By Parkdean Resorts on 21/07/2017
For many, a holiday involves a long plane journey, before landing in a sunny destination that’s surrounded by golden sands, sparkling seas, amazing views and exciting attractions. However, there’s no need to jet off to find these things, as they’re right here in Britain.
From stunning beaches to picturesque mountains and lakes, Britain boasts a varied landscape that’s just waiting to be explored. Whether you want to picnic on the clifftops or visit award-winning attractions, there’s something for everyone when holidaying closer to home.
Here at Parkdean Resorts, we love staycations - and to celebrate English Tourism Week, we've picked our top 4 reasons to leave your passport at home and holiday in Britain this year.
Beautiful Beaches
For many people, when thinking of the perfect holiday, a trip to the beach is often one of the first things that springs to mind. Whether it’s relaxing in the sun or making sandcastles with the kids, the beach sets the scene for most family holidays. What people often forget, is that Britain is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world so there’s no need to go abroad.
Cornwall is one of the many destinations in Britain with spectacular beaches and one of the finest is Porthcurno. Sitting close to Land’s End and roughly one hour from Lizard Point Holiday Park, the turquoise seas and golden sands will make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean. Better still, the sandy beach is overlooked by the famous Minack Theatre, offering the perfect backdrop for a family photo. This world-famous outdoor theatre hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, so be sure to check one out whilst you’re there. Local residents, like Malcom, believe Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall's hidden gems, “You must on one of your trips to Cornwall go to the Minack Theatre, which is an open-air theatre on the cliffs, quite close to Land's End, which is absolutely stunning.”
The beaches in Northern England are equally as beautiful. Just 10 minutes from Cayton Bay Holiday Park is Hunmanby Gap, where you will find a vast open beach and plenty of rock pools for the kids to splash about in. Located south of the picturesque Filey Bay, the area is perfect for water sports and some delicious fish & chips.
Travel further north and you’ll reach the idyllic beach of Bamburgh. Surrounding the magnificent Bamburgh Castle, this beautiful coastline is popular with tourists and locals alike and is the perfect destination for long, scenic walks at any time of year. After exploring the beach, which is roughly 45 minutes from Cresswell Towers Holiday Park and Eyemouth Holiday Park, spend the afternoon admiring the castle that dominates the skyline behind the beach. Once a Norman stronghold, the castle is now open to the public, and the whole family is sure to enjoy marvelling at the architecture and the stunning views.
Video sourced from Mark Thomas
Historic Landmarks
As well as Bamburgh Castle, there are many more fortresses to explore in Britain. Less than 10 minutes from St Margaret’s Bay Holiday Park is the largest castle in England, Dover Castle. Here you can climb the Great Tower and learn how the castle guarded our shores from invasion for over 200 years.
Continuing the castle tour, they don’t get much grander than Arundel Castle. Surrounded by lovely gardens, a visit here will leave you speechless. Just 45 minutes from Hayling Island Holiday Park, take a stroll through the tranquil gardens before uncovering a 1,000 years’ worth of history inside this great castle, which has been home to the family of the Duke of Norfolk for over 400 years.
If it’s a prehistoric monument you’re wanting to visit, then roughly one hour from Sandford Holiday Park is Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world. Built over 5,000 years ago in the late Neolithic Period, the stones found here were brought 240 miles from the Preseli Mountains in Wales. An area shrouded in mystery, you can explore the ancient landscape on foot and even visit the Neolithic Houses to learn more about life during this period.
Another one of Britain’s must visit landmarks is Hadrian’s Wall. Running for almost 135km, the wall is easily accessible from many of our holiday parks in the Lake District or Northumberland and County Durham. You can walk for miles alongside the wall, learning all about its history and how it divided Roman Britain and Scotland for years. The route has something for everyone, including world class archaeology, remarkable landscapes, local wildlife and lots of welcoming country pubs.
Video sourced from Chances1957
National Parks
Britain’s National Parksboast some of the world’s most beautiful and inspiring landscapes. From dramatic mountains and wide-open moorland to glacial lakes and medieval villages, whichever National Park you decide to visit, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Britain is home to 15 National Parks, including the Lake District, Snowdonia, North York Moors and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The good news is that many of our holiday parks are located near several of them.
Spend the day exploring Lake Windermere in the Lake District, next to Limefitt Holiday Park, White Cross Bay Holiday Park and Fallbarrow Holiday Park. Here, you’ll find plenty of fun-filled activities, such as boat rides along the lake, thrilling water sports and plenty of scenic walks, all the while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
If visiting the largest mountain in Wales and England is on your 2017 bucket list, then head to Snowdonia National Park and climb Snowdon by foot or train. Just 30 minutes from both Brynowen Holiday Park and Ty Mawr Holiday Park, Snowdonia National Park has nine mountain ranges that cover over half of the park. Mountains aside, the area boasts an abundance of free-flowing waterfalls, tranquil wide-open moors and lots of local wildlife. This makes the varied landscape perfect for bike rides, walking, swimming, fishing and so much more.
Video sourced from worldfromaboveHD
Exciting Activities
Whether you’re looking for adrenaline fuelled fun or a relaxed family day out, Britain is full of exciting activities, meaning neither you nor the kids will be stuck for something to do on your next staycation.
If it’s a theme park you’re after, then just 40 minutes from Cayton Bay Holiday Park is Flamingo Land, a theme park and zoo which promises fun for all the family. Put your nerves to the test on the Cliff Hanger or take a ride on the Mumbo Jumbo rollercoaster and experience one of the best rides of your life. For the kids, it doesn’t get better than Splash Battle, the UK’s first interactive water ride. However, if you’d prefer to remain on dry land, take to the sky on the Rotataur and enjoy superb panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
If you’re an animal lover, you’re in luck, as there is also a zoo within the grounds of Flamingo Land, home to lots of different animals. You can even become a zoo keeper for the day! Alternatively, just 45 minutes from Ty Mawr Holiday Park is Chester Zoo, where you will find over 15,000 animals that are just waiting to be discovered. From elephants to giraffes to penguins, there’s so much to see and do at Chester Zoo that you won’t know where to start.
For an educational day out, the Eden Project in Cornwall is the perfect place to visit. Less than 40 minutes from Looe Bay Holiday Park, here you’ll experience the sights, smells and sounds of a tropical rainforest. Kids will love the Discovery Trail and the adventure playground, whilst learning all about the fascinating relationship between plants, weather and people. Afterwards take a ride on England's longest and fastest zip wire and see Eden like you've never seen it before. Soaring above the rainforest, you'll gain a whole new perspective on the breathtaking landscape, with its changing seasonal colours, sculptures and world-famous architecture.
Video sourced from edenprojecttv