25 world wonders on your doorstep
It seems staying close to home is, well, here to stay. VisitBritain reported a four per cent increase in trips taken by Brits in England in 2017, and bookings suggest 2018 will be another boom year, as travellers remain cautious with their cash, anxious about the post-Brexit future and perhaps even nostalgic for the family holidays of the past.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean denying yourself world class experiences. You can admire rare artefacts, go on safari, watch a World Cup, tour award-winning vineyards and marvel at ancient Rome without leaving home thanks to an array of excellent homegrown attractions – many new for 2018.
1. Soak up Chinese culture in Liverpool
No need to head to China. In February, more than 180 artefacts from the country arrived in Liverpool – appropriately enough, as the Merseyside city is home to one of Europe’s oldest Chinese communities. The World Museum is showcasing an array of objects spanning almost 1,000 years of Chinese history, including a collection of Terracotta Warriors and a life-size terracotta horse from First Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s burial complex.
From ￡14.50/￡5.50 adult/child, under-5s free. Until October 28 (0151 478 4393; liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/worldmuseum).
2. Sleep in a log cabin in Cumbria
Forgo Canada for a luxe log cabin stay in one of England’s biggest protected places. Three new lodges at Artlegarth, near Kirkby Stephen, nestle into the hills of the recently expanded Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sustainably built and green powered, each cabin has a wood-burning fire, woollen rugs (courtesy of the local sheep), fresh flowers, private hot tubs, a concealed cocktail bar and views across the dales.
Cabins (sleeping six) from ￡799 for a three-night weekend or four-night midweek break (07548 668152; lodgebreaks.co.uk).
3. Be a cowboy in Wiltshire
Play cowboy closer to home. Ride across Salisbury Plain, Europe’s largest chalk grasslands, on horseback. New for 2018, Salisbury Plain Safaris will get you in the saddle for a quick lesson before hacking out onto the wild, unpopulated plateau, which is rich in neolithic, military and natural history – look out for red kites, deer and an array of wildflowers.
Saturday half-day tours from ￡75 (07717 803999; salisburyplainsafaris.co.uk).
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4. Meet polar bears in the Cairngorms
Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park has the largest polar bear enclosure of any zoo in the world, and is home to the UK’s only female polar bear. In January it was announced Victoria had given birth – the first time a cub has been born in the UK for 25 years – an event celebrated with a first public appearance last month. Join the daily keeper talk (1.15pm) to learn about the park’s pioneering approach to bears in captivity.
From ￡15.90/￡12 adult/child, under-3s free (01540 651270; highlandwildlifepark.org.uk)
5. Marvel at Ancient Rome in Bath
The Roman Baths give a flavour of what the Romans did for us when they settled Aquae Sulis in around AD 60. As well as exploring the museum’s pools and temple ruins, new for 2018 are 20-minute Above and Below Tours, which delve into tunnels under the site, revealing previously hidden Roman exercise areas, colonnaded passages, doorways and culverts dating back 2,000 years.
From ￡16.50/￡10.25 adult/child; tours (selected Wednesdays, 11am) included in ticket but must be pre-booked (01225 477773; romanbaths.co.uk).
6. Ride vintage trams on the Isle of Man
Forget San Francisco. Tram fans should make for the Isle of Man, home to the world’s oldest working tramcars. Opened in 1893, the Manx Electric Railway trundles from Douglas to Ramsey; 125th anniversary celebrations are planned September 1-8. Or include it on a tour aboard all the isle’s quirky transportation: the Snaefell Mountain Railway, Steam Railway and Douglas Promenade’s old horse-drawn tram.
The six-night Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man trip costs from ￡675 including accommodation, meals and ferry. Departures April-October. Great Rail Journeys (01904 521936; greatrail.com)
7. March with penguins in Dundee
Dundee is channelling the Antarctic this summer. The Penguin Parade art trail sees 80 statues waddle into town; downloadable maps and apps encourage on foot exploration. Then board the RRS Discovery, the Dundee-built ship that carried Scott and Shackleton on their first Antarctic voyage in 1901. Reopened in 2017 after restoration, it’s now berthed on the waterfront – right by the striking new V&A Museum, which opens in autumn.
From ￡9.25/￡5.50 adult/child (01382 309060; rrsdiscovery.com). Penguin Parade runs June 28-September 24 (07825 056384; maggiespenguinparade.com).
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8. Go stargazing in Exmoor
Travel vicariously to outer space on Exmoor, Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve; millions of stars and galaxies are visible with the naked eye here. This spring the park hosts its first Family Stargazing Weekend (March 16-18), including moorland hikes, telescope workshops and astronomy talks. Or visit 12-13 August to watch the peak of the annual Perseids meteor shower, which in 2018 coincides with an almost-new moon, the perfect dark canvas.
