It’s one of the most triggering factors to the stress of living in a highly developed and technologized society… noise. Even when we pull ourselves away for our yearly escape from the turbulence of civilization, we’re haunted by the pings of our notifications, blaring portable speakers or the distant yet ever-present hum of traffic. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of the most calm holiday destinations in the UK where you can immerse yourself in the quiet. No need to pack your noise-cancelling headphones, the only sound you’ll hear here is that of silence.
Top tip for a calming trip
Before we teleport you to some of the most tranquil spots in the UK, we’d like to let you in on our best secret to a silent stay. If you’ve spent the night in your fair share of standard holiday accommodation options like hotels, hostels or Airbnbs, you’ve likely had one or more holidays ruined by noisy neighbours. Therefore, the first and foremost tip for a quiet holiday is to avoid having neighbours altogether! The easiest and cheapest way to do so is by travelling in a motorhome. This way, you’ll have all the comforts of a hotel room with you, but you get to spend the night wherever you like. Park up far away from the hustle and bustle, and if a loud crowd pitches up next to you, you simply drive away!
Quiet holiday destinations in the mountains
When looking for a quiet holiday destination, your first instinct is likely to head for the hills. You’re completely right in doing so, as it’s scientifically proven that sounds travel slower and with less amplitude in areas with lower air density and colder temperatures. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go on a high alpine expedition to experience real quiet. Just head to these calm mountainous locations in the UK.
Dartmoor National Park, Devon
This first peaceful holiday destination is widely known for its vastness and tranquillity. It’s quite easy to seek out quiet and secluded areas on the expansive rugged moors and wooded valleys of Dartmoor National Park. It’s an excellent place to take a breather from the buzz of modern-day life, with nothing but the occasional whisper of the wind or the whinny of wild pony disturbing the silence. We recommend a visit in the colder months especially, as Dartmoor National Park happens to be one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter.
Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
Next on the list of best quiet holiday destinations are the majestic peaks of the Mourne Mountains. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty may well be one of the most beautiful corners of Northern Ireland. Granite peaks, lush green valleys and cascading streams provide a serene setting for anyone looking for a relaxing place to visit, but its main selling point has to be the conveniently named ‘Silent Valley’. Walk along the sparkling reservoir, dive into the natural park’s history and soak up the area’s famous silence.
Quiet holiday destinations on the coast
Okay, technically, crashing waves or babbling beaches aren’t exactly ‘quiet’. But you’re likely to agree that it’s not real silence we’re looking for in these calm places to go on holiday. It’s the absence of human-induced noise, yet the presence of the soothing sound of nature. As it happens, the sound of the ocean is one of the most popular types of recorded white noise we love to listen to. Would you like to experience the live version for a change? Pay a visit to these quiet seaside spots in the UK.
Spurn Point, East Yorkshire
Described by the Wildlife Trust as ‘Yorkshire’s very own Land’s End’, Spurn Point is a stunner of a coastal destination to get far away from it all. The landscape of this constantly moving peninsula in the North Sea is ever-changing, making not one day on the slender strip of land the same. The solitude you’ll find in the far corners of Spurn Point is almost otherworldy, with only the sound of gently lapping waves and the screech of sea birds contributing to the beautiful symphony of silence.
Sandwood Bay, Scotland
If ‘wild’ and ‘windswept’ come right after quiet on your list of requirements for calm coastal spots, pay a visit to Sandwood Bay in the Scottish Highlands. The golden sand of this pristine, secluded and quiet beach is backed by towering sand dunes and impressive cliffs. Sandwood Bay is well worth the effort if you’re not afraid of facing the elements and are up for a hike, as the beach is located at the end of a 4-mile trail from the nearest car park.
Quiet holiday destinations in the forest
It won’t come as a surprise that some of the most calm places in the UK are found in the naturally muted areas of our isle, the forests! Except for the sound of birdsong, a twig snapping beneath your feet or a deer darting off into the distance, enjoy the blissful sound of silence in the woodlands of these forests.
Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Get away from the urban clamour in Northumberland’s Kielder Forest. Kielder is the largest forest in England, but there’s more to the area than its sheer size. Acoustic engineering professor Trevor Cox actually named Kielder Forest the ‘quietest place in the UK’ in his book Sonic Wonderland: A Scientific Odyssey. The forest has also undergone several tests to determine its serenity rating, such as measuring how far away it is from flight paths.
Experience the silence of Kielder for yourself whilst meandering over quiet trails through a tapestry of ancient Northumberland woodland, and don’t forget to go stargazing whilst in the area! Kielder Forest is located in the larger Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, which is home to some of the clearest night skies in the country.
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Nestled in southwest Scotland, Galloway Forest Park is one of the least populated areas in the whole of Scotland, which stands as a testament to it being one of the most quiet and remote places in the UK. Follow the park’s remote trails through muffled pine forests to hidden lochs and panoramic viewpoints, where nothing but the howl of the wind echoes through the vast open landscape. Being another Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest Park’s celestial beauty only adds to its allure. `
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: the best way to get away from the noise when travelling is to hire a motorhome, so you can spend the night in the middle of nature, away from the crowds. Check out these small, secluded campsites to stay at for a peaceful holiday.
