Take look at our blog to discover more about our destinations and hidden gems across the British Isles & Ireland.
As autumn tumbles upon us the weather begins to take a turn for the worse and the thought of getting out for a walk is less appealing. Getting totally soggy and cold doesn’t sound like a lot of fun and we can become tempted to shut ourselves away indoors.
The best thing we can do though is to keep up our walking through the autumn and winter months, stick with our outdoor adventures but just be a little more prepared for the elements.
Although we hate to admit it, the summer seems to be slowly slipping away and giving in to cooler temperatures and more unpredictable weather. It always feels a little sad as summer leaves but lets not forget that Autumn is a truly magical time of year here in the UK. The leaves on the trees turn beautiful shades of orange and red and the sun hangs low in the sky lighting up the countryside with gorgeous orange hues. So if you are thinking about booking an Autumn getaway then we think that its a great idea. Here are some of our favourite spots for autumn getaways in the UK.
You may be an experienced walker who has been rambling for years and has many a good campsite story to tell, or perhaps you are new to the walking club, whatever your circumstance it’s always good to chat to others and get their hints, advice and walking tips.
Even if you think there isn’t anything you don’t know about walking you’ll be surprised to hear different peoples experiences and you might even learn a nice little snippet of information that will help you on yours.
You’ve partied through your 20’s and scoffed at visiting a boring National Trust, but once you’ve settled down a bit, perhaps even started a family, your priorities change, you seem to enjoy the peace and quiet that being surrounded by nature and beauty brings, and all of a sudden you’ll find yourself asking ‘Is it worth buying a season ticket for the National Trust?
Some of us go walking in big groups or clubs with other fellow walkers, but some of us start out on our own. Perhaps walking is a new hobby that you’ve just embarked upon but you don’t know anybody else who shares your passion for going hiking, or maybe you’ve decided to start walking to get out and be a bit more sociable and meet new people. So how easy is it to makes friends as a walker?
This summer has been amazing so far in Ireland and because of that, outdoor swimming has been super popular. A trip to Ireland doesn’t always conjure up images of lazy beach days and sunshine but this summer it really has been just that.
If you are heading to the Emerald Isle for a holiday or are already here then you’ll definitely want to read about 8 of the best outdoor swimming spots in Ireland below.
Some of us choose to go walking with our families, others with groups of friends, some like to walk with their partner and then there are those of us that just like to go it alone.
There is something very special about being out in the wild, surrounded by only nature and your own thoughts, but as a solo walker there are some considerations to make before setting out that differ from walking with others and we look at them in this blog.
The idea of gorgeous family walks, soaking up the sunshine and immersing the whole family in nature and wildlife is definitely one thats flitted through the minds of most of us parents, but in reality a badly planned hike with the kids in tow can result in a lot of tears (yours and the kids!) and far more hassle then its worth.
Have a look over our top tips for managing an enjoyable hike with the whole family.
We walkers spend a lot of our spare time in the great outdoors discovering our beautiful planet on foot. Its a great way to exercise and really take in the world around us, but have you ever thought about stepping your game up a notch and getting involved in race walking?
Race walking is a a recognised discipline of athletics, is included in the Olympic Games and is essentially just a faster version of regular walking. It is regulated by the IAAF and judged so that you maintain a good walking technique. Points are then awarded based on how fast you complete a fixed distance and rankings are produced so that you can begin to compete with other who do race walking.
If you are heading to Scotland for a summer break then there are so many wonderful things to get up to, but make sure to pack for all manner of weather and temperatures as the climate is a little unpredictable year round and there is no guarantee of balmy summer days, that said these days do exist this far north, much to many peoples doubt!
We’ve sought out some of the best places to visit in Scotland this summer, have a read.
Suffolk is a beautiful part of the country that many people flock to for their holidays, situated on the east coast of England you’ll find gorgeous beaches, charming medieval towns, stunning countryside and loads of pubs, restaurants and attractions to keep in busy in Suffolk.
