The top 16 special occasion holiday ideas in the UK

When it comes to celebrating a special occasion with your loved ones, there's no better way than to venture off on a UK holiday. From birthday getaways to anniversary escapes, there are so many fantastic special occasion holiday ideas in the UK to make your trip truly one to remember.

The diverse landscapes and unique experiences across the country offer so many possibilities for you and your loved ones to create cherished memories together. You might be looking to take your partner to the scenic coast for an anniversary escape, or you might be wanting an adventurous hiking trip in the countryside with your family for a special birthday. Plus, there are always exciting friend group reunion trips in the country’s many cultural and historical locations, and great spots to take your dog on their first holiday away. In this guide, we'll explore 16 top special occasion holiday ideas to inspire your next celebration in the UK.

Birthday holiday ideas

If we’re looking at the best special occasion holiday ideas in the UK, then we’ve got to mention the best birthday trips. Birthdays are always the perfect excuse to treat yourself or a loved one to a well-deserved break. Whether you're looking to relax on a peaceful, luxury break, or seek out new adventures on a thrilling getaway, the UK is full of so many special occasion holiday destinations and ideas to choose from:

1. Choose the right holiday style

One of the first, and potentially most important special occasion holiday ideas in the UK, is to consider what type of holiday style is right for you.

The key to planning the ultimate birthday celebration on your next staycation is finding a holiday that aligns with your personal interests and preferences – or that of the special birthday person! Do you envision a peaceful countryside retreat in the rolling hills of Scotland? Or are you after some urban exploration in the city of York? Or do you perhaps want an action-packed adventure on the beaches of Cornwall?

Determine your ideal holiday style, and this will help you narrow down the best special occasion holiday ideas in the UK for your birthday.

2. Try new and exciting activities

Another one of the best birthday holiday ideas is to use this special time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. All over the UK, there are some amazing locations with so many things to explore and do, so make sure you try a new activity to start off your next lap around the sun the right way.

For instance, you can try adrenaline-fueled activities like water sports or theme parks, or try some unique activities like archery or axe-throwing. The UK offers a diverse array of exciting offerings to make your birthday truly unforgettable.

3. Go shopping together

For the shopaholics out there, a birthday holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in some retail therapy on your getaway. You and your loved ones can explore a range of vibrant city centres, charming market towns, and luxury shopping districts, to discover some great souvenirs and items.

Also, considering it’s your birthday, you can use this as an opportunity to pick out some great gifts for people to buy you, to make your holiday even more exciting. Consider shopping in places like Newquay in Cornwall, or Springfields Outlet in Lincolnshire.

An outside area of one of our luxury barns with outside furniture. Over the balcony are two further lodges.

4. Indulge in luxury

If you're looking to truly celebrate your birthday in style, consider splurging at one of the UK's finest luxury resorts.

This is truly one of the best special occasion UK holiday ideas, since it helps you treat yourself and your loved ones to a lavish, hassle-free, comfortable, and unforgettable stay. Consider some of the many luxury ways to stay across the UK, offering things like hot tubs, exclusive holiday homes, and much more.

Anniversary getaways

Whether you're celebrating your very first year together or your golden anniversary, special occasion holiday ideas in the UK are always great for celebrating your anniversary in style. The many locations across the country provide the perfect setting to reconnect and rekindle the romance. Here are some top ideas to consider:

5. Enjoy spa relaxation

For a truly indulgent anniversary celebration, make sure you book a stay somewhere with fantastic spa facilities. This enables you to unwind side-by-side with your loved one, enjoying some soothing treatments, hydrotherapy pools, and most importantly, some quality time together in a serene setting.

There are many great places that offer spa breaks for your special occasion holiday ideas in the UK, so make sure you choose the right spot for your next trip.

6. Hot tub breaks

Another one of the best special occasion holiday ideas in the UK, is taking your anniversary celebration to new heights with a cosy hot tub break.

Imagine how great it will feel to bathe in the warm and rejuvenating hot tub together, with private accommodation that overlooks picturesque landscapes. All the while, you can be sipping champagne under the stars for an unforgettable time away.

7. Find evening entertainment

You can also add more magic to your anniversary celebration with a night out enjoying the UK's vibrant entertainment options. There’s so much to see, from lively cocktail bars with live music to exciting clubs and fantastic theatre productions.

There are endless ways to make your evening unforgettable, so make sure you research the nightlife and entertainment options at your chosen location before you head off.

