Activities

Oxton’s Blenheim Palace

The grounds of the palace offers one of the most impressive locations a passionate fisherman can possibly hope for. With an array of fish to be found from tench, perch, and roach to be sought out in summer and then big pike around in the winter. But the place itself is the biggest attraction. 

If you go to the 11th Duke of Marlborough’s home that has grounds by Capability Brown, you are greeted with a peaceful and impressive trip. Hire boats will let you drift clear of any disturbance with prices starting from £28 a day.

Something else to think about: Oxford’s a mere stone’s throw away. So don’t forget to explore the city after catching your fish, and continue the adventure. 

Devon’s Lifton

Found in a quiet valley west of Dartmoor, the Arundell Arms is one of Britain’s most well-known and highly regarded fishing hotels, it even has its own fishing school and private beats. 

The hotel has its own lake, so there’s much fly-fishing to be enjoyed, find wild brown trout, sea trout, salmon, and rainbow trout. The surrounding countryside here is nothing less than gorgeous and you’re bound to feel truly submerged into the sport.

Something else to think about: The Arundell Arms offers day ‘Enhancement Courses’ for fly-fishing at £160.

N. Yorks’s Whitby

Famed as the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula this may not be somewhere you immediately think to visit as a passionate fisherman. However, the fishing here is certainly something to be admired too. The harbor is cozy with plenty of an array of day-boats. 

Skipper Paul Sykes, one of the area’s voted ‘ friendliest faces’ will gladly help you catch the local fish. With the local fish most notably being; cod, ling, haddock, herring, or mackerel. He even gets so close to whales in late summer you can smell them. 

Something else to think about: there’s plenty of jet gemstones on the shore just waiting to be found!

Northumberland’s Cheviot Hills

The Tweed, which forms much of the border between Northumberland and Scotland, is one of the world’s finest rivers for salmon fishing, but unfortunately, it’s hard to get onto because it’s mostly privately owned. 

However, if you pick one of the Tweed’s lesser-known areas, you’ll find them much easier to access. Or even consider some of the accommodations, such as Turvelaws Cottages that include private fishing rights. 

Something else to think about: The Northumberland National Park which isn’t far is a great option for a joyful walk and explore. 

Cumbria’s Lake District

A well-known area and for many great reasons! The Lakes are breathtaking and there are few more romantic places in which to practice the sport of fishing all while being mesmerized by the views. 

Something else to think about: The first-ever Go Fishing Festival was held here in Cumbria and will now be annual, offering master classes, have-a-go sessions, and even demonstrations. 

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is among the world’s most famous lakes being highly saturated with legends, but it doesn’t end there they’re also awash with trout, salmon, sea trout as well as pike, perch, and roach. 

Go to the Cameron House hotel, you can enjoy half-day fishing trips with rods and ghillie for £150 per boat. Being voted ‘Scotland’s Most Stylish’ you’re going to be living the life of luxury and not only this but you’re also a stone’s throw from the lake’s edge. 

Something else to think about: If you’re also a fan of golf Carrick Golf Club is a couple of miles away. 

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

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

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

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?

Latitude

This festival takes place on July 22-25.

This is a charming artsy bash that takes place in Suffolk’s Henman Park, its just as known for its theatre, literary talks and family friendly fun as it is for its line up of musicians.

This year you have numerous well known artists such as Lewis Capaldi, First Aid Kit, Bastille, and one called Snow Patrol Reworked.

https://

www.latitudefestival.com/line-up/

Reading and Leeds Festival

This festival takes place on August 26-29.

Taking place on a bank holiday weekend and just after GCSE results day, it’s probably best visited by teenagers that hope to let off steam after a lot of studying.

This year’s headliners are Stormzy, Post Malone and Liam Gallagher.

There are plenty of reasons to go; one being blue vodka slushies. Leeds Festival is always a reliably no-nonsense affair, you can forget the artisan food stalls, here you get burgers and chips, one type of lager and an absolutely enormous amount of music. A festival with its priorities in the right place, albeit with a shedload of tipsy teenagers shoved in there too.

End of the Road

This festival takes place on September 2-5.

Taking place in the charming location of Larmer Tree Gardens with loads of guitars on the line up and fitting summer vibes that serve to round off another musical summer. Also a festival that can be credited for being one of the first places to push for a gender balanced line up.

This year you can expect to see various acts ranging from Pixies, King Krule, Big Thief, Bright Eyes, Little Simz, Perfume Genius and an abundance more.

With a range of bands that are truly fun, this season-closer in Dorset is a guaranteed fun loving festival, well timed to make the most of those final days of summer. In addition it’s said that the festival have been excelling themselves with their line-up front for 15 years now.

Wilderness

This festival takes place on August 5-8.

This festival provides a wonderful means to make the most of your summer. Not only having great music it also has a beautiful swimming lake. It hosts Letters Live, the cult performance strand where unannounced actors like Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch can be found reading out fascinating epistles by distinguished figures. With the addition of glorious banquets from top chefs it really is the full package.

