When your clients want to book a British break and are looking for some inspiration, think beyond the obvious choices. Britain has some stunning beaches, countryside, lakes and mountains, which visitors could have to themselves…
Kielder, Northumberland
This peaceful spot boasts northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s largest forest – so there’s a lot of space for clients to get away from the crowds.
Suggest a water lodge at the lake’s edge. Evening strolls are a delight with only swooping bats and other nocturnal creatures to break the serenity.
Who to sell it to: Walkers, back-packers, campers and those who love the outdoors.
When to go: Late summer is popular for the annual Kielder Walking Festival, which runs from September 5-13.
In the area: Take a trip to Hadrian’s Wall and the Housesteads Roman Fort, the most complete example of its kind in the UK, to understand life guarding the wall centuries ago.
Sample product: Hoseasons offers a three-night break in the self-catering Kielder water lodges between September 4 and October 23 from £323. hoseasons.co.uk, 0844 847 1100
The Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
Author Enid v set many of her books here, including some of the Famous Five stories. Spend the day crabbing at Lulworth Cove, take a boat to Durdle Door and tramp along the country path to Corfe Castle.
Who to sell it to: Families with younger children will adore this area, as will Enid Blyton fans.
When to go: May to September.
In the area: Suggest clients take a trip by ferry from Poole to another Blyton location, Brownsea Island. The island, owned by the National Trust, is a peaceful retreat that offers woodland, wildlife, beaches and cliffs.
Sample product: Park Holidays UK offers a week in a three-bedroom caravan at the Sandhills Holiday Park in Mudeford, 17 miles from the Isle of Purbeck, in September from £285. parkholidaysuk.com, 0845 815 9710
The Trossachs, central Scotland
A sort of mini Highlands, Queen Victoria and the Lakes Poets loved the crystal lochs, stunning scenery, and untamed landscapes of the Trossachs.
Suggest the paddle steamer on Loch Katrine for a glide through the landscape that inspired Sir Walter Scott to write The Lady of the Lake.
Who to sell it to: Cycling enthusiasts and couples with money – there are some high-end hotels in the area.
When to go: Spring is best. Bluebells carpet the ground as far as the eye can see, and the crowds have yet to arrive.
In the area: Royal getaway Doune Castle is famous for its appearance in Monty Python’s Holy Grail.
Sample product: The Roman Camp hotel in Callander offers bed and breakfast in a standard room or suite for a family of four in September for £135 a night. romancamphotel.co.uk, 01877 330003
The Brecon Beacon National Park, Wales
Clients can visit bustling market towns, explore castles and waterfalls, and go caving among gaping green valleys.
Suggest they hire a boat and tour the tree-lined Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. They’ll glide past banks covered with wildflowers in the stunning Usk Valley, frequented by mallards, moorhens and dragonflies.
Who to sell it to: Cycling, climbing, walking and fishing enthusiasts.
When to go: Food lovers should head there in October for the Brecon Beacon Food Festival.
In the area: Suggest boating on Llangors Lake and a visit to the Iron Age artificial island, where the visitors’ centre illustrates the rich history surrounding the lake.
Sample product: Grand UK Holidays offers seven days on its Welsh Wonderland tour for £309, departing October 25. Based at the Glen Usk Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, there are day excursions to local sights. grandukholidays.com, 01603 619933