We’ve selected some of the best, not to be missed parts of Suffolk here to help you plan your holidays.
BEACHES
A lot of people come to Suffolk to be beside the seaside and with Suffolk being the closest undistrubed beach to London its a popular destination for people wanting a break from city life.
Walberswick Beach: This is our favourite coastal spot in Suffolk, with a gorgeous little sand dune backed beach just across from the river Southwold, you can have a play or kick back on the sand and shingle beach or have a dip in the sea, there is also a lovely walk along the Walberswick Nature Reserve if you get bored of relaxing (not likely!)
Southwold Pier Beach:This is more of the traditional seaside resort style beach in Suffolk, with a 250m long pier, a sand and shingle beach and lots of attractions including traditional seaside arcade fun for the family, restaurants, summer punch and judy shows and an under the pier show which you must visit.
South of Claremont Pier Beach (Lowestoft): If its a sandy beach that you are craving in Suffolk then you’ll love South of Claremont Pier beach, which is a fine stretch of sand known locally as Victoria Beach. This is a popular holiday area with colourful beach huts, restaurants and cafes and is also known as the ‘sunrise coast’ so if you fancy an early start one morning during your stay in Suffolk then you can test this out for yourself and see if the sunrise is as good as they say!
ARTS & CULTURE
Arts and Culture are a big deal in Suffolk and combine new and original theatre productions, dance, festivals and lots of museums and galleries to mooch around.
Benjamin Bitten was born here in Suffolk, arguably one of the greatest composers of the 20th century and leaving a rich musical heritage to the area.
Aldeburgh Beach Lookout: Check out this tiny art temple by the sea, a magical and stimulating place for the art-minded to visit.
The Hunter Gallery, Bury St Edmonds: Here, well-known local artists exhibit paintings, sculptures and furntiure for people to view and buy. They specialise in art for the home and have some really beautiful pieces if you fancy taking home your very own little piece of Suffolk.
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmonds: The Theatre Royal in Suffolk is one of the most significant theatre buildings in Britain and the last surviving Regency playhouse. This grade 1 listed building is actually part of the National Trust property portfolio and shows a vibrant, year-round programme of drama, music, dance and comedy.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS:
There are loads of things to do to keep the family busy in Suffolk so if you fancy a day away from the beach then check out some of these brillaint days out.
Africa Alive: This is an African themed wildlife park and is part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia. It aims are advancement and education, animal welfare and conservation and its a real treat for the family to see African animals in Suffolk.
Set in 100 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside there are some lovely walks around the park aside from getting up close and personal with the animals.
Easton Farm Park: A visit to Easton Farm Park in Suffolk is all about learning about real farm life, meeting the animals, smelling the smells and hearing the farm noises. The children can roam around freely and safely meaning parents can relax. There are often workshops going on over the summer months too.
Framlingham Castle: Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring these castle walls in Suffolk. Rich in history, exploring a castle is always an adventure for little ones and is super interetsing for bigger ones too! There are walks, exhibits and a cafe for lunch.
Pubs & Restaurants
Scutchers Restaurant, Long Melford: This tastefully decorated, lovely restaurant is a real treat with amazing food and service that is second to none.
If you fancy the food but want to relax in your pj’s then head for the Scutchers shop which sells starters, mains and puddings and wine all to be taken away.
Queen’s Head, Blyford: A beautiful 500 year old thatched pub close to Southwold and Halesworth in Suffolk, this is a fine example of a traditional English pub complete wih a gorgeous beer garden for those warmer days.
Here they specialise in local meats but also have an array of speciality nights throughout the week including curry, pie and italian nights.
Morston Hall: Morston Hall in Suffolk boasts a Michelin star and the restaurant is located in the gorgeous country house hotel.
Expect beautifully presented, imaginative food that will get your tastebuds tingling.
Just because you aren’t feeling flush doesn’t mean you can’t have a Dublin city break, there are so many wonderulf budget options available, which means you get to save your hard earned cash for sightseeing, eating out, hitting the shops and generally enjoying yourelf. We’ve sussed out some of the best budget options right here.
