A guide to the UK’s 5 best destinations for over 50s
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantThe UK is a hidden gem when it comes to historic landmarks,
beautiful landscapes and world heritage sites. If the UK is on the agenda for
your next holiday, the huge number of places to go and things to see and do may
seem quite a lot to take in. Rest assured though, for the older travellers
among us, there are an abundance of destinations to delight in at a more
moderate pace - ideal for those who simply seek a relaxing jaunt away. South Yorkshire’s favourite Sheffield stairlift supplier, UK Stairlifts share their top
5 hand-picked UK destinations, delving into what you can expect to get up to at
each…
1.
The Highlands of Scotland
Scotland is relatively small compared to other European
nations and there are plenty of transport links that allow you to see a lot in
a short space of time.
Running between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and others, the West
Highland Line is not your
average railway journey. You’ll be treated to rugged mountains,
rich greenery and other scenes that you’d only spot in the countryside by rail.
Venture up to Moray Firth and take to the water, where
you’ll be in the company of around 130 bottlenose dolphins — there are plenty
boat trips available that take you out to sea to get closer and take the
perfect photo. Other wildlife you might spot include seals, whales and
porpoises!
If Scotland does indeed take your fancy, don’t forget to
visit Edinburgh! From exploring the zoo to walking up and down 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.
2.
The Lakes
Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater are just 3 of the 16
largest lakes that sit in the picturesque Lake District. It’s safe to say that
the Lake District is a firm favourite among a great number of British
holidaymakers. In rain, hail or shine, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the
views, walk many miles around the lakes and wider national park and have some
relaxation away from the big cities.
Over the course of the year there are various festivals and
country shows that can be enjoyed and may well make 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.
Dust off your walking shoes and take to the fells - there
are an array of different walking trails that cater to a wide range of
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. After a long
day of hiking through the beautiful lake district, you might need a relaxed
overnight break. Check out some of the great hotels that also double-up as fantastic
wedding
venues in the Lake District– there’s loads to choose from!
3.
The Scenic Coastline of Northern Ireland
A place people don’t usually consider is the Northern Irish
coastline. 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.
One of these sites is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 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.
Claiming fame through an appearance on hit TV series Game of
Thrones, Dark Hedges is another gem a short distance from the coast. 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.
4.
The Cotswolds
Running through a whopping 6 counties, there’s plenty to see
and do in the Cotswolds. The area is also well-known for its abundance of
quaint little villages and thatch-roof cottages.
Extravagant stately homes and charming castles rub shoulders
with sleepy villages, hamlets and rolling countryside. 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.
For those that are fans of getting out to the great
outdoors, there are several trails 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 can’t make your mind up on which village to visit, why
not consider walking 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.
5.
Cornwall and Devon
Right at the bottom of the UK mainland sits Cornwall and
Devon, home to some of the best fishing villages and beaches in Great Britain.
Villages such as Fowey and Falmouth and a town famous for its surf beaches, St
Ives, Cornwall is a popular pick in the summer months where people head to the
beaches to sunbathe, thanks to the county enjoying higher temperatures than
most of the UK in general.
Home to the UK’s largest World Heritage Site, discover the
historic stories that surround the old Cornish
Mining industry. 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.
Visiting Cornwall simply wouldn’t be the same without a trip
to the Eden Project. 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.
If you fancy a sea-going voyage, why not embark on a trip to
St Michael’s Mount — a rocky island off the Cornish coast. 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.
As shown, it’s evident to see the many attractions that you
simply must take the time to visit. There are opportunities for everything from
adrenaline-pumping activities to brisk walks amongst the countryside — take
your pick!
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
https://www.golakes.co.uk/things-to-do/
http://www.cotswolds.info/famouspeople/#beatrix_potter
Sponsor Ads
Created on Aug 14th 2019 06:37. Viewed 370 times.