The Best Places To Visit In The UK (which aren't London!)

Think of England, and you're most likely to think of London. As one of the most famous cities in the world, it's only natural that it's on so many people's travel bucket lists. But even though the UK is fairly small, there's still loads of other amazing places you can visit on the British Isles. Ditch the big city for a more rural escape and see what beautiful places you can find...

Devon, Cornwall and the South coast

If you're hoping for decent weather during your trip, it doesn't get much safer in England than the South coast. Devon and Cornwall are two counties right at the bottom of the country, bordered by the English channel and stone's throw away from France. They offer some spectacular sandy beaches and Newquay is a popular place for surf fanatics. There's also plenty of National Parks and Unesco World Heritage Sites too. Many UK natives also holiday on the South coast, so snap up a cottage or B&B before they all go!

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The Peak District and Lake District

As their names suggest the Peaks and Lakes (as they're known by locals) are both rural areas. Both giant National Parks, The Peak District is a hilly region in South Yorkshire whilst the Lake District is slightly further North. If you're looking for an outdoorsy, adventure holiday, these stunning areas of natural beauty could be right up your street. Small villages and towns are nestled in the Peaks, along with the nearby city of Sheffield - famous for it's steel industry. With so many places to see, you could even rent a motorhome and consider visiting various towns during your stay. Just make sure you’ve got a good playlist on the stereo! There's still plenty to do even if rambling isn't your thing. Take a trip to a local brewery in the Lakes or visit the famous Kendal Calling music festival.

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Northern Powerhouses

Of course, rural retreats aren't for everyone. If all that country air sounds like a bit too much, take the motorway and head up to some of the North of England's biggest cities. Leeds and Manchester host that 'London vibe' without the rushed atmosphere or the price tag. Leeds in particular has a great culinary scene and Manchester plays host to lots of exciting events, such as Manchester Pride and Parklife Festival. Or alternatively, head west to the fashionable city of Liverpool, the place that spawned the Beatles! There are plenty of stylish hotels to choose from in these cities so you'll be able to relax after a busy day seeing the sights.

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Scotland

Of course, part of the beauty of the United Kingdom is that you can simply drive across the border into another country - Scotland! If you want plenty of tourist culture, head to Edinburgh (especially worth a visit around the time of the annual Fringe Festival). Glasgow is a good bet if you'd rather go 'slightly off the beaten track'. Check out some of the stunning nearby scenery - Loch Lomond is less than an hour's drive away from Glasgow, perfect for a daytrip. Plus, no visit to Scotland would be complete without a visit to a traditional Scotch whiskey distillery.

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The UK’s Best City Breaks

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Plenty of towns and cities around the UK have been investing in their tourist attractions, meaning even towns like Bolton and Wakefield have become great day-time destinations. For something that lasts a little longer, check out these cities for a really great long weekend or full week away.

Our glorious capital: London

It might sound like stating the obvious, but London is a much-overlook destination for vacation time. There’s a reason people flock from all over the world to visit it: London has become one of the world’s great cities with enough to keep you entertained for weeks on end.

There are the historical sights to visit if you’ve never been before, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but if you want to discover something a little less tourist-focussed, be sure to check out the various art galleries that are dotted throughout the city along with the world-class food available on almost every street.

Northern soul: Manchester

The well-worn saying “It’s grim up north” is no longer applicable to the fantastic city of Manchester. The birth-place of alternative culture, there’s a reason why some of the world’s greatest musicians hail from this inspirational and endlessly entertaining city.

A great spot for a shopping trip with friends (with a great range of mixed-price shops for all wallets) to romantic getaways, Manchester offers the kind of cultural experiences you’ll find in London but on a much more relaxed scale in a way that only the Northerners of this country can produce.

Breezy shores: Whitby

If you think it’s impossible to have a great seaside holiday in the UK, you obviously have never visited
Whitby. Ideal for those who their seaside resorts to be less about two-penny slot machines and more about great gothic scenery and fantastic food, Whitby is a fantastic break location.

Great at all times of years, you might not want to go dipping in the sea outside of the depths of summer, but there’s much more to Whitby than sea and sand. Victorian and gothic culture lines the streets making it a mecca for those of an alternative leaning.

If you’re still not sure about the quality of British mini-breaks, there are plenty of others out there that are hoping to convince you of otherwise. Reviews on the likes of OntheBeach are there to persuade you – so what are you waiting for?

5 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Cornwall

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As you know, traveling is in my blood. Recently, I have been thinking about heading to the South of the UK. Cornwall is a beautiful region of England. If you want a relaxing getaway, this place is ideal for you. From the many beaches to the woodland walks, there is something for everyone. When you decide to visit this place, there are loads of things to see and do. It is worth planning your trip before you get there. That way, you can squeeze everything into your stay. Here are five reasons to visit Cornwall soon.

