Great British Breaks: Adventure, Intrigue and Traditional Charm
The staycation has been growing in popularity in recent years, with many UK holidaymakers choosing to stay closer to home. Who can blame them? With stunning scenery and excellent activities the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, holidaying closer to home is a great choice and saves you the hassle of organising your passports and exchanging currency. Plus, the good thing about a UK holiday is that whatever type of break you’re after, you’ll find everything from witchcraft to Welsh cakes so the UK is sure to deliver. Here’s our pick of the best breaks around.
Adventure in the Peak District
For thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline-packed holiday, the Peak District is the answer. Experienced and budding rock climbers will be in their element in the Peaks, where there are more than 10,000 routes attracting world-class climbers looking to tackle the limestone and gritstone crags. Unsurprisingly, great climbing territory is also perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts with the best off-road trails found in the northern Peak District. Look forward to hurtling down steep, muddy tracks for an exhilarating experience like never before. The trails which link Edale, Hope Valley and Upper Derwent reservoir offer an adrenaline pumping mix of tricky ascents and fast downhill stretches across challenging terrain.
Foodie Break in Wales
When you think of Wales, historic towns and mountain walks often spring to mind, but Wales is also hiding a delicious secret. From Welsh rarebit to Welsh cakes and tasty lamb, Wales is a food lovers’ paradise. Cockles fried with laverbread and bacon is a lunchtime must when you’re on holiday in Wales, as are the delicious mussels and crab caught daily on the Pembrokeshire coast. Top chefs are also discovering the delights of Welsh cuisine with the country now boasting four Michelin-starred establishments, perfect for a special way to end your holiday. Self-catering accommodation is a good option for a foodie break as you can enjoy meals at charming tea rooms and cosy pubs across Wales and sample local delicacies in your very own kitchen; visit sykescottages.co.uk for more information.
Myth and Legend in Cornwall
In addition to award-winning beaches and great local food, the ancient land of Kernow (the Cornish word for Cornwall) offers bags of myth and legend for an intriguing family holiday. Discover the area’s smuggling history in the tiny ports on the southern coast such as Looe and Polperro where you’ll also find a museum dedicated to this murky chapter of Cornish history. Take a walk across pretty Bodmin Moor and search for the Beast, a giant cat-like creature with yellow eyes, said to roam this area of outstanding natural beauty. Jamaica Inn, not far from the Moor, boasts the UK’s largest collection of witchcraft related artefacts in a suitably spooky setting.
Traditional Seaside Holiday in Yorkshire
If you hark back to a simpler time, enjoying a traditional seaside break on the Yorkshire coast is sure to rank top of your list. The quiet resort of Filey is perfect for a dose of nostalgia with a traditional promenade and a gentle place of life. Experience all the fun of the fair in Scarborough with donkey rides, cliff trams and a delicious Knickerbocker Glory. Bridlington, home to David Hockney, offers a gorgeous Blue Flag beach and promenade with unusual structures and Modernist beach huts. Nearby Flamborough Head offers far-reaching views down the coast and is the perfect place to enjoy a portion of fish and chips straight from the paper as the sun goes down.