by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:14th January 2025
Amazing destinations for you to discover this year
Let’s welcome in the new year of 2025 with open arms and start planning your adventures for the year ahead. We’ve chosen 12 stunning destinations that I’m sure will enrich your travel calendars for the forthcoming months of 2025.
There’s always a sense of excitement when you start planning your new ventures and researching different locations; whether they’re basked in sunshine or you require wrapping up warm, there’s always an element of fun.
Although wherever you visit, be it near or far, on every single trip, you’re making memories forever.
Gary and I live in the southeast of the UK, in the picturesque county of Kent. Therefore, our ‘near’ destinations are UK-based and often offer a little sprinkle of history, culture and a charming pub or two.
Why not Pin it for later?
The six recommendations we have chosen for overseas travel include a charming mixture of mini-breaks, road trips, sunshine, and snow, all with a touch of adventure and fun.
Our 12 Destinations for 2025
In the near, we'll explore;
You can click on the link to jump to the section, and to return, just click on the title.
Our near locations
For us, it’s the UKWhether you are yearning for a weekend away in the countryside, longing to escape on a memorable road trip, or you just want to immerse yourself in a city’s history and culture, we’ve got some delightful ideas for you.
There’s seaside fun, literary bards, ancient Romans and the escapades of Sergeant Angel in Wells.
The first location we’ve chosen for you in the UK is the incredibly charming city of Wells in Somerset. If you are looking for a laid-back and historical city break, Wells is perfect for you.
Gary and I fell in love with England’s smallest city as soon as we arrived it was such an enchanting place to explore and so compact. Wells is a perfect to visit throughout all seasons of the year, and for fans of the movie Hot Fuzz, it is a must-visit. The historic centre has comical references to the film throughout; you’ll be quoting many of the famous one-liners from the movie.
Wells, Market Place
If you love ancient history, you will certainly love Wells; one historic landmark effortlessly leads to another. Firstly, you’ll spot the city’s breath-taking Cathedral and its surrounding Cathedral Close; you must also seek out Vicars’ Close; it is like stepping onto the set of a period drama.
External view of Wells Cathedral
Wells’s Market Place is so picturesque and a delight to admire day and night, ensure you pop into The Crown for a cheeky half.
The medieval and moated Bishop’s Palace and Gardens are just nearby, set within 14 acres of stunning scenery. The palace’s construction began in 1210 adjacent to Wells Cathedral; the chapel and Great Hall were added towards the end of the 13th century.
You may even want to combine this visit to Wells with a couple of days in Salisbury, too.
Where to stay in Wells
The Swan Hotel
This charming 15th-century coaching inn is in the beating heart of Wells. It has plenty of character and friendly staff.
Onsite parking is available and complimentary; we have a large EV and were able to charge it overnight for free.
The seaside town of Folkestone in Kent has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years; it certainly didn’t have a very good reputation a decade or so ago. So, when we revisited a few years ago, I was astonished, and now I can’t stop returning.
Harbour viaduct
The narrow lanes through Folkestone’s historic High Street are a delight to explore, especially through the Creative Quarter and around the colourful Bayle district. However, for me, I love it around the bustling harbour; the jangling masts of the little yachts and the newly rejuvenated harbour arm are a particular highlight.
The old harbour railway station, which once saw passengers arrive on the Orient Express, has been converted into a communal area which leads onto the harbour arm. This is full of restaurants, bars, cafés, and plenty of places just to sit and watch the world go by.
The Old High Street
‘Beach hut in the style of Nicholas Hawksmoor’
The other highlight for me when visiting this lovely town is searching out Folkestone’s urban street art; there are so many eye-catching pieces by renowned and famous artists.
Folkestone can wholeheartedly boast that it has the UK’s largest urban exhibition of contemporary art. Check out the Creative Folkestone for maps, walks and also the dates and theme for 2025.