1. The coastal walks are divine

Do you love a good old ramble? If you enjoy walking, you're in for a real treat. There are many great coastal walks in Cornwall that you might want to try. Often, you will find these walks take you across the top of cliffs and steep hills. When you're up there, you will get an incredible view of the beaches and sea. You should set aside a day or two for this activity so that you have time to enjoy it.

2. There are many seaside hotels

If you want to be beside the seaside, you need to find a hotel that suits your needs. I've been looking online and found some options that I think might work. In Looe, there is a place called the Old Bridge House. The hotel is right by the port, which means that it's just a stone's throw away from the water. Of course, there are many little fishing towns in this region. When you travel along the coast, you will find that there are many beauty spots.

3. The people are friendly

If there is one thing you can say about the Cornish it is that they are friendly. The people in this region are welcoming and cheerful. As you travel in Cornwall, it is worth chatting to the locals. Be aware that some of them call outsiders grockles. Don't worry, this term is not as offensive as it first sounds. It just means that you are a holidaymaker!

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4. You can visit the Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the biggest attractions in Cornwall, and it is well worth visiting. You should buy your tickets in advance so that you get the best possible deal. If you visit this park in the summer, you will get to see all kinds of plants. During the winter, the organizers put an ice rink between the large bubbles. You can skate the night away in beautiful surroundings.

5. You can try an authentic pasty!

Finally, one of the main the reasons people want to go to Cornwall is because they make the best pasties in the world. If you want to try an authentic pasty, there are loads of shops that can help you out. After all, you can't go all the way to this destination without trying a delicious meaty treat! I hope this list inspires you guys to go to Cornwall too! I can't wait to visit this exciting and interesting place.

Essentials to Experience an Enjoyable Tour of London

I love to travel, and I have been to so many different places in my life. I’ve visited Barcelona, planned my dream ski holiday, and seen so much of the world. And one of the places I’ve developed a soft spot for over the years is London. I’ve visited a couple of times before, and I’d love to go back again.

The last time I was there I went on a tour of London that was organised for me. It was an excellent experience, and I had a great time. So, now I’m going share with you how you can have the same experience. This post is going to detail the things that I’d recommend you take with you in order to make your experience more enjoyable.

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Plenty of Cash

This goes without saying as you’re on holiday, but make sure you remember. You’re going to need plenty of cash because London is not cheap. And in order to have the full experience you don’t want to be worrying and watching your pennies all the time. Save up before the trip to make sued you have plenty of cash with you.

Mobile Phone

I would advise taking your mobile or cell phone with you. Of course, you’ll need to talk to your provider if you’re traveling there from abroad so you don’t get hit with international charges. But, your phone can be a godsend in these sorts of situations. You can take photos, look up information and use apps. There are plenty of ways to utilise the phone during the tour that will help you to enjoy it much more.

Map

Yes, you’re going to be on a guided tour, but I would always advise you to carry a map. This way, if you do get lost, you’re still going to be able to find where you’re going. Also, you might have earmarked something you'd like to see that isn’t on the tour. If the tour is going to pass by it, you might be able to arrange to go and see it then rejoin the tour group.

Warm Clothes

Enjoying your London tour is a lot to do with how well you prepare. Bear in mind you’re going to be out in the open for almost the entire time. As such, you need to figure out how to stay comfortable, and warmth is comfort. I made sure I packed a warm jumper, and a jacket to take with me. And I was thankful for it later because it became very cold, and there was no way to get warm otherwise.

Camera

Of course, what kind of tourist would you be if you didn’t take a camera with you?! You need to capture all the wonderful sights and sounds of London. There will be opportunities to get up close and personal with amazing attractions. And I feel it’s important to capture these moments on film. Take plenty of film with you, and make sure you charge the camera, and carry spare batteries.

Guidebook

I’m the sort of person who loves to multitask, so during the tour I pored over a guidebook. This helped me expand my knowledge of London, and I could earmark things to do for later. I would highly recommend you get yourself a guidebook, and use it as a reference point throughout the tour.

So, hopefully if you’ve read this far, you will have enough information to equip yourself. If you can take all of these on board, you’re going to find that you have a much more enjoyable tour experience.

Ideas for a Fun Gatwick Layover

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Gatwick Airport is a popular transport hub and if you are flying through, why not schedule a layover? Stopping over at Gatwick will give you a chance to add another destination to your trip and get a taste of what the surrounding attractions have to offer.

A layover at Gatwick will be very convenient, as there are many transit options. You can take an airport taxi Gatwick to get quickly to the city centre, so that you can make the most of your time. If you are from the UK and flying out of Gatwick, you can drive up to the airport early to enjoy one of these attractions.

What are some of the activities that you could enjoy on a visit to Gatwick:

Tour of London 
There are a number of tour companies that offer full layover tours from Gatwick Airport. These tours are designed to cram in as many of the top attractions in London into the shortest amount of time. They will take you to the classic tourist sites such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

If you are new to London and you have never seen the sights before, this could be a great option for you. It would allow you to see the most famous attractions in London in a very convenient way. However, if you have already visited London you will have likely seen all of these attractions before – so you will be looking for another option for a layover trip idea.

