Looking for a more active getaway, then consider a golfing holiday, if you don’t know where to start, then consider this list!
Slaley Hall
Public Domain, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6747467
Home to world-class golf, incredible food and excellent leisure facilities, this grand Edwardian mansion has a lot to offer. indulge in the Claret Jug Bar or relax in the sauna. What was once known as De Vere Slaley Hall, has 141 beautifully designed bedrooms and is home to two brilliant championship golf courses.
Those being the Hunting and the Preistman Course. They’re always maintained to a very high standard and have hosted eight European Tour and Senior Tour events.
The Gleneagles Resort
By Simon Ledingham, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=482645
This is one of the best Scotland has to offer! It hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and makes for a wonderful golfing holiday. A 5-star hotel that also has an award-winning spa and a 2-Michelin starred restaurant, the Andrew Fairlie. You won’t regret staying here, there’s so much more than golf.
East Sussex National
By 英国旅游哲铭 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51679706
A wonderous 1100 acres of countryside, feel at one with the beautiful, natural environment. With 104 charming rooms accompanied by views of the golf courses. In addition, it has great spa facilities and endless dining options to choose from. Appreciate views of the Huntingtons Restaurant or relax at the lounge bar or Ryder Bar when you are not immersed in a game of golf.
It has two championship courses, those being the East and West course, meaning passionate golfers are have an incredible and testing round of golf. The East Course measures over 7,000 yards off the back tees and challenges even those who have much experience in the sport. Where the West Course is there are breathtaking views and is one of the most popular courses in the region.
The Belfry
It’s home to 319 well decorated, stylish rooms and suites, with many having great views of the golf courses. In 550 acres of Warwickshire’s countryside, the three spectacular golf courses offer a fantastic challenge to all, as well as a variety to choose from. Follow in the footsteps of the golfing legends at the renowned Brabazon Course or the PGA national course or simply take it easy and soak up the atmosphere on a more beginner-friendly course.
From the Brabazon Bar to the Ryder Grill and the Leisure Café, there is a range of dining options to choose from here after spending a day out on the course. Guests can also unwind at the spa and enjoy a wide range of relaxing treatments. What’s stopping you from enjoying a golfing trip at the Belfry?
By Chris Power, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9368469
As with everything right now please take note that there may be disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That being said outdoor activity is almost always a good idea and exploring by bike is a great option. That is why we have come up with a list of some of the best cycle routes the UK has to offer. We will cover everything from long-distance bike rides to shorter more achievable rides.
Best cycle routes: Southern England
The Bristol to Bath cycle route.
An easy 15 mile long cycle route.
This is a great way to combine two great cities into one day trip. In addition its a great one for racers, commuters, pootlers or even toddlers, the path sees cyclists of all ages and abilities. Its a path that doesn’t discriminate. Top the trip off with an ice cream from the Warmley café or even have a sit down lunch at one of the pubs in Saltford.
This route is one of many off-road paths developed and maintained by sustainable transport charity Sustrans with others ranging from the Camel Trail in Cornwall to the Spen Valley Greenway in Dewsbury.
By RaviC – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77645490
Cornwalls Camel Trail.
An easy 18 mile long cycle route.
Now that we’ve mentioned it, it wouldn’t be right not to suggest this wonderful route. Great for both cycles and pedestrians, with various breath-taking views of the Camel Estuary. Part of it being named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the additional prospect of spotting wildlife like otters, dormice, kingfishers and bats.
This route runs along an old railway line so it’s presently flat, perfect for family bike rides. After just 5 miles you can stop off at Wadebridge, witness the Camel Valley Vineyard, or carry on another six miles and hit Bodmin, towards the hills of the moor.
By Sludge G – Camel Trail ,Cornwall Oct 1987, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52359780
Best cycle routes UK: Wales
The Great Orme
An easy and short route of only 5 miles.
Being both very short and very sweet, this is a charming stretch of road perfect for cycling that covers limestone headland above the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno. The name, which was given by the Vikings, actually means ‘sea monster’ and is what this textured protuberance resembles from the town’s promenade.
Coming 207m out of the sea it’s seen as a mini-mountain to the residents here, experienced best by bike. With such memorable views, be sure to keep at least one eye on the route.
By Black Stripe – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8027554
Best cycle routes UK: Eastern England
Norfolks Cromer Ridge.
A moderately difficult 14 mile route.
Whilst east Anglia isn’t renowned for its hills, this takes in the highest point in Norfolk, known as Beacon Hill, which actually stands at 103 metres. With that in mind the views from these paths create a great cycling route, as you blissfully travel past Cromer’s Victorian Pier, flint villages and the National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall.
Despite being one of many Sustrans’ Cycle Route’s, being number 30, some sections are off-road and uneven. It’s a circular route that will take you around three hours but if you want to spare yourself two miles return to Felbrigg Park from Aylmerton Church.
