For the vast majority of us, 2020 was a washout when it came vacations. The dark shadow of the pandemic hung over the world – and all visitor destinations – even if, at specific times, they were actually reachable. Yet, with the palpable light at the end of the tunnel offered by coronavirus vaccines, 2021 may turn out to be a decent bet for getting away and enjoying a holiday.
But where to go to for a vacation in 2021? If you’re going to make the effort of travelling away from home (and confronting all the complications that’ll bring – following necessary Covid-safe precautions and regulations, chief among them), it’s going to have to be the right destination, for sure. And, yes, obviously here is where we’re going to suggest travellers plump for thoroughly fantastic getaways in London.
That said, if you want to extend your vacation and see a bit more of the UK, where else would be best this year – and maybe easiest when you factor in the need for good social-distancing…?
Lundy Island
Home to under 30 people and, well, a fair number of cute puffins, the island of Lundy – to be found off the coast of Devon – is the epitome of remote holidaying that may just be ideal for 2021. Boasting both natural beauty and intriguing historical buildings, which have been transformed into couples-friendly vacation rental properties, it’s perfect for that sort of getaway when you just want to feel cut off from the rest of the world for a few days and nights.
Snowdonia
Now, while this fabulously picturesque and atmospheric mountainous region in North Wales is always popular with visitors, it’s likely to be a little less busy this spring and summer, making it ideal for a pandemic-proof excursion. Snowdonia isn’t just the location of Britain’s second tallest peak Snowdon; it’s a vast National Park itself, ensuring it’s simply made for exploring, while moving about the place from day to day and kipping under canvas.
Norfolk
If space is what you crave (after being cooped up at home for so many months), then the eastern England county of Norfolk may well be your cup of tea. Wide, flat and with miles and miles of seemingly nothing but traditional British countryside, it’s arguably as ideal for disappearing into as Snowdonia. We suggest upping sticks following a satisfying wellness-focused stay at The Chilworth hotel Paddington London to the pinewood-edged Holkham Beach or the glorious Broads, on which you can drift the days away via a self-contained narrow boat.
Alternatively, though, you might want to head to Blakeney. Why? Because if you feel you just can’t do without some form of interaction, the seal colony here may prove more relaxing and appealing than mixing with humans (i.e. no need for stressful social-distancing every 10 seconds). And, let’s face it, seals are cuter than humans. Most humans, anyway!
Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Finally, if you want to experience somewhere outside the capital but don’t want to venture too far after the likes of 2 night London hotel deals, then this year, the county of Kent (to the south-east of London) may prove perfect.
In particular, somewhere like the romp-worthy Kent Downs, the history-rich ‘county town’ of Canterbury, the unusual, fascinating Dungeness or, of course, the Isle of Sheppey. A small island it may be, but Sheppey is filled with swathes of marshland with vast skies overhead. It may just be the ultimate offshore retreat, when all you want to do is get away from everything the last year or so has thrown at you.
55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 3UY