Buswells Hotel
In the heart of the city, Buswells offers a really well-priced, old-fashioned style hotel that is as cosy as they come.
The service is attentive and the staff are super friendly and will help you plan your days out with their wealth of knowledge of Dublin.
They have a bar and restaurant or if you fancy heading out you are in a perfect location with everything you could want on the doorstep.
The website has some offers too so you may make further savings, always good to check them out before booking.
The Kingfisher Townhouse
This cosy hotel makes a great budget option, its 100m from O’Connell street which offers the best shopping in the city and a ten minute walk from the popular Temple Bar district.
The rooms here are spacious and have been recently renovated and there is even the option of an apartment containing a fully equipped kitchens and sitting area, ideal for families or groups and could save you a fortune on eating out.
Royal Marine Hotel
Overlooking picturesque Dun Laoghaire Harbour looking out to Dublin Bay, the Royal Marine Hotel has just wonderful views and is a brilliant budget option.
This bustling seaside hotel has a great atmosphere, some rooms with seaviews, a spa, gym, pool and tennis courts, so you won’t be getting bored!
Ballsbridge Hotel
Located 20 minutes walk from the city centre, Ballsbridge Hotel is a well-renowned, stylish and inviting hotel that makes for a great budget option.
The traditional Irish hospitality is perfect and the you won’t leave without having a drink at their pub The Dubliner, where locals and residents alike enjoying meeting.
With 400 rooms you’ll pretty much always find there is space and it’s super close to the RDS Arena, 3 Arena and Aviva Stadium.
Ariel House
This guesthouse happens to be one of our favourite budget options, it occupies two Victorian townhouses nect to the Aviva Stadium and it is impressive!
The interior is elegant but welcoming and cosy with big comfortable sofas to sink into and a grand piano in the drawing room.
The rooms have been kitted out with good quality furnishing including orthopeadic matterresses and quality linen and towels.
Although Ariel House has a great price tag you won’t feel like you are scrimping in the slightest.
Generator Hostel
Located in the fashionable Smithfield district of Dublin, the Generator Hostel is a real budget option but will really surprise you.
If you are looking for a lively place to stay that definitely won’t break the bank then head this way.
With amazing open social spaces, a cafe and bar, reclaimed wood and exposed brickwork there is a really cool industrial feel to this place.
If you want to add a pinch of luxury to your budget stay then book the shared room with the hot tub!
Whether you are a seasoned camping pro, are relatively new to the camping game or are just considering buying a tent and getting into it all, camping is a great way to take a break without having to spend a fortune and it is really, really fun (honestly!) With beautiful campsites all over the UK, we focus here on Devon since during the summer months its a stunning part of the country to visit.
Here are some of our favourites.
1.Secret Spot Camping, Braunton
Secret Spot is a gorgeous little camping spot which is aptly named since its pretty hard to find! Don’t be put off though once you find it you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flower gardens, barbecue’s, picnic spots and relaxation spots with benches hidden away in little nooks and crannies.
This campsite is nestled in totally unspoilt countryside where you might see butterflies, dragonflies, owls and bats.
Super close to Croyde Bay its a great spot if you are a surfer or beach go-er and the lovely family who own the site are on hand should you need anything during your stay.
2.Stowford Farm Meadows, North Devon
If you are looking for a fabulous, family friendly campsite then you are going to love Stowford Farm Meadows.
This is rural campsite set amongst 500 acres of rolling coutryside and mature woodland which provides beautiful views and lots of exploring opportunities for the family.
On site you’ll find loads of great facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, crazy golf, a horse riding centre, childrens entertainment and play areas.
3.Karrageen Camping and Caravan Park, Salcombe, South Devon
This family run campsite is set near gorgeous Salcombe in a beautiful valley surrounded by National Trust protected coastline.
This isn’t a campsite with loads going on, its all about kicking back in the peace and quiet and soaking up the beautiful surrounding countryside.