The art exhibition is accessible 24 hours a day. You’ll find pieces by Antony Gormley, Yoko Ono, Cornelia Parker and Tracey Emin, to name just a few.
If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Our third UK location is to the historic and colourful market town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, home of the English playwright William Shakespeare.
Stratford-upon-Avon is beautifully nestled alongside the picturesque banks of the River Avon, where you’ll find canal boats, rowing boats and families relishing the joys of the English waterways.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Stratford-upon-Avon is such a charming town for a mini-break; you’ll get swept along in all things Shakespeare. The bard’s whimsical characters can be spotted on streetlights and plinths as you stroll through the historic streets.
Keep a lookout for William Shakespeare’s birthplace and childhood home along Henley Street. The eye-catching 16th-century timber-framed house has been lovingly restored and is now a museum.
The statue of Hamlet
The Jester
All throughout the old town of Stratford-upon-Avon, particularly along Sheep Street and Church Street, there are stunning half-timbered buildings.
Another excuse to stay for the night is to visit the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) and catch one of the bards’ stunning performances. We booked our tickets on the day of the play and received a 60% discount.
Where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
Hotel Indigo
Hotel DescriptionThis delightful 4-star hotel is just a short stroll to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and historic centre. Charming décor and charming rooms.
Escape for a few days
Are you in search of a tranquil hideaway to relax and unwind in, while you discover the beautiful British countryside?
Browse through the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
There is so much to discover in this relatively short Westerham loop road trip, from a Prime Minister’s family home of Chartwell, charming picture-postcard villages and a magnificent castle fit for a King. And that’s prior to us visiting the surrounding historic towns of Westerham and Edenbridge.
Westerham Green
The attractive market town of Westerham lies within the Kent Downs and High Weald, both of which are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The delightful town of Westerham is full of character and charm and is located just a few miles south of the M25; this entire circular mini road trip is only around 23 miles (37km).
Westerham is full of intriguing connections with the past and with two of its prior notable residents. Firstly, Sir Winston Churchill, who lived nearby at his family home of Chartwell House and secondly, General James Wolfe, who resided at Quebec House as a child. Both of these historic residences are managed by the National Trust.
The view of Hever Castle
Along this road trip, we’ll be visiting the picturesque Emmetts Garden located upon a hillside, the stunning National Trust Tudor village of Chiddingstone, and Chiddingstone Castle. However, one of the highlights of this Kent road trip is Hever Castle the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
We have another little book on our shelves from Christopher Winn; we love his 'I Never Knew That About...' series of books.
Packed full of historical facts and broken down into the 39 different counties of England.
Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves trivia.
If you haven’t yet visited the magnificent city of Bath in Somerset, I would urge you to add it to your 2025 travel list, as it is perfect for a weekend away. When you arrive in this beautiful UNESCO city, you feel like you’ve wandered into an open-air museum.
Street after street, elegant honey-coloured Georgian architecture takes your breath away. We were in awe at how well the entire city of Bath is preserved.
West front of Bath Abbey
The Great Bath
The momentous lure to the city of Bath is the ancient Roman Baths, and it is easy to see why visitors return time and again; it is stunning. As you wander around the upper terrace, grand statues overlook the Great Bath below and give a feeling of opulence and wealth.
Nearby the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey, founded in the 7th-century and was originally a Benedictine monastery. Prior to stepping inside, look out for Jacob’s Ladder stretching high above and with intricate stone angels climbing the stairway to heaven.
Pulteney Bridge
You’ll discover so much during your getaway to Bath; take a stroll along the River Avon and soak up the splendour of Pulteney Bridge. Pulteney Bridge is one of only four bridges in the world that have shops across its entire span.
Another iconic sight to see in Bath is Royal Crescent. Sweeping in an arc are 30 Georgian terraced homes standing shoulder to shoulder and portray the wealthy lifestyle of Bath during the 18th-century. Visit No.1 Royal Crescent for an insight into Georgian life.
We have created a YouTube video from our visit to Bath, why not take a look?
