Whey travel to the France Alps, Switzerland or the Far East for the ultimate Spa Breaks when you can have them here in the UK at some of our best countryside hotels. Taking you closer to nature these countryside spas offer the best in mind and body rejuvenation, using a mixture of state-of the-art centres and natural ingredients. They are the perfect quick-fix weekend spa break to soothe your worries. Here I have collated six of the best, packed with character and talented masseurs. read more…
Whitesands bay, Pembrokeshire
Close to St Davids (the UK’s smallest city, due to its 12th- century cathedral), Whitesands bay boasts a mile of soft sand and clear seas that offer fantastic surfing and swimming. Part of the Pembrokeshire coast National Park, there are always plenty of activities on offer, including walks, rockpooling and even crab catching.
Barafundle bay, Pembrokeshire
The joy of beach at Barafundle is that it is just that; no ice-cream stalls, deck chairs or noisy cafe. Accessible only on foot, it is spectacularly located between cliffs that keep the beach protected and the waters safe and calm for swimming. Backed by pine trees and sand dunes, the bay is part of an eight-mile stretch of unspoilt National Trust coastline. read more…
The Great British Summer pulls us out of our homes out into the outdoors but the ideas of sleeping on the ground inside a zipped up bag is not really something most of us really enjoy. Glamping on the other hand gives us the pleasure of living under the convas enjoying lush countryside, beautiful views and a real sense of escape. The difference, Glamping offers a bit more luxury that makes camping a bit more enjoyable from a living standpoint. Below are list of locations where you can enjoy the Great British outdoor in style. read more…
Many of us might know Kielder Water and Forest as having northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s largest forest or for activities such as its beautiful lake, star gazing, mountain biking walking and much more. Since October 2010 the Kielder Water & Forest Park has become the location of the Kielder Marathon, a brainchild of former 1,500m world champion Steve Cram, who hopes the undulating, off-road course around Kielder Water will eventually become “the most beautiful marathon in Britain.
So if you are looking for a natural escape absorbing the sensational English countryside then the Northumberland forest could be one of those places to escape to. The event is only open to 1,000 runners, so it’s best to register early to avoid missing out on this wonderful experience. The event is also open to junior runners with the Keilder Junior Run.
The run take you around the entire lake keeping you close to Kielder Water as it meanders through the forest and heath land. The course is a mixture of hills and flat, dirt and tarmac, because of the terrain it is advised to walk some area giving you the opportunity to absorb the beauty Kielder Water and Forest has to offer.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
The perfect arc of sand at Lulworht is one of the most famous features of the British coastline. It’s a beautiful beach, although it can get very busy in the summer months. Lulworth is part of the Jurassic Coast, and you can learn more about it a the excellent visitor centre near the beach, but the best way to explore the area’s beauty is to walk from Lulworth over the cliffs to the extraordinary rock formation known as Durdle Door.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
The combination of a brooding, dramatic ruined castle and a long stretch of golden sand makes Bamburgh one of the most stunning beaches in the whole of the UK. The beach stretches for miles and rarely gets busy, even in high summer. There are sandbars beneath the waves that create good surf and the 11th-century castle and views out to the bird-clad Farne Island give Bamburgh a truly unique feel.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
The Long rolling dunes that back miles of unspoilt sandy beach at Camber make this stretch of coastline one of the most stunning in the south. Plan your visit according to the tide times; low tide, when there are acres of open sand, is good for beach games and kite flying, and older kids can take kite-surfing lessons on the beach. The cluster of old fishermen’s cottages that make up the village of Camber do a fine line in ice creams and fish and chips. read more…
The Snowdonia National Park, more so mount Snowdon is one of Wales most visited attractions. Located in north-west Wales Snowdon is said to be one of the wonders of Wales by Wales former first minister Rhodri Morgan, the band Doves has also name a song after it.
The journey to the summit can take one of 11 establish routes, hence Snowdon is nicknamed Britain’s busiest mountain, three of which are the Pyg track, Miners track and Train track, all varying in time and distance.
Depending on your route to the summith the scenery varies so is the experience. On one side it is lush and green and different on the others. The miner’s route is very scenic with lakes and twisted ridges.
The area offers a camping plus there is the YHA (yha.org.uk). A good time to visit is early spring and autumn, when the trees have no leaves.
If you are in Snodonia for more than one day why not explore the rest of the national park, Tryfan and Glyderau are worth a visit more challenging though.
Nairn Beach
Nairn has been describe as the Brighton of Scotland, and has one of the sunniest climate north of the border. The wide sandy beach that stretches out to the left of the town is ideal for families. There is good parking nearby and all the facilities f the town are just a short stroll away, although the beach is separated by a bank of dunes, ensuring that it maintains a wild, tranquil feel.
Calgary Bay, Mull
Located on the north-west corner of the isle of Mull, there are acres of fine sandy beach of Calgary Bay, with beautiful views across to Skye. The walk through the dunes from the car park goes past ruined houses that date back to the 18th century. This is a perfect spot to camp, as the beach is backed by flat grassland. read more…
One of the British great outdoor activities is going to the beach, especially when the weather forecaster said we are to get some sunshine with high temperature we flock to the nearest said side and one of them is Bournemouth. It has a reputation of offering some of the country’s best weather and long sandy and clean beaches. Also a visit to Bournemouth would show you why research (done by First Direct Bank in 2007) as found it to be the happiest place in Britain.
Don’t be put off by the town’s old-age reputation the area offers a refreshing experience to its visitors. Have a stroll on Bournemouth beach, a glorious stretch of sand, where you can swim, surf or build a sand castle.
Walk along the piers, and make the short climb up the Hengistbury Head at the eastern end for views of white cliffs and the Isle of Wight. read more…
Follow the warm Gulf Stream around the majestic coast of Wales to Snowdonia and you will find will find nestles amongst the cliffs Portmeirion, an Italianate inspired resort. The eccentric collection of cottages, follies and status in bright pastel colours of pinks, yellows, blues and green cannot fail to capture the imagination.
Portmeirion was the brainchild and lifelong work of visionary architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who first began planning its construct as a boy aged six! After searching many small islands around Britain’s coast as an adult he found the perfect location on a private peninsula. Building work began in 1925 and was finally completed in the early 1970s when Sir William-Ellis was in his nineties. More than a folly or private monument, from its inception, Portmeirion was intended to be a demonstration of how a naturally beautiful site could be developed sympathetically. read more…
Are you thinking or planning a short break to a sub-tropical region? Maybe you want your child/children or yourself to enjoy the adventure of exploring nature and learning about it. Well there is no need to go overseas to do it when you can do it here in the UK.
The Lost Garden of Heligan offers just that. With over 200 acres to explore, you or the young one can really lose yourself in this enchanting restoration Garden. Having lain forgotten for over 70 years, this stunning estate allows you to take an incredible journey back through time and experience living history in the horticultural playground of a bygone era, something the children will enjoy with this family friendly garden.
The best part of the garden has to be the jungle. Exotic foliage provides home to colourful kingfishers, unsual insects and birds such as woodpeckers. A walk along the raised boardwalk takes you through this sub-tropical valley past swamps filled with Giant Rhubarb, thickets of towering bamboo and lush verdant banana plantations.
The Lost Garden is host for a lot of fascinating vegetable and flower gardens amongst which are Peaches, Citrus, Pineapples and Melons.