There is a small, well-stocked shop at the reception though and it does sell alcohol so if you fancy watching the sun go down with a nice glass of wine you won’t be disappointed.
4.Ocean Pitch, Croyde
The views in Devon don’t get much better than here, so if you need to be near to the ocean then this is your spot.
Ocean Pitch offers an ideal location for exploring the beautiful Croyde Bay, surfing, cycling, walking and providing great access to the South West Coastal Path.
These guys offer some fun activities if you want to get involved, most revolve around the ocean. There is a surf shack on site for some great breakfast and lunch options too.
5.Caffyns Farm, Exmoor
Set in 160 acres of countryside in one of Exmoor’s most beautiful coastal locations with a stream running though you’ll find absoute peace and quiet here, even though you aren’t far from so many great places.
Here you are ten minutes to Lynton and Lynmouth and close to all of the North Devon towns and attractions.
One of the barns has been convereted into a lovely cafe that has inside and outside seating overlooking the sea. There is also a shop on site.
Although you might not automatically think of beautiful beaches when you’re in the UK, you’d be wrong to think that the beaches aren’t good. There are some stunning beaches dotted all around the UK’s coastline and get lucky with the weather and you’ve really no need to go abroad for your holidays. So where are the UK’s best beaches?
1.Porthcurno, near Land’s End, Cornwall
Porthcurno is located in the far west of Cornwall, right near to Land’s End. It’s about as far west as you can and it is certainly worth making the journey there.
The sand is soft and white, the cliffs are dramatic and the area is an oasis of stunning natural beauty and easily one of the UK’s best beaches.
You also must visit the clifftop Minack outdoor theatre that is carved into the granite cliffs and set in the glorious gardens overlooking beautiful Porthcurno Bay.
2.Saunton Sands, North Devon
With three miles of golden sand and home to some of the best surfing in the UK this is argueably one of the UK’s best beaches.
Lying between the villages of Braunton and Croyde the natural beauty of this beach is breath taking and the sand dunes that back the beach are perfect for family walks.
3.Sandsend, Yorkshire
Just above the town of Whitby you’ll find this gorgeous little village with a beautiful sweep of beach divided by a stream that runs down to the ocean.
One of the UK’s best beaches, it is small and very picturesque and is popular with fossil collecters, fishing enthusiats and families.
If you fancy taking a walk then the beach runs into Whitby Sands and makes for a gorgeous coastal stroll.
4.Bamburgh, Northumberland
This is a strikingly beautiful area and certainly home to one of the UK’s best beaches. Not only does it boast a vast swathe of dune-fringed sands, it also has their iconic castle perched on the cliff top over looking the beach.
The beach is really big here so doesn’t often feel crowded and its a great spot for catching some waves if you are a surfer.
5.Formby, Lancashire
The staggering dunes here are classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and from the highest points there are views out towards the Cumbrian mountains which makes this spot so special.
The beaches are vast with beautiful sands, you’ll feel a mile away from the rest of the world and may even forget you are in the UK.
6.Sandwood Bay, Cape Wrath, Sutherland, West Scotland
Sandwood Bay never seems too busy, even at the height of summer because of its expanse of beautiful golden sands and dunes.
With rocky cliffs overlooking the beach and a giant sea stack its an interesting area and feels very peaceful. Get lucky with the weather and you won’t want to move all day.
7.Luskentyre Sands, Outer Hebrides
Found on the West Coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, this place is really special and easily one of the UK’s best beaches.
Boasting miles of white sand and glorious blue/green waters you could be fooled into thinking you’d travelled for day on a plane to reach this spot.
There is also some great walking and cycling within this truly beautiful area.
8.Portstewart Stand, Northern Island
On the Causeway Coast of Northern Island you’ll find this magnificent beach. At one end it has low basalt cliffs and at the other the River Bann. Behind this 2 mile stretch of sandy beach you’ll find beautiful dunes that reach up to 100ft at the highest parts and the ocean is pretty good here for surfing.