By Stavros1 at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10119605OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Best cycle routes UK: northern England
Keswich Loop
A difficult 26 mile route.
As a cycling destination, the Lake District has few competitors and the market town of Keswick is a perfect place to start. Start here and travel anti-clockwise, it will take you to the best mountain passes in the whole park. Whinlatter, to start, is a relatively gentle two-mile climb carved through Britain’s only true mountain forest of the same name and a regional mountain biking hotspot.
Followed by Honister, starting by Buttermere Lake, where the route transitions to something far more challenging towards the summit. You’ll likely feel very remote but like most climbs in the Lakes, you’re never too far off the grid.
By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7151979
Best cycle routes: Scotland
Applecross peninsula, via Bealach Na Ba
A moderately difficult 44 mile route.
The wild, single-track mountain pass of Bealach Na Bà is the closest thing we have in Britain to the wonders of the Alps. Linking the incredibly remote village of Applecross with the rest of the UK, the Bealachis is one of the longest climbs in Britain and boasts a height gain of 626m.
Start from Shieldaig with the shortest loop of 44 miles, head clockwise to catch the climb from its best side. Attempt it in the summer, getting caught out in the cold on this peninsula is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry and we would not recommend.
By Stefan Krause, Germany – Own work, FAL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15765099Stitched Panorama
Best cycle routes UK: Northern Ireland
Slieve Croob..
A difficult 25 mile route.
To the south of the capital – Belfast, in good weather, the Slieve Croob and Mourne mountain can provide breathtaking views over to the Isle of Man. The route begins in Castlewellan, a charming market town, and passes through the Castlewellan Forest Park right by Slieve Croob mountain which stands at 500 meters above sea level.
It’s a circular route and eventually finishes back in the same market town of Castlewellan with a difficult uphill climb, make sure not to burn out before this final stretch!
By Brian Shaw, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9210115
A fun and charming theme park which can be found in Pembrokshire in Wales. Home to a range of events and fun rides for all the family. If you decide this is the one for you be sure to check out some of the park’s most known rides; Speed, Treetops, Bounce, and Vertigo.
By Andy Dingley – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11761574
Drayton Manor is home to fun rollercoasters, a zoo, and accommodation. Its located in Drayton Bassett in Staffordshire, England. There too can be found Europe’s first Thomas Land and rides such as Maelstrom, Shockwave, and Accelerator.
By Charlzey98 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82822406
Part of the Legoland family, this is a theme park and resort located in Windsor in Berkshire, England. As you’ve probably assumed the park is based entirely on the Lego brand and is too currently managed by Merlin Entertainments.
By Simon Johnston, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13725021
Paultons Park which is also home to Peppa Pig World is located in New Forrest National Park in Hampshire, England. Its ideal for the whole family with over 70 rides and attractions and an entire area themed on the popular children’s program Peppa Pig.
By Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World – Grandpa Pigs Little Train Ride at Peppa Pig World Paultons Park, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49670099
As Britain’s biggest theme park it’s certainly worth consideration. Its located in Staffordshire, England, close to the village of Alton. The park really has something for everyone with mini-golf, Nemisis, Th13teen, The Smiler and Rita, not only this but the park also has plenty of food places and its own accommodation for you to stay at.
By TowersStreet – http://thesmiler.live.towersstreet.com/image/51793916913, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26425449
Otherwise known as Thorpe Park Resort is a theme park that can be found in the village of Thorpe in Surrey, England. Home to many rides, accommodation, and live events it’s a great destination for those looking for a thrilling adventure.
By Stefan Scheer – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7967249
A great option for those residing in the capital London as it’s only about 12 miles southwest of central London. Not only home to many rides to keep the family excited it also boasts Chessington Zoo and a hotel complex so there’s plenty to do for just about any guest.
By Chris Sampson – Flickr: 310812-003 CPS, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29024888SONY DSC
A great option for those looking for a thrill in Scotland, located in The Highlands, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park is home to rollercoasters, a climbing wall, a maze, and much more. Standing for almost 50 years it’s well worth a visit.
By User:NemesisAT – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27802098
The park which has stood on Blackpool’s South Shore since 1896 has been family-owned and operated since first opened. With plenty of events held throughout the year and the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, it provides entertainment for visitors of all ages.
By BlackpoolJ91 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90572567
This charming theme park and zoo can be found in Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire, England. Its been open since 1959 and boasts an award-winning zoo, a great theme park with plenty of rides, and luxury holiday accommodation.
By Phil Catterall, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9363164
One more suited to children this park provides the perfect opportunity for a day out with the family or a short break away in the attached resort. It’s one of the newer resorts being opened in 1999 and can be found in Milton Keynes, England.
