Seven unique ways to explore the UK this year

st agnes in the isles of scilly, cornwall, uk
Unique ways to experience the UK this year Aerial Essex - Getty Images

Do your plans for 2025 include exploring more of the UK's wild and wonderful landscapes, or wandering around our culture-packed cities?

EXPLORE THE UK WITH PRIMA

We're big fans of a good staycation here at Prima, and there are so many unique ways to explore the UK, from immersive tours to enriching learning experiences.

There are many great things about holidaying at home. You'll avoid the hassle of air travel, allowing you to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your destination. Plus, a staycation is more environmentally friendly, especially if you travel by train.

If you're a regular staycationer, you might be looking for new ways to enjoy the delights of the UK. While a few nights away in a cosy bolthole often does just the trick, sometimes we want a holiday with plenty of activities and chances to see a different side of the country.

Why not choose a staycation where you can learn something new or indulge in your favourite hobby or pastime? Or a getaway where you can explore with an expert guest, including some of our favourites from TV, sport and music.

If you want a unique UK experience to add to your 2025 travel bucket list, take a look at our round up below, from historic train journeys in Scotland to stargazing adventures in Northumberland.


Spot wildlife in the stunning bays of the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are just 28 miles off the coast of mainland Cornwall, yet its beaches are often compared to the Caribbean, with soft white sands, atmospheric coves and wonderfully clean water. As you might expect, the seafood is a huge hit, with deliciously fresh fish served in beachfront restaurants and pubs.

Join Prima on a wildlife-spotting adventure in the Isles of Scilly. You'll be delighted by the unique wildlife to be spotted on the isles, with many species that can't be seen anywhere else in the UK. The head of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Julian Branscombe, will join you for a talk about the incredible creatures that live here and the work the Trust does to protect them

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aerial photo from a drone captured in august 2024 of st marys harbour in the isles of scilly, cornwall, uk
Aerial Essex - Getty Images


Explore Kent and Sussex's finest gardens with Sarah Raven

Wandering through a classic English country garden in summer is a favourite staycation activity for good reason. Who could fail to be charmed by the fragrant flowers of summer, with roses and dahlias at full bloom in the gardens of stately homes and castles? Kent and Sussex are home to some of the county's finest gardens, perfect for exploring on a staycation.

And for an extra-special summer garden holiday, join Prima and garden designer Sarah Raven for a four-day Kent and Sussex escape. You'll visit Sissinghurst, Great Comp Garden, Pashley Manor and Perch Hill, where Sarah will tell you all about her experiences transforming the site from a dairy farm into 90 acres dedicated to flowers.

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flowerbed at sissinghurst castle garden made famous by vita sackvill west and harold nicolson near cranbrook in kent, england
Jelena Mbugua - Getty Images


See delightful gardens and meet a TV farmer in the Cotswolds

Another attractive destinations for garden-lovers is the Cotswolds. This region is known for perfectly pretty villages, lush rolling hills and cosy country pubs. Throughout these hills you'll find several delightful gardens nestled in the grounds of stately homes and country cottages.

Prima has a five-day Cotswolds adventure that will take you to some of the region's best gardens, like Sezincote Garden with its Indian-style pavilion, Painswick Rococo Garden and Batsford Arboretum. You'll also learn about sustainable farming from TV's Adam Henson on a visit to his Cotswolds Farm Park, where he'll give a talk and take you to meet some of his rare breeds.

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a view of sudeley castle nestled in a valley seen from the cotswold way national trail, gloucestershire, england
by Marc Guitard - Getty Images


Stargaze in Northumberland's Dark Sky Park with an astronomer

For a unique way to appreciate the rural beauty of northern England, look up at the skies. Northumberland is blessed with some of the darkest skies in the country thanks to its low levels of light pollution, and is the perfect place to learn more about the constellations.

Prima has a three-day Northumberland tour with the guidance of expert astronomer, Richard Darn. You'll learn all about the awe-inspiring sights you'll see in the Northumberland skies from Richard and visit two observatories where you'll access telescopes and binoculars and wander outside to see amazing constellations with the naked eye.

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geminid meteor over lindisfarne castle on the holy island, nothumberland
daamcreative - Getty Images


Sail along the Norfolk Broads and visit Sandringham with Lucy Worsley

Norfolk is a fabulous county for a UK staycation. It's got everything: gorgeous landscapes, historic railway lines, mouthwatering seafood and of course, strong royal connections — this is where the royal family have their country retreat at the sprawling Sandringham Estate.

Prima's five-day Norfolk tour is packed full of unique experiences. You'll enjoy an exclusive talk on the modern monarchy from historian Lucy Worsley before joining her on a visit to Sandringham Palace. You'll also get to see the best of Norfolk's sleepy countryside with three different railway journeys and a cruise along the Broads on a paddle steamer.

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late light at thurne dyke drainage mill
Andrew Ray - Getty Images


Steam through the majestic Scottish Highlands with Carol Kirkwood

There are so many options for memorable Scottish staycations, from city breaks to island-hopping adventures in the Hebrides. Another wonderful way to explore Scotland is to travel through the scenic Highlands by train, especially on the Fort William to Mallaig railway line, frequently voted the world's greatest railway journey.

Glide through the Highlands in style on Prima's four-day adventure, with a ride on the iconic Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and a steamship cruise on Loch Katrine. You'll be joined for part of this holiday by bestselling novelist and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who'll give a talk about her career and her childhood in the Highlands village of Morar.

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steam train crossing a viaduct in a mountainous landscape
Carrigphotos - Getty Images


Explore Scotland's capital city and enjoy the pomp and pageantry of the Edinburgh Tattoo

Edinburgh's summer arts festivals draw crowds from all over the world who flood to the city to enjoy a packed schedule of music, comedy and theatre. A highlight of the world-famous summer festival is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a dazzling spectacle that takes place each year on the esplanade of the illuminated Edinburgh Castle.

Join Prima for a Scottish getaway and you'll have time to explore the highlights of both Glasgow and Edinburgh or take an optional countryside excursion to the Trossachs and Loch Lomond. You'll spend a day in Edinburgh with tickets to the Tattoo, so you can take in all the pomp and pageantry of this unique event for yourself.

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city skyline, edinburgh, scotland, uk
artherng - Getty Images

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