9.Marloes Sands, Wales
And lastly but by no means least we come to Wales, boasting some of the best beaches in the UK with Marloes Sands being our favourite.
Maloes Sands has a huge expanse of sand at low tide with rocks and interesting cliff formations and rock pools cat the western end of the beach.
At high tide the beach can completely disappear so be sure to check the tidal times before heading down with your bucket and spade.
Climb over the rocks at the western end to discover Albion Sands, a perfect little sandy beach. At low tide you can see the prop shaft of a wrecked ship sticking out of the sand.
Ireland is a breathtakingly beautiful country that has been blessed by mother nature in so many ways. From the dramatic cliffs to the sandy beaches, the rugged mountain ranges to the pretty towns and cities, there are sights for all to see and Ireland's scenery is so interesting and varied it will keep young to old happy. We’ve selected our favourites, most scenic parts of Ireland below and hope you enjoy visiting them as much as we do.
1.Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
If visiting the ocean is your thing then the Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare will definitely float your boat. Of all of Ireland’s scenery along its coast this is the most dramatic and most beautiful.
Stretching for five miles along the Atlantic coast, these 400 foot cliffs offer spectacular views out to sea and its here that you’ll experience nature at its finest. Think salty sea air, the crashing ocean waves below, bird cry all around you and the wind whistling past you.
Its a gorgeous spot to come and gather your thoguhts, but do remember that in the summer months it can get quite busy so plan wisely. During the winter you may get lucky and have some alone time up on the cliffs.
2.Cobh, Co. Cork
Cobh is a gorgeous little town in County Cork and it a lovely spot to see some of Ireland’s scenery. The town is full of candy-coloured houses that line the beautiful sea-front. Many cruise ships stop off here too so you’ll often catch huge ships heading for the port.
Pay a visit to the cathedral, visit the Titanic Museum which is significant because Cobh was its last port of call in 1912 and wander the chcoclate box streets.
3.Connemara National Park
Nowhere showcases Irelands scenery better than its National Parks and Connemar is no exception.
Featuring 2957 hectares of bogs, mountains, grasslands, heaths and forest it is an explorers paradise.
There are many walking trails in this area of varying levels of difficulty so don’t forget to bring your hiking boots.
The park is also home to lots of wildlife and if you’re lucky you may spot Connemara ponies, red deer and an abundance of birds including skylarks, stonechats, and peregrine falcons.
There is a visitors centre too that you can have a look around and discover the history of the park.
4.Skellig Michael, Kerry
The magnificent Skellig Islands lie eight miles off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically to 714ft out of the water they are really beautiful to see.
On the summit of Skellig Michael stands a very well preserved sixth century monastic settlement. Take a tour to this beautiful island and see Irelands scenery from a different viewpoint. There are regular boat tours that will take you out and although it can be a choppy ride depending on weather conditions, it is most definitely worth it.
5.Galway, Co. Galway
Galway is a stunning harbour city on Ireland's west cost that sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. This gorgeous city has loads to offer with shops, pubs, bars and live Irish music.
There is a really rustic charm about Galway, visit the Cathedral, the food markets, the museums and take a walk along the harbour side. Definitely don’t forget to visit the main shopping street which is easily one of Ireland's most scenic shopping areas with brightly coloured shop fronts, buskers and street performers everywhere with Lynch’s Castle towering over the whole street.
6.Killarney National Park
Ireland's scenery doesn’t get much better than in Killarney National Park. South and West of the town of Killarney you’ll find this beautiful spot which contains the highest mountain range in Ireland, the McGillycuddys Reeks and at its foot the beautiful lakes of Killarney.
If you are looking for some photo opportunitues then look no fruther,.
There are many walks and trails around the lakes, up the mountains, through the forest and the park is just so peaceful you could get lost for hours with just yourselves and nature all around you.
A visit to Ross Castle is also nice, sitting on the lower edge of Killareny’s lake the castle was built in the 15th century and remains today for all to see.
