With top attractions such as Hadrian’s Wall or the beautiful South West Coastal Path, the UK is simply begging to be explored. After our recent blog about cycling holidays we thought what better activity to do next than walking destinations. We’ve put together a few of our favourite walks and hikes available around the UK.
The 84 mile long wall links the northern coastlines of England. It was built to protect Roman England from Scotland in 122 AD and has since then been designated a National Trail. To walk the full distance will take you approximately 6 days and will lead you through the moorlands, the beautiful rolling hills of the countryside as well as through the bustling city of Newcastle-upon-tyne. The walk itself also passes many small villages offering good resting points.
This is the longest possible walk in this blog. The beautiful South West Coastal Path stretches 630 miles around the whole of the south western tip of the UK. There is no set way, direction or destination when walking the path however it starts in Minehead, Somerset and ends at Poole Harbour, Dorset. The whole route is filled with incredible sights and many small villages. A fast paced walker could manage the whole route in approximately 30 days however it is recommended to go slower and follow the guidebook or website which can be found here. The guidebook splits the walk into 52 manageable sections which give you time to see the sights and points of interest along the way.
The three Peaks in Yorkshire is an achievement desired by many and is by no means an easy task. The walk climbs over 1600m in altitude up the Pennine Range. The walk is very popular and is usually started in Horton, Ribblesdale. The first Peak is Pen y Ghent which starts slow but quickly reaches steeper hills. From here you cross over to Whernside Peak followed by Ingleborough which has stunning 360 degree views of the Yorkshire Dales at its peak.
Ben More is Britain’s last active volcano which blew its top over 60 million years ago. The walk is situated on the Isle of Mull and can only be accessed via a short ferry. The 7.5 mile hike will lead you to the top of the Scotish volcano and offers some of the best views in the country. There is no higher point in the UK south of Ben More.
These are just a few of the incredible walks available around the UK. Your Coach Hire offers affordable coaches and minibuses to and from all these locations. Get a quote of our nationwide cover online today.
One of Britain’s greatest crafts is in our alcohol creation. Our country is full of so many distilleries and breweries ranging from large to micro. We’ve compiled some of the best ones available for tours and experiences.
http://www.thatcherscider.co.uk/visit-us/thatchers-tours/
Thatchers Cider is brewed at Myrtle Farm in Sandford. The site offers “individual” tours for groups between 1-15 people or “group” tours for between 15-30 people. The tour will take you through the orchards and the mill. You will get to experience the 100 years of cider making and see what has changed since they started all that time ago. To top it all off, they offer sampling of some of their somerset ciders.
https://www.visitengland.com/experience/foodie-breaks-distilleries-bombay-sapphire-hampshire
Become a cocktail making expert with a masterclass at the home of the legendary Bombay Sapphire at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire. You will learn all about the tricks of the trade. Follow this by stepping behind the bar to make your very own cocktails. Provided you are still sober after trying the fruits of your labour, go on the self-guided tour of the distillery itself. Go through the Glasshouses and Botanical Dry Room. Get an inside view of the elusive behind-the-scenes areas showing the unique Vapour Infusion Process.
https://www.visitengland.com/experience/take-tour-adnams-copper-house-distillery
Adnams are very well known for their beers and wines. They also have a range of their own distilled Vodkas, Gins and Whiskeys. The Adnams Copper House Distillery is located in Southwold, Suffolk. The distillery is the most energy efficient distillery in the UK. Experience how they make their wide range of fine spirits including Absinth Rouge and North Cove Oak-Aged Vodka.
https://www.visitengland.com/experience/beer-tasting-britains-oldest-brewer
Celebrate one of England’s best exports in the UK’s Oldest brewery in Faversham, Kent. The Shepherd Neame Brewery has been brewing since 1698 so you can guarantee a great beery experience in your Faversham visit. Some of their top beers include the famous Spitfire and Bishops Finger. You can also book an overnight stay in the Sun Inn for a countryside experience dating back to the 14th century.
https://www.visitengland.com/experience/gain-all-access-pass-bristol-gin-distillery
Enjoy a tutored tasting of Bristol’s Six O’Clock Gin, a premium London style gin distilled in a copper still in Thornbury. The family run distillery started making gins and liquors little over 25 years ago and still hand make all of their products.
Your coach hire offers coaches to and from all of these great Breweries and Distilleries. Get a quick quote online today and book your boozy trip away.
