Top 5 days out during a UK heatwave
We're so used to grumbling about the rain that sometimes we forget... the UK is a pretty awesome place to be when the weather is good. Here are our top five outdoor activities, that are best enjoyed in the sunshine:
Day out... at the beach
Sometimes we’re so busy jetting off to Spain and Portugal that we forget the UK is an Island – with its own fair share of local beaches. When the sun comes out to play, there couldn’t be a better place to be than reading a book on the grey pebbles at Brighton, or tasting Whitby’s famous fish and chips – fresh from the Ocean. If you’re really, really brave, you could even try scuba diving off the coast in Wales and see what there is to discover in our local Ocean. Or, if that doesn't tickle your fancy, head to the best beach in Britain for a more traditional day of ice-cream and the pier.
Day out... with the National Trust
The National Trust protect over 300 historic buildings – many of which include extensive gardens and landscapes, painstakingly kept in good nick by their green-fingered gardeners. They also look after 25,000 hectares of woodland and over 700 miles of coastline. So, no matter where you are in the UK, you’re likely to be near a spectacular out-door attraction run by the Trust – weather you want to meander through bluebells in the woods at Chirk Castle, cycle across the extensive grounds at Blickling Estate, or enjoy a local ale in the Gibside beer garden.
Day out… on a country walk
Not only is England famous for stunning green countryside (helped by all that rain we usually have), but it’s also a landscape marked by history and literary culture. After all, who wouldn’t want to re-trace Heathcliff’s imagined steps across the Yorkshire Moors, or hop along with Peter Rabbit in the Lake District? But, if you fancy trying something a little newer – explore the brand new Wales costal path. Okay, so the landscape is just as full of historical treasures, but the path itself is the first of its kind in the UK because it provides a continuous walking path around the whole of Wales.
Day out… foraging
Forget pizza's in Italy - the continents cooking is so over-rated. On a beautiful summers day, we Brits have all the fresh exotic ingredients we could ever need - right underneath our noses. Foraging basically means collecting fresh food straight from the UK wilderness. From apples and berries, to mushrooms, sapphire and wild garlic – there is a heap of gourmet ingredients out there, if you just know where to look. Which is where foraging classes come in – spending a day with an expert guide can help you avoid any nasty, poisonous surprises, and teach you all the little tricks of the trade. There couldn't be a more indulgent ways for a foodie to spend the summer.
Day out… going Ape!
Who said sunny days were just for gentle country strolls and sunbathing in the park? If you fancy getting a little more physical outdoors, then Go Ape! can give you a really good run for your money. When we tried the new Trent Park course in London, we discovered that monkeying around in the trees is a lot more difficult, and much more thrilling, than it sounds. To know more, check out our exclusive review.
