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Top Outdoor Activities To Try In The UK

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The UK is awash with amazing sights and locations that just need to be explored. If you’re the outdoorsy type of person, it’s likely that the UK will feature highly on your list alongside other such notable destinations as Canada and the USA. The UK has a slightly different twist though – with almost every type of terrain accessible in a relatively small area of land, the UK offers up everything from beachfront to mountain top and all the treats and sights in between. Sound like your kind of thing? Read ahead for the top outdoorsy things to do in the UK. 

Cornwall

One of the UK’s most prominent beach destinations, Cornwall is a small strip of land, surrounded on three sides by ocean. The famous Jamaica Inn, popular due to Daphne DuMaurier’s novel of the same name, stands proudly at Bolventor, the ideal place to visit on a break from driving. The coastline is impressive throughout Cornwall, but particularly at notable points such as Godrevy Beach, St Ives and Land’s End. Visit Penzance to gain access to the famous St Michael’s Mount – a small island castle and village set in the sea, accessible by foot but only during low tide. Aside from this, the rest of the county is awash with small villages and ancient sites, perfect for hikes and getting a bit of exercise while exploring something unique.

Snowdonia

If you’ve ever wanted to climb a mountain – make it Snowdon. Snowdon is not only one of the easier peaks to summit throughout the whole of the UK, but it’s also got several different access routes that allow for a variety of summit options. If you’re not interested in climbing Mount Snowdon but want to visit Snowdonia, consider staying in the beautiful mountain village of Betws-y-Coed, a picturesque location where you can easily base yourself and explore other areas of Snowdonia such as Beddgelert or Llanberis. Not sure about Snowdonia? No problem – check out southern Wales and the county of Pembrokeshire for some truly stunning rugged cliff sides and trails that will have you coming back time and again.

Yorkshire

With rolling green hills and gorgeous little villages made of stone with cobbled streets, Yorkshire is one of the most unique and beautiful counties in all of the UK. Home to the spa town Harrogate, it’s got a reputation for its serene beauty as well as its history. Visit some of the tourist sites like Old Mother Shipton’s Cave or take to the trails and hike the rolling hills and area of natural beauty. One of the most enjoyable towns to visit is York, where the impressive York Minster attracts visitors from around the world alongside the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, one of the original members of the gunpowder plot.

Whatever your reason for visiting the UK, it’s easy to see that it’s got its fair share of great outdoorsy activities and destinations for all lovers of the outdoors. From mountain climbing to beach combing, there’s something for everyone in the British Isles – but don’t take it from us, come and experience it for yourself. The UK is just brimming with things to do and experience, so come and make this your new favourite outdoor holiday destination. You won’t regret it.

How to make the most of a weekend getaway in Belfast

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There’s no doubt that Belfast has always been appealing from a tourist perspective; after all, it’s only a stone’s throw from the rest of the UK. However, over recent years its popularity has soared, with the rise of budget airlines partially to thank for this.

To suggest that people only visit Belfast due to its accessibility would be doing it a terrible disservice though. There are in fact plenty reasons behind the tourist appeal to Belfast, with its luxury hotels and general atmosphere being just a couple of note. However, for the purposes of highlighting exactly what you can do there, let’s now talk about the best attractions that this city has to offer.

Titanic Belfast

Truth be told, you could visit a number of cities around the world and feast your eyes on a Titanic museum. There’s a major difference when it comes to Belfast though – this is the city in which the boat was actually built.

That’s right, and the most interesting element of this is that it only really opened in the aftermath of the hugely successful movie. It cost £97m to build, is now the largest Titanic museum in the world and back in 2016 it was classed as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Crumlin Road Gaol

When you first venture to Crumlin Road Gaol, it might sound bizarre to hear that this was once one of the most advanced prisons of its era. Of course, that was all the way back in 1845 – but back then it cost £60,000 (which is the equivalent to more than £5m in today’s money).

It closed its doors in 1996 but makes a very good attraction for those who like to delve into history. The tour allows you to visit inside, including the Governor’s office and execution cell.

