In the last year, there has been a notable shift towards immersive travel, with many seeking out destinations with deep-rooted history and traditions. According to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Trendcast report, an increased curiosity about seen and unseen worlds is now driving travel decisions, as “spiritual experiences are helping more of us find community and a sense of purpose in the universe.”
The UK is rich in storied folklore, with each region possessing unique stories, legends and traditions passed down through generations. This spring, HF Holidays, leading walking holiday specialist, is rounding up five must-visit mystical locations across the UK for the ultimate ‘folklore-focused’ trip.
Standing stones of Penwith, Cornwall
The standing stones of Penwith, located in the far west of Cornwall, are steeped in myth and mystery, forming a landscape where ancient legend and natural beauty collide. Scattered across wild moorlands and coastal cliffs, these Neolithic and Bronze Age stones are tied to rich local folklore. The Merry Maidens, a perfect stone circle, are said to be a group of girls turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath, while the nearby Pipers were the musicians who played for them, similarly punished. Men-an-Tol, with its iconic holed stone, is believed to have healing powers, especially for children who passed through the opening. Guests on HF Holidays self-guided holidays can explore these sites at leisure, just a short 30-minute drive away from their country house, Chy Morvah, located in St Ives.
How to do it: HF Holidays 4 Night Cornwall Self-Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £505 per person, including full board accommodation and easy-to-follow routes and maps.
Legends of Orkney and Shetland Islands
The Orkney and Shetland Islands, located in the far north of Scotland, are steeped in rich folklore that blends Norse mythology, Celtic traditions and local legends. On Orkney, travellers can walk among the mystical Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic henge said to be built by giants, and Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn with legends suggesting it was a portal to the ‘otherworld’. In Shetland, travellers can visit old croft houses and mossy hills, said to be the home of selkies, mythical creatures with the ability to shapeshift between seal and human.
How to do it: HF Holidays seven-night Orkney & Shetland Guided Island Hopping Holiday is priced from £2,529 per person including return flights, full board accommodation, luggage transfers and guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader.
The haunting of Pendle Hill, Yorkshire Dales
Pendle Hill is notorious for its history of witchcraft, dubbed as the Salem of Britain. In 1612, there was said to be a family of local peasants who lived in a limestone tower and were in league with the devil. Locals died from mysterious illnesses at the time which led local magistrate, Roger Norwell, to accuse the family of being witches and so ensued the infamous witch trials. Today, visitors can experience the eerie atmosphere and explore the history of the Pendle Witches at the Pendle Heritage Centre, as well as follow the route the Pendle Witches took through the Ribble Valley to Lancaster Castle where they stood trial. HF Country House, Newfield Hall, is located just a 40-minute drive north of Pendle Hill in Malham, southern Yorkshire Dales.
How to do it: HF Holidays 4 Night Southern Yorkshire Dales Self-Guided Walking Holiday is priced from £505 per person, including full board accommodation and easy-to-follow routes and maps.
Ghostly saints of the Holy Island, Northumberland
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a mystical tidal island off the northeast coast of England, steeped in history and spiritual significance. Prominent folklore is particularly centred around the legendary Saint Cuthbert, a seventh-century monk whose spirit is said to haunt the ruins of the priory and the area around the castle. Some say he makes holes in the stones which are known as ‘St Cuthbert’s Beads’ and are said to bring good luck to those who find them. The island’s long history and association with Celtic Christianity makes it a must-visit on a walking holiday in Northumberland. HF Holidays offers a seven-night guided walking with sightseeing holiday, staying at HF Country House, Nether Grange in Almouth.
How to do it: HF Holidays seven-night 7 Night Northumberland Walking with Sightseeing Holiday is priced from £1,289 per person including full board accommodation, tickets for a Farne Islands Cruise, all transport in the itinerary and guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leader.
Astronomical rituals in the Lake District
The Castlerigg stone circle, nestled in Keswick in the Lake District, is brimming with mythical lore and ancient mystery. According to legend, the standing stones were created by a powerful druid as a sacred site for rituals aligned with celestial events. Other theories include a tale that the stones were once giants turned to stone by a vengeful sorcerer or that the circle is a portal to other worlds, only opening during solstices or under a blue moon. HF Holidays offers a four-night walking and sightseeing holiday, staying at owned country house Derwent Bank, which includes a guided walk to visit this prehistoric monument.
How to do it: HF Holidays 4 Night Northern Lake District Walking with Sightseeing Holiday is priced from £785 per person, including full board accommodation, tickets to Keswick Launch, all transport in the itinerary and guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leader.
For more information, please visit: www.hfholidays.co.uk