Family Stargazing Weekend from ￡75/￡50 adult/child (01598 752509; exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk)
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9. Eat a French feast in Oxfordshire
Granted, it might be cheaper to hop on the Eurostar to Paris than eat at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. However, if you want a quality Gallic food fix, closer to home book in for Le Manoir’s 2018 Bastille Day Celebrations. Chef Raymond Blanc is marking the anniversary of the French Revolution with a distinctly un-proletariat fête of fine French cuisine, classic wines and Laurent-Perrier champagne served up at the 13th-centry manor house. Expect accordions.
From ￡230pp. 13 July (01844 278881; belmond.com)
10. Make a medieval pilgrimage in Surrey & Kent
Walk the UK’s answer to the Camino de Santiago, following pilgrim footsteps along the North Downs Way. This 246km National Trail turns 40 in 2018, though its origins are far older – it approximates the route medieval pilgrims took to Canterbury, and thence to Rome. Starting in Farnham, the Way undulates across Surrey Hills and Kent downs, passing Canterbury’s UNESCO-listed cathedral to finish at Dover’s White Cliffs.
An 11-night self-guided North Downs Way via Canterbury trips costs from ￡1,100, including B&B accommodation (01629 821900; contours.co.uk)
11. Channel your inner Bear Grylls in Oxfordshire
Granted, it might be cheaper to hop at the NEC, an action-packed 8,000 square metre space for trying indoor skydiving, deep-sea diving and the highest free-roam high ropes in Europe. Have a go at scuba, zip-line from a Chinook helicopter and undertake a series of physical and mental challenges in the Basecamp zone to see if you’re cut out to be more Bear.
From ￡25 (beargryllsadventure.com)
12. Ride a sleeper train in Cornwall
The Orient Express it isn’t but the Night Riviera is the most civilised way to travel between London and Cornwall. And it’s getting better. Great Western Railway’s rolling stock revamp will be complete by spring 2018; berths have free WiFi, USB charging, wardrobes and bunks that convert to sofas, plus there’s a new cocktail bar in the lounge car. Each service will also have a wheelchair-accessible cabin.
From ￡49 one-way for sole occupancy of a single-berth sleeper (08457 000125; gwr.com)
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13. Sip gourmet wine in Norfolk
At the last Decanter World Wine Awards, the planet’s best white – besting 17,200 other entries – wasn’t from Burgundy or Alsace. It was from just outside Norwich. Winbirri Vineyards’ Bacchus 2015, heralded for its ‘complex, oily nose’, was created by head winemaker Lee Dyer. Find out how on a tour and tasting with Dyer at the Norfolk vineyard. Winbirri runs bespoke tours and, new from June, set-date tours for individuals.
Groups (up to ten people) ￡200, set tours ￡20pp (01508 538974; winbirri.com).
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14. Find theme park thrills in Blackpool
Ditch Disneyland. Spring 2018 sees the launch of ICON, the UK’s first double launch coaster. Powerful thrusts of acceleration at both the start and midway points of the 150-second spin give riders two high-speed hits and the same G force felt by a Formula 1 driver. ICON also takes a tour across the Pleasure Beach, whizzing through, under and around the park’s other rides, reaching heights of 27m.
Wristbands from ￡19.50 (0871 222 1234; blackpoolpleasurebeach.com)
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15. Watch the Women's Hockey World Cup in London
Instead of hoiking to Russia to watch our usually underwhelming footballers, support a successful team at home. The UK is hosting the Women’s Hockey World Cup for the first time this summer, and many of the winning GB Olympic squad will be in action. Buy tickets, support at the England Fan Zone and, if inspired, pick up a stick at a HockeyFest event.
Tickets from ￡10/￡1 adult/under-18s. July 21- August 5 (Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre; 0844 871 8810; fih.ch). HockeyFest starts 19 August (greatbritainhockey.co.uk)
16. Run an ultra race in Snowdonia
The UTMB, the 170km run around Mt Blanc in September, is the daddy of ultra races. But if you didn’t secure a place, try the Welsh version. New for 2018, the Mt Snowdon Ultra 100 miler starts from Betws-y-coed, wends down valleys, climbs passes and tackles summits such as Glyder Fawr, Carnedd Dafydd and Snowdon itself, racking up a total ascent of 8,900m. If that sounds a bit much, try the sister race – ‘only’ 50 miles.
Entry ￡69/￡119 50/100 miles. September 22 (gbultras.com)
17. Enjoy fine dining in Yorkshire
The world’s best restaurant isn’t in Paris or New York – at least, not according to TripAdvisor, whose latest Travellers’ Choice for Fine Dining is the Black Swan at Oldstead, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Visit the Michelin-starred yet relaxed old country pub to taste how chef Tommy Banks turns the spoils of the Black Swan’s farm and kitchen garden into world-class dishes.