Where to stay in Bath
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
For an indulgent treat, this beautiful 5-star hotel is located along Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent. Full of exquisite 18th- century décor and the luxuries of a modern-day spa
Harington's Hotel
Along a charming, cobbled street and just a few minutes’ walk to Bath’s historic attractions. Offering a delicious breakfast in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Over the last few years, we have loved visiting National Trust properties, so once again, in 2024, we chose to renew our membership and ventured off to discover more historic locations.
Stourhead House Gardens
As you explore the UK, you’ll spot National Trust homes, castles, and gardens dotted all around the countryside. You’ll discover grand properties like Stourhead House with its beautiful landscaped gardens in Wiltshire to the quaint 15th century half-timbered house of Smallhythe Place in Kent, the former home of Shakespearean actress Ellen Terry.
We also visited Mottisfont House and Garden in Hampshire. This lovely house has witnessed many transformations over the last eight centuries. Mottisfont House is designed in the style of a 1930s neo-classical home to reflect the life of its last owner, the society hostess Maud Russell.
Nymans rock gardens
Map, guides and more
Whether you’re planning a road trip, plotting a hiking route or cycling one of UK’s scenic trails, there’s nothing quite like using a tactile paper map.
The Ordnance Survey folk are here to help, with maps, guides, gadgets and more. Take a browse through their vast array of maps and grab your ideal companion for your adventure.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
Our far locations
The world’s your oysterIf you’re anything like us and love experiencing international cultures, mingling amongst foreign locals, and just being a fly on the wall, then we have you covered.
I’ve chosen some unique getaways, including a road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road, and some fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites to be discovered in Spain. A four-day road trip to Normandy in an EV and a couple of treats in Portugal and Belgium.
Our first choice is the Alsace region of France, which is such a beautiful part of the world; weaving your way through the patchwork of vineyards is a magnificent experience.
The Alsace Wine Route takes you from Thann in the south and snakes its way up to Wissembourg in the north. All along this beautiful route are picturesque villages full of timber-framed homes with window boxes overflowing with vibrant blooms.
The pretty town of Colmar
During our road trip along the Alsace wine route, we based ourselves in Colmar, which is a perfect size town to return to each evening and enjoy a glass of the local Alsace tipple and flammekueche.
It’s such a distinctive part of France, and the wine villages you discover along the route are picture-postcards. We’ve explored Alsace on several occasions, visiting Niedermorschwihr, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Obernai, Molsheim and Wissembourg.
Water flowing through Kaysersberg
With our love of Christmas markets, we couldn’t resist returning back to the Alsace region at Christmas to discover the stunning city of Strasbourg.
The Alsace wine route is also a charming place to explore on a bike as you appreciate the surrounding countryside and the rolling open vineyards.
If like us, you love visiting different regions of France then this Michelin guide will definitely assist in your planning.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our eastern France road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Heading off from the UK?
If you’d love to create your own Alsace road trip from the UK, jump on Le Shuttle like us. The crossing only takes 35 minutes, and you arrive in the land of fromage and baguettes in no time.
A few years ago, we headed off to Portugal for a two-week road trip, and as we had only ever visited Lisbon before, we wanted to explore this beautiful country more.
We love visiting new countries and relish the freedom that a road trip offers. We discovered so many stunning towns and villages and decided to condense the ones we loved into two posts.
Moliceiros boats plying their trade in Aveiro
In part one of our Portuguese destinations to visit, we discover the colourful town of Aveiro and its coastline neighbour of Costa Nova. A visit to the north of Portugal wouldn’t be complete without a few nights in the historic city of Porto.
Our assorted post also takes in the charming towns of Tavira, Tomar and the vibrant and captivating palaces of Sintra. The final two locations are the medieval hilltop village of Óbidos and Ponte de Lima, a picturesque town in the northwest of Portugal.
