Top 5 UK Student Holiday Destinations
With deadlines and final exams looming large on the horizon it can be good to unwind for a bit and plan your summer holiday. That’s why we’ve brought you a list of the top five holiday destinations in the UK - for trips that will let you get away from it all and relax without breaking the bank. So if your dissertation is making you pull your hair out, take a minute to kick back and start making some plans.
1.) Cornwall
Undoubtedly, one of the top student holiday destinations in the UK has to be the golden coast of Cornwall, located on the southwestern tip of England. From breathtaking beaches with a rip-roaring surf scene to quaint little harbour towns that are a charity-shopper’s dream, Cornwall really has a lot to offer.
Summer is definitely the time to hit Cornwall, with the beaches and nightlife really coming to life. However, to avoid the peak prices and family vacationers, planning your trip for the very beginning or end of the holidays is recommended. At these times, there will still be plenty of options to rent apartments or cottages on sites like Airbnb, or for the real adventurers you can even rent VW Camper Vans with sites like
The end of the summer season this year also see’s the return of the incredible Boardmasters Festival featuring surfing, skateboarding, and BMX competitions, as well as music from the likes of Chase and Status, James Bay, and Wolf Alice. With plenty of cultural and historical sites to visit like the Eden Project and St. Michael’s Mount, it is safe to say you will not be stuck for things to do in Cornwall.
2.) Lake District
Grab your walking boots and your camping gear and head over to one of England’s most beautiful national parks - the Lake District. Covering just over 885 square miles, the Lake District has some of England’s finest scenery, from green rolling hills to glistening lakes to craggy mountains - this is the ultimate detox from a busy University life.
The Lake District is also becoming increasingly popular with students due to its wide variety of outdoor sports activities. From mountain biking to kayaking, zip lining to caving- the opportunity to ‘get your Bear Grylls’ on is endless. However, if roughing it in a tent isn’t your idea of fun, the recent craze of ‘Glamping’ now means you can appreciate the great outdoors from the comfort of your cozy pod, which can be rented out for couples or groups.
3.) Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is a great place to catch a refreshing city break and experience one of the UK’s best cultural hotspots. Unlike the sandy beaches of the South, having fun in Edinburgh isn’t dependent on weather.
Head up in August for example to catch the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival or take a winter break over the holidays to visit some of the best Christmas markets in the UK. One of the main perks of being in a big city is also the nightlife. Edinburgh is home to the infamous Cowgate, a long stretch of clubs and bars which is cheap and popular with students. It’s sure to be a memorable night out - or perhaps less memorable if the cheap drinks get the better of you.
4.) Pembrokeshire
Despite some of the cheap bars, Edinburgh can get pretty expensive for accommodation. If you’re looking for a cheaper holiday destination, check out Pembrokeshire on the West Coast of Wales.
Pembrokeshire offers a wealth of stunning beaches as well as beautiful countryside giving you the best of both worlds of Cornwall and the Lake District. Pembrokeshire is also the only coastal National Park in the UK, meaning there are plenty of unspoiled coastline walks to be enjoyed- no wonder part of the filming for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows took place there!
Pembrokeshire has universal attractions like Dolphin spotting, ‘Britain’s best ride’ at Oakwood Theme Park as well as extreme water sports activities like Coasteering - ‘the sea-side equivalent of fun running’.
5.) Suffolk
Finally, Suffolk in East Anglia is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing break with your friends. Suffolk offers a range of charming towns, local pubs a cafe culture that could rival even the top European cities.
In summer, Suffolk has a number of pop-up gems to be discovered, from local live music to beer festivals- there is something to suit everybody’s taste. You can also give your university bedroom that much-needed makeover with a number of unique independent shops in Woodbridge, Southwold as well as a number of vintage markets to upgrade your wardrobe. Suffolk is also the ideal place to take time out from University and escape on a weekend break.
By Nina Harris