St George’s Market

If markets are your thing, St George’s is right up there with the best. The fact that it has been operating since 1604 should highlight exactly how historic it is, but it’s also the last Victorian covered market that can be visited in the whole of the city.

In 2014, it was classed as the best indoor market in 2014 and with almost 300 stalls available, this really shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

HMS Caroline

As you may have gathered from the Titanic reference earlier, Belfast has some terrific maritime attractions. HMS Caroline is one of these, with this being the final ship that survived the Battle of Jutland.

Of course, since then it has been restored into a full-blown tourist attraction. Those who visit it will get audio and visual displays, and learn how the 300 men who worked aboard the ship really lived.

If history isn’t your thing, you should probably skip this one. Otherwise, add it to your bucket list for Belfast – it’s a sterling ship that always grabs rave reviews from anyone who decides to visit.

Top UK Destinations For a Budget Winter Break

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With summer gradually drawing to a close, the kids will soon be back at school, and that summer vacation which you had looked forward to for so long will be far behind you. It is precisely for this reason that we all need a winter break to look forward to, something to perk us up when the nights begin to draw in and the weather drops in temperature. Naturally it makes sense to try and find a budget trip which doesn’t hit the pocket too hard, so to find a cheap break in the UK makes the most sense here, and here are some of our favorite budget UK destinations.

 London

You may be shocked to see London on this list given that it is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it really doesn’t have to be. First of all access to London is abundant and low priced, whether you are taking trains or busses. Secondly, because of the size of the city, there is so much free stuff going on all of the time which you can take advantage of. Finally, if you plan ahead, you can find well priced accommodation, and spend your weekend doing lots of free activities  which will keep the cost of the trip down.

Lake District

The Lake District is arguably the most beautiful area of England, and for a trip which takes you back to nature, this could be a great option for your domestic break. Getting to the Lakes is best done with a car, but once you are there you can count on a low-priced trip, especially if you decide to camp out. Whilst it may get a little chilly up in the lakes, you can find some great yurts and wooden huts for rent, which have all the trappings of home, whilst still being in the great outdoors, sleeping under the stars. For activities you can find plenty of trekking routes and lots of activities on the lakes, such as kayaking, rafting and sailing. Get back to nature and enjoy a budget trip in the beautiful Lake District.

York

York is a beautiful historic city which is perfect for a short weekend break. This is also an economic break, given the fact that there is so much free stuff to do, plus simply walking around the walled city is a pleasure in itself, and costs you absolutely nothing. In terms of accommodation, there is a great amount of bed and breakfasts which offer beds for around £30 per night, and you can also find some very well priced private rentals. Must visits in York include the Jorvik Viking Centre and the impressive Minster, and you mustn’t miss out on a riverside stroll, weather depending of course. York is easily accessible by train or car and it really does tick all of the boxes when looking for a budget break.

Where will your next weekend break take you?

Living in London: Good Times and Bad

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London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It’s the biggest city in the UK with the most impressive theatres, museums, restaurants and clubs the country has to offer. It has the cultural and sporting legacy of a recent Olympic Games, the ‘mother of Parliaments’ and a world-famous skyline that includes ancient architecture and bold new skyscrapers.

It’s also expensive, crowded, expensive, stressful and expensive. Visiting as a tourist is a very different experience to living there, just as rising at eleven and choosing which park, museum or other sight you’re going to see is very different from rushing out of the house fifteen minutes late to cram onto a sweaty, overcrowded tube train to the office.

Today we’re looking at some of the best times for Londoners as well as ways to make the worst a little better.

Summer

Summer is definitely a good time in London. Even if it means hotter journeys to work, and days spent gazing out of the window at sunshine you’re not allowed to go out in, when you do get outside the city is built for sunshine.

London is nearly 50% green space! Wherever you live there’s a nearby park you can get out to, and that makes it easy to enjoy the sunshine. Even if you’re rented flat doesn’t have a garden, it’s not an issue to get together with some friends outdoors and even enjoy traditional summer game of using a disposable barbecue to burn the outside of a sausage black while the inside remains innocent of any cooking whatsoever.

