Our travel plans may have been reined in this summer, but the good news is that you needn’t flock somewhere far-flung to find new and interesting places. Beyond the big attractions, our little island packs a punch when it comes to the diversity of interest, landscapes and areas off the beaten track. From forgotten historical landmarks to quiet little villages, we’re shedding some light on the amazing places that should definitely be on your travel radar once we can travel more freely again.
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Quiet coves
Just south of Looe, the quaint fishing village of Polperro is perhaps one of the most popular places in Cornwall. But that means a large volume of visitors, particularly in high season. Just two miles up the road, the village of Lansallos boasts a small, comparatively empty and sheltered beach, only a half-mile walk from the car park. Also known as West Combe, the pretty crescent-shaped cove traps warm water as the tide rises over the rocks and sand exposed to the sun. On the left of the cove, a small waterfall tumbles down on the site of an old watermill, while the west side of the beach offers rock pools to explore – an ideal setting for soaking up the Cornish coast sun without the crowds. Beyond the beach, a network of footpaths link farmland and wooded valleys for a landscape rich in wildlife. Time it right and you’ll see wonderful wildflowers on the coastal slopes.
Lansallos www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lansallos
Undiscovered upland
Despite being one of Ireland’s largest upland areas, the Sperrin Mountains – situated on the borders of counties Tyrone and Londonderry – still remains a relatively undiscovered gem. With its wide-open spaces and unspoilt natural beauty, it’s the ideal place for slowing down and getting away from it all. It’s a walker’s paradise, with views of heather-clad hills, quiet valleys, pretty fields criss-crossed with hedgerows and boggy uplands, all teeming with wildlife. But if walking isn’t your thing, four scenic driving routes (downloadable online) have been created for exploring this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from the comfort of your car.
Secret Suffolk
The east coast of Suffolk has become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades, with the picture perfect towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh becoming holiday hotspots for oodles of old-fashioned seaside fun.
Just a few miles north, the small village of Dunwich often gets overlooked, but offers a peaceful coastal retreat with lovely long seaside walks, quiet lanes to cycle through and hours of wildlife watching opportunities, with the nearby Dunwich Heath and RSPB Minsmere, both blushing with fauna and teeming with rare wildlife. No trip to the seaside is complete without a hearty portion of fish and chips, which can be enjoyed at The Ship at Dunwich – a family-friendly pub that also doubles as a guesthouse.
Dunwich www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk
Stone age Scotland Most of us are familiar with legendary Neolithic monument, Stonehenge. But situated almost on the opposite end of the country lies another piece of rich archaeological history.
The six spectacular stones of Machrie Moor, on the Scottish Isle of Arran, are a sight to behold. Up close, they feel enormous, with the tallest stone standing at a staggering 5m, and can only be accessed on foot along a farm road set among atmospheric moorland. It’s widely thought that the people who built this prehistoric monument were from the first farming communities in Britain. The moor is also scattered with other prehistoric remains, including burial cairns, cists and hut circles, all dating back to 3,500 and 1,500 BC. Visit on a clear day and you can also admire the mighty Goatfell in the distance – the highest of all mountains on Arran.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones www.visitarran.com
No place like Herm Although the most celebrated of The Channel Islands, Guernsey and Jersey are not the only jewels in this archipelago. Just a 20-minute boat ride from Guernsey, the handsome island of Herm boasts all of the picturesque beauty and serene charm of its sisters, minus the crowds. Cars aren’t permitted here, and you won’t find rows of brightly lit shops, bars and restaurants lining the streets. Instead, its landscape boasts an abundance of open countryside, wooded walks and unspoilt beaches, where turquoise waters lap the white sand and beach cafés serve scoops of the famous Herm Ice Cream during the summer months. For those not bothered about the typical holiday amenities, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy quintessential island life at a peaceful pace.
Herm Island www.herm.com
Urban oases
The hustle and bustle of central London is perhaps the last place you would expect to find a thriving wildlife haven. But right in the heart of King’s Cross – one of the most densely populated parts of the capital – lies a two-acre nature reserve, known as Camley Street Natural Park. Situated on the banks of Regent’s Canal, the park is a place for both people and wildlife, with habitats including wetlands, woodland and meadow, providing a home for birds, butterflies, bats and a wide variety of plant life.
Camley Street Natural Park www.wildlondon.org.uk
Just five miles away, the Walthamstow Wetlands offer a larger area of untamed wildlife habitat to explore – completely free of charge. Although only recently developed, the site is already home to all kinds of interesting birdlife from waders to warblers, who play an important part in our capital’s ecological diversity. You’ll definitely want a pair of binoculars next time you visit the capital!
While our travel options might be limited right now, you can still do some future planning with the help of these useful websites…
The Sperrins www.discovertyroneandsperrins.com