Travel

8 reasons to visit

• Home of British culture.
• Incredible museums.
• Endless shopping to be had.
• You can see the Tower Bridge or even go to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
• You can visit Buckingham Palace and see where the Queen lives.

• From gastropubs to those that have been around for centuries, if you don’t visit a pub whilst in London, you’re missing out on the local experience.
• Neighbourhood diversity, from pockets of luxury, to multi-cultural areas, London is as diverse as it gets.
• Vintage clothes, antiques, food, bric-a-brac, fashion from up-and-coming designers: you name it, you’ll find it somewhere in London.

Places to visit

• Hyde Park.

• Westminster.
• Camden.
• The London Eye

• Shoreditch.
• Hampstead Health.
• Baker Street.

Price rating

London is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world so unfortunately the great experience does come at a cost.

Things to do

Visit Harry Potter world.

Go on the incredible London Eye.

The Thames Cruise.

Walk down Baker Street where the iconic Sherlock Holmes lived in the series.

Places stay

The Tower Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Park Grand London

London Bridge Hotel

Booking.com

Weather guide

February tends to be Londons coldest month so it may be wise to avoid visiting during this time.

Essential Information

Be sure to check prices and be wary of the large crowds around you.

Getting around

The underground is a great way to travel around London, London is not a good city to drive around.

There’s always good enough reason to book a break in Britain, enjoying all the views, food and culture that it has to offer. If you’re working with a budget its a good idea to opt for a staycation, that way you have far more control over where you spend your money and can cut travel costs.

There’s various historic sites, castles, incredible parks, beaches and so much more. The range of enticing attractions means a staycation in Great Britain will always be a great option.

In general the price of holidaying in the UK can be high in comparison with some of our European neighbours, we are here to help you successfully save money on a British break with a few simple steps.

Most notably: AVOID PEAK TIMES

Peak times mean high prices. Although this can be difficult, especially if you have children and have to go in summer break. If at all possible, travel outside of peak times, avoid bank holidays, the dead of summer and look for steals in autumn, winter and spring. Even attractions and hospitality are known to increase their prices in summer or for national holidays.

Go further and find out about any popular events that take place in your chosen destination. Peak time prices may be in place due to big sporting evens, parades or music events, so be sure to watch out for that.

Don’t feel too disheartened if you are confined to the summer holidays! Did you know that holiday prices often drop slightly towards the end of the summer holidays? Easter is also often cheaper than the summer holidays.

Most attainable: RESEARCH

Many find the thrill of booking a last-minute adventure undeniable, but if you can plan your trip in advance and take time to do some research then you can figure out how to holiday cheaply.

Thanks to the internet you can compare prices of hotels, car hire and package holidays. Make use of it!!

Take the extra time and save the extra money.

Most unthought of: SAVE ON CAR TRAVEL

You’re probably under the impression theres no way to save money when you pack the car and drive to your British holiday destination, but a little forward planning, AGAIN, could prove otherwise.

For instance pack a picnic for the family before you set off and avoid the fast food stop along the motorway.

Make sure you’ve filled up your tank, service stations can be far more expensive.

If there’s no provided free parking, be sure to research your cheapest options before you leave home. Prices charged by different parking providers in the same area can vary massively and make a real difference. Apps such as Parkopedia can be a great aid in these instances.

or an alternitive.. PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If you are travelling childfree or going on a city break, you might discover that public transport is a much cheaper and a less stressful option.

Book in advance and travelling at off-peak times in order to keep those extra pounds in your pocket.

Most effective: ALTERNATIVE ACCOMODATION

Hotels can be wonderful but booking a house, cottage or apartment can also be great and are extremely popular thanks to the privacy, extra space and freedom. Go to your regular supermarket before you drop off at your holiday home and your in full control of your spending on food.

The tested and true caravan holiday can also act as a great budget holiday accommodation, most providing activities and entertainment in the package. A great way to enjoy some of Britain’s best coastal hotspots in places such as Cornwall, Devon and on the amazing Welsh coastline.