This year’s acts are yet to be announced but last year they were blessed with the likes of Loyle Carner, Foals and Supergrass. With the addition of professional chefs Richard Corrigan, Skye Gyngell and Fergus Henderson serving up true delights. 

It’s consistently considered one of the UK’s best festivals, but even if you just went for the beautiful scenery, it would be one to remember. 

Mighty Hoopla

This festival takes place on September 4th.

Held in Brockwell Park this one-dayer that brings together the biggest acts in pop and performances from the best names on London’s LGBTQ+ music scene.

Alike so many festivals this year Mighty Hoopla are too currently keeping their line up to themselves, but previous years have seen the likes of Anastacia.

With this festival, you have the added benefit of knowing that it was itself established by the creative minds behind queer troupe Sink the Pink, no less. So take it upon yourself to check out what they call the UK’s best pop festival.

Isle of Wight festival

This festival takes place on September 16-19.

Such is the name this family-friendly festival takes place on the Isle of Wight, one of UK’s favourite off-mainland destinations. It provides four days of family fun.

This year you can expect to see incredible acts such as Razorlight, All Saints, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Kaiser

Get there by boat and indulge in a few days of true escapism.  

Britain has a lot to offer, from red telephone boxes, double-decker buses and endless cups of tea. That being said the British pub is an experience you just have to make the most of. Whether you have a pint of ale, opt for a spirit or decide on a cider it makes no difference its all about the atmosphere.

There are so many options that it can be overwhelming. This list is just a snippet but it is a great place to start. These are the pubs saturated in history, culture and those most demanding of a visit.

The Eagle and Child, Oxford

“The Inklings” were a group of writers in the 1930s and 1940s who used to meet here on the regular. Among them the greater of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and C S Lewis, creator of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The Dog and Duck, Soho

An adorable little English pub that was favourited by George Orwell. The famous author is said to have downed celebratory absinthe in this very pub when Animal Farm was selected for the American Book of the Month Club.

The Star Tavern, Belgravia

This fascinating pub has seen its fair share of famous guests in the past century. However, it really is the infamous ones that this pub is most known. The Great Train Robbers hatched their plan to attack the Mail service in 1963 in the grand upstairs room.

The French House, Soho

In WW2, The French House was actually used as a meeting place for the French Resistance, including General de Gaulle. That being said, the first known landlord was actually German, Herr Schmidt, who found himself deported after the outbreak of the First World War.

The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden

This pub can be found in the iconic capital city of London and was often visited by the famous British author Charles Dickens. The lane just outside the pub was well-known for bare-knuckle street fighting. Not only that but the upstairs room is named after another famous guest, 17th-century poet John Dryden.

Chester Zoo, Cheshire

Not only considered to be one of the best zoos in England it’s actually on the list of the best zoos in the entire world. It’s one of the UK’s largest zoos,  covering about 125 acres of land and being home to around 400 species of animals. It truly is a full day out for anyone. 

Bristol Zoo, Bristol 

This zoo is far smaller covering only 12 acres. Despite this, though there are around 7000 animals and 450 species so there’s still plenty to see. While you’re visiting be sure to check out the red pandas, gorillas, and Asiatic lions.

Marwell Zoo, Hampshire

Here you can see 270 endangered and exotic species as its home to over a thousand animals. The large zoo, which covers around 140 acres, is home to African wildlife displays and many fascinating animals. There’s also a café, gift shop, and adventure playgrounds to keep you occupied for the entire day. 

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Wilshire

This isn’t only a zoo but a whole safari adventure, you have the whole experience of getting up close to the animals and can even feed some of them. While you do need a car for this zoo it is a great option for a rainy day and is far less tiring than exploring a large zoo on foot. 

Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire

A small and endearing zoo with lower admission prices that take this into consideration. In addition to this the zoo is also home to an award winning conservation charity with over 500 animals which you can also support. 

Howletts Wildlife Park, Kent

Home to many elephants it’s perfect for those with an admiration for the species. Here you can find an Amur tiger and anteaters, support a conservation charity and join treetop adventures. 

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford

There are so many animals here to enjoy, from fascinating bats to magnificent giraffes. Not only this, the zoo is also home to the stars of the Park Life TV program so you when visiting you get to see over 260 species. In addition to all these animals, there’s also a breathtaking manor house here. 

Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Devon 

If your looking for a zoo while enjoying a family holiday along the coast this is one to consider. It is small but still has a lot to offer and makes for a charming excursion while on holiday.

If you want an exciting holiday packed with adventure then be sure to check out this list!

1. Sea kayaking, Highlands of Scotland

Difficulty rating- 4/10
Ages- 16+ preferably with an adult.
This kayaking experience is most suited to those with lesser experience as it aims to blend the sport with gentle hiking. In addition to the amazing 4 days on the water, wandering the bays and islands, you are also able to admire various wildlife such as sea eagles and porpoises. If all this wasn’t enough to interest you then maybe the guided walk from the village of Gairloch, that’s also included, will.

