In case you’ve been living in a cave for the past few months you’ll know that 2012 is a pretty good year to be living in the UK. After all, it’s not every year that there’s an Olympics on your doorstep and your Monarch celebrates 60 years on the throne.
To tie in with this momentous year in British history and British Tourism Week (12 – 20 March), we’ve picked some iconic British landmarks that you really should add to your bucket list.
So, before you set your sights on the Egyptian Pyramids or a ride on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, why not save yourself the long haul air fare and discover the inspiring alternatives right here on your doorstep? All of these destinations are easily accessible UK coach holidays.
Instead of: Paricutin Volcano, Mexico
Try: The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Where better to begin than the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, Ireland’s only UNESCO world heritage site? Often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this patchwork of close-knit hexagonal columns disappearing into the waves is a sight so impressive that the ancients thought it was man-made. Sunset is a great time to take the perfect picture at this iconic site, and as a second plus, the Causeway happens to be on one of the most scenic drives in the UK.
Instead of: The Egyptian Pyramids, Cairo
Try: Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Stonehenge is among the world’s biggest mysteries with an array of question marks hanging over its towering stone columns: what is it, what was it used for and how did it get there being the ones most on visitors’ lips. Whether it was intended as a huge calendar, a temple for sun worship or just a lovely landscape ornament (unlikely), there’s no escaping the fact that Stonehenge is a remarkable feat of ancestral engineering. Some stones are even rumoured to weigh up to 25 tons. Built between 3000 and 2000 BC, this puts Stonehenge alongside the likes of the Egyptian Pyramids (built between 2630 BC–2611 BC) – with the bonus of being 2000 miles and a lot less money closer.
Instead of: A Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Try: Afternoon Tea at the Ritz, London
Singapore is a long way to travel for a cocktail when you can enjoy an equally famous drinking experience partaking in Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. This quintessentially English experience is so revered that it has become a British institution in itself. Have your little finger poised and jacket and tie at the ready as you are served tea, finger sandwiches and a fresh selection of cakes and pastries in the opulent, 24 gold carat gold leaf environs of the Palm Court. At £42, it’s much cheaper than the trip to Singapore. For the full experience, combine with a London theatre break or go during the Diamond Jubilee where you’ll enjoy a screening of the jubilee, a souvenir menu and a limited edition fine bone China commemorative dish.
Instead of: A ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
Try: The Jacobite Steam Train, Fort William, ScotlandFor a breath-taking railway journey taking in a few impressive superlatives – Britain’s highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station – look no further than The Jacobite steam train. This stunning 84-mile round trip from Fort William to Mallaig is so world-class it’s actually been voted the best. Twice in fact by Wanderlust Magazine for Top Railway Journey in the World. As well as going over show-stopping Glenfinnan Viaduct, the train starred as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the route was also used in the filming. A buffet carriage means you can enjoy lunch while you soak up great scenic beauty. A return journey in first class for a table of two will set you back just £56.50 each.
Try: Wildlife spotting on Skye, ScotlandIf you thought you needed to traverse the earth to go whale watching, think again. The Isle of Skye just off Scotland’s north-west coast offers abundance of wildlife unrivalled elsewhere in the UK,from porpoise to dolphins, minke whales to basking sharks, eagles to puffins. Don your binoculars on a trip to this accessible wilderness to fully enjoy the remarkable blend of flora and fauna, or head to the nearby mainland for classic mountain walks where red deer roam.This blog post was written by Kate Glanfield on behalf of Door2Tour coach holidays.