If you’re planning a holiday within the UK, or already booked a holiday, you might be overwhelmed with where to go and what to see. The UK is full of many sites with great heritage, spectacular landscapes and cultural attractions. For the older traveller there are many perfect destinations too, with opportunities to sit back and relax if you fancy it or get involved with gentle activities. Acorn Stairlifts investigates the top 5 destinations and what you can do there…
The Cotswold
Stretched over 6 counties in the South West of England, The Cotswold is the birthplace of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and where Beatrix Potter took inspiration for her third book, ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’. The area is well-known for the abundance of quaint villages and thatch-roof cottages.
There are many enchanting stately homes and castles, sitting amongst the villages. Sudeley Castle is one of them, which was famously owned by Henry VIII’s last wife Katherine Parr. The late Queen of England is now buried on the grounds and you can visit where she lies. There is also Rodmarton Manor which is another house located within the Cotwolds – Its architecture is more than impressive and all materials that were used to build it were regionally sourced and handcrafted by craftsmen in the area.
For those of you who are outdoor enthusiasts, there are a range of trails you can follow either on your own or as part of a guided tour. There are walks suitable for all abilities, with shorter detours available, and you’re never far from a small village where you can pause for a rest and a bite to eat.
If you’re undecisive on which village you’d like to visit, consider walking The Cotsworld Way National Trail. The trail rolls over 102 miles and weaves between hills. You are able to walk the entire way stopping off for overnight stays at various villages to rest your legs.
The Lake District.
The Lake District is a popular destination for many UK residents. No matter the weather, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the views, walks around the lakes and escape away from the big cities.
Country shows and festivals appear throughout the year, which can make your trip extra special. Events such as farmers’ markets, Food festivals and unique film festivals, so there’s something for all hobbies. You don’t have to travel far to see other interesting attractions too, such as diamond wheel cutting and glassblowing, which you won’t see just anywhere. You could even take a trip to the Lakes working distillery and see how whisky, gin and vodka are produced on-site.
There are a large variety of walking trails for different abilities and time scales. Why not make a picnic and take it up to one of the mountains and enjoy the great outdoors and views below with a cup of tea and a cake? There a boat rides across the lakes to see the landscape from a different point of view as well.
The Northern Irish Coast.
The Northern Irish Coast is worth visiting as it has a lot to offer. If you plan on travelling there and looking recommendations for accommodation, then consider staying in Belfast. It has a well organised transport system running in and out of the city and it’s not too far from the sights you’ll want to see.
A recommended location is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The bridge was first built by fisherman in 1755 to connect the mainland to a tiny island. The rope bridge is suspended around 30 metres above sea levels and is famous for its scenic views and ability to get those hearts racing, so If you’re a bit of dare-devil than it’s a one for you. Carrick-a-Rede is also close to the Giant’s Causeway too, which is another popular site for Irish tourists. It’s situated on the coast and this attraction is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, although legends say it was built by an Irish Giant as a way to reach a Scottish Giant ahead of a fight.
The Dark hedges is also close to the coast and is famous from the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. It is an avenue of Beech trees that date back to the 18th century and makes an amazing backdrop for a walk in the country or some memorable photos.
The Highlands in Scotland
The Scottish Highlands is full of breath-taking views or picturesque moments wherever you go. The country is relatively small compare to other European countries and there are plenty of transport links which allow you to see a lot in a short space of time.
You can travel on the West Highland Line, which is a trainline that runs between Glasgow, Oban, Fort Williams and more. You’ll see rugged mountains on your journey, and rich greenery and other scenes that you’d only spot in the countryside.
If you travel to Moral Firth, you can take a trip to the sea, where you’ll be in the presents of 130 bottlenose dolphins. There are many boat trips that take you out to sea to get closer and snap the perfect photo of them and other wildlife such as seals, whales and porpoises!
If you do head to Scotland, why not visit the Capital? Edinburgh offers a lot of tourist attractions such a zoo which hosts to only Giant Panda in Britain. It’s also a very beautiful city that has a great transport system, brilliant bars and restaurant, and interesting city tours. Edinburgh also hosts the largest art and culture festival in the world called Fringe Festival and it begins in August.
Cornwall
Cornwall is located on the south-western tip of England. The area seems to gain the highest temperature in Britain during the summer period and it is home to charming fishing villages such as Fowey and Falmouth and a town famous for its surf beaches, St Ives.
If you’re into your history, then explore the world’s largest Heritage site. It is a collection of ten places that represent Cornish Mining. You can Tour through Carnglaze Slate Caverns which is made up of three huge caverns that played a part in Cornwalls Slate mining industry. Morwellham Quay is also a recommended location that takes you back to the Victorian era with a copper mine, working farm, railway and museum.
If you go to Cornwall than do consider visiting the Eden Project which is a popular attraction. Eden Project is made up of two biomes, one which simulates a rainforest environment, and the other, a Mediterranean climate. You will there find flora of all shapes and sizes that wouldn’t normally be found in England. You can walk among the treetops and a waterfall from accessing elevated pathways that are around Eden Project. The waterfall is made up of rain water that falls on the biome and is cascaded through the rainforest.
If you are seeking an adventure at seas, then you can board a voyage to St Michael’s Mount, which is a rocky island off the coast of Cornwall. If you have an appreciation for gardens, this is an ideal place as there is a cliff-side garden with a range of blossoms and herbs to see.
As you can see from this article there are many attractions that shouldn’t be missed in the UK. There are opportunities for everything from brisk countryside walks to adrenaline-pumping activities.