By Parkdean Resorts on 11/07/2017
Britain is a beautiful place, and one of the best ways to view our remarkable landscape is by taking to the skies on a cable car ride. Admire the views of the peaceful countryside, overlook Britain’s stunning coastlines or float across the hustle and bustle of towns and cities.
Whether you want a traditional cable car experience, or fancy a ride in a futuristic glass pod, there are plenty to choose from. Here at Parkdean Resorts, we’ve unearthed some of the best cable car rides in Britain, so you can get a bird’s eye view of some of your favourite UK holiday destinations.
Great Orme Cable Cars, Wales
A trip to Llandudno wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the town’s iconic cable cars. Opened in 1969 as the longest passenger cable car system in Britain, it’s now one of the town’s most popular attractions. On one side, you can see the nearby town of Rhyl, the Isle of Man and out towards the Irish Sea, and on the opposite side take in the view of Snowdonia like you’ve never seen it before.
Just 30 minutes from Ty Mawr Holiday Park, the cable car ride takes you 679ft up Llandudno’s mini mountain to the summit of Great Orme. Once you’ve reached the top, you can explore all of what Great Orme has to offer. Admire the stunning views of North Wales, and if it’s a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Isle of Man and the Lake District too. Half way up the mini mountain is the world’s largest Bronze Age mine, the Great Orme Ancient Mine, where you can see the 3,500 year old tunnels. Whilst you’re at the summit, stop off at the Visitor Centre, where you can enjoy a cup of tea whilst learning all about Orme’s fascinating story.
After your cable car ride, there are plenty of things to see and do in the seaside town of Llandudno. Whether you want to explore the historic pier, play a few rounds of crazy golf, learn how to ski on an artificial ski slope or ride the longest cresta toboggan run in Wales, you’ll find it all in Llandudno!
Video sourced from Rob Clague
The Needles Chairlift, Isle of Wight
The Needles Chairlift on the Isle of Wight is one of the island’s top tourist attractions, and is one of the best ways to see the famous Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. The chairlift overlooks Alum Beach, so you can sit back and enjoy the views of multi-coloured cliffs, golden sands and the sparkling turquoise sea.
There are lots of activities to enjoy at The Needles Landmark Attraction, including fairground rides, Jurassic Golf and the Sweet Factory. Under an hour away from all of our parks on the Isle of Wight, the chairlift is an activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Once you’ve experienced the chairlifts, there’s plenty more to discover in the area. Visit the Needles Battery, a coastal fort dating back to the 1860s, and learn all about the role it played in defending Britain. Here, you’ll get to explore underground tunnels and see real-life memorabilia from World War II. Afterwards, visit Dinosaur Isle and step back in time at this fantastic prehistoric museum, where lights, sounds, smells and textures will help you to imagine what life was like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Video sourced from Robert Masterman
Emirates Air Line, London
If you’re staying at Waterside Holiday Park, the lively city of London is just over an hour away. London is a vibrant city, and if you want to see the sights but don’t want to deal with the crowds, then the Emirates Air Line cable car could be the perfect experience for you.
Opening in 2012, the cable car gives you a truly unique view of London. Crossing the Thames, you’ll see some of the capital’s most famous and iconic buildings, as well as places that you’ve never seen before. You’ll get a unique view of attractions such as Canary Wharf, the O2, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and so much more.
Whilst you’re in the bustling city of London, the possibilities are endless. From the London Eye and West End to taking a sightseeing tour of famous attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, there really is something for everyone.
Video sourced from Transport for London
British Airways i360, Brighton
In August 2016, the world’s first vertical cable car opened to the public, on the beautiful Brighton beach. Designed by the same architects that designed the London Eye, take to the skies on the world’s tallest moving observation tower for an unforgettable experience.
Glide 450ft up in the air and enjoy panoramic views of this beautiful city. Just over an hour from Hayling Island Holiday Park, you’ll see Brighton like you’ve never seen it before. As you sit in your futuristic glass viewing pod, look out over wild stretches of the South Downs National Park, Brighton’s incredible architecture and of course, the sparkling sea and stunning coastline. There’s even a bar on board, as well as an app to download to find out lots of information, from the construction of the attraction to the landmarks you can see.
Once you’re back on land, you won’t be stuck for something to do, as there’s so much to see and do in this traditional seaside resort. Whether you want to take a stroll along Brighton Pier, catch a boat trip from the Marina or visit some of Brighton’s tasty cafes and restaurants, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Video sourced from 5 News