Portmeirion: My favourite place in the UK for quiet relaxation. Avoid the mid-summer crowds and visit in May or September to explore the village (famous as the setting for the Prisoner TV series in the 1960s) and the extensive woodland and beaches. Lake District Attractions:. My own tribute to the Ambleside area of the English Lake District. The warnings about the roads should be taken seriously. Even experienced drivers may find some of the mountain routes daunting, but there are plenty of easily accessible areas where you can enjoy some beautiful scenery. HOME.