A little sport and physical activity is good for all of us. But is the 5-a-side football or that weekly gym session not cutting it for you? These sports are some of the lesser known ‘extreme sports’. Get stuck in to learn some unique skills and get that adrenaline rush you’re craving!
Take diving and swimming to the next level with cliff diving. There are hundreds of beautiful locations across the UK which are perfect for diving. Cliff diving requires you to climb up to a precipice where you then have to find a spot to jump into the water away from rocks. The final jump is what makes it all worth it with a great adrenaline rush.
Red Bull Cliff-Diving is a worldwide contest that shows the ultimate extremes of the sport. Don’t miss their UK location in Pembrokeshire.
The Extreme Ironing Facebook group says the sport “combines the thrill of an outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt. Iron on!”
The sport itself involves finding a remote or difficult to reach location such as the top of a mountain or waterfall or in a cave, whilst carrying an ironing board, an iron and some clothes. Follow this by simply ironing your clothes.
The sport was founded in roughly 1997 in Leicester which was officially made an extreme sport in 1999. It is recommended to start in your garden then slowly move onto more extreme locations.
The ultimate thrill for an adrenaline junky comes from base jumping. Throwing yourself off a serious height with a parachute and opening it up before you hit the ground. Use a wingsuit for an even greater thrill. These suits allow control whilst flying through the air making you fly similar to the gliding of a bird however being able to reach speeds of up to 200mph. This sport is not something to be taken lightly and has many risks involved. It is also illegal in many countries outside of organised events so be sure to check and be extra safe when attempting.
This interesting take on the classic game of Hockey was first seen in a 1925 film however didn’t become a sport until early 1960s in America. The sport has grown and thrived and now has clubs up and down the UK. The sport follows the same basic rules of hockey however adds the extra difficulty of being on a unicycle! To find your nearest club visit http://unicycle.org.uk/clubs.html
The sport of cheese rolling originated in Gloucester in 15th century and has now become an annual event. The Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling event is the world’s largest competition. For those that do not know about it Cheese Rolling involves throwing yourself down a very steep hill in hot pursuit of a wheel of cheese. As a warning to all who wish to try this, the sport is extremely injury prone with people breaking bones every year.
These sports are all available in the UK. Your coach hire offers a nationwide service for coaches and minibuses. Get a quick quote online today.
England is a beautiful country with a rich history, beautiful villages and incredible national parks from top to bottom. The north of the country is full of many such places. We’ve listed some of our favourites for you to explore and enjoy.
We couldn’t talk about the North without mentioning the Lake District. The collection of 16 stunning lakes is a protected UNESCO National Park. Filled with rolling hills and mountains, the Lake District is home to some of the most relaxing destinations in the country. For those looking for a quiet experience, visit Ullswater Lake. The lake is pristine and untouched, great for paddle-boarding and hiking.
Hidden away just off the coast of Northumbria is the wonderful Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The first thing anyone planning a visit should be aware of is the limited access to the island. Every day when the tide comes in, the island is cut off from the mainland. Once on the island be sure to visit the legendary abbey and Lindisfarne Castle, both of which are steeped in history. The island is widely considered the starting point for the Viking Age in Northern Europe.
The Peak District National Park is the largest in the UK and one of the best places to visit. Just some of the many great sights and attractions in the national park include The UK’s highest opera house in Buxton. The Pennine Way which is the UK’s first long distance footpath. The Blue John Cavern, one of the very few places you are able to find the mineral with the same name. On top of these great attractions the Peak District is known for its spectacular caverns and underground rivers as well as being very popular with paragliders and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The final place on our list today is the city of Chester. It was originally constructed as a Roman Fortress and still maintains a lot of the Roman history within its walls. When visiting be sure to visit the gothic cathedral, the city’s almost 500 year old church. The city is also home to the Chester racecourse, one of the country’s leading horse racing tracks.
These are just a few of the lesser known or visited places in the north of the UK. Your coach hire offers coaches and minibuses to and from all these destinations from anywhere in the UK. Book your coach today with our quick and easy online quoting system.
All of us need a break every now and then however, getting the time to go for a full holiday is a regular struggle for many of us. Introducing day breaks. We’ve come up with a list of great cities to visit for a day at a time that are packed with history and activities for everyone.
The first place on our list is the wonderful city of Brighton. Usually considered more of a summer destination, the beautiful city of Brighton offers some of the best of British coastlines. On top of the classic British seafront, Brighton is also home to the stunning Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence with incredible open gardens.