St. Anton's church at dusk
In part two of our locations to visit in Portugal, we ventured off to Amarante in the northern Minho region of the country and then off to Guimarães, the birthplace of this ancient country and the first capital of Portugal in the 12th century.
Deep within the Alentejo countryside is the hilltop town of Monsaraz; this was a delightful place to explore, and the views across the landscape were stunning. Also, in this post, we detail our visit to Lisbon and Belem.
Four more towns that we highly recommend that you head to on your Portuguese road trip are Viana do Castelo in the north, the UNESCO town of Évora in central Portugal and Lagos and Cascais in the south.
Start planning
We embarked on our Portuguese road trip from the UK, catching a Brittany Ferry to Santander.
However, there are regular flights to many of Portugal’s cities; take a look at Booking.com. (Yes, they cover flights too!) Then pop in your location details, and Rental Cars will search well-known car hire brands and discover the deals that suit you the best.
Our recent new found love is Portugal, it is such a beautiful country. While planning our trip, I used the DK Eyewitness books. I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our north to south Portuguese road trip, now you can grab the revised copy.
If you’re searching for a road trip with a difference, then an adventure around the Land of Fire and Ice and driving Iceland’s Route One is perfect for you. There are not too many places in the world where you’ll discover breath-taking glaciers, vast craters, cascading waterfalls, and gurgling geysers all on one road trip.
Janis with a big diamond on the beach
Iceland is an astonishing country to explore within the Golden Circle and beyond. Gary and I can unequivocally recommend touring Iceland’s full ring road in a 4x4. Ensure you are aware of all the do’s and don’ts, and you’ll have a magnificent time.
We ventured off in the month of March, and with the snow slightly receding, we were able to experience some once-in-a-lifetime sights across Iceland’s stunning landscape. We even got to see the Northern Lights; I mean, what a privilege.
Swirling Northern Lights at Reykjahlíð
To catch up with our whole 12-day Iceland road trip adventure, which also allowed for a couple of days for a city break in Reykjavik, follow the link to our Fire and Ice posts here.
The wonderful thing about any road trip is that everyone's experience will be different, and I hope your Iceland tour is as incredible as ours.
New for 2024 is an Eyewitness guide that gives you a wealth of detail on the whole country. We love the DK series of guides, and our bookshelves are lined with them. Packed full of useful info, they really are a must-have to get the most out of your trip.
You can now grab a copy in Paperback or a Kindle versions
In 2024, we took the plunge and purchased our first EV, a Polestar 2. This gave us the inspiration to head across the English Channel for a Normandy mini-break and test out France’s EV infrastructure in preparation for our 2-week French adventure later in 2024.
Bayeux Cathedral light show
We’ve previously visited the beautiful region of Normandy and toured the touching D-Day Landing Beaches; however, there were a couple of other reasons we wanted to return. The first was to visit the relatively new British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. The second was to stay in the charming city of Bayeux, visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry and explore the surrounding countryside.
We based ourselves in Bayeux for 2 nights to visit the British Normandy Memorial. As it was the 80th anniversary of D-Day, there was also a very touching art installation on display named “Standing with Giants”.
Plage de Cabourg
For the second two nights of our Normandy road trip, we stayed in the seaside town of Cabourg. Cabourg has sweeping sandy beaches, a romantic promenade awash with Belle Epoque villas, and an elegant waterfront Grand Hotel.
Where to stay in Normandy
Hôtel d'Argouges
This charming 18th-century hotel is full of character and just a short stroll to the beating heart of Bayeux. Hôtel d'Argouges has many traditional features and a charming, peaceful garden in which to relax after a long day exploring the city.
Plenty of onsite parking is available and complimentary.
Kyriad Prestige Residence & Spa Cabourg-Dives-sur-Mer
This peaceful hotel is located on the edge of Dives-sur-Mer and just a short stroll to its historic centre and the beach resort of Cabourg. Its rooms are modern and has welcoming, friendly staff.
Onsite secure parking is available and complimentary.
