One of the joys of holidaying in a different country is the opportunity to live like a local. Soak up the country’s cultural and historic experiences that make it so special.
Here in the UK, we have plenty of great British experiences for you to sample whilst visiting. From melt in the mouth moments to sights that will stay with you forever.
For a truly authentic British holiday, make sure it includes some of our top British experiences:
- A sunset fish & chip supper to the cry of the gulls – Perfectly named the ‘Good Companions’ by Winston Churchill, a fish and chip supper has been a British treat for over 150 years. Whether you are visiting the North or the South of the country (both seem to lay claim to its origins!), find yourself a good fish and chip shop by the sea (fish won’t get fresher!) and enjoy this tasty delight straight from the wrapper whilst watching the sunset over the glimmering water. A recent trip to Whitstable in Kent reminded me just how well fish and chips accompany a sunset!
- An afternoon treat not to be missed – On the subject of eating, no visit to the UK is complete without enjoying the ceremonious time-honoured tradition of an afternoon tea. Slightly warmed scones with lashings of clotted cream and raspberry jam, need I say more! Whether you make a full afternoon of it at a hotel or you enjoy an impromptu moment in a tea room after visiting a stately home, an afternoon tea should be on every visitors ‘to do’ list.
- King of the Castle – With over 1500 castle locations throughout the UK, you will never have far to travel to step back in time. From barely visible ruins including magical Tintagel Castle to the splendours of Windsor Castle, the oldest European inhabited castle and home to Queen Elizabeth II, the UK has some magnificent castles to really show off the best of British.
- Peeping through a royal keyhole – Our much loved royal family attract attention worldwide and are one of Britain’s most popular attractions. With royal landmarks dotted throughout the country, there are plenty of opportunities for taking a peep through the keyhole of a royal residence. From Balmoral, the royal family home in Aberdeenshire (normally open to the public from April to July) to the Queen’s favourite retreat at Sandringham in Norfolk (open April to November), a visit to a royal family home is sure to be a holiday highlight!
- Conquer a coastal path – Great Britain has over 11,000 miles of stunning coastline and there’s no better way to take in the UK seascape than by foot. From the Isle of Wight to the Shetland Isles, there’s a coastal path waiting to be explored and a whole lot of British wildlife and countryside to soak up en-route.
- Do the locomotion – The world’s first locomotive journey took place in Great Britain back in 1804 and what better way to step back in British time, than to take a nostalgic trip on a steam train. There are wonderful journeys throughout the country but for a true ‘vintage’ experience, head for the Ffestiniog Railway in Snowdonia, North Wales and enjoy a ride on the oldest narrow gauge railway in the world.
- Let Boris show you London – If you are visiting the UK, then a trip to its capital is bound to be on the agenda. Whilst the iconic red bus and black London taxi are popular means of transport, a Boris Bike provides a novel and cheap way of exploring the capitals many attractions. With over 10,000 bikes to hire and docking stations dotted all over the capital, why not have some two wheeled fun exploring London.
- Take a Punt – The popularity of Punting in England has a long history which dates back to the early 1900s. An enjoyable leisure activity, there are still places to partake in this wonderful sedate experience including Canterbury, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge.
- And a Pint! – From John o’ Groats to Lands End, the UK produces some award winning ales. What ever part of the country you visit, make the time to sample a pint of its local finest in a traditional inn. To round off the experience, treat yourself to a cheese ploughmans – the perfect accompaniment!
- Lazy Sunday watching cricket – Whilst its exact origins within the country are not clear, England is proud to claim cricket as its own. Dating back to the 16th Century, when it is believed to have started as a childrens game, cricket has become incredibly popular worldwide. Nothing beats that wonderful noise of leather on willow (apart from the cork popping out of the bottle!) to the sight of gentlemen in their crisp whites enjoying an ‘over’ before tea. Played up and down the country , find yourself a pretty village setting to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon watching a game of cricket.
There are lots of great British experiences to enjoy when you visit on holiday, so why not book yourself a holiday cottage, live like a local and sample a taste of British living first hand.