London comes to life in an entirely different way on summer days, with crowds spilling out from pubs, parks filling with people and that rarest of all London sights, smiles flitting across faces.

Moving House

Sadly, moving house is something most Londoners have to get used to. With the price of property outstripping wages for the past several decades, few can muster the savings necessary to afford a mortgage on even a small home.

This means moving as your needs and budget change, the victim of landlord’s rent rises and or properties being sold out from under you. Fortunately if you’re looking for cheap storage London has you covered, so if you need to move at short notice you can put your bulky possessions into storage and sofa surf with obliging friends until you find a home you can commit to again.

5 Outdoor Activities in the UK That Are Not For The Faint-hearted

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Are you looking for an amazing activity in the UK? There are many things to do here that will keep you entertained. Not just the norm of skiing in Europe.  If you are the kind of person who chases adrenaline more than relaxation in your free time, then check out these activities which will certainly give you that adrenalin high.

Skydiving

Jumping out of an aeroplane mid-flight might sound scary. But if it’s adrenalin fuelled excitement you are looking for then try a Skydive. Feel that rush of air against your face and the notion of free-falling through the clouds as the ground gets ever closer. Most beginners usually start with a tandem dive where you are strapped to an instructor who does all the complicated bits. You are left to enjoy the pull of the parachute opening and the gentle glide back to earth.

Cliff jumping

For thrill seekers cliff jumping is an excellent choice for an outdoor activity in the UK. Definitely a amazing and memorable thing to do.  Jumping straight into the sea from a height is not for the faint -hearted. But it is safe as long as you book with a reputable guide. They know the safest places to jump and will review your abilities. All that’s left to do is take the plunge.

Wakeboarding

An extreme sport which is a cross between snowboarding and water skiing. An adrenalin junkies dream especially if you like water sports. There are some perfect locations in the UK, with rugged coastlines and beaches with instructors available so you can give wakeboarding a go. This sport is popular with surfers and other water sport enthusiasts but anyone can give it a try. Check out the TOAD website if you are looking for great UK activities like this to try.

Bungee Jumping

Quite a brave thing to do, jump off a platform, only to be thrust back up and down until the bungee cord becomes slack. But what a rush you will feel once you take that plunge. Don’t worry though, the cord is extremely strong and designed to stretch during the jumper’s fall and to repeatedly snap back up. Each jumper is weighed, to make sure that the correct bungee rope is used. So as long as you book with a safe well-known company, all you have to concentrate on is stepping off that platform.

Power boating

Driving or riding in a speed boat is probably going to make you feel like James Bond. Does that sound like a thrilling outdoor activity to enjoy in the UK? You’re definitely going to think you are in a movie as you speed along the water. Learn about racing lines and how to control the boat as you travel along in style, whilst feeling the air on your face as you zoom along.

Have you noticed that a lot of these activities involve jumping or diving? You might have to be brave or insane depending on how you look at it. Whether it’s a scary tourist attraction or an adrenalin fuelled break, there are plenty of choices here in the UK.  For a unique holiday destination with amazing outdoor activities you don’t have to look very far. The UK has plenty of places to enjoy extreme activities and make it a great sporting break.

5 Places for your 2017 Bucket List

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If there is one place that you want to visit in 2017, what would it be? If you are finding it hard to decide, keep on reading and be inspired to travel. In any of these destinations, you are bound to have the time of your life.

Dust_Cloud_in_Etosha_National_Park

Namibia

This is an exotic destination with rugged beauty that is sure to leave any visitor in awe. It is still a relatively quiet country and you do not have to deal with a massive crowd to enjoy its best attractions. It has a beautiful desert, which is also a good place where you can try dune running. The wildlife is also diverse, as well as birdlife. Etosha National Park is one of the places that you should visit to have a close encounter with animals in the wild. Safaris are a great way to see animals in their natural habitats.

