Post Lockdown UK Travel Bucket List
I don’t know about you, but with travel paused for so long now I feel like part of me is missing so I’m definitely ready for some adventure. You don’t always have to travel far and wide for epic experiences. The UK is home to picturesque lakes, historic castles, iconic mountains, spectacular ruins and beautiful beaches.
With eight more months left of 2021 I’ve come up with eight bucket list-worthy weekends away for when restrictions ease:
~ May ~
Stargazing in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Rock up to one of the designated Dark Sky Discovery sites. Whilst you’re so close, nip over to Lake Windermere for the day and take a boat out for the afternoon or try out stand up paddle boarding.
Stay: Brownber Hall. A modern country guesthouse, deep in the Cumbrian countryside, surrounded by miles of fields and rolling hills, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
~ June ~
Meander along the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Wye Valley AONB can be a fun-filled adventure or a back-to-nature escape. You’ll find caves, nature trails, kayaking and bike trails to name a few. The wildlife, scenery and serene countryside is there when you want it, plus everything is right on your doorstep without the need to travel far for your next adventure. What more could you want? It’s just incredible.
Stay: A cosy, rural cottage. The privacy of your own cosy home to retreat to after a busy day will make the perfect recipe for this countryside holiday.
~ July ~
Dolphin spotting, whale watching & Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.
Search for mysterious nessy, the famous monster who is said to dwell in the depths of Loch Ness. You might have more luck spotting the dolphins and whales though. Best chances for whales are between May-Sept.
Stay: Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Scotland's finest luxury hotel and restaurant uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland.
~ August ~
Hiking in Snowdonia National Park.
Standing tall at 1,085 metres, Choose from six different paths to conquer the biggest mountain in Wales. With many waterfalls to explore too you can really make an adventure out of this weekend away.
Stay: The Grapes Hotel. One of the oldest coaching inns and a charming and comfortable stay which is also one of the most popular venues for eating & drinking in Snowdonia.
~ September ~
Walks and waterfalls in Brecon, South Wales.
Brecon Beacons National Park contains some of the finest walking country in Europe, but there’s far more to the Brecon Beacons than that. Lakes, castles, rivers, characterful market towns and waterfall trails. This really is a nature lovers trip. Not to mention there's also an epic chance for stargazing here too with the Milky Way visible on a clear night.
Stay: There are plenty of idyllic cottages to choose from close to nearby towns or secluded deep into the national park.
~ October ~
Visit the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Durdle door is one of my personal favourites. In October you’ll enjoy less crowded beaches and walks along the UNESCO world heritage site stretching 95 miles from Devon to Dorset.
Stay: The Pig on the Beach. In a hamlet so ridiculously picturesque it was the inspiration for Noddy’s Toytown, and overlooking the lake-still expanse of Studland Bay, The Pig on the Beach hotel in Dorset has a winning location. A revived and extended 16th-century manor house with a kitchen-garden menu.
~ November ~
Discover Giant's causeway, Northern Ireland.
An epic sight of thousands of hexagonal stepping stones dating back millions of years. Stay a few nights in Belfast with it’s narrow cobbled streets, great bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of history.
Stay: The Titanic Hotel Belfast. Situated at the heart of Titanic Quarter is the world's most authentic Titanic hotel – an attraction in itself.
~ December ~
Soak in Bath’s thermal waters.
A wellbeing destination since Roman times and home to the UK's only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in. As well as some of the finest independent shops, museums, galleries and restaurants; making it the perfect weekend escape.
Stay: The Gainsborough Bath Spa. A luxury hotel in the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site. Tapping into the original thermal springs, Spa Village Bath offers a contemporary perspective on the city's thermal water heritage and guests can "take the waters" in luxury at the Bath House, visiting a circuit of natural thermal pools, saunas & ice alcove.
Travel is soon destined to open up again, at least locally to begin with. Why not take some inspiration from these ideas or perhaps even start your own bucket-list adventure list. I'm still available to take on new enquiries so get in touch when you're ready to make some exciting plans.
Take care,
Stephanie