England
A network of ancient bridleways and footpaths criss-cross the country, trodden smooth by the soles of our forebears and lending access to…
United Kingdom
‘And did those feet in ancient time…’
Steppes’ UK holidays lift a lid on the eccentricities for which our small island is renowned while showcasing our lesser-known, ‘green and pleasant’ locations.
Following a visit to our office in the Cotswolds and a fabulous pub lunch, an American partner of Steppes, posed the question, “Why on earth don’t you offer holidays to the UK?” It is easy to be complacent about what is on your doorstep but with a wealth of riches only minutes away from our office, we agreed it was about time we used our travel expertise to showcase the wonders of our own back yard.
Using our own personal contacts and sharing some of our fondest memories of childhood holidays and special occasions, we have pulled together several holiday ideas and experiences we think you will enjoy. From the wilds of Scotland to the rugged coastline of Devon, and all the wonderfully quirky bits in the middle, you can expect a Steppes UK holiday to be crafted with the same care, passion and attention to detail that thousands have come to expect from us on their overseas adventures.
Explore the United Kingdom
Why choose us
What to expect on a UK holiday with Steppes
A holiday in the UK with Steppes is a celebration of the outdoors. We know the weather is unreliable, but we won’t let a bit of rain spoil the view or stop us from enjoying a walking tour of the Cotswolds hills or a boat trip around the Isle of Mull. We’ve pulled together a collection of holiday ideas and small group tours that showcase our favourite parts of this island we call home.
You can expect walking, cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking, wild swimming, bird watching and husky-sled dog-trekking. Yes, you read that last bit correctly. We’ll take you to the UK’s wildest and most spectacular places and, as with any Steppes’ holiday, we’ll find the most fascinating and articulate guides to help you see a different side to the country.
Why choose us
Rural Britain and Rewilding
At the heart of the rewilding philosophy is the desire for a greater co-existence between humans and wildlife. Urbanisation, intensive agriculture, pollution and climate change have taken a heavy toll on the UK’s plants and animals – something the rewilding movement is eager to redress.
Tourism should play a key role in supporting the UK’s rewilding projects and Steppes can help you get behind the scenes to learn what is being done to create a more sympathetic environment for the UK’s native species. Call us to hear how you can visit beaver reintroduction sites in Devon, wild cat breeding programs in Scotland and butterfly conservation projects in the Cotswolds.
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Idea
United Kingdom
Coast and Moors – Devon Adventure
This is a guided holiday for active families or adventurous couples who want to experience the great outdoors on Devon’s iconic open moorland. Travelling from north to south, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in hidden pools and coves, bike along disused…
Idea
United Kingdom
Wildlife and Wilderness in Scotland
Combine the heather-swept Cairngorms with the rugged beauty of Skye, exploring two of Scotland’s most spectacular wilderness areas. Encounter land and marine animals as you explore, whilst also learning about the history and conservation of these wild places. This seven-day guided adventure…
Idea
United Kingdom
Scotland’s North Coast 500 by Land Rover
Join a guided, self-drive adventure, exploring Scotland’s renowned North Coast 500 by Land Rover. With an experienced driver-guide leading the way, you will be joined by one other vehicle, as you venture along some of Europe’s wildest coastal tracks. The route you…
Idea
Family Adventure in the Scottish Highlands
The myths and legends of Scotland are inextricably woven through the country’s spectacular wilderness and are kept alive by the people who are rightly proud of their heritage. This trip celebrates the myths, legends, wilderness and people of the Highlands while also…
Idea
United Kingdom
Coast and Moors – Devon Adventure
This is a guided holiday for active families or adventurous couples who want to experience the great outdoors on Devon’s iconic open moorland. Travelling from north to south, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in hidden pools and coves, bike…
Idea
United Kingdom
Wildlife and Wilderness in Scotland
Combine the heather-swept Cairngorms with the rugged beauty of Skye, exploring two of Scotland’s most spectacular wilderness areas. Encounter land and marine animals as you explore, whilst also learning about the history and conservation of these wild places. This seven-day…
Idea
United Kingdom
Scotland’s North Coast 500 by Land Rover
Join a guided, self-drive adventure, exploring Scotland’s renowned North Coast 500 by Land Rover. With an experienced driver-guide leading the way, you will be joined by one other vehicle, as you venture along some of Europe’s wildest coastal tracks. The…
Idea
Family Adventure in the Scottish Highlands
The myths and legends of Scotland are inextricably woven through the country’s spectacular wilderness and are kept alive by the people who are rightly proud of their heritage. This trip celebrates the myths, legends, wilderness and people of the Highlands…
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Scotland
Alladale Wilderness Reserve
