If the first thing you think of when imagining your dream holiday is getting to enjoy things at your own pace and doing what you’d like to do, a solo holiday may be perfect for you. You may have never considered it before, but taking a break alone means you don’t have to compromise on where you go and how you spend your time, making for a refreshing and unique getaway that anyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to make some friends along the way, or would rather take a break from having to socialise, a solo holiday is the perfect way to explore the UK. There are plenty of great places you can go to enjoy some solitude, and alternatively lots of opportunities to meet new people.

Why the UK is perfect for solo travellers

The UK is a fantastic place to take a solo holiday, particularly if you’ve never tried it before. Staying in the UK is a great idea if you’re travelling alone – there’s plenty to see that’s unusual and interesting and there are countless new experiences out there, but you can also avoid any overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity so your holiday will still be enjoyable and relaxing.

If you’re looking to socialise, it will also be easier to strike up a conversation with random people when you know that they speak your language and understand the same social norms. At the same time, if you’d rather not have others bother you, being in your home country will likely make it easier to blend in as you won’t stand out as a tourist.

And, while it may not be fun to think about, if there’s some sort of emergency it can be reassuring to be somewhere familiar where you know who to call and what to do, particularly when you have to deal with it on your own.

COTSWOLDS HOLIDAY APARTMENTS, Cotswolds

If you’re looking for a solo break that offers the best of town living and countryside beauty, Cotswolds Holiday Apartments is a great destination. It’s located in the market town of Stroud, which is a perfect hub for exploring alone or making friends, thanks to its many great cafés and pubs and creative art scene. There’s also a farmers’ market every Saturday and the Shambles outdoor market on Fridays and Saturdays.

Or, if you’d rather spend some time alone in beautiful countryside, Stroud is located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and makes a perfect starting point for a cycling tour or scenic hike.

This location is perfect for solo holidaymakers as it offers comfortable one-person apartments, giving a great budget option for those travelling alone. This modern self-catering accommodation offers all the amenities you could need, with an open-plan living area with LCD TV, sofa and dining table, as well as a kitchenette with a hob, microwave, toaster, fridge with ice box, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Tips for solo travellers in the UK

• If you’d like to meet people on your holiday – whether you’re looking to make new friends or just have someone to chat to for a few hours – one great way is to sign up for an organised group activity. Whether it’s a guided tour of a city or the countryside, a thrilling sport like rock-climbing or paddleboarding, or even a cookery or craft class, you’re sure to have a good time and it’s a great way to spend time with others. It’s easier to get to know people when you’re enjoying a shared activity together, giving you an immediate topic of conversation which is far easier than just trying to make small talk in a pub – and, regardless of whether you hit it off with anyone or not, the experience is sure to make for a more memorable break.

• Stay safe! Travelling alone can be riskier, as there may be nobody around to help out if you run into trouble, and you may make an easier target for criminals. Don’t get too stressed, though – the UK is a very safe country, so using common sense will keep you safe in most situations. It’s best if you can tell someone you trust where you’re planning to travel, particularly if you’re intending on visiting remote places where there may not be anyone around if you have problems.

• Indulge yourself! Remember, this is your holiday, so take it as an opportunity to only do the things you want to. Whether you’d rather spend your break looking around art galleries, lying on the beach, or even just sleeping in until midday, this is your chance to enjoy some real ‘you time’, guilt free.

Though we’ve listed some of our favourite destinations above, anywhere can make a great place for a solo holiday, depending on what you’re looking for – take a look at our range of holiday properties and pick out your favourite.