Next up is York. Located in the biggest county in the UK which also holds its namesake, York is a truly stunning city. The walled city holds years of history dating back to the roman who founded it. Some of the top things to see include: York Minster, an iconic Gothic-style Medieval cathedral. The Shambles, top shopping destination with middle age history throughout. Clifford’s Tower, a castle once used as a prison & mint.
Oxford was founded in 912 AD. The city now revolves around the prestigious university which was established in the 12th century. Oxford has inspired so many writers throughout the years, one of the lesser known attractions in Oxford in known as the “Narnia Door”. It is said to have inspired C.S.Lewis’s “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”. The 38 colleges have architecture which is said to have inspired Matthew Arnold. The university is only the start of what the city has to offer. Don’t miss the botanical gardens and oxford castle.
The Scottish capital is next on our list of top UK day trip destinations. Edinburgh is most likely one of the prettiest in the country. For those seeking a historical trip, Edinburgh is packed with things to do such as: Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrioodhouse or Arthur’s Seat.
Your coach hire offers coaches to and from all these destinations. Our top quality nationwide service is available with just a few clicks. Get a quick quote online today.
Each Christmas London hosts some of the best theatre productions. From festive shorts to epic ballet performances, London really does show off each year at christmas. We have come up with a list of just a few of the unmissable shows happening this christmas period.
Our first production is the Royal Ballet’s performance of Sleeping Beauty. The 19th-century choreography combines with Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music is an amazing adaptation of the story of a princess who pricks her finger on a spindle putting her under a sleeping spell which can only be broken by true love’s kiss.
Dates – 7th Nov – 16 Jan
Join a cast of familiar West End stars as they come together to create an uplifting and feel-good musical White Christmas. The musical tells the story of WWII soldiers turned broadway stars on Christmas Eve 1944. The musical features all original songs including White Christmas. Don’t miss Danny Mac in his great performance as Bob.
Dates – 15th Nov – 4th Jan
The Dickens classic has been used and adapted many times over and very rarely disappoints. This production however has been adapted by Jack Thorne, the same playwright to adapt Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Paterson Joseph plays the key role of Scrooge with his other 16 cast members to deliver one of the most anticipated adaptations of A Christmas Carol available this year.
Dates – 23rd Nov – 18th Jan
As with every year, the English National Ballet is back with their annual rendition of the Nutcracker. The huge cast of over 100 dancers will put on their incredible performance throughout December. Tchaikovsky’s most popular score is a great way to introduce someone into the wonderful and artistic world of ballet.
Dates – 11th Dec – 5th Dec
These are just a few of the incredible productions available in London. Don’t miss the chance to catch them. Your Coach Hire offers coaches and minibuses to and from all of these productions. Get a quick quote online today.
Beautiful lights, mulled wine and mistletoe, the Christmas period is full of things to love. Christmas markets are a great way to pick up a variety of presents as well as enjoy some of the great festive activities and products your local area may have to offer. We’ve comprised a list of some of this year’s top markets to visit.
Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest and most famous Christmas markets the UK has to offer. This is all for good reasons. The market transforms Hyde Park in the center of London into a festive paradise. From jaw-dropping circus acts to the world’s largest transportable observation wheel, the market hosts acts and activities from all over the world.
Dates – 21st Nov – 5th Jan
The historic city of Bath offers one of the most picturesque Christmas markets. The combination of the rich roman history and the beautiful festivities gives a truly unmissable experience. The market itself is full of enough treasure for everyone to take home. Last year Bath had boasting rights with over 80% of their stalls being from the south-west 99% of all products available were either handmade in the UK or made abroad with fairtrade certifications. Also don’t miss Bath on Ice, a festive Ice Rink running from 15th Nov through till 5th Jan
Dates – 28th Nov – 15th Dec
As the only non-english style market on the list today, Birmingham offers a brilliant german christmas experience. Birmingham hosts a variety of events in October for Oktoberfest and it has now started with the german Christmas theme. Enjoy a fine range of stalls with everything from personalised gifts to the amazing german food including: schnitzels, bratwurst, gluhwein and weissbier. On top of this, from 13th – 21st Dec you can head over to the Enchanted Weston – an after-dark illuminated experience with music and food.
