Solo travel is on trend for 2025, in fact, 24% of UK travellers are planning to travel alone this year*. However, starting a solo adventure closer to home is the perfect way to build confidence and uncover the UK and Ireland’s hidden gems – with holiday letting agents holidaycottages.co.uk seeing an uptick in interest for solo breaks.
More solo travellers are embracing the thrill of spontaneous getaways, with only 15% planning their trips more than six months ahead, and autumn and spring being the favourite seasons to hit the road. And while these trips are dubbed “solo,” they’re not always entirely solo – 39% of travellers are bringing their canine companions along for the journey.
With this in mind, the team at holidaycottages.co.uk have shared the most popular destinations in the UK and Ireland for a solo holiday based on internal booking data, highlighting quieter, “off the beaten track” alternatives, perfect for the seasoned solo adventurer seeking a peaceful escape.
1. Keswick, Lake District
Where to stay: The Butterfly Cottage https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/84253-butterfly-cottage–keswick
The charming market town of Keswick, nestled between some of England’s tallest mountain ranges – including the Scafell Range to the southwest, home to Scafell Pike, and the Skiddaw Range to the north – sits on the edge of the serene Derwentwater and offers an abundance of activities for the adventurous solo traveller.
Solo travellers can spend time exploring Derwentwater by boat or kayak, hiking to the top of Catbells for panoramic views or visiting the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle – tackling Skiddaw or Scafell Pike offers an even more challenging adventure. For those keen to glimpse into the town’s history, head to The Pencil Museum and Keswick Museum & Art Gallery. Keswick also boasts quaint coffee shops, bookstores and a Theatre by the Lake, perfect for solo travellers craving a combination of adventure and relaxation.
Quieter alternative: Buttermere, Lake District
Located in a more remote part of the Lake District, Buttermere is the perfect quiet alternative to the bustle of Keswick in peak season. The village is typically quieter with fewer coffee shops and tourist attractions, making it ideal for anyone seeking solitude and to connect with nature. Buttermere is surrounded by the towering peaks Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike, and Red Pike which make for rewarding hikes.
2. Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Where to stay: Wool Washers Shepherd Hut https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/53246-wool-washers-shepherd-hut
Abergavenny, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, offers a variety of things to do for solo travellers seeking mix of nature, history and local culture during their stay. Explore the historic Abergavenny Castle and its museum and see what’s on at the Tithe Barn, a popular local venue for events and exhibitions.
The Brecon Beacons National Park offers countless hiking routes, including the popular Sugar Loaf Mountain, providing a moderate, rewarding hike with panoramic views of the Usk Valley and the surrounding peaks. For a more challenging ascent, solo travellers can take on The Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr), or alternatively, take a scenic ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, for a relaxing way to soak up the views of the valley.
The town’s local market is ideal for picking up fresh produce and artisanal goods after a day’s hike, and if you’re a foodie, Abergavenny Food Festival is held in September and attracts visitors from all over.
Quieter alternative: Crickhowell
Crickhowell offers the ultimate peaceful atmosphere within the Brecon Beacons while still providing access to various hiking routes and historical sites. Travellers can explore the Crickhowell Castle ruins, enjoy scenic walks along the Usk River, or take a leisurely hike up Table Mountain, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
3. Hereford, Herefordshire
Where to stay: Ewes Retreat https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/79576-ewes-retreat
Hereford is the perfect location for solo travellers seeking a city break that combines rich heritage with the charm of surrounding countryside. For solo travellers eager to explore the city’s history visit Berrington Hall, a Georgian country house with beautiful gardens and explore Hereford Museum and Art Gallery’s fascinating exhibits on local history, art, and archaeology. An iconic attraction is the Hereford Cathedral, home to the famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval map that is one of the most significant historical documents in the UK. Solo travellers can also explore the Black and White House Museum, a Tudor house showcasing Hereford’s history, or wander around High Town with its independent shops, cafes, and markets. Keen hikers can enjoy scenic walks across the nearby Wye Valley.
Quieter alternative: Leominster
For a quieter alternative to Hereford, Leominster offers a peaceful yet historically rich experience just a short distance away. Explore the Leominster Museum, which showcases the town’s history and its role in the wool trade, or wander through the Grange Court, a beautiful 17th-century building housing artisan shops and exhibitions. The nearby Brampton Bryan Gardens provide a tranquil spot for a leisurely walk, while the River Lugg offers peaceful riverside strolls.
4. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Where to stay: Kukui Annexe https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/92519-kukui-annexe
North Yorkshire’s most famous spa town is the ideal location for solo travellers looking to unwind. Relax in the historic steam rooms of the Harrogate Turkish Baths for the ultimate rejuvenating break and enjoy peaceful strolls through the beautifully landscaped Valley Gardens and Harlow Carr Gardens. Travellers can discover Harrogate’s history by visiting the Royal Pump Room Museum and sampling the naturally carbonated waters that attracted visitors from across the world, not forgetting to indulge at Betty’s Team Room – a place that has been famous for the finest afternoon tea since 1919.
Quieter alternative: Ripon
Ripon has a rich spa heritage like its neighbouring Harrogate, but offers a quieter and more budget-friendly alternative for solo travellers seeking relaxation. The town is home to the historic Ripon Spa Baths, where visitors can enjoy affordable spa treatments, including soothing baths and therapies inspired by the area’s traditional wellness practices. After unwinding at the spa, solo travellers can explore the magnificent Ripon Cathedral, stroll along the peaceful Ripon Canal, or enjoy the town’s quaint cafes and independent shops.
5. Alnwick, Northumberland
Where to stay: The Forge https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/oc-25124-the-forge
Alnwick is a wonderful base for solo travellers wanting to explore the North East of England and all of its beauty. While the town itself boasts attractions like Alnwick Castle and the beautiful Alnwick Garden, the true gem is the nearby Northumberland Coast, offering miles of unspoiled beaches, scenic hiking trails, coastal views and incredible wildlife. Bamburgh Beach, with its dramatic views of Bamburgh Castle, is a perfect spot for quiet reflection, while the Farne Islands can be explored via boat trips, where solo travellers can spot puffins, seals, and other wildlife. The prime time to visit for a chance to spot both puffins and seals is during the spring and early summer months, from April to July, and during September to November to spot seal pups.
Quieter alternative: Craster
Craster, a small fishing village located just a short distance from Alnwick, is ideal for solo travellers looking for a peaceful retreat with beautiful coastal views and a relaxed pace of life. The village is known for its charming harbour and delicious Craster kippers – a traditional smoked herring using oak wood – with opportunities nearby to experience the local wildlife and scenic coastal paths while skipping the crowds.
6. Killarney, County Kerry
Where to stay: Knocknagree House https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/oc-28634-knocknagree-house
Killarney, located in County Kerry, is a vibrant town boasting a fabulous array of traditional Irish pubs and eateries. The town is the starting point for the picturesque Ring of Kerry, a famous route that loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and can be experienced via car, bike or foot. The long-distance Kerry Way also begins in the town, while scenic walks around the Lakes of Killarney provide the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views at your own pace. Killarney sits on the edge of Killarney National Park, home to Ireland’s tallest mountain, as well as some truly stunning lakes, forests, and waterfalls, including Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens and the Gap of Dunloe situated on the park’s edge. Killarney offers the perfect balance of quiet moments in nature and opportunities for connection with its vibrant nightlife and live music pubs, making it an ideal destination for solo travellers.
Quieter alternative: Dingle
For travellers seeking a quieter alternative to Killarney, Dingle in County Kerry is a great choice. The town offers stunning landscapes like the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive, along with peaceful beaches and scenic hiking trails. The Slieve Mish Mountains and Kerry Cliffs are great day trips for adventure lovers.
Dingle has a laid-back atmosphere, with traditional pubs and local restaurants that are less crowded, great for solo travellers looking to explore at a slower pace.
Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “Solo travel is on the rise and for UK travellers there’s no better place to start than on home soil. The destinations featured in this list cater to every type of solo traveller, from those seeking adventurous activities or peace and solitude, to those looking to make meaningful connections or simply to relax and unwind.”
“Our data shows that shepherds huts are the most popular type of place to stay among solo travellers, with glamping, annexes and lodges coming in closely behind as cosy bases for a break alone.”
For further inspiration for your next solo travel break and more ideas on where to stay, please visit https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/lodges
