A guide to holidays without the hustle

Are you tired of tourists accidentally ruining your perfect shot? Or spending a good part of your holiday stood in queues? 

Check out some of our favourite off the beaten track destinations so you can enjoy a holiday without the hustle and bustle. 

St Dunstan in the East 

If you’re doing a city break in London, chances are you’ve already done most of the major tourist-y things. 

Check out St Dunstan in the East for an oasis of calm among the hustle and bustle of the city. Damaged during the Blitz of WWII, it was decided the church should not be rebuilt. Instead, it was turned into a public garden.  

Just a few minutes from Tower Bridge, it’s hard to believe this peaceful haven is in central London. If you’ve had a long morning of sightseeing, this church garden is the perfect place to relax with a nice lunch. 

Book with us at the Best Western Plus Delmere Hotel. It’s just a short walk from Paddington Station and from there it’s just a quick tube ride to St Dunstan in the East. 

Loch Awe 

Looking for a real break away from the crowds? Loch Awe is the place to go.  

The longest loch in Scotland, Awe is an introvert’s paradise. There’s almost nobody around, so you’ll be able to explore the castle ruins, the wild landscapes and, of course, the loch at your own pace. You’ll also be able to get some great photos, without other tourists getting in your way. 

The Best Western Crianlarich Hotel might be a little bit of a drive from Loch Awe (52 minutes) but it’s well worth the effort of getting there. Book a room with us for your Scottish getaway.

Margate Shell Grotto

Top tip: if you have trypophobia, you may want to avoid a visit here. 

If you’re into weird history, the Margate Shell Grotto could be the ideal destination for your holiday without the hustle. 

Deep under Margate there is an expanse of tunnels lined with approximately 4.6 million shells. Featuring incredibly detailed mosaics of suns and stars as well as a skylight and lots of geometric patterning, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours of quiet. 

It's unclear what purpose this grotto originally held. It’s speculated that it was some kind of religious altar, or perhaps was used by the Freemasons. It’s also thought to be an old smugglers’ hideout, although nothing has ever been proven. But its mystery just adds to its charms. 

Check in to the nearby Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel if you want to explore this shelltastic spot. 

Puzzlewood 

Enter the world of fantasy with a trip to Puzzlewood. 

Used as a filming location for Doctor Who, Merlin, and Star Wars you’re bound to recognise parts of Puzzlewood. It’s also said to have inspired JRR Tolkien when he was creating the settings for The Lord of the Rings. 

This part of the forest has remained practically untouched since Roman occupation. There are winding pathways for you to explore, moss-covered trees, and a magical feel to the atmosphere. You’ll definitely be far from hustle and bustle here.  

Stay with us at the Gloucester Robinswood Hotel BW Signature Collection by Best Western if you’re looking for a bit of magic in your getaway. Nestled on the outskirts of Gloucester, you’ll still get plenty of downtime when you stay at this hotel. 

The Poison Garden 

Why not check out the world’s deadliest garden? 

The Poison Garden, located in Alnwick Gardens, holds over 100 species of poisonous, toxic, and narcotic trees, flowers and shrubs. The garden is only open during tour times (every 30 minutes) and the gates are securely locked at all other times. The tours are small so even though there’ll be other tourists, you’ll still have plenty of room to yourself.  

Many of the plants there can actually be found in everyday gardens. Foxglove flowers and laburnum trees both have beautiful flowers so are often used to brighten up landscapes.  If you want to explore the rest of Alnwick Gardens, we recommend heading to the Cherry Blossom Orchard. Here you’ll find dozens of swinging seats, perfect for sitting peacefully and enjoying your surroundings. 

Check in to the Best Western New Kent Hotel when you visit the Poison Garden. 

Owler Tor 

The lack of hustle and bustle here is due to the effort you need to put in to reach your destination. But, it’s definitely worth it. 

Owler Tor offers 360 views of the entire Peak District. You’ll need to park in the car park and then spend around 3.5 hours hiking or walking (depending on how seriously you take it) to the top of the hill.  

You’ll be rewarded with an incredibly scenic view and hopefully very few other people. You can spend as much time as you want atop the Tor, but keep in mind the car park closes at 6pm. 

Book a room with us at Best Western Plus The Quays Hotel when you visit Owler Tor. Based just outside Sheffield city centre, you’ll get the best mix of bustling activity and calm quiet; perfect for your getaway. 

Top tips for taking the hustle out of your holidays 

Escaping the hustle on holiday isn’t just about choosing an off the beaten track destination, you also need to change your mindset. Follow our top tips for a relaxing getaway that actually feels like a break.