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From pretty towns to ancient forests, 10 fairytale UK locations for a day out

With rising fuel costs making air travel increasingly expensive, many of us will be looking closer to home for somewhere to go on holiday, or for a day out. Thankfully there's a lot to see

[Wooden bridge in Puzzlewood, an ancient woodland near Coleford in the Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK.]

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Puzzlewood, an ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean, is just one of the amazing places you can visit right here in the UK(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having an impact on many areas of everyday life for us here in the UK, and perhaps nowhere is this more obvious than when filling up the car. Rocketing oil prices mean petrol and diesel are becoming increasingly expensive, and this isn't just impacting everyday drivers.

The cost of jetting off abroad is also set to rise significantly due to a shortage of jet fuel. As a result, many people are considering a staycation here in the UK this year rather than a foreign break. Thankfully, there's no end of incredible places to visit here in Britain, from ancient woodlands and pretty towns, to dramatic castles and stunning feats of nature.

Photographer and travel influencer Ellyze, known as caramellyze on Instagram, where she has more than 26,000 followers, has provided 10 suggestions of places to visit. She described the locations, which span England, Scotland, and Wales, as "unreal, fairybook places that will give you all the feelings."

Rye

The East Sussex town famous for its steep cobbled streets and Tudor buildings is first on her list. Ellyze described it as: "A tiny hilltop town full of crooked houses, cobbled streets, and storybook corners."

She added: "A historic town of medieval streets, timber-framed houses, and timeless seaside charm."

Frome

Ellyze described the Somerset town as: "A creative hub of cobbled streets, indie shops, and laid-back caf culture." She added: "A creative little town of cobbled streets, indie shops, and cosy cafes - perfect for a slow wandering and stumbling on hidden gems."

Frome is around 13 miles south of Bath. An annual highlight is the ten-day Frome Festival, which features a range of events throughout the town.

Hay-on-Wye

The Welsh town is famous for its number of bookshops. It is home to the annual Hay Festival, one of the biggest events in the UK's arts calendar, and has featured speakers including Sir Stephen Fry, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Sir Elton John, and Stormzy.

Ellyze described it as: "A tiny Welsh town overflowing with bookshops, known as the world's first 'town of books', and home to the famous literary festival." She added: "A charming book town filled with independent bookstores, cosy corners, and a slow, literary charm."

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

The 15th century former farmhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon was the childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife. Ellyze said: "This charming thatched farmhouse is the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, offering an intimate glimpse into 16th century rural life and a direct connection to the playwright's personal story."

Now owned and managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, it is open to the public as a museum, where visitors can learn more about the woman, who was featured in the 2025 film Hamnet, played by Jessie Buckley, who won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal.

Scotney Castle

The 14th country house in Kent has been open to the public since 2007 following the death of its final resident the previous year. Ellyze described it as: "A romantic ruined castle set in landscaped gardens, with woodland walks and a Victorian mansion nearby."

The gardens are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and are held up as an example of the picturesque style. Ellyze also praised the "storybook views".

Hever Castle

This 13th century Kent castle was once home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. It later came into possession of his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, as part of her divorce agreement with the monarch.

Ellyze described it as: "A picture-perfect castle with Tudor history, manicured gardens, and peaceful lakeside walks." She added: "A romantic moated castle and the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, rich in Tudor history and surrounded by breathtaking gardens."

Puzzlewood

The ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, is famous around the world for its otherworldly, moss-covered trees and winding paths. It has been used as a backdrop for numerous films and TV programmes, including 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Ellyze said: "An enchanting woodland of twisted trees and mossy paths, straight out of a fairytale." She added: "An ancient, moss-covered forest straight out of a fairytale, with winding paths and routes so surreal it's been used as a filming location for fantasy movies and TV shows"

Prior Park

A landscape garden just south of Bath, it was designed in the 18th century by poet Alexander Pope and gardener Capability Brown, and is home to one of only four Palladian bridges in the world. Scenes for Netflix's Bridgerton were filmed at the site.

Ellyze said: "Worth the short trip outside the centre. Rolling lawns, a stunning Palladian bridge and views that feel straight out of a painting."

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The stunning railway viaduct in the Scottish Highlands offers some spectacular views. It is famous around the world for its use in a number of the Harry Potter films.

Ellyze said: "A dramatic Scottish railway bridge set among mountains and lochs, made iconic by the Harry Potter films and unforgettable scenery."

Durdle Door

A natural limestone arch, Durdle Door is one of the most photographed landmarks in the UK. It is on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to Visit Dorset, it was formed by erosion of the rocks by the sea. Ellyze described it as: "A striking natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, known for its dramatic sea views, turquoise waters, and wild coastal walks."

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