Photo By Saffron Blaze
If you’re planning a trip to the UK, then you may be overwhelmed by the many places you can visit and struggle to decide where to go and what to see. There are so many great locations in the UK, that are full of heritage, spectacular landscape and cultural attractions. The UK offers many destinations that are 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 lists their top 5 destinations and what you can do there.
The Cotswold, England
Stretched over 6 counties, The Cotswold is known for the abundance of quaint villages and thatch-roof cottages. It’s also the birthplace of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and where Beatrix Potter took inspiration in third her book ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’.
Amongst the villages, you’ll find stately homes and castles. One of these castles Is Sudeley Castle which was once famously owned by Henry VIII’s last wife Katherine Parr who was buried on the grounds, which you can visit where she lies. You can also visit Rodmarton Manor and enjoy its impressive architecture. What’s more impressive about it, all the materials that were used to build the home were regionally sourced and handcrafted by craftsmen in the area.
For those of you who enjoy the outdoors, there are a range of trails you can follow either as part of group tour or on your own. There are walks suitable for all abilities, with shorter detours available, and you’re never far from a small village where you can pause for a rest and a bite to eat.
You could consider walking The Cotswold Way National Trail, if you can’t decide on a village to visit. The trail stretches over 102 miles and weaves in between the hills. You can walk the entire way and stop off for overnight stays at various villages to rest your legs.
The Lake District, England
The Lake District is a chosen destination for many UK residents. Whether it rains, hails or shine, visitors escape from the big cities, to walk many miles around the lakes and have some relaxation.
There are many country shows and festivals that visit the Lake District throughout the year, making your trip extra special. There are farmers’ markets, food markets and unique film festivals, so there is something to suit all hobbies and interests. The best of it, you don’t need to venture far to see other interesting attractions too, such as glassblowing and diamond wheel cutting. You could even take a trip to the Lakes working distillery and see how whisky, gin and vodka are produced on-site.
If you fancy stretching the legs, then there are many different walking trails that suit different abilities and timescales. You could take a picnic up one of the mountains and enjoy the views while biting into a cake and drink a cup of tea. There are boat rides available that can take you across the lakes to see the landscape from a different viewpoint.
The Northern Irish Coast
The Northern Irish Coast, is well worth the visit as it has a lot to offer. If you stay in the city Belfast, it has a well-organised transport in and out of the city and it’s not too far from the sights you’ll want to see.
Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge is one of these. It was built by fisherman in 1755 to connect the mainland to a tiny island. The bridge is suspended above 30 metres above the sea level and is famous for its scenic views and had the ability test your fear. If you feel like doing something a bit daring then this is one for you. Giant’s Causeway is also nearby. This attract was a result of an ancient volcanic eruption although there is tale that argues it was built by an Irish Giant as a way to reach a Scottish Giant ahead of a fight.
The Dark Hedges is also close to the coast, which was made famous from featuring in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. The Dark Hedges is an avenue of Beech trees that date by to the 18th Century and makes an amazing backdrop for a walk in the country side or to take memorable photos.
The Highlands, Scotland
If you visit the Scottish Highlands, you are never far from a breath-taking view or picturesque moment. Scotland is relevantly small compared to other European countries and there are plenty of transport links which allow you to see a lot within a short space of time.
A trainline called the West Highland Line runs between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and more. During your journey you’ll see rugged mountains, rich greenery and other scenes that you’d only spot in the countryside.
Take a trip to the seas and head up Moray Firth. Here, you will find yourself in the presence of 130 bottlenose dolphins and there are many boat trips available that can take you out to sea to get closer and snap the perfect photograph. You may spot other wildlife such as seals, whales and porpoises.
If you do visit Scotland than be sure to check out the capital, Edinburgh. There is so much to do, from visiting the zoo to exploring the older streets. It’s guaranteed to be a trip to remember. If you can, plan your trip to Edinburgh around August as it’s when Edinburgh hosts the largest arts and culture festival in the world called Fringe Festival.
Cornwall, England
Cornwall is located south-western tip of England. The summer months brings the higher temperatures than most of the UK, so be sure to take advantage of the sunshine. Cornwall is home to charming fisherman villages such as Fowey and Falmouth and a town famous for its surf beaches, St Ives.
Expand your history knowledge through the largest World Heritage Site in the UK. The site is a collection of ten places that represent Cornish Mining. You can tour through Carnglaze Caverns which is made up of three huge caverns that played a part in Cornwall’s slate mining Industry. You can also visit Morwellham Quay which will take you back to the Victorian era with a copper mine, working farm, railway and museum.
If you visit Cornwall than don’t miss the popular attraction that is Eden Project. It is made of two biomes, one of which simulates a rainforest environment and the other, a Mediterranean climate. You will find flora of all shapes and sizes that wouldn’t usually be found in England. You can take elevated paths which allows you to walk among treetops and a waterfall that cascades through the rain forest. The waterfall is made of rain water that falls on the biome.
If you fancy taking a trip to the seas, then you may be interested in a voyage to St Michael’s Mount. It’s a rocky island off the coast of Cornwall. If you appreciate gardens then this is an ideal place as there is a cliff-side garden with a range of blossoms and herbs to see.
From reading this article, you’ll see that there are many attractions that shouldn’t be missed in the UK. You will find opportunities for everything from adrenaline-pumping activities to brisk walks amongst the countryside.
Sources
http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/thingstodo
https://www.cotswolds.com/things-to-do
https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/cotswolds-top-10#ZWra9oacu3OJZLYM.97