We love visiting France and each region so different from one another. I find the DK Eyewitness Guides really helpful in planning a trip and so often find interesting little snippets of info.
Take a peek at this revised Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide and see what you can discover.
Belgium may not have immediately crossed your mind for a city break destination; however, I urge you to think again. The cities of Ghent, Mechelen, and Leuven are delightful, and all can be reached in under three hours by hopping on the Eurostar and making a quick change in Brussels.
Alternatively, these three cities are reasonably close together, so it would be perfect for a road trip with an electric car.
The Graslei in Ghent at night
The charismatic city of Ghent is perfect for a European mini break. The meandering waterways and the ancient, cobbled streets lead you on a voyage to discover Ghent’s culture, counts and chocolate; what’s not to love about that?
Navigating Ghent on foot is incredibly easy. You can stroll around at a relaxed pace, exploring the historical heart of the city. Just slip on a pair of comfy shoes and venture off to discover Ghent’s magnificent sites.
St Rumbold’s Tower from the Grote Markt
We then come to the captivating city of Mechelen in the heart of Flanders, which is also perfect for a Belgian getaway. This charming European city has so much to offer the curious visitor and often slips under many travellers’ radars.
Mechelen’s many historical sights and museums are within a comfortable strolling distance of its picturesque Grote Markt. Even after discovering Mechelen’s ancient brewery, climbing its towering belfry and sampling its delicious fare, you’ll want more.
Grote Markt
The next stop is the historic city of Leuven in Belgium, also located deep in the heart of the picturesque region of Flanders. Leuven is overflowing with bustling charm and warmth.
Leuven is easily explored on foot, with its magnificent historical landmarks and grand squares within a short stroll of the breath-taking Grote Markt. Amble amongst Leuven’s captivating, cobbled lanes and venture off on a voyage of Flemish discovery.
Where to stay in Belgium
Ghent – Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere
Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere was a former 19th-century monastery located along ‘Oude Houtlei’ and was an incredibly peaceful day and night. The delightful hotel is only a five-minute stroll to the heart of historic Ghent.
Mechelen – Hotel Martin’s Patershof
Hotel Martin’s Patershof is a beautifully restored church hotel located along the quiet street, Karmelietenstraat. The former 19th-century neo-Gothic convent was converted into a Martin’s Hotel in 2009 and is only a five-minute stroll to the Fish Market.
Leuven – Pentahotel
Pentahotel is incredibly central, and no sooner you step outside the hotel, you’re strolling the historical cobbled-stone streets. The hotel is modern, and glitter balls await as you step into the reception/bar.
Last but by no means least, we’re heading to Spain to explore their many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We’ve embarked on a few road trip tours around Spain, our last adventure was in 2023. During our previous trips, we’ve been lucky enough to visit some fantastic places in the north, south, east, and west. In 2023, we managed to add a few more.
The El Partal in the Alhambra Palace, Granada
Gary and I love our history, and throughout these journeys, we are always looking out for historical and magnificent places to visit. Spain has some incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In part one of our UNESCO locations, we discover the Old Town of Cáceres, the Silk Exchange in Valencia, the historic cities of Córdoba, Salamanca and Ávila, works by Antoni Gaudí, monuments of Oviedo and Alhambra Palace in Granada. During our last trip, we visited Zaragoza and explored its Mudejar architecture. We also headed to Elche to witness the magnificent Palm Groves of Elche.
Puerta de Bisagra, Toledo at night
Then, not to be overlooked are the eight locations we explored in part two of our UNESCO destinations. They include Burgos Cathedral, the archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, and the ancient cities of Toledo, Segovia, Seville, and Cuenca. Included are the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, the Renaissance towns of Úbeda and Baeza and the city of Teruel, where we discovered more stunning Mudejar architecture.
All these places are sublime to visit, and I appreciate that it may take a few trips to start ticking these off a list; nevertheless, the memories you’ll create will be unsurpassable.
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