2. River swimming, Oxfordshire

Difficulty rating- 7.5/10
Ages- 16+
The beautifully calm and tranquil water makes open air swimming look very tempting. However this isn’t just your standard sea swimming, this itinerary from SwimTrek is instead in sheltered water. It goes along the riverbank from Buscot Lock, by Lechlade, to Buckland Marsh, by Faringdon, tracing along England’s most famous waterway. We advise having a basic understanding of open-water swimming and a capability of completing the daily distance of 6km. However help and guidance is made available by a safety team throughout.

3. Kite-buggying, East Sussex

Difficulty rating- 5/10
Ages– 7+
Using both the skills of kite-flying and go-karting, kite-buggying is a thrilling way to spend your time at the beach, you’ll be zipping across the sand at up to 50mph in a low three-wheeler. With vast, open beach, Camber Sands is an amazing place to try this extreme and exciting sport. Get lessons at the Kitesurf Centre from qualified instructors, they’ll teach you everything from how to fly the kite to using it to power you along in the buggy, with courses varying in length to choose from.

4. Coasteering, Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

Difficulty rating- 6/10
ages- 7+ with an adult
With this you can explore the shoreline by leaping, scrambling and swimming – and even take part in optional cliff jumping. Causeway Coasteering offers guided sessions along the Causeway coast and accompanying beautiful water. Geared up in wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets, you’ll challengingly make your way through hidden coves and islands, with a guide drawing your attention to interesting objects and providing helpful tips.

5. Learn navigation, Foolow, Peak District

Difficulty rating- 2/10
ages- 18+
Whether you find yourself stranded in fog or losing your way in the fells your worries regarding walking will be aided with this navigation course that covers the essentials and should provide you with some added confidence. Run by expert mountain leaders and rock climbing instructors, this day long course takes place in the gorgeous Peak District village, Foolow, which has a facinating limestone landscape and spring orchids. It teaches map reading, compass navigation, route planning and walking on a bearing. After mastering the basics, there is also the additional option of moving onto a more advanced course and challenging yourself further.

6. Rock climbing taster day, Snowdonia

Difficulty rating- 5/10
ages- 10+
Have you ever tried rock climbing up vertical walls? well here’s your opportunity. Gaia Adventures offers great climbing experience days for those who are beginners to the sport, with everything ranging from rope skills to belaying (assisting others) and abseiling safely down the rock face. With them you’re guided by an expert instructor, in up to groups of 6, challenging your brain and body, as you climb smaller mountains and cliffs, such as Tryfan, and slate quarries on the flanks of Elidir Fawr, with the incredible view overlooking Snowdon. After their expertise has been passed on to you hopefully you’ll be able to climb without supervision at an indoor climbing wall following the course.

7. Orienteering, nationwide

Difficulty rating- 5/10
ages- any
You’ll be well equipped with a map, compass and electronic dibber and be forced to navigate through the wilderness as fast as you possibly can. Orienteering simply refers to racing over a course and is increasingly popular and clubs across the UK hold recreational and competitive events where you can further challenge your orienting abilities.

8. Paragliding, Surrey

Difficulty rating- 4/10
ages- any but under 18’s must provide parental consent
This is most certainly an activity for those of you who consider yourself thrill seekers. You’ll have the experience of a lifetime gliding 500ft above the Surrey countryside while hanging from a material canopy. while it may sound very daring in reality no experience or skills are required if you book a tandem flight with the Green Dragons, in Woldingham, they’ve been operating for a staggering 44 years and so know how its done. With a qualified instructor, the hardest part as a passenger is managing your nerves as you swoop through the air, riding the wind and watching the landscape of the North Downs unfold beneath your very own feet.

9. Foraging courses, various locations

Difficulty rating- 1/10 
ages- any
This is the activity holiday suitable to all and so may be a great idea for those looking as a family with small children. With this experience you’ll be breaking stems, tasting leaves and discovering where things grow. Learning all about wild food, its most certainly a more adventurous experience than what you’ll find in restaurants. Wild Food UK holds foraging courses in various locations across Britain including Suffolk, Wiltshire, Kent, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Such courses help identify edible shoots, plants and flowers that you come across in the wild so they may be cooked up and transformed into dishes such as wild garlic pesto, elderflower champagne and mushroom pasta.

10. Snorkelling and wildlife, Hebrides

Difficulty rating- 1/10
ages- 8+ with anyone under 16 needing to be accompanied with an adult.
Wander at the amazing wildlife and sea that the UK has to offer. The Oban and Lorn coastline has masses of wildlife to see, which you can do on a snorkel and wildlife tour provided by Basking Shark Scotland. You’ll start from Oban and take an incredible tour that is based on the 13 mile-long Isle of Coll, where there are a staggering 23 beaches and accompanying wildlife. Just a selection of such wildlife includes basking sharks, otters, grey seals, porpoises and bottlenose dolphins. Gain even more life experience when you’re underwater as you snorkel past starfish, sea-urchins, kelp forests and rays, with a guide and marine biologist at your beck and call throughout.