Linger in the UK
This post is brought to you by Sykes Cottages, a great company with which to book a holiday cottage in the UK.
Travelling to the UK is often seen by many first time visitors as simply a quick weekend in the capital before heading over to mainland Europe for some “proper travel”. Once you step foot in the UK though, you’ll soon realise that there’s plenty more on offer beyond London’s bright lights no matter what you’re into. Spend a few weeks touring a part of the UK and soon you’ll be thinking of ways to extend your stay…
Outdoor life in the Lakes
This may seem a bit obvious but life in the Lake District revolves around the great outdoors. This huge region in the north of England dominated by an impressive National Park boasts miles of unspoilt, beautiful countryside and as you’d expect great walking country. Whether you admire the natural beauty on foot or from the water, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy leisurely days wandering through charming market towns like Grasmere and Kendal discovering the area’s surprising heritage; the Lakes were home to William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and inspired numerous literary works. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, a self-catering holiday cottage is a great base for exploring the Lake District, just click here for more information.
Delicious Cornwall
Compared to mainland Europe, the UK may have a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to food but if you head to Cornwall this stereotype will be turned on its head time and again. As you’ll never be more than 16km from the sea, look forward to the freshest of fish and seafood across the region. And, when in Cornwall, you simply have to try the Cornish pasty and traditional cream tea, a popular choice with locals and visitors alike. Most food in Cornwall has a story behind it; take, for instance, the Stargazey Pie which was created to celebrate a Cornish man who saved his village from starvation. This is just what you’d expect from a region with a unique identity; Cornwall is to England what Catalonia is to Spain. Spend some time getting to know the real Cornwall; from smuggling to mining and witchcraft, there’s much more to this pretty coastal region than first meets the eye.
Surprising North Wales
If you’ve only got a few weeks to spend in the UK, North Wales is a good bet if you’re looking to maximise your experiences. The Snowdonia National Park is a must when you’re in this part of the world with nine mountain ranges and miles of coastline offering outdoor activity for all abilities. There’s also history aplenty in this part of the UK; try Conwy which boasts the smallest house in the UK in the shadow of its imposing medieval castle. Pastel-coloured buildings and ornamental gardens probably aren’t what you’d imagine in this corner of North Wales but a visit to the unique Italianate village of Portmeirion will certainly change your mind. Cross the Menai Bridge to Anglesey where you can expect golden beaches and watersports on a par with the Mediterranean; all in all a great place to spend a few weeks relaxing.
