United Kingdom Family Holidays
Northern Ireland offers a more traditional Celtic feel akin to its neighbour the Republic of Ireland. But in boasting four capital cities: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast - alongside other cultural hotbeds such as Liverpool and Manchester - the UK is justifiably a nation ... (Read more...)
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The smart adventurer must be aware of one important thing. Alongside the rich heritage and regional diversity that has developed from such a unique set up, the initial challenge - before the adrenalin rush - is to get-to-grips with the plethora of dialects and national identities the United Kingdom incorporates. But rather than a tentative approach, embracing the diversity will open up the myriad of amazing activities this coastal nation has to offer.
Positioned in north-west Europe, the United Kingdom’s seasonal climate is sometimes erratic. British Summer Time extends from the end of March through to October, but don’t be fooled by the name. This period incorporates a range of climates. The sun-filled months of June to August see the coastal seaside towns saturated with holidaymakers. Contrast this with the bitterly cold but beautiful autumn and spring months of October and March respectively, and you get some idea of the mixture of weather.
Towards the north of the country - notably Scotland – you will find a wetter climate –as you will in parts of Wales. This is not indistinguishable from the generally warmer south, though. Indeed, the risk of snow in winter and heat in summer is similar throughout the United Kingdom.
Surfing
Remember that sense of achievement you felt riding your bike without stabilisers for the first time? The excitement of keeping your balance, with every metre passing feeling like a kilometre. Want to experience that again? Then learning to surf at one of the UK’s most popular beaches is definitely for you! During a stay in Newquay you can find the perfect combination of expert tuition coupled with a quality holiday experience. Available throughout the year, you can start the week as a complete novice. But be warned: The tuition will soon have you hammering the waves and wishing you could surf into the night just to catch a bigger one!
For more advanced surfers, there are excellent private surf schools and in-depth tuition opportunities also based in Newquay. With similar annual availability, Newquay’s surf schools boast top class and experienced surf instructors from across Europe, who can tailor lessons to individual abilities and requirements.
Newquay is positioned in Cornwall on the south-west tip of England and is a self-proclaimed exciting and vibrant coastal destination. You can rest assured; if the surf doesn’t excite you then the vivacious atmosphere which characterises the town will leave you coming back for more!
Walking
If it is a more slow-paced and scenic adventure you’re looking for then walking in the UK should be top of your to-do-list! The assortment of top-quality national parks and hiking opportunities that the UK has at its disposal is some of the best in Europe.
From the heights of Ben Nevis and Snowdon to the slightly less challenging peaks of the Lake District, there is no shortage of walking opportunities. And it is the sheer beauty of the Lake District which marks it out as a popular destination for walkers of all abilities. Why not experience it yourself by hiking around its lakes. Taking in views stretching throughout this national park and beyond, you can experience six peaks each standing at over 2000ft, and look forward to a more relaxed insight into the thriving rural community when you stop for the night. The unspoilt beauty of the Lake District really gives a true taste of the English countryside.
Canyoning
The idyllic welsh town of Llangollen succeeds in offering the bustle of a busy town centre while maintaining a quaint sense of tradition and homely appeal. The town epitomises the developing rural landscape of mid to north Wales. By taking advantage of its natural terrain you are guaranteed top class adventures. While taking in the beautiful Welsh countryside you can experience the exhilaration of abseiling down crisp mountain waterfalls and scrambling across nature’s own obstacle course. Experienced guides will help you every step of the way and will make sure you finish the day soaked from head to toe!
Whitewater Rafting
If white water rafting is your thing, then a short trip west along the River Dee will bring you to the town of Bala, a standout location for welsh white water adventures. Coupled with the thrill of flying down a rocky ascent in a 14-person inflatable raft is the chance to experience the ultimate white water and canoe combo: the orca. This two-man raft journey is not for the faint of heart and will offer the buzz that those real thrill seekers crave.
Classic Itineraries
It would take two weeks to cycle from one end of the country to the other. From the extreme north tip of Scotland at John O’Groats, to the southernmost point of the United Kingdom at Lands End in England, the UK is a total distance of 874 miles by road. With two weeks leaving little time to explore, but what better way to enjoy the UK than to ride its full length.
The sheer magnitude of activities and experiences on offer in the United Kingdom leaves no place without recommendation. For those wanting a taste of everything, from the outstanding and incomparable global city of London to the relaxed Scottish Highlands then an extended trip really is the only way to do each destination justice.
Other Activities
From English ale to Scottish malt; from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to Edinburgh’s Comedy Festival; the United Kingdom genuinely does offer something for everyone. Whether you want a real tourist style experience visiting London’s Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, or you just want to sit in a traditional English pub having a chat with one man and his dog over a beer. The wealth of experiences and adventures is unrivalled in Europe. One thing is for certain, you’ll never be short of something to keep you occupied!
