The UK knows how to do luxury. There actually was a time when outsiders (the rest of the world) thought of us as a tea-drinking, scone-eating, posh-accented upper-class society. Whether that has changed depends on who you're asking, but some locations in the UK still capture the essence of what's British. Places where traditional British luxury meets a laid-back atmosphere suitable for families.
Read on for our top three locations that embody the laidback luxury vibe.
We had to start with Cambridge. It doesn't get much more traditional British luxury than here. And it definitely packs in the laid-back vibe down its cobbled streets with quaint British pubs serving more than your average pub meal.
You can't go to Cambridge without punting. Yes, there's more to Cambridge than intelligent students reading study books over pints in pubs (although there is a lot of that). Punting, traditional to Cambridge, sends you down the River Cam in square-ended and flat-bottomed boats that give you the best view of the architecture and nature.
We'd also recommend visiting the local markets, Kettle's Yard, or the University Museum of Zoology.
Edgbaston might be a rogue addition to some, but it's Birmingham's answer to luxury. Yes, Birmingham knows how to do luxury.
The houses here are absolutely stunning, there are as many fine dining options as you can fit in, and you're in proximity to the city centre, which is arguably more full of life. For family fun, we'd recommend The Birmingham Botanical Gardens or The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. They're both full of nature and wildlife to explore.
We'd actually recommend staying in some of the family-friendly hotels in Birmingham has to offer. It's probably a more ideal location for the family fun options with a trip to Edgbaston for the day.
The Lake District is a luxury dream. The 885-sq-mile outdoor haven is almost hauntingly beautiful. From Windermere to Scafell Pike, the meadows, pristine lakes, and stunning wooded areas leave every visitor in awe.
The attraction, as you can guess by the names, is the lakes. To the west of Windermere lies Coniston Water. It's five miles long and half a mile wide. It's one of the most peaceful and captivating lakes. Go a little bit further west, and you'll find Wasdale Valley and Wastwater. It's the deepest lake in England, and the walks around it are breathtaking.
A lot of the things you can do in the Lake District with your family involve enjoying the outdoors. It's a magical area that will capture the imagination of any child.
There are plenty of places to stay, and the traditional English pubs are to die for. The Drunken Duck in Barngate is one of the best pubs for the atmosphere and food, but we also think you'll love The Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale for its old-school charm.
The UK isn't all fish and chips and a bad reputation for not having beauty and luxury. It's full of incredible, family-friendly destinations that sprinkle (or pour) in the luxury some of us crave.