With over seven million tourists visiting each year, Ireland is a trip that most of us would like to take one day or may have already taken.
With bustling cities, stunning sandy beaches and an abundance of history, castles and forts its easy to see why so many people want to come and experience what life is like on the Emerald Isle.
Unlike a beach holiday though where you know to just throw your swimmer, sunnies and suncream into a bag its a little less straightfroward for a trip to ireland. The weather is super unpredictable and there are many different types of terrain.
Our eight essentials below should keeop you in check though.
1.Rain Coat
Ireland has a lot of rain, there is no escaping it so just keep this in mind and if you get some gorgeous sunny days then it will be an absolute bonus.
For your trip to Ireland make sure to pack a rain coat that is small enough to fold away and you can carry around with you each day, if there is a short sharp downpour you will thank us for it! And remember that all of the rain Ireland gets is the reason for Irelands stunning green and lush countryside, so its not necessarily a bad thing.
2.Hiking Shoes
Unless you are just heading on a trip to Ireland to stick to the cities then you’ll probably find yourlsef doing some walking in the countryside, with the unpredictability of the weather and the varying types of terrains you might be walking on then it would definitely be wise to invest in some proper walking boots to pack for your trip.
3.Windproof Umbrella
As you’ve probably already gathered, it rains a lot in Ireland! And when it rains the temperature often drops and those cold winds can pick up. Don’t bother bringing a flimsy unbrella that will blow inside out at the first tiny gust of rain, get yourself a wind proof one that will withstand the Irish weather.
4.Warm Coat, whatever the season
Just because you are going on a trip to Ireland during the summer months doesn’t always mean it will be warm. Don’t get me wrong Ireland does get some beautiful summers days but even during the summer months if the weather turns it can be cold and you’ll really regret it if you don’t pack a warm coat
5.Layers
Layers are the best answer when heading somewhere with such an unpredictable weather system, bring tops that you can easy put on and pull off twnety-five times a day as the rain comes, then the sun comes up, then the wind picks up and so on and so on…...
6.Beach Wear
Shock, horror - yes do still bring beach wear! Ireland is home to some really breathtaking beaches and when the sun comes out there is no better place to be than soaking up the unspoilt nature that Ireland holds.
Ireland does get some gorgeous summers days so definitely do pack your swimmers and your lilo.
7.Power Adapter
Unless you are from the UK you’ll need to bring a power adapter for your trip to Ireland, although these can usually be bought at the airport if you forget, but you really don’t want to be left without your phone, laptop etc.
8.The Best Camera that you own
You will find an absolute abundance of photo opportunities on this beautiful island during your trip to Ireland.
The scenery is so dramatic that you’ll be snapping away all day so pack the best camera that you have to make sure you catch the best pictures possible.
Just because you are a family with young children doesn’t mean you can’t travel and it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you choose your destination wisely and do some good planning then the whole family will have a fun filled break away. Check out these family friendly destinations before you book your next family adventure.
Algarve, Portugal
Portugal has been a firm favourite for a family friendly holiday for a long while now. On top of the endless golden beaches, gorgeous sunny climate and the abundance of nice places to eat and sleep you’ll find extremely friendly locals and many great opportunities for little ones to explore and discover.
Choose a family friendly hotel complete with toddler pools, water slides and fun and games for the kids if you want ultimate peace of mind that your whole family will get some chill time. Aside from that the kids will love splashing around in the rock pools, jumping in the waves at the beach, hitting the awesome water parks, searching for dolphins on a boat trip and making friends with the many other children who head this way for a holiday.
Florida
You will have undoubtedly heard about the insane theme parks in Florida including Universal Studios, Disney Land’s Magical Kingdom and Seaworld and if you do make a trip to them you are going to have some seriously excited children!
Aside from the obvious attraction of these pretty magical places you’ll find Florida amazing for beautiful beaches, buzzing cities and so much to explore.
