the world's most stunning coastal roads.

The Beaches on the Isle of Wight

Situated off the southern coast of England, you wil find some of the best beaches on the Isle of Wight, perfect for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. With crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering sea cliffs, these beaches offer a perfect spot for water activities, from swimming to surfing. 

Alum Bay is one of the most stunning beaches on the Isle of Wight, featuring multi-coloured sand and unique rock formations, with clear waters that are a joy to swim in. Those looking for family-friendly beaches should head to Bembridge Beach on the island's east coast, where kids can enjoy fun activities like crabbing. Although the beach consists mainly of pebbles and stones, a sandy stretch of fine sand will appear when the tide is low.

If you want to take up watersports and sailing, visit the beach in Cowes and Gurnard. It lies on the island's northwest coast, offering a great view of the Solent and hosts regular yacht races, making it a haven for sailing enthusiasts. Don't miss the stunning views of sunsets from these beaches and treat yourself to some refreshments from one of the beachside cafes.