Dinner Tasting Menu from ￡98pp; Room, Dinner & Breakfast from ￡175pp (01347 868387; blackswanoldstead.co.uk)
18. See wildlife in Gloucestershire
What the BBC’s Big Cat Diary did for the prides of the Masai Mara, Spring, Autumn and Winterwatch have done for the wildlife of Sherborne. This National Trust estate in the Cotswolds is home to soaring raptors, roosting bats, plentiful farm birds, otters, water voles and many other species. On selected dates you can join Sherborne’s rangers to walk off the normal footpaths to explore some of the sites and species featured on TV.
Ranger walks ￡3. Dates March 9 & 23, April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18 (01451 844257; nationaltrust.org.uk)
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19. Explore the lesser known coast of North Ireland
North Ireland’s geologist-thrilling Causeway Coast was voted world’s Number One Region by Lonely Planet in 2018. But although 790,000 visitors a year visit the Giant’s Causeway stones, less than one per cent know about the foot-accessible vantages beyond the main site. That’s according to Away A Wee Walk, which has launched a new guided Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience that follows an 8km trail from the ruins of Dunseverick Castle along the clifftop to the Causeway, with spectacular views en route.
From ￡70 for two (07837 703643; awayaweewalk.com)
20. Bag a private beach in Devon
Play desert island outcast in an isolated hut for two, tucked into the rocks behind your own stretch of sand. New to the always-quirky Canopy & Stars collection, idyllically isolated Carswell Beach Hut is a 15-minute walk down a cliff path. It has no mains power, a composting loo and an outdoor shower. But it also has a wood-fired hottub and stove, a cosy mezzanine bed and a deck where you can barbecue under the stars.
From ￡325pn (0117 204 7830; canopyandstars.co.uk)
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21. See spring blossom in Worcestershire
Japan might be renowned for its cherry trees, but a drive through bountiful Worcestershire come March-May is a cheaper way to see in spring. The delicate pink and white blooms of peach, cherry, almond, plum, apple and orange erupt across the Vale of Evesham. Drive the 80km AA signposted route, via flowering orchards and pretty villages; alternatively, try one of the bike trails (ranging from 18 to 80km) or walking paths (5-10km).
Blossom Trail route guides available from local information centres (01386 565373; blossom-trail.org.uk)
22. Take a scenic drive through Scotland
Pass on the Pacific Coast Highway. Instead, road-trip the NC500, just over 500 miles (800km) of inspiring seashore, skirting the North Highlands via Ullapool, John O’Groats, Dornoch and Inverness. A new Rough Guide to the route was published last November, packed with itinerary and detour ideas. Stop-off suggestions include fairy-tale Dunrobin castle, the golden sands of Gruinard Bay, the surf at Thurso East and GlenWyvis, the world’s first community-owned distillery.
The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500 costs ￡9.99 (01463 229849; northcoast500.com)
23. Go island-hopping in the Isles of Scilly
When the weather is fine – which it often is, in the UK’s warmest spot – the waters around the Isles of Scilly look virtually Mediterranean. So, ditch Greece and plan an island-hopping break here. Water taxis serve the five main islands while day-trips and kayak rentals will help connect you to the 140-odd others. It’s not the cheapest destination, but a new hostel opening at Longstone Lodge on St Mary’s in May will cut costs.
Dorms from ￡24pppn, singles from ￡26pppn (01720 422410; longstonelodge.co.uk)
24. Watch marine life in Yorkshire
Not quite the Okavango, perhaps, but the Pocklington Canal is arguably the country’s best waterway for wildlife. Most of this 15km waterway – which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2018 – has been designated an SSSI. The Pocklington’s upper reaches are no longer navigable but towpath strolls may reveal kingfishers, herons and 13 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Free boat trips run on the lower ‘Pock’, where barn owls are sometimes spotted and curlews often heard.
Boat trips free. Departures Sundays & Bank Holidays, April-October (07514 978645; pocklingtoncanalsociety.org; canalrivertrust.org.uk)
25. Sail a tall ship in Southampton
Mark the 40th anniversary of the Jubilee Sailing Trust by taking to the high seas aboard an accessible-to-all tall ship. The trust’s SV Tenacious has been away from UK shores for almost three years. Book a berth aboard the STS Lord Nelson in July to welcome Tenacious back, or choose your vessel for the Battle of the Barques trip, when the two ships clash in the English Channel.
Lord Nelson St Helier-Southampton trip, 30 June, seven days from ￡970. Battle of the Barques, September 29, seven days from ￡975 (023 8044 9108; jst.org.uk)
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