Best time to visit the UK

A Kingdom united by food, with farmers’ markets, food festivals, delicatessens, celebrity chefs, Masterchefs and Bake Offs. So long the domain of meat and two veg, no one will look at you strangely any more if you ask for local lamb, seasonal vegetables, if there is a microbrewery in the area or a farm shop. And just as the National Trust cafes or pubs used to be the domain of lunches out in the country, now it’s farm shop cafes that are competing for the best warming soups or pulled pork sandwiches.

Scotland’s islands are still secrets for many people but, with nearly 800, cruising them on small boats, with Scottish skippers who really know their stuff is the way to go. Visit Skye, Mull and the Hebrides to catch sight of a Celtic cacophony of sea creatures. You can also cruise through the Highlands, along the Caledonian Canal from Oban to Inverness, an ingenious artery created by the Victorians to avoid sailing around Scotland’s treacherous north tip.

Walking is Britain’s favourite pastime, especially if there are plenty of tea breaks en route. Walking holidays in England take in long distance walking trails such as Pennine Way, the Cumbria and the Pilgrims Way – all wonderful ways to go. And have your bags transported for you as you take the high roads and low roads on memorable walking holidays in Scotland, traversing island, the Cairngorms or the Knoydart Peninsula.

Drive everywhere. Although the British love to walk, over 90 per cent of people visiting the wonderful array of national parks do so by car. Many walking holidays cater for you to travel by public transport, and move your luggage between beds for the night – so you can enjoy a local ale, and not have to worry about parking. See Scotland from a boat, or by train. Or just cycle the lot, from Lands End to John O'Groats.

Overlook wildlife. Scotland, in particular, is a revelation, with mountain, moor and marine habitats all within easy reach. It’s also famous for expert naturalist guides on wildlife watching holidays, guiding you to see golden eagles, red deer, whales and dolphins.

Charity climbs or target tourism. Trying to bag as many summits as you can in a weekend, can be an attack on the landscape and local communities as much as on your body. Big business now, few organisers have responsible tourism policies, throw thousands of people onto beautiful landscapes to trample and litter, and do little to manage, conserve or clear up.

Supermarket frenzies before you hit the M1 or M25 Although it feels like the easiest way to go, many rural regions gain much needed tourist income from people buying food and drink locally. Seek out the local farm shop, butcher, baker, and candlestick maker. Might cost you a few more quid (… though surprisingly, it often doesn’t), but will leave a much better taste in your mouth.

"Bring walking shoes and a map to explore lots of good walks. Plenty of hills and views and if the weather is wet and windy the Tarka trail is good and mainly sheltered." - Bob Simmonds on holiday in Devon

"If possible try to use the local bus services. They are not particularly frequent but by intelligent use of the Vectis timetables, you can visit everything on the island without any difficulty." - Christopher Vasey on the Isle of Wight

"Do it! What a wonderful way to see Pembrokeshire, bobbing around on the Sea looking up at the magnitude of this craggy coastal scene." - Peter Hill on a sea kayaking holiday in Wales

"Travel with elasticated waistbands, the food is plentiful and very good." - Anne Feeley, on a Scotland rail holiday

"Take sea-sickness tablets if you go on an all-day boat trip (it can get quite choppy), and insect repellent for the evenings." - Louise Keable, on a wildlife holiday on the Isle of Mull

"Go to the beach on really sunny days - it's not far and Llanwyddyn must be one of the finest in the UK. The Welsh Highland Railway is superb - go to Rhyd Dddu or Waunfawr (a short drive away) and catch the train to Portmadog. Stunning route through Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass." - Philip Burston, in Snowdonia

"Don't let changeable weather stop you from enjoying everything the area has to offer! When it's blowy and wet in Fachwen it may not be on the coast. Climbing shops have detailed 3 day forecasts. If you're interested in castles/monuments consider joining CADW (Heritage in Wales) - membership costs around £50-60 pa for family and in the first year gives half price admission to English Heritage/Historic Scotland sites too." - Alison Sauvain, in Snowdonia

"Take your own binoculars everywhere with you - if you are interested in watching wild animals." - Luc Deneys on the Isle of Mull