The UK has many beautiful destinations that gives a majestic feel and this stunning village located in Scotland boasting picturesque landscapes should certainly make the list of the nation’s most capitvating areas. Lochgoilhead in Argyll and Bute is surrounded by the Arrochar Alps mountain group.

The alps are made up of a range of hills that skirt the heads of various lochs including Loch Fyne, Loch Long, and Loch Goil. With Lochgoilhead located in the Loch Lomon and Trossachs National Park whilst also sitting at the head of Loch Goil in the serene Cowal Peninsula. The pretty village can be easily be mistaken as somewhere nestled in the Swiss Alps.

The village is just 50 miles from Glasgow. However, those wanting to pay Lochgoilhead a visit can only do so by travelling along a single-track road. The B828 road in west Scotland leaves the A83 and paves its way through the landscape, following the River Goil. 

It then joins the B839 from the A815 Dunoon road further west which will take you into the village. While the drive is certaintly an incredible one full of remarkable sights and places, it is not for the faint hearted.

The journey involves a series of hidden dips and blind turns, but of course finishing in Lochgoilhead makes any struggle endured worth while.

The village is home to only around 400 people. However, in the summer, that small number completely surges, thanks to the holiday park the village is home to. The caravans on the slope paint a similar picture to tiny Swiss chalets on a mountainside. 

Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village is a popular destination for families and holidaymakers who enjoy outdoor sports thanks to its incredible facitlies including a swimming pool, gym, restuarants, and a 9-hole golf course.

The Boat Shed is a great spot for those only planning to visit the village for the day, but parking can be a bit of a challenge.

“One of the best lunch spots in rural Scotland – casual, modern and with a great view! Great to have a contemporary lunch spot in rural Scotland that isn’t all tartan, Jimmy Shand and taxidermy. Worth the winding drive over and beyond the Rest and Be Thankful, which is enjoyable anyway. Only problem is that parking is very limited, and there are few alternatives,” a visitor wrote on TripAdvisor.

As well as sport enthusiats, Lochgoilhood is the perfect place for nature lovers being home to red squirrels, pine martens, otters, red deer, and badgers. Seals and porpoises are also found in the loch testifying of the abudance of wildlife found across the village.

Lowestoft, a picturesque seaside town in Suffolk, proudly holds the unique title of being the first place in the UK to see the sunrise each day. Located on the country’s most easterly edge, this charming coastal destination is home to  Ness Point, a scenic spot that attracts early risers and nature lovers alike. Marked by a striking circular metal plate, Ness Point offers a perfect vantage point for watching the sky light up in a kaleidoscope of colours as the sun peeks above the horizon.

During the summer solstice, the town comes alive with visitors who travel through the night just to witness the spectacular sunrise, often settling into deck chairs along the promenade. For those planning an early morning trip, it’s recommended to park on Wilde Street and take a short stroll to the sea.

Lowestoft isn’t just about beautiful dawns. It’s a town in transformation, with major  regeneration projects set to enhance both the seafront and town centre. A £4.9 million beachfront development is scheduled for completion in May 2025, bringing with it a two-storey restaurant and café area, modern leisure units, and improved accessibility with a new lift for beachgoers with mobility needs or pushchairs. The refurbished Jubilee Parade will also include new public toilets and changing facilities – all expected to be completed by next summer.

In addition, Lowestoft’s town centre is set for a remarkable evolution. The upcoming Cultural Quarter Project will see the Battery Green car park and surrounding areas transformed into a thriving community hub. Plans include a new café, restaurant space, studios, and leisure areas, helping to cement Lowestoft’s reputation as not only a coastal escape but also a cultural destination.

While these exciting developments are underway, visitors can enjoy a host of current attractions. The East Point Pavilion, a beautifully restored Victorian-style glass building, regularly hosts film screenings, yoga sessions, artisan markets and more. Horse riding along the beach is also a must-try, with Pakefield Riding School offering sessions for all skill levels.

For those keen on exploring the town’s heritage, The Scores (narrow pathways carved into the cliffs) offer fascinating walking tours, while Lowestoft Maritime Museum, East Anglia Transport Museum, and Lowestoft Museum provide deeper insight into the area’s rich past.

Families will enjoy Pleasurewood Hills Family Theme Park, home to over 30 rides and attractions, and beach lovers are spoiled for choice. Lowestoft South Beach boasts golden sands, perfect for sunbathing, while the quieter North Beach, along with nearby Pakefield and Gunton Denes beaches, offer peaceful coastal walks.

Conveniently located just two hours from Cambridge and 80 minutes from  Ipswich, Lowestoft is a perfect UK seaside escape, where you can be the first to welcome the day.

Unlike the lively beaches and nightlife of Mykonos, Andros is known for its quiet villages, cobbled stone paths, lush greenery, and impressive coastline. 

According to Visit Greece, the island is home to a unique blend of sandy beaches, rocky shores, rolling hills, and springs, all of which create a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

The island’s capital, Chora, is a blend of medieval, neoclassical, and island architecture. 

Visitors can explore its winding streets, historic churches, and museums or simply enjoy a drink in one of the town’s cosy cafés.

A highlight is the 13th-century Frankish castle, perched on an islet and connected by a stunning arched stone bridge.

One of Andros’s biggest draws is its walking routes. Signposted trails crisscross the island, taking visitors through olive groves, meadows filled with thyme and sage, and up into the hills where the scent of wild herbs fills the air. 

It’s also home to cultural gems like the Museum of Modern Art, the Cyclades Olive Museum, and a number of ancient archaeological sites including Paleopolis, the island’s former capital.

Ferries from Mykonos to Andros typically take around 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes, depending on the operator, according to Direct Ferries.

Prices start at £18 and can go up to £110 depending on the time and type of ticket. Three companies service the route: Cyclades Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, and SeaJets.

Andros might not have the beach clubs or high-end bars of its neighbouring islands, but that’s precisely why many locals and in-the-know travellers love it. 

It’s a place to slow down, explore nature, and enjoy a Greek island experience without the crowds.