UK Self Drives Holidays Away from the Crowds

Discover Secret Places & Hidden Gems

Get off-the-beaten-track in the quietest corners of our magnificent country. Our intrepid team can help you find gloriously undiscovered locations – think secret beaches and tranquil islands – while experiencing an authentic taste of local life. Avoiding the most popular destinations also reduces your footprint and supports the local communities who need it most.

The holiday suggestions on our website are examples of the amazing trips we can offer, which are created uniquely for you by our award-winning specialists. Think of the itineraries below as inspiration for your specialised tailor-made escape. These can be customised to suit your preferences and individual requirements.

Our packages include hand-picked accommodation, a personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team. Discover the highlights of the UK at your own pace.

Talk to our travel experts

Our specialists combine first-hand experience with meticulous planning to craft holidays unique to you. Enquire today to plan your perfect escape.

Make an Enquiry +44 (0) 131 610 1210

Our specialists recommend

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£1415

Self-Drive Holidays

9 Nights

Sandy beach looking towards Bamburgh Castle

Abbotsford House, Scottish Borders - home of Sir Walter Scott

A Cheviot Goat on the summit of Simonside

Historic Borders of Scotland & England

From £1080pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 7 Nights

Discover medieval castles and abbeys in the Scottish Borders
The wild and tranquil scenery of Northumberland National Park
Dramatic castles and golden beaches on the sparkling Northumberland coast

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Machrie Moor Standing Stones, Isle of Arran

Discover Ayrshire & Arran

From £1120pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 7 Nights

Experience the tranquillity of island life on the spectacular Isle of Arran
Explore the enchanting region of Ayrshire, which inspired Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns
Discover Culzean Castle, an 18th-century masterpiece designed by architect Robert Adam

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Alnwick Castle - filming location of Hogwarts Castle

Lindisfarne Castle on the Northumberland coast

Hadrian’s Wall & Northumberland

From £940pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 6 Nights

Unearth ancient Roman history along the Hadrian’s Wall
Dramatic castles and golden beaches on the exquisite Northumberland coast
Wild and unspoilt scenery in the Northumberland National Park

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North East 250

From £1225pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 8 Nights

Incredible mountain landscape and Britain’s highest road in the Cairngorms National Park
Brooding Dunnottar Castle and the splendid Balmoral Castle Estate
The Malt Whisky Trail including Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Glenlivet Distilleries

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Speyside Malt Whisky Trail

From £685pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 4 Nights

Tour the famous Malt Whisky Trail including Glenfiddich and Macallan distilleries
Dewars World of Whisky & Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry
Explore mountains and lochs in one of Scotland's most picturesque regions

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Scottish Seafood Trail

From £1120pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 7 Nights

Spectacular coastal scenery and wonderful locally caught seafood
The Cowal Peninsula, a mouth-watering introduction to the West Highlands
Oban - the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and ‘Gateway to the Isles’

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Belfast City Hall at dusk, Northern Ireland

Ballintoy Harbour, Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Road Trip

From £1165pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 8 Nights

Belfast, Northern Ireland's vibrant capital city
The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The majestic Mourne Mountains in County Down

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Carreg Cennen Castle, Brecon Beacons National Park

Group boarding Dale Princess boat at Martin's Haven, Skomer

Pembrokeshire & South Wales

From £1420pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 9 Nights

Cardiff Castle, Castel Coch and Cardiff Bay
The beautiful coastline of the Pembrokeshire National Park
The dramatic green landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park

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Road sign on Islay with Paps of Jura in background

Our client Joseph Gareau touring Bunnahabhain Distillery, Islay

Katia from Absolute Escapes at Kilchoman Distillery in Islay

The picturesque village of Portnahaven, Islay

Scott from Absolute Escapes at Bunnahabhain Distillery, Islay

View from ferry travelling from Islay to Kennacraig

Islay & The West Coast Whisky Tour

From £1395pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 8 Nights

Visit world-famous whisky distilleries on Islay, including Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Bowmore
Explore Campbeltown, Scotland’s smallest whisky region, nestled in the picturesque Kintyre Peninsula
Visit the spectacular and remote Isle of Jura, home to Jura Distillery

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Beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast

Happisburgh Lighthouse on the Norfolk coast

Holkham Beach in Norfolk (© Holkham Estate)

Scott from Absolute Escapes team at Sandringham Estate

Punting under the Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge

Scott from Absolute Escapes at Pembroke College in Cambridge

East of England: Cambridge, Norfolk & Suffolk

From £1420pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 9 Nights

Discover the delightful city of Cambridge with its beautiful 13th-century university
Visit unspoilt beaches and nature reserves on the Norfolk coast
Travel back in time at awe-inspiring historic sites such as Sutton Hoo and Framlingham Castle

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Andy and Sheila, founders of Absolute Escapes, on the Isle of Skye – highlighting our personal, founder-led approach to tailor-made holidays.

Independently Owned, Personally Run

Founder-Led Authenticity:

Our co-founders, Andy & Sheila,
inspire our spirit of discovery.

Boutique-Style Care:

Thoughtful, personalised service
from people who truly care.

Here Every Step of the Way:

Your own specialist supports you
through every stage of your journey.

Daisy, a travel specialist at Absolute Escapes, symbolising our first-hand local knowledge and expert holiday planning across the UK & Ireland.

Local Knowledge & Expertise

First-hand Experience:

We meticulously research every
corner of our destinations.

Up-to-Date Insights:

Travel with confidence, backed by
the latest local knowledge.

Established Partnerships:

We've built connections with
trusted suppliers over decades.

Scenic view of the Lake District, England, representing Absolute Escapes’ perfectly tailored walking holidays and self-drive tours.

Tailored to Perfection

Tailor-Made Experience:

Every aspect of your holiday is
perfectly handcrafted for you.

Meticulous Planning:

Everything works seamlessly -
because the details matter.

Blended Adventures:

Mix walking, driving, and train travel
to build a holiday that’s truly unique.

Sunset over the Sound of Gigha towards the Paps of Jura, reflecting Absolute Escapes’ promise of peace of mind and stress-free travel.

Your Peace of Mind, Guaranteed

Established Excellence:

Hundreds of 5-star reviews, industry
awards, and decades of experience.

Financial Protection:

Your booking is safe with us, backed
by robust financial safeguards.

Round-the-Clock Assistance:

Our supportive team of experts
are available 24/7.

Your journey starts here

We create award-winning holidays rooted in local knowledge. Enquire now for expert advice and a bespoke itinerary tailored just for you.

Make an Enquiry +44 (0) 131 610 1210

Away from the Crowds

Discover Secret Places & Hidden Gems

Talk to our travel experts

Our specialists recommend

Secret Corners of Scotland’s West Coast

Northern Ireland Road Trip

Burns Country & The Scottish Borders

Pembrokeshire & South Wales