New research has revealed the most secluded destinations for a tranquil holiday in 2023, and two Scottish spots have come out on top.
Now summer is officially here, Scots all over the country will be looking to book a relaxing holiday to make the most of the sun. With the cost of living crisis continuing to hit household budgets, many won't be able to afford an extravagant international trip, but luckily there are plenty of spots here in Scotland worth visiting.
With online searches for ‘quiet holiday destinations’ and 'quiet holiday’ increasing 88 per cent and 57 per cent respectively this year, many are looking for a more peaceful holiday this summer. In response, experts at TRIP scraped listings from National Trust Scotland and National Trust England, Wales and Northern Ireland to find the most secluded areas to stay.
Coming in as the number one most secluded holiday destination across the UK this summer is Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa. The sea cave, which is 72 feet tall and 270 feet deep, is famous for its iconic hexagonal rock columns, which were formed millions of years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions.
The experts commented: "It doesn’t get more secluded than the island of Staffa off Scotland’s west coast. This tiny island is only half a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide but boasts stunning views and interesting wildlife.
"In the summer, it’s the perfect place to spot puffins, and of course, there is Fingal’s Cave to visit – formed by thousands of years of sea erosion."
Meanwhile, coming in at number two on the list of the most secluded UK destinations for a quiet holiday this summer is Mingulay, the second largest of the Bishop's Isles in the Outer Hebrides.
Renowned for its rare bird populations — including puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, and razorbills — the island is also known for its remains of an Iron Age fort. It has been uninhabited since 1912, making it a perfect holiday spot if it's peace and quiet you're after.
To find the most secluded holiday spots, TRIP investigated listings from the National Trust Scotland and the National Trust England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and found the ones with the least amount of nearby spas, parks, art galleries, cafés, bookstores, and bakeries.
The top 5 secluded destinations for a quiet holiday
Fingal's Cave, Staffa National Nature Reserve, Hebrides
Mingulay, Outer Hebrides
Kinder Downfall, The Peak District and Derbyshire
Somerset and Wiltshire, West Kennet Avenue at Avebury
Brancaster Beach, Norfolk
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