Covent Garden 
If your idea of a fun day involves shopping, eating and entertainment – why not head to Covent Garden. There are a number of cute street cafes where you can stop and have a coffee and watch the street performers. There is also a very interesting market that sells almost everything you could wish for.

Covent Garden also has the London Transport Museum, The Benjamin Franklin House and the Georgian home of the famous architect and collector Sir John Soanes.

Brighton
Head to Brighton, which is a short drive away and see a lovely and exciting seaside city. Brighton is a very popular tourist attraction and it offers the fun of Brighton Pier as well as the lovely pebble beach and more. All along the Palace Pier you will find the usual seafront arcade attractions – great for kids!

Brighton has an excellent Museum as well as many funky boutiques, friendly cafes and great bars. Check out The Lanes, which is an area of fun and interesting shops jumbled together, including some vintage record stores and great jewellery shops. Also, don’t forget to check out the walkthrough underwater tunnel at the Sea Life Centre aquarium.

Sussex Gardens
If you only have a few hours on your layover, you still have time for the short drive to Nymans where you will find some beautiful gardens. These elegant and beautifully landscaped 20th century gardens offer gorgeous views of the Sussex countryside and they even include a lovely Gothic mansion.

You could also visit the High Beeches Gardens, which include 27 acres of beautiful woodland and water gardens, filled with unusual and rare plants and trees. Also nearby are the gardens that surround the Elizabethan mansion at Wakehurst Place, which are home to the Millennium Seed Bank Collection as well as many other beautiful plants.

Bocketts Farm 
If you are travelling with little ones, a great idea for a Gatwick layover is to visit Bocketts Farm. This family friendly attraction is a great day out for the entire family and there are a number of friendly farm animals to feed and pet. There are pony rides, goat milking, tractor rides and even pig racing – giving your children a taste of life on a real working farm. Also, if you want to stop for lunch or afternoon tea, the Old Barn tearoom serves a selection of delicious homemade food every day in the lovely 18th century barn.

These are just a few fun ideas of what to do while you are on a layover at Gatwick airport. Of course, while you are on a layover in Gatwick you should always make sure to get back to the airport in time for your connecting flight. You can book an airport taxi Gatwick to get you there on time in the most convenient way.

About the author: 
Max Wheeler is a freelance writer and blogger. He frequently takes flights that stopover at Gatwick and has taken a number of short day trips in the area.

Visiting London: Top Tips for a Stress-Free Stay

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It’s amazing how many people think that a trip to London would involve stress, overcrowded streets and smog in the air, when in actual fact, what London provides is simply incredible. A few days in London can be an extremely enjoyable experience if you know how to work the city without getting overly worked up. The density of the city can be a little overwhelming for rural dwellers but the contents of the streets should be appreciated, at least once, in your lifetime. Here are some top tips to ensure your stay in the Big Smoke is as satisfying as possible.

Accommodation

The temptation of choosing an upmarket boutique hotel may be too much, but before you consider shelling out hundreds of pounds, have a look at the more affordable alternatives. You can book cheap hotels from Travelodge online which will place you in the heart of the city. Ideally located, you can enjoy everything on your itinerary without worrying about how to get back to your hotel and you can check out knowing that you haven’t spent half your savings for the trouble.

Travel

Remember that the cost of private transport, such as the trusty Black Cab, in London isn’t the cheapest way of getting around the city. While it may be your choice elsewhere, consider your options and weigh up the costs. The volume of traffic on the roads can seriously impede your chances of getting anywhere on time and, while overground buses are a cheaper alternative, you’re still faced with hectic congestion.

Instead, consider purchasing an Oyster Card which you can top up as you go - or buy Travelcards if you prefer, so that you can use the excellent Underground network. While it may be busy during the peak times, it’s reliable and fast and will get you to where you want to go in no time. Pay attention to any engineering works so that you can plan your route and keep a pocket-size tube map with you so that you don’t get lost!

Remember to stand on the right hand side of the escalators so that those in a rush can zoom by on the left, and keep your tickets because you’ll need them to get back out again!

If all else fails, you can resort to Shank’s Pony. Often, you will only have to walk a short distance to get between places. Have a look at a proper map rather than judging distances by tube, because it’s very different!

Excursions

Anyone visiting the city will undoubtedly have a plan of action, to ensure they can keep to a schedule and see all the things they are planning to see. Many of the major sights are within walking distance of each other, meaning you can see many in one go.

Whether you want to enjoy a ride on the London Eye or you’re heading for the London Dungeons, make sure you look online for discount tickets before you travel – you can save heaps of money if you book in advance. Plus, the London Pass offers incredible value for money if the sights included make up part of your itinerary.

Most of all, try and stay relaxed. There’s nothing worse than getting worked up because of the hustle and bustle. Try and think like a Londoner and take everything in your stride and you’ll be fine!