8. Bond over new experiences

Another important part of anniversary holidays is being able to enjoy new experiences together and take on new challenges. As you celebrate your love together, why not do something like learning a new skill, exploring a new destination, or embarking on an exciting adventure.

Sharing new experiences can deepen your connection. So, let’s say you’re staying in the Yorkshire countryside, for example, why not challenge yourselves to complete one of the many great hikes in the Yorkshire Dales?

Friends' reunion trip

Special occasion holiday ideas in the UK are also great If you're looking to reunite with your closest friends. A reunion with the whole gang definitely calls for a special getaway, and with our top ideas, you’ll have everything you need to catch up, reminisce, and create new memories together.

9. Seek out adventure

For a friends' getaway, it’s always great to fill your trip with excitement and adrenaline. There are so many special occasion holiday ideas in the UK that can help you bring the thrills to your stay.

For one, you can choose a destination that offers a range of adventure activities, such as a forest retreat in Hampshire, or a coastal getaway in North Wales. You’ll find plenty of activities, from hiking and water sports to outdoor team-building challenges, for an action-packed break.

The living area of one of our spacious static caravans in St Ives. Book your holiday now!

10. Enjoy a smooth staycation

Sometimes, the best part about special occasion holiday ideas in the UK is that they provide a hassle-free and smooth stay for your break.

Therefore, we highly recommend choosing a holiday park where you and your friends have all the facilities, space, and comfort you need. Why not try a luxury lodge or exclusive accommodation option, to really make your stay as seamless and memorable as possible?

This way, you won’t have to worry about anything other than reconnecting, bonding, and enjoying time with your friends in a fantastic destination.

An image of the vineyard at Mersea Island Vineyard on a sunny, cloudy day.

11. Find the best group activities

When planning a friends' reunion trip, another one of the best special occasion holiday ideas is to find some great group activities.

Nothing’s better than trying out something new and fun with your friends, and seeing how everyone handles the new experience or challenge. For instance, you and your friends can try some delicious wine while beverage tasting at a vineyard or distillery at your chosen destination. Or, see if you can band together to conquer an escape room or complete some challenging tasks at a games centre.

12. Take part in friendly competition

Inject a little friendly rivalry into your friends' reunion, and try some great group activities that encourage some healthy competition.

For instance, imagine how great it will be to watch all of your friends racing to see who can best tackle an aqua park, or find the most items on a coastal scavenger hunt. These competitive exercises lead to some hilarious moments and exciting times that will help create lasting memories from your trip.

First dog friendly holiday

With special occasion holiday ideas in the UK, it’s hard to get more special than bringing your dog on their first break away. Knowing how to make the most of your time away with your four-legged friend can make your celebrations and overall trip even more meaningful. The UK offers a wide range of dog-friendly destinations and experiences to ensure your furry friend feels as special as you do on your getaway.

13. Explore nature

Most dogs love exploring the great outdoors, so make sure you treat your pup to a nature-filled special occasion holiday.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to choose a unique destination with plenty of scenic hiking trails, dog-friendly beaches, and sprawling parks to explore together. A great option includes the New Forest, or the 400-miles of coastline in Cornwall.

14. Visit dog friendly restaurants

You can also mark the occasion of your dog’s first holiday by visiting some of the best dog friendly restaurants. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, including restaurants, cafes, and pubs, that welcome four-legged friends for a delicious meal. This allows you to dine out with your canine companion by your side.

Also, if you choose the right holiday park, you can even find restaurants that have a delicious dog menu too.

15. Bound along the beach

For a truly memorable dog-friendly special occasion holiday, why not take a trip down to a coastal destination where you and your pup can bound along the sandy shores.

There’s nothing most dogs love more than to be able to run and jump around freely in the open air. Take some time to splash in the waves and soak up the sun on one of the best beach holidays for your dog’s first getaway.

16. The best dog friendly accommodation

For your pup’s first holiday, ensuring they have a comfortable and welcoming place to stay is one of the most important special occasion holiday ideas in the UK. It’s always great when you can have a stress-free special occasion holiday, where all you need to focus on is enjoying every moment of your break away with your pup.

There are even some great dog friendly accommodation options that have things like dog showers. Just imagine how much they’re going to love that!

Make treasured memories with the best special occasion holiday ideas in the UK

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, friends' reunion, or bringing your dog along for their first trip, these special occasion holiday ideas in the UK give you everything you need for an unforgettable break.

The UK offers so many great experiences where you can create lasting memories with your loved ones, and tailor your getaway to your unique interests and preferences. Make sure your next celebration is truly one to remember, and start planning your special occasion holiday in the UK with Away Resorts now!