That hour-long train journey from Edinburgh to St Andrews has a
hypnotic sort of charm – all heather-blanketed hills, seagulls
swooping over traditional seaside towns and mile upon mile of
rugged coastline. The real magic, however, begins once you reach
the storied university town. Located on Scotland’s east coast, in
the heart of the county of Fife, St Andrews often comes up in
conversation through association with its royal alumni, but it’s
the white-sand bays, historic landmarks and foodie startups that
make it a great choice for a go-slow escape. Take a stroll along
the blustery shores of West Sands beach (or a splash if you’re
feeling daring), followed by a Med-leaning lunch at local
institution Bibi’s Café. Tour the grounds of the
13th-century St Andrews Castle and the cathedral ruins, browse the
low-intervention wines at independent Luvians bottle shop,
explore the stunning craft collection at J&G Innes
(which also has its own top-floor gallery), and feast on fresh
scallops, oysters and monkfish at sea-facing The Seafood
Ristorante.

Where to stay: Rusacks St Andrews

In case you hadn’t already heard, the once sleepy Sussex town of
Eastbourne – host of the Turner Prize 2023 – has become something
of a cultural powerhouse, thanks to the arrival of hip rooftop
bars, edgy eateries, independent boutiques and more art hangouts
than Bansky could chuck a stencil at. Inhale lungfuls of fresh,
salty air on a wander along the weather-beaten boardwalks between
Sovereign Harbour and Birling Gap; stop for a panini refuel at
Hyde Corner; check out local legend Stuart Broad’s
old-school Camilla’s Bookshop, where you’ll find floor-to-ceiling
piles of second-hand titles; and enjoy sundowners on the
water-facing rooftop at Garden Bar. Make your base the boutique Port Hotel, whose minimalist bedrooms are
decked out with cork flooring, walnut wood and matte-black
detailing, and whose restaurant menu features the likes of crab
patties, homemade pasta, and a catch-of-the-day special that never
disappoints.

Where to stay: Port Hotel

There’s nothing more bittersweet than getting to the end of a
gripping series – cough, cough, Happy Valley. Thankfully, we can
visit the very location that had us hooked: Hebden Bridge. Located
in West Yorkshire’s Upper Calder Valley, this chocolate-box village
has a bohemian spirit strong enough to rival some of the globe’s
coolest hippie enclaves. Ramble along the banks of the Rochdale
canal, then check out the open-air Hebden Bridge Market, where
pin-striped kiosks are laden with handcrafted goods and fresh local
produce. Literary types should make a beeline for St Thomas’
churchyard – the resting place of poet and author Sylvia Plath. For
a Saturday-night drink, try The Trades Club. Hungry? Head to Vocation & Co bar for gourmet burgers and loaded
fries, or Rostini’s Indonesian Kitchen for spicy noodles.
Old-school watering hole The Albert has Sunday lunch covered – think golden
roasties and Yorkshire puds on tap.

Where to stay: White Lion

Forget crowd-surfing in St Ives and Padstow this bank holiday
and instead make tracks to the tiny town of Mousehole. Our
favourite accommodation choice? The Crafters’ Hut, a former carpentry workshop
that comes complete with sweeping coastal vistas and a sun-kissed
pergola armed with a wood-fired tub. Mornings are best spent
paddling at Mousehole beach, where weathered fishermen’s cottages
frame a dinky white-sand bay. Later, wander to bistro-style
restaurant 2 Fore Street for crab salads and cream teas, check
out The Tyler Gallery for an impressive collection of
contemporary artworks, and make your evening plans a trip to the
nearby Minack
Theatre, whose dramatic, open-air stage is carved into a
granite cliff at Porthcurno.

Where to stay: The Crafters’ Hut

If it’s an off-grid escape that tickles your bank holiday fancy,
then a trip to the Lake District is in order. And it’s the handsome
village of Grasmere that we think you’ll want to call home. Drink
in the beauty of the mystical fells, then explore the charming
streetscape. Start with a visit to the Grasmere
Gingerbread Shop, a no-frills bakery known for its rum butter,
biscuit cake, gingerbread popcorn and melt-in-your-mouth fudge –
you’ll want to swap your tote bag for a hamper. Stomp along the
daffodil-flanked banks of the lake, or join adventurers on the
water for a paddle-boarding session. Unwind with a craft ale at
Tweedies Bar, before hopping back to camp at The Yan –
a 17th-century sheep shed-turned-luxury inn – for a freshly foraged
supper in its cosy bistro.

Where to stay: The Yan