Travel

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.