With countries being taken off the ‘safe list’ and that European holiday seeming all the more out of reach, the humble staycation is a great way to explore the gems that our shores have to offer. If you want a change of scenery, there are cheese-tastic, gin or coffee filled treats, new skills to learn like surfing or tours to new places on a coach or a boat.
A taste of cheddar, in Cheddar
The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is a family-owned business and the only producers of cheddar cheese in the village of Cheddar, Somerset. Its visitor centre has now officially reopened to the public on an appointment basis. The visitor centre combines a viewing gallery where visitors can watch the cheesemaker ‘in action’ throughout the day plus get a glimpse into one of its Maturing Stores too. A 20-minute film also shows the whole process from start to finish! It’s a great day out for kids and the whole family. The cheese doesn’t stop there – take some home via the reopened shop and cheese tasting bars. The newly designed shop has an improved one-way layout, and face coverings are required to be worn. You can visit the shop and tasting bar everyday between 10am and 5pm. Visitor centre is open 7 days a week. For more information, visit www.cheddaronline.co.uk.
An active day on the water with Northumberland’s original surf school
There is nowhere better to enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach than Northumberland’s beautiful and picturesque coastline. From one-on-one surf lessons in the morning swell to stand up paddle boarding, the Northside Surf School provides endless fun for those looking for a new adventure this summer. The first to establish itself along the wild Northumbrian coastline over 14 years ago, the region is now home to a growing surf scene, and the team here know where to catch the best waves on any day of the year. Catering for beginners through to seasoned pros, the team of instructors offer over 16 years’ experience and all relevant instructor and lifeguard qualifications for total peace of mind. For more information, visit www.northside-surf-school.co.uk.
Venture across the seas to Holy Island for a taste of its artisanal food and drink – just make sure you check the tides
Sitting one mile off the north east coast of England, located mid-way between Newcastle and Edinburgh, lies the historic and beautiful island of Lindisfarne. Cut off by the sea twice a day, the island is home to 200 people and boasts beautiful landscapes and rich history, attracting thousands of tourists from far and wide each year. While the natural surrounds are incredible, the real stand out here is the island’s thriving artisanal businesses.
Highlights include Pilgrims Coffee’s family-run, ethically-minded café – serving up top quality seasonal food made from local ingredients from its small café powered entirely by renewable sources. Nestled within the café garden is its coffee roastery – set inside a shipping container, the roastery puts top quality, ethically-sourced coffee beans from around the world into the hands of the UK’s coffee lovers through its online store and distribution network, offering unique blends from small scale suppliers around the world. For more information, visit www.pilgrimscoffee.com.
If a visit to the island has made you thirsty, look no further than the Holy Island Gin Company, founded by island local, Andrew Cowan, the boutique distillery creates and distils up to 200 bottles of gin a week. Using the most traditional and quality methods along with vapour infusion, it delivers the taste of island life to gin lovers across the country with its eleven carefully selected botanicals. Distilled and bottled on Holy Island, the gin is uniquely crafted to deliver the essence of island life in a bottle, for more information, visit www.holyislandgin.co.uk.
Explore the best of the UK with a private, personalised tour from Rabbie’s
Whether you want a tour that explores your family’s roots across the country, or one that links some of the nation’s top gastro pubs or travels between iconic filming locations from a favourite movie or television show, the Rabbie’s specialist team will help create itineraries based on the things you love, for a once in a lifetime experience.
Rabbie’s offers one-off itineraries and experiences through its Private Tours. The specialist team will help travellers with itineraries based on the things they love, for a once in a lifetime experience. Each private and personalised tour has a dedicated guide, an expert in storytelling, local insights and historic tales.
A one-day private tour costs from £25 per person based on a 16-person tour with a guide. Price excludes entry fees to visitor attractions. To arrange a private tour email Rabbie’s on [email protected].
Day out accessible for all
As UK attractions begin to reopen and lockdown restrictions ease, many are keen to start safely exploring our shores. Available online for free, to help people of all abilities start to plan their days out, a new, refreshed edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain has been published. The eighth edition of the Guide is packed with over 200 comprehensive reviews. Through collaboration with Carers Trust and the National Autistic Society, this edition features more information relevant to carers and those with hidden disabilities. For more information and to download the Guide visit accessibleguide.co.uk.
A city break with the newly-branded Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
With seemingly empty streets and much quieter attractions, now is the time to enjoy life in the capital without all the crowds. There’s no better way to soak in the sights, than by taking to the river with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Glide through the heart of the capital in safety and comfort while enjoying prime views of London’s best-loved landmarks, from Battersea Power Station and the Tower of London, to St Paul’s Cathedral and The O2. With a River Roamer ticket, enjoy an unlimited day’s travel, it’s the perfect way to hop on and off at any of the 23 piers across the capital to enjoy the city in all its glory. For more information, visit www.uberboatbythamesclippers.com.