By PLTRON – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62804472
I was inspired to explore the world after reading other people’s travel blogs online. Travel blogs are a wonderful source for cool ideas & advice if you’re planning a trip! Below you’ll find some of my favorite travel blogs, plus many more I’ve discovered over the years. I hope you enjoy the variety of travel stories, photography, and videos these travel bloggers publish from around the world!
What makes a great travel blog? Well, it’s going to be subjective. Everyone will have their own opinions. And that’s ok.
Personally, my favorite blogs about travel blend a difficult-to-achieve combination of good writing, great photography, helpful advice, and smart webdesign. They might not all be the most popular blogs, but they get me excited to discover and learn about new places.
So in no particular order, below you’ll find my favorite travel blogs for 2020. Follow them if you’d like to escape from reality for a while during your work break — and maybe get inspired for your next trip in the process!
Maptia is a collaborative project with a diverse group of photographers, writers, adventurers, and conservationists, who bring their readers a world of inspiring and thought-provoking stories. They are a volunteer-run travel blog spending hundreds of hours over the past 4 years to self-publish impactful travel stories in an independent, ad-free environment.
Roads & Kingdoms’ message is simple: the more you know, the better you travel. R&K use talented local journalists, deep storytelling, and the good things in life —- food, music, booze — to inform and inspire about destinations around the globe. Winners of a 2018 Primetime Emmy, a 2019 National Magazine Award and the 2017 James Beard Publication of the Year award.
By road, by kayak, by seaplane and most of all on foot, Erik Gauger tackles the themes of city and country in the modern world on his blog Notes From The Road. Erik shares “the messy truth of travel, told by a regular guy.” His photography and writing are some of the best I’ve seen online from an independent travel blog. You’ll get lost for hours reading his stories.
Originally from the United States, Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott are the husband-and-wife storytelling team behind Uncornered Market. Through their stories, and speaking about sustainable tourism, they are creating a movement of travelers who live at the intersection of adventure, deep travel and life experiences. More than 90 countries later, they are still going… and still married.
Atlas & Boots is an outdoor travel blog covering thrilling activities in far-flung places be it swimming with whales in Tonga or trekking volcanoes in Vanuatu. Although Peter Watson and Kia Abdullah started on opposite ends of the outdoor spectrum, over the years they drew each other towards the middle; to what they describe as outdoorsy-ish.
In 1999, Derek left the United States for a three-month, post-graduation trip to Asia. The idea was to backpack around Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and then return home. However that adventure is still going on today. It’s now been over 18 years of nonstop travel and Derek has visited 100+ countries, sharing his experiences & thoughts on a wonderful travel blog called Wandering Earl.
Growing up in Boston, Matt didn’t take his first overseas trip until he was 23, but he is certainly making up for it now. As a New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and founder of one of the biggest travel blogs online, Nomadic Matt has helped millions of people to travel more with his useful tips and advice. I’ve been reading his blog for years!
Aileen Adalid is a Filipina travel blogger behind the cool site I Am Aileen. Along with a wonderful design and great photos, she shares helpful tips from her travels around the world, as well as advice for becoming a digital nomad (she sells custom gear on Amazon). I particularly love her content from Japan and Antarctica.
Mark and Paul are always looking for answers. Whether discussing politics with locals in a city bar, understanding unusual rock formations in spectacular scenery or working out the meaning of life in an obscure gallery in the middle east. Their questions drive their passion for independent travel and invoke their curiosity to see the world through the eyes of locals — and sharing it with you.
With over 65+ countries knocked off his own bucket list, Pete is an inspiration, traveling for 7 years, going from one country to another while working on BucketListly Blog and many other business ventures. He is a travel filmmaker, a photographer, a digital nomad, a design freelancer, and a solo traveler, telling his travel stories through a combination of award-winning travel videos, gorgeous photography and immersive writing all in one.
Alex travels around the world, “alternating between swashbuckling skullduggery and gallant gallivanting depending on the alignment of the stars”. Originally from the United States, she decided to quit her desk job to travel the world for a while, living out of a backpack, wandering aimlessly, and often getting lost with a purpose. Her current trajectory is taking her completely off the beaten path, with stories from destinations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
You’re probably starting to see a pattern in my favorite blogs! I love to follow people who are going against the grain, taking on destinations that don’t get as much love as others do. Against the Compass is exactly that. It is an alternative travel blog, which aims to help you to travel to the most unusual and off the beaten track destinations. Joan works hard to break stereotypes and inspire you to get out of the comfort zone.
Expect inspiring travel reports by a selection of different authors as they recount their adventures using text, film and photography. Unlike many other travel blogs, the focus of this website is on the story, with none of the other distracting elements you find on many blogs. It encourages readers to scroll and control the pace of the story themselves. It’s incredible to see how Johannes Klaus has put together this engaging site for telling great travel stories, and it’s easy to get lost for hours reading.
