North Lanarkshire

A first trip to North Lanarkshire tends to start with sorting out a base, and that's easily done. The area has a good spread of self-catering options rather than big hotels, so you might find yourself in Craigpark Lodge, Kirklea, or Stonylea Cottage, or over at Eden Leisure Village where several chalets and vessels sit together, including the Bellstane Chalet and the two Vessel cabins. For something a bit different there's Lochinvar Clydesdale Cabin and Seven Seasons, both suited to a quieter stay away from the towns.

Once you're settled, North Lanarkshire works well as a place to come and go from rather than sit still in. It sits between Glasgow and the central belt's motorway network, so days out further afield are straightforward, while the towns and villages here have their own pace worth slowing down for. Self-catering means you can cook when you want and eat out when you don't, which suits the area's character - practical, unfussy, and geared towards people actually living life rather than just passing through.

For something more substantial, ALBA Bar Grill and Admiral offer a heartier sit-down option, while Baxter Storey caters well if you're feeding a group. With this many places to choose from, it's easy to try somewhere new each night of a longer stay rather than repeating yourself.

Between the cottages, cabins, and the sheer choice of food on offer, North Lanarkshire suits visitors who want a comfortable, self-sufficient base with plenty to eat nearby and the flexibility to explore the wider area at their own pace.