If you’re planning a vacation in the UK, or have already booked up, you may be finding it difficult to decide where to go and what to do – The UK is home to many heritage sites, remarkable landscapes and cultural attractions. There are many destinations perfect for the older traveller too, with opportunities to sit back and relax if you fancy it or get involved with some gentle activities. Acorn Stairlifts give us their top 5 destinations and what you can do there…
The Cotswolds
The Cotwolds stretched across six counties in the South West of England. It is the birthplace of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and where Beatrix Potter took inspiration for her third book ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’. The area is well-known for the abundance of quaint villages and thatch-roof cottages.
In the villages you will find enchanting homes and castles. One of these is Sudeley Castle, once famously owned by Henry VIII’s last wife Katherine Parr — the late Queen of England is now buried on the grounds and you can visit where she lies. Rodmarton Manor is another house — its architecture is more than impressive and all materials used to build the home were regionally sourced and handcrafted by craftsmen in the area.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are many trails in the Cotswolds that you can follow either on your own or as part of a guided tour. There are walks for all abilities, with shorter detours available, and you’re never far from a small village where you can pause for a bite to eat.
If you’re not sure on which village to visit, you could consider The Cotswold Way National Trail. This rolls over 102 miles and weaves between the hills. You are able to walk the entire way —stopping off for overnight stays at various villages to rest your legs.
The Lake District
The Lake district I located North West of England and is chosen destination for many UK residents. In rain, hail or shine, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the views, walk many miles around the lakes and have some relaxation away from the big cities.
Country shows and festival tend to visit the Lake District throughout the year, making your trip extra special. These include farmers’ markets, food markets and unique film festivals, so there’s certainly something for all hobbies. You don’t have to venture far to see other interesting attractions too such as glassblowing and diamond wheel cutting – you wouldn’t see that just anywhere! Or, take a trip to the Lakes working distillery and see how whisky, gin and vodka are produced on-site.
Stick your walking boots on and head for the fells. There are many different walking trails for different abilities and time scales. Why not take a picnic up one of the mountains and enjoy the views below with a cup of tea and a sandwich? You can take boat rides across the lakes to see the landscape from a different viewpoint.
The Northern Irish Coast
The Northern Irish Coast is well worth the visit. For travelling there or accommodation purposes, stay in the city of Belfast — it has well-organised transport in and out of the city and it’s not too far from the sights you’ll want to see.
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is one of these. First built by fisherman in 1755 to connect the mainland to a tiny island, the rope bridge is suspended around 30 metres above sea level and is famous for its scenic views and ability to get those hearts racing. If you feel like doing something a bit daring, this one’s for you. It’s close to the Giant’s Causeway too — another popular site for Irish tourists. Situated on the coast, this attraction is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption although there is a legend that argues it was built by an Irish giant as a way to reach a Scottish giant ahead of a fight.
The Darks hedges is also nearby, which was made famous from the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. It is an avenue of Beech trees that date back to the 18th century and make an amazing backdrop for a walk in the country or some memorable photos.
The Highlands
Located in Scotland, the Highlands is full of break-taking views and picturesque moment. The country is relatively small compared to other European countries and there are plenty of transport links which allow you to see a lot in a short space of time.
The West Highland Line is a trainline that can run you between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and more. On your journey, you’ll see rugged mountains, rich greenery and other scenes that you’d only spot in the countryside.
Take your adventure to the seas by visiting Moray Firth. Here, you will be in the vicinity of around 130 bottlenose dolphins — there are many boat trips that take you out to sea to get closer and snap the perfect photograph. Other wildlife you might spot include seals, whales and porpoises!
You couldn’t complete your trip to Scotland without heading to Edinburgh. From visiting the zoo to exploring the old streets, there’s so much to see and do — it’s guaranteed to be a trip to remember. If possible, coincide your trip with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, this is the largest arts and culture festival in the world.
Cornwall
The country of Cornwall is located on the south-western tip of the England. In the summer months, some people head to the beaches to sunbathe, enjoying higher temperatures than most in the UK. It is home to charming fishing villages such as Fowey and Falmouth and a town famous for its surf beaches, St Ives.
Explore history through the largest World Heritage Site in the UK. – a collection of ten places that represent Cornish Mining. You can tour through Carnglaze Slate Caverns which is made up of three huge caverns that played a part in Cornwall’s slate mining industry. There is also Morwellham Quay which will take you back to the Victorian era with a copper mine, working farm, railway and museum.
The popular attraction the is Eden Project can’t be missed in Cornwall. It is made up of two biomes, one of which simulates a rainforest environment and the other, a Mediterranean climate. You can therefore see flora of all shapes and sizes that wouldn’t usually be found in England. There are elevated pathways which allow you to walk among the treetops and a waterfall that cascades through the rainforest — made of the rain water that falls on the biome.
Take your trip to the seas by heading up to St Michael’s Mount – a rocky island off the coast of Cornwall. If you have an appreciation for gardens, this is an ideal place as there is a cliff-side garden with a range of blossoms and herbs to see.
There are so many attractions in the UK that shouldn’t be missed. There are opportunities for everything from adrenaline-pumping activities to brisk walks amongst the countryside — take your pick!