Solo Travel in the UK

The UK is full of beautiful destinations waiting to be explored, and what better way to appreciate Great Britain’s astounding beauty than on a solo trip? We know travelling alone can be daunting, which is why we’ve devised a handy guide to help you prepare for your solo travels and embark on the greatest adventure of your life so far.

Staying safe while travelling alone

When you are travelling alone the first thing to prioritise is staying safe. Check out our safety tips for solo travel.

• Make sure you let a trusted family member or friend know the places you are travelling to and check in with them frequently, so they know where you are and that you are safe. Note: A good idea is to print out emergency contact numbers so you have them accessible to you incase your phone loses battery.
• Have an emergency plan for if things go drastically wrong. Make sure you know where the local hospitals or police stations nearby are.
• Make sure to read reviews online beforehand if you are staying in hotels, Air bnb’s or hostels.
• Contact your doctor before going away to ensure you have the right quantity of any necessary prescription medication.
• Stay minimal. Don’t bring anything too valuable that isn’t necessary with you. If you are solo camping, you could leave valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag while you’re sleeping.
• Ensure you always have enough water on you.
• When staying in a hotel, hostel or Airbnb, you can purchase a portable door lock for extra safety measures.
• Don’t overpack. If you are cycling or hiking make sure to not bring anything too heavy, as this will tire you out and hinder your ability to travel.
• If you are doing a long car journey, make sure to plan your journey beforehand and inspect your vehicle before going on the trip, including checking your car battery, topping up fluids and replacing filters, verifying lights, checking the brakes and inspecting tyres.
• A whistle is always handy when travelling alone, as if you get lost while hiking it will carry sound further than your voice can if you need to call for help.
• If you are camping alone in the summer, read our top summer camping tips.

Essential equipment for solo travellers

• Always have a first aid kit on you. Accidents and illness can happen at any time and first aid kits can help handle medical emergencies as quickly as possible.
• If you are planning on doing a large amount of walking, you need to ensure you are kitted out with comfortable walking gear and hiking clothes. Check out our blog on best walking gear. We also have some great member-exclusive offers and discounts on clothing and equipment.
• A good, sturdy backpack is vital for solo travelers to keep their kit safe and protected from the rain. See the best backpacks for travelling.
• A portable power bank to ensure your phone is always charged.
• A torch so you can see in the dark.
• If you are solo camping, check out our ultimate camping essentials checklist on things to bring.

The best destinations for solo travel in the UK

1. Eryri (Snowdonia)

Snowdonia National Park boasts a range of beautiful natural features that a solo traveller can explore. The park also boasts a number of excellent walking trails up Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England. However, you will need some good navigation skills when hiking the mountain solo, so make sure you have a map accessible to you at all times on the trail.

Nearest campsite: Bala Club Site

2. Lake District

The Lake District is the perfect destination for a solo traveller wanting to explore the UK’s finest beauty. Browse the gorgeous town of Ambleside, great for walkers looking for stunning views. Challenge yourself to climbing Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. Explore the gorgeous lake, reservoirs and bodies of water that make up the Lake District, including Derwentwater and Windermere.

Nearest campsite: Bowness-on-Windermere Club Site

3. Peak District

With spectacular landscapes, the Peak District is the ideal destination for a solo traveller looking to find space, solitude and tranquillity. With hidden valleys, rounded hills, bracing moorland and long-distance trails, this is the ideal place to feel at one with nature. The Peak District also has a more social side, with thriving local stores and delightful teashops, making it a perfectly balanced holiday destination.

Nearest campsite: Bakewell Club Site

4. Scotland

Scotland is home to some of the world’s greatest beauty and exploring it solo is the perfect way to truly appreciate it. Explore Cairngorms National Park, located in the heart of Scottish Highlands, home to native forests, moorlands, and the legendary tale of the Loch Ness Monster. Venture round the incredible cities of Scotland. Edinburgh is a vibrant city offering plenty to do, including climbing the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat and stepping back in time at Edinburgh Castle, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Scotland. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and has plenty of fun days out, including the impressive Glasgow Cathedral which reflects the gothic-style architecture of Scotland at the time and The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has one of the best collections of art in Europe. 

Nearest Scottish campsites.

5. Oxfordshire

If on your solo travels you are looking for a destination that is an ideal blend of a quintessentially English countryside mixed with a range of exciting attractions, Oxfordshire is the place for you. From historical attractions such as Blenheim Palace or University of Oxford Museum’s to plenty of walking opportunities, it is a fascinating place to travel around solo.

Nearest campsites: Chipping Norton Club Site

6. London

Art, history, museums and music - there is something for everyone in London, the UK’s bustling capital city, meaning it caters perfectly for solo travellers. Places to explore solo when in London include:

• Buckingham Palace
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben
• London Eye
• The British Museum
• Tower of London
• Madam Tussauds

Nearest London campsites.

7. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are widely considered the prettiest destination in the UK, epitomising England’s enchanting beauty. It Is one of the most vacationed places in the UK and an idyllic destination for someone hoping to get away on a solo trip for some peace and quiet. As the Cotswolds and outdoors go hand in hand, there are plenty of trails for walkers to go on, including the Cotswolds Way and Batsford Arboretum. You can also visit ancient towns and villages, some which date back at least 500 years.

Nearest campsites: Chipping Norton Club Site and Winchcombe Club Site.

8. Suffolk

Breathe in the fresh salt air and marvel at the beautiful unspoilt coastline in Suffolk, a great location with plenty to do at your own pace. Get outside and explore Suffolk’s outdoors, with a coast dotted with towns, villages and beautiful blue flag beaches. Discover Suffolk’s diverse history, rich in archaeology, with charming castles, ancient sites and churches to visit.

Nearest campsite: Kessingland Club Site

9. New Forest

With some of the UK’s most beautiful woodland and wildlife, the New Forest is a magnificent place to explore solo. As walking is one of the best ways to see the New Forest, guided walks led by Forestry Commission rangers are a great way to see and learn more about the forest. Keep a lookout for wildlife in the forest, with ponies, deer, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs all roaming the forest at different times of the year. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary allows you to see the deer up close and offers some incredible photo opportunities. There are also some charming nearby towns and villages in the New Forest, including Lymington, Brockenhurst, Ringwood and New Milton.