Six Great Places in the UK for a Solo Summer Trip

Many people think of Europe when they plan a trip alone, but the UK has some truly brilliant places worth visiting by yourself. From busy cities to quiet seaside towns, there is something for every kind of traveller. A solo trip in the UK can be cheaper, easier, and less scary than going abroad. Here are six of the best places to visit on your own this summer.

Dungeness is one of the most unusual places in the whole UK. It is a small hamlet on a wide, flat shingle beach, and it looks like nowhere else in the country. The cottage of artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman sits right on the beach, with jet-black walls, bright yellow windows, and a one-of-a-kind garden. It is a great spot for taking photos and wandering at your own pace.

The nearby town of Rye makes a perfect base for your trip. It has cobbled streets, charming old buildings, and great cafes and shops. Make sure to walk down Mermaid Street, where some buildings date all the way back to the year 1156. Camber Sands, a wide sandy beach, is just a short bus ride away if you fancy a swim.

The Peak District in Derbyshire is a wonderful place if you love the outdoors and hearty food. The area is famous for Bakewell pudding, homity pies, and cheesy Derbyshire oatcakes. The countryside has dramatic hikes with hidden stone circles and old hermit caves tucked along the trails. History lovers should visit nearby Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, two impressive old buildings with fascinating stories.

Bath is a beautiful city in southwest England, known for its golden-coloured Georgian buildings and elegant streets. It is home to the famous Roman Baths, which sit on the only natural hot spring in England. Visiting the Great Bath after dark in summer is a magical experience, as the ancient pool glows under torchlight. The city is easy to explore on your own, with lots of independent shops, cafes, and hidden corners to discover.

Glasgow in Scotland might not be the first place you think of for a solo trip, but it is full of exciting things to see and do. The city has a buzzing arts scene, a lively bar culture, and friendly locals. One of the coolest things to do is hunt down the huge, colourful street art murals painted on buildings across the city. The Gallery of Modern Art and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are also brilliant free attractions.

Eastbourne is a classic Victorian seaside town on the south coast of England. It is famous for its beautiful pier, its old-fashioned cafes, and its relaxed pace of life. The Towner, an award-winning art gallery, hosted the prestigious Turner Prize in 2023. That mix of old charm and modern art gives the town a quiet but exciting energy.

London is one of the greatest cities in the world, and it is an especially good place to travel alone. The underground train network and bus routes make it very easy to get around without a car. The city offers something for everyone — art, history, nature, and food from every corner of the globe. Maltby Street Market is a favourite spot to try different foods without the big crowds found at Borough Market.