Sidetracked is a wonderful tri-annual Adventure Travel Magazine and online journal that features a collection of personal stories of adventure travel, exploration, journeys and expeditions from different writers. The concept is simple: to capture the emotion and experience of adventure and expeditions throughout the world… and of course to inspire you to head out on your own adventures too.
It all changed for Andrew and Emily on a rain-soaked and gin-fueled evening in East London back in 2014, when they decided to make life more interesting and take a chance on doing what they love – embracing travel and photography.
Fast forward a year later and they were on a one-way flight to Mexico with several cameras, a couple of laptops and enough money to last 2 years. Since then, quite a lot has changed, but their approach to travel and adventure has stayed the same, and I always love reading their blog.
Travel Blog Directory List (2020)
It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in budget travel, luxury travel, adventure travel, responsible travel, LGBT travel, or travel tips for the deaf & disabled among us — you’ll find someone who travels just like you, blogging about their experience.
There are thousands of travel blogs & bloggers out there on the internet these days. The list below represents some of the most active travel blogs online, and I update it on a regular basis. Enjoy!
Glasgow is home to more than 20 museums and art galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum, a radical space designed by Zaha Hadid that reveals the history of transport in the city. Many of the city’s major museums are free, while those looking to get out and discover Glasgow’s incredible street art can take a tour of the Mural Trail with an expert local guide.
The work of eminent architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is dotted all over the city. You can dine in style and delve into the history of his work at Mackintosh at the Willow, which features a restaurant, tea rooms and a visitor centre.
Style Mile, the area between Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and the Merchant City is packed full of independent boutiques and vintage fashion venues, while Sloans Market and Merchant Square Craft Market are a must for shopaholics.
The vibrant Finnieston area is the city’s hippest new foodie quarter, with quirky bars, independent restaurants and a cool, laid-back vibe.
Make sure you visit People Make Glasgow for a more detailed glimpse of city life.
Just over one hour’s drive from Glasgow you’ll find Loch Lomond, a first hint of the Highlands and an area designated a National Park for its epic splendour.
Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Arthur’s Seat is an imposing peak in Holyrood Park with sweeping views, and Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and it is located in central eastern Scotland, near the Firth of Forth, close to the North Sea. Thanks to its spectacular rocks, rustic buildings and a huge collection of medieval and classic architecture, including numerous stone decorations, it is often considered one of the most lively cities in Europe. Scottish people called it Auld Reekie, Edina, Athens of the North and Britain’s Other Eye.
Edinburgh is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is a city with a fantastic position. The view falls on all sides – green hills, the hint of the blue sea, the silhouettes of the buildings and the red cliffs. It is a city that calls you to explore it by foot – narrow streets, passageways, stairs and hidden church yards on every step will pull you away from the main streets.
The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. It is the capital of Scotland and home to many tourist attractions. A visit here will be well worth it, considering the numerous things you can do and see. Most of the structures in the Old Town have remained in their original form over the years. Charming medieval relics are plenty in this section of the city. In contrast, orderly Georgian terraces line the streets of the New Town. The general urban scenery is a blend of ancient structures and modern architecture, which gives the city a unique character. In 1995, the Old Town was listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. With year-round festivals, a throbbing nightlife, and an entertaining arts scene, Edinburgh never falls short of interesting travel ventures for tourists.
Jersey is the biggest of the Channel Islands and sits a mere 14 miles from the French coast and 85 miles from the English coast. Despite being geographically closer to France the language that dominates is English along with Jerriais which is actually the traditional language of Jersey and is closely related to French. Additionally, despite being the largest of the Channel Islands it is still relatively small being 5 miles long and 9 miles wide and consisting of 12 parishes. Just like the Isle of Man Jersey is a self-governing part of the British Isles meaning that while it likely shares some of the same charming features as Great Britain it will have many other interesting characteristics of its own.
Gorey Castle
Jersey Beach
The capital of Jersey is called Saint Helier and is the largest settlement and only town of Jersey. Saint Helier houses some fascinating landmarks such as Fort Regent, Beresford Market and 16 New Street, all of which cannot be found anywhere else. If you’re more interested in the environment there are three areas of land protected as their deemed to be considered ‘Sites of Special Interest’ and the excellent Jersey Zoo to explore.
Zoo – Meerkats
Traditionally folk music prevailed across the land, although now the music is far more diverse and jersey is home to many music festivals such as Jersey live, Weekender, Rock in the Park and more that can be enjoyed at different times throughout the year.
Music Festival
Along with a selection of music there is also much food to be enjoyed when visiting Jersey. Seafood holding a special position in the traditional cuisine of Jersey, along with their rich Jersey milk and the islands famous Chats (small potatoes). A unique culture influenced by a mix of British and French settlers makes Jersey an interesting island to visit and their fine cuisine and taste for music make for a trip you will enjoy.