With great family friendly facilities and hotels geared up for families it will be an amazing and stress free break.
Sri Lanka
If you are a family of explorers then Sri Lanka could be an excellent option for you. Sri Lanka has grown and grown as a holiday destination over the past few years and is a really great, family friendly option.
The beaches are really special, the beautiful mountains, the tea plantations, the many giant Buddha’s and the gorgeous and very interesting towns and villages.
A highlight for families has to be the safari experiences where you’ll see all kinds of beautiful animals from elephants to giraffes and leopards.
Mexico
Mexico itself is such a beautiful place with the white sandy beaches that the Caribbean is famed for, simply delicious food and so much sunshine.
Children can play safely and freely on the beaches and the abundance of great hotels have so many facilities for children that they probably won’t even want to leave the site that you choose to stay on!
Cancun is a fantastic part of Mexico for families, with the American influence in this area all bases have been covered to make holidays really easy for those with little ones.
There are some amazing historic Aztec sites to visit such as Chichen Itza and once you’ve finished exploring then why not head to Wet n Wild water park for some serious fun!
Ireland
Ireland is a great choice for a family friendly holiday if you love getting out into nature and getting some beautiufl fresh air into your lungs.
Ok so you may not get the sunshine (you could get lucky but definitely don’t rely on it!) but your children can run wild and free in the beautiful countryside or on the gorgeous beaches and you can even head for the vibrant cities when you’ve had your outdoor fill.
There are also loads of brilliant family friendly pubs with outdoor space for the kids to play whilst you enjoy a nice pint.
The lure of foreign shores can be tempting, with television adverts promising of balmy beach days and endless sunshine it is easy to get sucked in, but if you make the decision to stay on UK soil you may find you have an even better time than you’d have imagined. Check out our top reasons for staying put and booking your holiday in the UK.
1.Keep Costs Down
The biggest and most obvious difference between having a holiday in the UK and jetting off abroad is the cost. With no flights, airport transfers and new summer clothes to have to fork out for you’ll save yourself a lot of money that you can spend on you holiday in the UK. Why not put it towards upgrading your hotel or having an extra long holiday and reap the benefits of being in the UK.
2.Beautiful Beaches on Your Doorstep
If you do your research and choose wisely then you will find some extremely beautiful beaches right here in the UK. Golden sand and clear blue water gently lapping the shore. Up and down the UK coast you’ll find some absolute gems, from rocky, cove beaches to wide sandy bays and the classic English seaside beach complete with rides and arcade games.
3.Fabulous Hotels
You certainly don’t need to go overseas to find your ideal hotel, the UK has every type of hotel you could dream of for every single budget. Be it a countryside boutique style hotel to a sky rise city hotel with a view, you’ll find it all.
If you’re travelling with a family then Airbnb can be a great option since you can rent a whole house/apartment which includes a kitchen area, always an easier choice when travelling with little ones who don’t necessarily want to eat at the same time as you or even the same food.
If you are travelling on a budget then have a look at YHA properties which have dorms or private rooms and usually have a kitchen and communal area to cook and meet other like minded travellers.
4.Wonderful Places to Eat and Drink
As with hotels, the UK has some of the best pubs and restaurants in the world with world famous chefs, Michelin stared restaurants and beautiful places to eat and drink in just about each and every part. From amazing street food stalls to fancy restaurants and everything in between, the UK has got it covered.
5.History
The UK has a rich history and often because you are from a country you find you don’t know all that much about it. Spend time visiting awe-inspiring castles rich with stories and gruesome tales of the past. Visit ancient sites and discover what went on right here on home soil many, many years ago.
6.Less Stress, More Chill Time
Lets face it,the thought of going abroad is wonderful but in realisty the travelling means a lot of time waiting around, being cramped into a plane, possible jet lag depending on your destination and much more added stress. The language barier, different foods, different rules and so on can make things far more difficult than having a holiday in the UK, and if you have kids then you’ll half your stress levels by staying in this country.
