The 10 best places to visit in the UK in 2021, Condé Nast Traveller
Holidaying on home turf, albeit a little forced upon us recently, has never seemed so appealing. Nor – largely as a result of the pandemic – has it been so sought after; watching a growing wave of interest sweep across the UK’s best cities and beautiful landscapes, the travel industry is racing to curate exceptional staycation experiences.
It’s not hard to see why. From the intricate islets of western Scotland to the creative Mecca of St Ives, there is so much to see, smell, taste and feel on our impossibly varied little island, it could easily fill a lifetime of adventures.
With four definite seasons, countless ecosystems and a growing sense of food ethics, homegrown flavours are on the up. Turning the tide on homogenisation, innovative and sustainably minded independents have more support than ever. Renewed local investment has also revived cultural institutions old and new, and the most forward-thinking destinations continue to reinterpret and retell our ancient history and heritage.
HERE ARE OUR 10 UK DESTINATIONS TO KEEP ITCHY FEET HAPPY AT HOME IN 2021.
10. ST IVES AND HAYLE, ENGLAND
The storied coast awash with tasty morsels
The ridiculously pretty coast surrounding arty St Ives grows more compelling each year. By Easter, Three Mile Beach’s colour-popping collection of self-contained beach houses is set to open among the grasses and dunes of St Ives Bay’s longest stretch of sand, at Gwithian. They’ve been created by Audley Travel founder Craig Burkinshaw, and he’s given them a feeling of nostalgic summer-holiday fun, albeit with a sauna and hot tub and private chefs available to hire.
The plan is to champion local suppliers whatever the season, which is a simple task in a land so proud of its culinary prowess. Nearby, Trevaskis Farm offers everything from home-reared British Lop pork to pick-your-own fruit and veg.
If letting the experts whip up a feast is more appealing, there’s barely a beach without a shack or truck in these parts. Recent newcomers include Hungry Horsebox Co, one of a number of truck cook-ups on Gwithian Beach, and Lula, a seafood and ribs shack overlooking the Hayle Estuary’s tidal waters.
For those who prefer more traditional dining, Ben Prior’s (formerly at Marazion on the south Cornwall coast) new base at No 27 The Terrace, St Ives, will open in March 2021. Overlooking Porthminster Beach, the 22-cover restaurant promises a tasting menu based on day-boat fish and allotment produce. Sticking with the seasonal and local theme, Lola’s dine-in boxes, put together by Tim Spedding and his partner Louise Rødkjær, provide the best of both worlds. Feast on everything from spider crabs to kombucha in the comfort of a cottage such as Cornish Gem’s latest addition, Azure, which comes with sea views and spa passes to Carbis Bay Hotel.
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