The Solo Traveler: Top Destinations in the U.K

Today I want to share with you some of my research that I've done whilst looking for the best Solo Traveler destinations for Men in the UK. I will also do another article on destinations for men abroad, because I want to make this inclusive and factor in people's budgets will of course vary. Now it's not always the case that traveling in the UK is any cheaper than traveling abroad, but you should save some money on city tax, long haul flights and so on.

A recent 2023 study unveiled in the TGM Global Travel Report 2023 indicates that 10% of respondents worldwide expressed their strong inclination towards solo experiences. Among the youthful 18-24 age group, more than 15% exhibit a higher interest in solo adventures than couple trips, setting them apart from older groups who view solo travel as their least preferred option.

So let’s get into it.

Photo by Jonny Gioson Unsplash

LAKE DISTRICT 

Let's start with the obvious one. The Lake District is a cornucopia of campestral countryside, streams that run serpentine through the mountains and spill like screen savers into the lakes. Great for hiking, climbing and mountain biking, plenty of chance to decompress and think about your next step in life. I wanted to know if it was expensive to stay in the Lake District, and my research tells me there are expensive spa hotels and resorts, but on the other end of the spectrum you can find hostels and pubs off the beaten track that offer hospitality.

There are also Farmers Markets that offer cheaper prices for food, and the less commercial lakes are cheaper because they have fewer amenities.

Photo by Callum Parkeron Unsplash

BRIGHTON

One thing to consider when traveling alone, is the crime and the safety of the location. My researchtells me that the crime rate in Brighton is low compared to other cities. I know this from personal experience having been there several times myself. The night life is terrific, especially for live music. But also for the men, there are some truly spectacular menswear shops and tailors, and if you want to DM me on INSTA I'll be happy to suggest some.

And when you leave the venues at night I've always found the transportation reliable and the streets well-lit. But mainly the best thing about Brighton, is not only is 40 minutes on the train from Victoria, but the people are so open minded. It's the last bastion of bohemia in the U.K. What East London with gentrification over the years, I've always thought, Brighton has managed to maintain.

If you're also craving some tranquility when you're traveling solo, a quick stop off Brighton beach to see the starlings dance at the burnt out pier, is as famous as seeing the sunsets in Key West. Unbelievable.

LAVENHAM 

A place close to my heart, and a stone's throw from my childhood home is Lavenham, often regards as one of the most picturesque of Suffolk’s historic wool towns. For the solo traveler that just wants to wile away the hours mooching around art galleries and boutiques this is the place for you.

Not only that, a lot of men traveling on their own, might want to bring their dog and places like The Swan at Lavenhamaccommodates pets for just £171 a night. A steal, especially as I've started to find out prices that people are paying for hotel rooms say in Ipswich that accommodate dogs. Ouch, I won't be naming and shaming, but they don't make this list that's for sure.

Photo by Adam Wilsonon Unsplash

EDINBURGH 

I am putting Edinburgh on the list, because I believe this is a city like no other city in the U.K. It has some of the most gorgeous gothic architecture known to man, and there is a variety of things to do, no matter what your interests may be. One of the things you have to think about when traveling solo, is that you can pick and choose the things you want to do. You don't have to compromise, or go shopping for things you have no interest in etc.

I've written about it before on my blog  but the Johnnie Walker Experience is a fantastic thing to see and experience. You also get to mingle with other people in your group if you like. Or if you want to keep to yourself that is fine as well.

If you're looking to take it one step further, I highly recommend hiring a car and doing the road trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh. I have details about that itinerary in the blog here It includes stop offs and hotel recommendations at Fort William, Eilean Donan, Skyfall Road and more.

Photo by Andrew Banneron Unsplash

THE NORFOLK BROADS

Lastly, no man is an island. But every man believes that the sea is his one and only true mistress. Whilst it might be beyond the majority of men reading this to hire a boat and set sail across the pacific, you can at least hire one and go up the Norfolk Broads. I've done it countless times, hiring a day boat from Oulton Broad or Beccles, and then just following the rivers where they take you. You can fish, you can moor up for pub lunches, you are literally the captain of your soul.

You can check out prices on the Suffolk Coast Website but be sure to ask for the best price and how much it is to hire for the day, not the hour. I've never stayed in The Wherry hotel but I know that is the closest one to the boat hire company, and has a beautiful view of the river.