7.Take Your Own Transport
Having your holiday in the UK means that you can take your own means of transport, which in turn means no luggage allowance restrictions so you are able to pack all your home comforts, again if you are travelling with children this is going to make life an awful lot easier, anyone with kids knows how much ‘stuff’ there is to cart along!
Driving your own car or camper van means you can take snacks and food, drinks and fun activities to make the journey pass more quickly. Book onto a flight and you can’t even take your drink onboard. This freedom can make for a much easier break.
8.Impact on the Environment
Lastly it is also important to talk about the environmental impact your choice of holiday has. Think about this; just one return flight from London to New York produces a greater carbon footprint than a whole year's personal allowance needed to keep the climate safe, quite incredible when you put it like that.
If you are frequent holiday maker and like to jet off around the world, each time you are doing an awful lot of damage to our truly amazing planet, an irony in itself when all we want to do is go and explore its beauty.
Perhaps thinking about taking your next holiday in the UK could be a step in the right direction and could also be a surprisingly fun and stress free trip.
Happy holidays!
You started off just taking nice walks in the great outdoors and realised what a great past time it was, slowly over time your walks became harder, longer, camping over night, then you brought hiking ‘gear’ and all of a sudden you think about hiking a lot!
Are any of the below signs familiar to you? If so we’d say that your love for hiking has definitely stepped a gear and you are truly a seasoned walker!
1.You keep a backpack, tent and walking shoes in the boot of your car...just incase.
It makes sense right? You never know when you might stumble across a new trail or get a call from a friend who wants a trip, so keeping a loaded backpack ready and waiting just cuts time and means you can say yes more often!
2.Most of your internet browsing involves shopping for walking gear or looking for new destinations to go hiking
Internet shopping now means searching the web for new hiking gear, finding the clothes that are going to make your trip more enjoyable and finding new gadgets and tools that are total essentials, obviously.
Social media visits are now to look at travelling pages and plan out the places in the world that you want to hike. Your love for hiking takes priority.
3.You are an expert at packing a backpack to fit the maximum number of items possible in, at top speed
Whether you roll or fold, you’ve become excellent at fitting everything you could posibly need into your backpack at record speed since you’ve done it so many times before.
4.Your wardrobe consists of walking gear, waterproofs, fleeces and merino wool socks
Gone are the days of having a million different going out outfits, 25 pairs of jeans and so on, your wardrobe is now far more practical than that housing all of your precious hiking gear that make your trips so enjoyable.
5.You’d rather spend £200 on a tent than £100 on a hotel room
Why would you spend all of that cash on one night in a pokey hotel room when you could spend just a little bit more and upgrade your beloved tent that you could use time and time again?
6.When you move to a new place, you have no clue where the post office is, but know where the nearest trails are
You’ve likely either already done some of the trails or have extensively researched them before you’ve arrived. Heading somewhere new means new and exciting ground to discover, who cares about the Post Office we can google its where abouts right?!
7.You realise that you think the people who don’t backpack are just a little bit odd
Why on earth wouldn’t you want to head out doors and go on an adventure during EVERY possible bit of spare time you have? To be fair most people probably think your exreme love for hiking is a bit odd too, but who cares.
8.You use your backpack to carry your food shop home
Its totally normal for you to take your backpack with you to the supermarket rather than a million reusable bags, you are so familiar with it and carrying stuff home in a backpack is far easier than negotiating shopping bags.
9.You wonder if the meal you are eating can be dehydrated effectively
You can’t just enjoy your dinner anymore because your mind is always wondering whether it could be dehydrated and paked for your next trip! A meal that can be reused in this way is far more enjoyable in your eyes.
10.You pack a rain jacket on a sunny day JUST IN CASE
Every walker knows that even if the sun is shining when you leave the house you always pack a rain coat just in case, if the weather turns there isn’t much worse than being soggy all day whilst hiking. Your love for hiking is so strong that you just can’t leave the house without that rain coat, even for a quick trip to the shop up the road, it just wouldn’t feel right.