Dates – 7th Nov – 23rd Dec
These are just three of the amazing Christmas Markets around the country. Be sure to check out: Southbank Winter Festival in London, Leeds Christkindelmarkt and Manchester Christmas Markets. Your Coach Hire offers trips to and from all of these destinations. Go online today for a quick quote on our nationwide cover.
For those unfamiliar with cycling holidays the main principle is to either stay in one place and complete daily cycling routes or start at one destination and cycle to different checkpoints with an end destination in mind. Today we will be focussing on the first of these options.
Our first cycling destination is the beautiful Yorkshire dales. Full of rolling hills and scenic national parks, the dales become a truly great spot for cycling. The flatlands make for great casual cycling or for the more advanced, try mountain biking across the famous Three Peaks.
Between the forests and wetlands, Dartmoor offers so many great paths to cycle along. There are over 350km of larger byways and bridleways all of which come with quieter little routes perfect to cycle along as well as dedicated cycle paths through the hills.
As London’s largest royal park, Richmond park offers great views and a great chance to see some of the UK’s great natural wildlife. The park is part of a Special Area of Conservation and it is a natural nature reserve. This means there will not be any building on the site to scare off the herds of deer that live there.
The Peak District is probably the most famous destination on our list. The amazing rolling hills and world renowned peaks are what draw people to this fantastic destination. The area is so popular there are many places to hire a bike when you get there so you don’t even need to worry about transportation of your own. The Peaks offer a variety of different challenges that may require a mountain bike for the more experiences or thrill seeking, or just a leisurely bike to take in the amazing views.
These are just a few of the many places around the uk alone that you can book amazing cycling holidays. Your Coach Hire offers coaches and minibuses to all these locations and more. Get a quick quote online today or call for further information.
With Christmas just around the corner, the time for Christmas parties has arrived. We’ve come up with a great list of some of the more niche and smaller venues in London to host your Christmas party.
PONG is the first venue in Europe to open with their unique digital PONG connect tables which allow pong games to be played in a whole new way. They offer capacity of up to 20 people when seated. Spread over two floors, the venue is perfect for small office parties who want to have a fun and exciting night out instead of a sit-down meal.
Indian Accent offers great spins on traditionally loved Indian recipes. These include great unique dishes from the lesser known regions of India. With a capacity of 18, this smaller venue is one of the top places in New Delhi, New York and London.
Swingers is a totally unique venue packed with events and games for the whole night. The venue offers two 9-hole crazy golf courses, 5 bars and some of the top street food vendors in London. They have the capacity for anywhere between 12 and 500 people. This unforgettable experience includes a Gin Terrace, the private President’s Committee Room and The Upper Clubhouse which looks over the golf courses.
QUEENS’ boasts being the only dedicated curling rinkside dive-bar and diner. The incredible venue offers a great spot for a party on the ice or off it. The quality meals and MEATliquor’s drinks will leave you wanting more. They have a capacity of up to 65 people seated or 100 standing.
Don’t miss out on these incredible venues for your next Christmas party. When planning a party travel is always important. Book a coach or minibus online with Your Coach Hire today.
Keeping a family holiday as cheap as possible is often an extremely difficult task. Cornwall offers plenty of things to do that are completely free. From the inland to the beautiful stretches of coastline, here’s some of the top free activities to do.
For those with younger children there are some great activities to do.
The first of which is going to the beach. Cornwall offers two entirely different experiences based on whether you visit the north or south of the county. In the north the windy seas offer great surfing however, the calmer south side has great expanses perfect for those with smaller children to build sandcastles and enjoy the waters.
The coastline isn’t just limited to beaches though. Another great activity to do with kids is to go rock pooling. The many small pools on the coastlines offer crabs and lobsters as just a few of the creatures mixed in with the anemones.
When the kids are slightly older there are whole new branch of free activities you can do.
Cycling trails cover most of Cornwall and are great to do with kids. The Camel Trail is one of the best ones. The disused railway is now a large cycling track which takes you through the Camel Valley. The route can be walked or cycled and goes through many cute little villages with places to stop and eat.
Another Great trail is the Lanhydrock cycle trails. There are a variety of different trails which cover the National Trust property of Lanhydrock ranging in difficulty from trails suitable for trailers and tagalongs to those for the more experienced off road cyclists.
These are just a few of the many many things available to do in Cornwall which do not require you to spend a penny. Your Coach Hire offers coaches and minibuses to and from all UK destinations. Get a quick quote online today.