The Maldives

If your perfect idea of a holiday involves sun, sea, and sand, the Maldives should be on your bucket list. This is especially if you do not mind splurging on experiences. One of the biggest attractions in Maldives are the resorts themselves. The high-end resorts offer over-water accommodations. You will have your own bungalow that sits atop clear water. You can step out anytime for a dip. In some cases, your bungalow can even have its own pool, as well as round-the-clock butler service. There are also many places in Maldives where you can go diving or snorkelling, providing you with the opportunity to explore its underwater allure.

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The UK

This is one of the quintessential countries in the bucket lists of most people. 2017 is the time to explore the UK. There are many places worth seeing, but if you are short of time, London should not be missed. This is where you can witness the life of the royal family and be up close and personal with some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. For a more relaxing vacation, the Cotswolds will be a good choice. Yorkshire, on the other hand, will be good for a foodie escape. The costal towns of Cornwall and Devon, meanwhile, will be perfect if you love the beach.

Philippines

Gifted with 7,107 islands, there is never a shortage of beauty that you can experience in the Philippines. It is known for the warm hospitality of its people, but even beyond such, you will have endless reasons to pay it a visit. The beaches of Palawan, Boracay and Cebu have been repeatedly recognised as amongst the best in the world. Whether you just want to go sunbathing or you want to try diving, you will have a long list of activities to keep you busy during your trip.

Buddhist_monks_in_front_of_the_Angkor_Wat

Cambodia

Angkor Wat is perhaps the most popular attraction in the country. This is part of a temple complex that will require several days for you to explore. Visiting such will remind you of the game Temple Run. Away from Siem Reap, there are also other places that you can visit. If you love the beach, two of the most popular destinations are Sinahoukville and Koh Rong. The latter is a remote island, so expect that developments are at minimum. It is also cheap, which makes it a popular destination for backpackers.

5 Weekend Getaways in the UK

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Weekend getaways are what give meaning to working all week. Planning a weekend getaway doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, it just has to be something that you enjoy doing and we’re here to give you a few ideas of things to do on your next weekend getaway.

Book a Hotel for a Bit of Luxury and Pampering

If you have had an excessively hard week, you may be in need of a little tender loving care, and what better way to achieve that than a night or two in a hotel where you are waited on hand and foot; no cleaning, cooking, or chauffeuring anyone around. If this sounds like the kind of weekend that you need, consider the Scarborough area, there are some beautiful hotels near Scarborough at affordable rates that offer a wide array of amenities.

Water and Beach Side Activities

Watergate Bay just north of Newquay offers some of the best water sports and activities in the area including:

  • Surfing
  • Paddle-surfing
  • Kite-surfing

Or if you prefer something a little less active, let the kiddies take a surfing lesson while you relax at one of the beach-side spas.

Escape Technology

For those who just need to get away from everything Carmarthenshire, Wales is for you. This hidden valley has no mobile signal making it the perfect place to escape. For only around £200 you can book a week at one of the two cottage style inns; Mill Stream Cottage or The Wren’s Nest.

Stay on a Boat in the Capital

One of the most unique UK weekend getaways is the City Boat in London. Located near the Tower of London, this 1930’s coal barge has been refurbished into a completely modern houseboat that is decorated with up to date architectural detailing, and a modern industrial décor. Because the environment is so lavish, you won’t feel like you are in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world; all you will feel is peaceful relaxation and indulgence.

Take a trip to Scotland

Spend a weekend in a Hobbit inspired Scottish bunkhouse that sleeps up to eight. Sleep in the bunkhouse, but spend your day kayaking, hiking, and climbing along the base of the Monadhliath Mountains as you wonder the highlands of Scotland.

Get your Farmer’s Tan on

Live as the farmers do when you explore Beechenhill Farm. This is the ideal family retreat for families with active children. You and your family will get to experience feeding the chickens, milking the cows, and an assortment of other duties required on a daily bases in order to run this organic farm. Don’t forget to partake in the scrumptious breakfast and Sue’s adventure Maps for the full farming experience.

A weekend getaway can be whatever you want it to be, whether you enjoy camping, the beach, or just finding unique hideaways in the heart of the city. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you find something that you enjoy and go do it.