UK travel - a world of choice

Formby beach - a perennial favourite

Whether you're planning a visit to the David Bowie exhibition at the V&A, fancy looking down on London from the EU's tallest building - or prefer a spot of pampering at a country spa, there’s something for everyone, from beautiful countryside and a fantastic coast to history, culture and shopping.

What’s more, home grown tourism’s great for the UK economy and that helps everyone, supports millions of jobs and thousands of businesses. 

Food for thought

Nigella and Nigel, Delia, Gordon, Gary and  Hugh have all been part of the British food revolution that's transformed pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels and guest houses. Our new found love of baking has seen a resurgence of the classic British tea shop while food festivals celebrate seasonal local British food from Whitstable oysters to Worcesterhire asparagus, Scottish raspberries and Cornish cheese. 

Culture galore

It's not just food, but music, arts, literature and country life that take centre stage in umpteen festivals across Britain throughout the year.  And, talking of centre stage, there's the chance to see some of of our finest actors treading the boards this year including Dames Helen Mirren and Judi Dench, Jude Law and Ben Wishart.

Perhaps an English country garden's more your thing, or walking the Yorkshire Dales. What about exploring by boat - canals, the Broads, lakes and rivers from the creeks and inlets of the east coast to the Irish Sea, there's plenty of choice.

Travellers' rest

And however you choose to travel; by car, train, bus or bike, some of the best bits of Britain are on the way there.  And where will you sleep? In a tent, a four poster or a caravan, a stately home or a seaside B&B, metropolitan modern or cosy cottage? Sophisticated romantic break  or an old fashioned bucket and spade holiday with all the family including the dogs?

While there’s no need to wonder if you’ve left the passport behind, and you certainly won’t be facing the queues and hassle of airports, delays, cancellations, accidents and other hiccups can still happen on home soil so it’s common sense to be prepared.

Cancellations and lost luggage

Many people don’t even think about travel insurance unless they’re going abroad but it could be worth considering. Of course you wouldn’t face the huge foreign medical expenses as a result of illness or an accident in the UK but some policies will cover the cost of extra accommodation or travel home if you or someone you’re travelling with is taken ill or hospitalised.

It’s always a good idea to check the cancellation policies of hotels, guest houses or self- catering accommodation so that you don’t lose money as well as your holiday if something untoward happens.

Luggage can still get lost, personal belongings damaged or stolen just as easily in the UK as when travelling abroad so it’s worth checking your cover; home or motoring insurance policies generally cover items up to a certain value but if you’re planning on taking everything but the kitchen sink to a self catering cottage, make sure you’re properly covered – it’s amazing how gadgets and gizmos quickly add up if they had to be replaced.   

Edible souvenirs

Obviously, make sure your home’s secure while you’re away – burglars and burst pipes don’t care whether you’re in Bath or Bermuda! And, of course, the really brilliant thing about travel in the UK is that you can bring as much local produce back home as you like. Speciality cheeses, honey, jam, smoked fish, cakes, biscuits, black pudding, fudge ….. why go anywhere else ?