Situated on 23,000 acres of wild, highland terrain, the main house of Alladale offers the perfect base for lovers of unspoiled wilderness. There are three well-appointed houses on the reserve offering fully catered accommodation on an…
Cotswolds
Calcot Manor
This honey-coloured country house dates back to the 14th century and languishes in 220 acres of Cotswold meadowland. It boasts 35 beautiful uniquely-designed rooms and suites, some in individual cottages. The hotel has outdoor and indoor…
Cotswolds
Dormy House
From the 17th century, Dormy House was a working farm whose owners cultivated the surrounding land. In the 1940s, it caught the eye of the neighbouring Broadway Golf Club who bought it and changed the name…
Cotswolds
Whatley Manor
Whatley Manor is a beautifully restored, 18th-century Cotswold manor house hotel and spa. The charming honey-coloured building sits in 12 acres of splendid, landscaped gardens which, inspired by the original 1920’s plans, have been divided into…
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Jim Davies
Having spent a decade myself working as a guide all around the world, I understand just how important it is to link you with the right people on the ground. With my background, any tailor made itinerary is guaranteed to deliver on local insight and authentic experiences.
Talk with our experts
- 1(800)272-4163
Paul Bird
Clients place their trust in my ideas and knowledge, knowing that I have not only understood their brief but also grasp what can make a holiday truly special. Building rapport and connection is important, but paramount is conveying that what you are purchasing may be one of the best investments you make. It’s often said that you can’t buy a memory – but, invest in a trip with Steppes, and many can be created.
Talk with our experts
- 1(800)272-4163
Paul Craven
Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.
I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.
Talk with our experts
- 1(800)272-4163
Sue Grimwood
In the late ’90s, I booked myself on an expeditionary voyage into the Antarctic Circle and was instantly hooked. Since then, I’ve returned to Antarctica a number of times and ventured deep into the Arctic – from Svalbard to the Russian and Canadian Arctic – always chasing that same sense of wonder. It’s this rare personal experience of the world’s polar extremes that I bring to every journey I plan.
Talk with our experts
- 1(800)272-4163
Clare Wiggins
My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.
Talk with our experts
- 1(800)272-4163
When to travel
United Kingdom in January
January is usually the coldest month of the year and also when you’re most likely to experience clear and frosty days but with blue skies and crisp mornings. Perfect conditions for winter walks, if dressed suitably.
United Kingdom in February
You may experience snowfall in February and temperatures will still be relatively cold. In the south of the United Kingdom, snowdrops begin to emerge, particularly in woodland areas and you’ll see the first sprouts of wild garlic.
United Kingdom in March
The weather gradually begins to improve in March as the Spring season starts to get underway. Temperatures begin to rise and spring flowers appear, both on the ground and as blossom on the trees. The rugby Six Nations Championship is held during February or March when England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy all go head to head.
United Kingdom in April
April can be a little unpredictable for the weather; it can be warm and sunny or it can be a very rainy month. Towards the end of April swathes of bluebells cover ancient woodland areas and meadows burst into colour.
United Kingdom in May
The weather is usually warm during May. The month has two Bank Holiday weekends, which can be particularly busy as British people make the most of this time off work. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in June
The warm weather continues through to June. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in July
Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in August
Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. There are quite a few festivals that will take place from May through to August, making the most of the sunshine, so talk to our experts as to what you can get involved in.
United Kingdom in September
September often has warmer and drier weather than August, and the summer crowds start to disperse as schools reopen.
United Kingdom in October
The autumn leaves are at their best, most vibrant russet shades during October with around, on average about 10 days of rain. Temperatures are cooler and some sites in more rural areas start to close for winter.
United Kingdom in November
In early November the autumn leaves are still in full show, but mountainous areas may experience snow and daylight is restricted to around seven hours in northern Scotland. The weather is usually cool and damp, although it’s not uncommon to have wonderful cold, dry spells. The UK acknowledges daylight saving time on November 1 and the clocks will be set back by one hour
United Kingdom in December
December is usually cold and damp, with little foliage and the least daylight hours of the year (fewer than seven in the north of Scotland).
Recommended reads
WILDLIFE
Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm
WILDLIFE
Cottongrass Summer: Essays of a naturalist
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
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