Dreaming of owning a holiday home in the UK? From tranquil spa towns in Wales to vibrant seaside resorts in Cornwall and picturesque market towns in North Yorkshire, the UK has something to offer every holiday home hunter. But where should you buy? We’ve asked our Guild Members and local property experts to share their top recommendations.
Llandrindod Wells, Wales
Trevor Morgan, Principal at Morgan & Co, says: “Llandrindod Wells is a beautiful, small Victorian Spa Resort, surrounded by unspoilt rolling countryside in the heart of Wales. It’s only 1 hour from Hereford and Aberystwyth, and 1.5 hours from Cardiff, but boasts regular concerts in the Albert Hall Theatre and Pavilion. The 4-star Hotel Metropole is the largest Victorian hotel in Wales, with 109 en-suite rooms.
“Llandrindod Wells has won ‘Happiest Town in Wales’ on more than five occasions in Rightmove surveys and was once voted the ‘Friendliest town to move to in the UK’. The low population, beautiful countryside and nearby Elan Valley Dam complex make it popular for outdoor pursuits, and its quiet, winding roads attract car rallies, motorcyclists and off-road enthusiasts. Despite a population of only 5,200, the town has one of the largest U3A memberships in the UK.”
St Ives, Cornwall
Ashleigh Jenkins from Cross Estates says: “With the lowest property prices in a few years and so much choice, St Ives in Cornwall is a popular and much more affordable option for UK holiday homes than once thought. Renowned for its stunning beaches, shops, bars and restaurants, plus its cultural and artistic history, it really is a great investment opportunity.”
North Yorkshire
Simon Davies of Norman F Brown says: “Bedale is a historic market town with a great community feel in North Yorkshire, nicely positioned on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales with the North Yorkshire Moors also easily accessible. A little further afield you can reach great beaches on the Yorkshire & Teesside coast or visit Harrogate, Leeds, York and Newcastle, all within an hour’s drive.
Bedale has great transport links with the A1(M) close by and Northallerton has a mainline rail link to Kings Cross too. Bedale and the surrounding villages have a great range of homes from character cottages, apartments and more modern homes too — perfect for those looking for a home away from home.”
John Newhouse, Managing Director at Roseberry Newhouse, says: “North Yorkshire remains one of the most attractive holiday destinations. We’ve seen huge demand in recent years for holiday let investments in Stokesley and the surrounding area. Stokesley sits at the top of North Yorkshire at the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors, where holidaymakers are within 30 minutes of the coast with destinations such as Saltburn for surf, Whitby and the hideaway of Runswick Bay. The North Yorkshire Moors offer walks like the Cleveland Way and Lyke Wake Walk, plus plenty of cycle routes for road and mountain bike enthusiasts.
Many villages offer quaint stone and brick character cottages ideal for summer or cosy winter lets. The housing market here has traditionally remained robust with demand from both local and national buyers. You can expect a friendly welcome wherever you go — as a local resident I enjoy the variety of local shops and cafes, plus larger shopping areas and Michelin-starred restaurants and pubs all close by.”
A Local Perspective: Balance is Key
Steve Sawyer at Sawyer & Co reminds buyers to consider the wider community impact too: “Not all locals want property in their area sold as holiday cottages. We’ve seen on the coast how locals are priced out of the villages they grew up in, by outsiders buying desirable properties solely for profit and capital appreciation. Look at Barcelona, locals are now taking action to limit tourism.”
Steve’s advice is an important reminder that balance matters: if you’re buying a holiday home, try to be mindful of local needs, buy responsibly, and support the community you’re joining, whether by using local tradespeople, spending at local businesses or letting your property in ways that don’t price out local families.