There isn’t many ways to cut costs more than opting to camp, its hugely popular with so many sites dotted over Britain. If your budget’s a little better consider a glamping site they’re also great value and have a few more luxuries on offer.

Most forgotten: CHEAP DAYTIME ACTIVITIES-

It may be worth searching the internet for relevant shopping vouchers, discount codes, advance booking deals to ensure the greatest savings.

Avoid theme parks, castles and other big attractions if your budget is small, but if you cant resist be sure to research deals relevant to those you hope to visit.

Sign up to voucher websites to save on dinning out, if you have your eye on a particular restaurant, why not sign up to their newsletter and look out for offers in your inbox. Many eateries offer 2-4-1 dining, percentage discounts and early-bird menus as incentive during quiet times .

Search free things to do on your visit such as the national museums and art galleries or spend a day in one of the parks and see the Changing of The Guard at Horse Guards Parade in London (the most expensive city!) without spending a penny.

Over Britain free activities include countryside walks, beach visits, walking tours, kite flying, woodland adventures, museum trips, town and city festivals and carnivals and sightseeing at ancient monuments.

DON’T FORGET

Take advantage of deals offered to you because of your age or status. If you qualify as an OAPs, student, carer, or child there’s often extra deals available for you.

Even members of the military and those who work for the NHS can qualify for additional discounts.

What once made up the water machine that serviced the Industrial Revolution has since been well repurposed as a breathtaking country-long network for all to enjoy.

If you’re interested in the concept of a canal boat holiday then here are some of the best canal routes in the UK along with some tips to make the best of a canal boat holiday.

Monmouthshire and Brecon canal

The route stretches 36 miles and runs between Brecon and Pontymoile, a peaceful route with 6 locks.

It goes through the Brecon Beacons National Park and isn’t connected to the rest of the British waterways and is one of the quietest, most tranquil canals. Take man’s best friend on the dog-friendly hire fleets, with electric narrowboats and static houseboats great for short breaks and/or long weekends. Small villages and ancient trees can be seen scattered alongside traditional infrastructure including a long and eerie tunnel, lifting bridges, and the wonder of a 25-mile lock-free pound. If you appreciate being active take a walk over the surrounding hills, while the River Usk, which runs parallel to the canal. Maybe even go one step further and enjoy some wild swimming. Get a taste for some locally produced provisions and Brecon Brewing’s beers from Crickhowell.

The Warwickshire Ring

The route stretches 104 miles and stretches along the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry and Birmingham with 121 locks!

The Warwickshire Ring is one of the most rewarding canal routes available. You can aim to do this circuit in a week of hardcore boating, allow longer in order to really take in the variety available. Enjoy the incredible peace of the Oxford narrow canal, consider a side trip from Hawkesbury Junction and its early industrial heritage into Coventry or go into pre-canal times through the pageants and jousting held at Warwick’s medieval castle. Don’t forget to experience Birmingham’s so-called ‘wet streets’ by boat to discover a fantasy metropolis that feels like a mix of Venice and Gotham City. Connecting Britain’s urban and rural landscapes is the canal system’s great living legacy, so moor up in Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham to soak up the bright lights and buzz of the city.

The Kennet and Avon Canal

A 87 mile long route that stretches from Bristol to Reading that’s perfect for experiencing as a family, passing 105 locks in total.

This route was originally built as a link between two of the UK’s greatest cities; Bristol and London. The Kennet and Avon was always a slow rural canal. With peaceful waters and quiet towpaths which mean it’s perfect for family cruising, even more so if you add bicycles for some charming side trips to Avebury or to find the eight White Horses cut into Wiltshire’s chalk downs. With a gorgeous stretch where you can appreciate a landscape of woods, meadows, and market towns between Caen Hill’s flight of 29 locks and Hungerford. Bare witness to the massive boilers and steam engines of Crofton Pumping Station that once used to keep the canal’s summit in water as they are still regularly fired up. Pubs with waterside beer gardens are a Kennet and Avon gem and the historic Barge Inn in particularly renowned for its great food and live music.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!