When we eventually do venture back into the wider world, we might not want to stray far from home at first. This week, our travel guru, Gary Hudson, offers up some destination inspiration with a few of his favourite English locations.
‘Here we are, many weeks into lockdown, and whilst everyone has their own thoughts on when restrictions will start to be lifted, each person also has an opinion on what they’d like to be relaxed first.
‘While I wish the islands to get back to a semblance of normality, travel coarses through my blood and I would really like to see our passenger travel services resumed. Of course, with some operators furloughing employees and mothballing equipment, it may take some time – weeks, possibly months – to reopen routes, which of course would also depend where each country is on the coronavirus cycle.
‘However, as the islands are following the UK on this path, albeit a few weeks behind, I would like to think that travel to the mainland could recommence early to mid June, subject to no major hiccups.
‘This in mind, I’d like to suggest a few destinations in the UK where islanders can enjoy a break after recent pressures. While not the tropical climes some of us have come to enjoy for our summer holiday, perhaps we can enjoy the Cornish Rivera instead, before embarking on an autumn or winter holiday overseas. (This isn’t to say that some oversea destinations won’t be open for business by summer, but getting to and from could prove troublesome.)
‘I’ve travelled extensively throughout the UK, as I imagine many of you have. If you are like me, you’ll have your favourites, places you’ve visited on several occasions, but there’ll also be a resort, national park or city on your “to visit list” – you just haven’t yet found the right time do so. Well, here it is.
‘Originally from Derbyshire, I’ve lived on Jersey for over 40 years, and as much as I love the beaches and countryside here, I find a short break across the water is good for mind and soul, even in “normal times.”‘
Beyond the Big Smoke
‘I’m sure most people will have visited central London, and with so much to see and do, why not? But flying into Gatwick, why not do a dual centre break: London and Brighton? Brighton’s coastline offers a vast choice of accommodation types, it also offers a far nicer seaside ambiance for islanders.
‘The resort itself has much to offer for all ages: the beach, Brighton Pier for amusements and fair rides, and the British Airways i360 viewing platform with stunning views along the south coast. For those seeking some retail therapy, there are the delightful and historic Brighton Lanes.
‘If staying for a while, or if you’re missing the “Big Smoke,” then trains go pretty much every 10 to 15 minutes to London, taking as little as 50 minutes, and if planned ahead, travelling off-peak can cost as little as £5 each way.
‘Been there, done that, and looking for a relatively short flight? One of my favourite UK destinations is the West Country.’
Explore the west of England
‘Unfortunately, here it gets a little tricky, as l have an affinity for most of the region. Your best flight option will be to Exeter, but you could fly to Bristol and travel on from there, or via London into “surfers central,” Newquay. For those preferring not to fly, catch a ferry to Poole.
‘As I mentioned, I’ve many favourite locations in this part of the world, and travelling is easy between the main towns and cities, if not hiring a car. Even the smaller resorts, ports, towns and villages offer reasonable public transport access.
‘This column doesn’t allow for me to list all my choices, as it would run into many pages, so in summary, try to visit the two largest cities: Exeter, with its impressive cathedral, and riverside Al fresco dining, or Plymouth, just an hour away, with historic Plymouth Hoe, the Barbican neighbourhood – and not don’t forget to try the local gin.
‘In between these two exciting cities, heading north, you reach Barnstaple or the expansive sand beach at Woolacombe. Maybe stop by the picturesque port of Ilfracombe, or head south to the three-in-a-row resort towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brigham. If travelling by train, it’s one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in England.
‘Still keeping with the rail theme, crossing the mighty Tamar Bridge outside of Plymouth, from Devon to Cornwall, always gives me goosebumps. Why? I’m not quite sure, but it could be that I’m aware of entering the county at the end of the country, with maybe Lands Ends on the itinerary, with Truro, Newquay, Falmouth and Penzance along the way.
‘Both Cornwall and Devon offer similar terrain, friendliness of locals and an enjoyment of similar food dishes to that of the Channel Islands – it will feel like a home from home, with subtle differences.’
Heading further north
‘So far l’ve kept us in the south, but I was born in Derbyshire, so it’s inevitable I’ve favourite areas in the Midlands and the north.
‘On my old doorstep was the Derbyshire countryside, green all around (except in winter, when blanketed in snow), but I enjoyed our day trips out to Chatsworth House, Buxton, Matlock and Matlock Bath, to name but a few. When travelling to the region from the islands, you could opt to stay in the heart of Derbyshire or, for a bit of variety, maybe stay in historic Derby or Nottingham, which both offer many attractions and easy public transport to the centrally located cities within the counties of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Birmingham.
Travelling northwards, with what we hope to be on resurrected frequent flights, you have so much choice in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Leeds – too much choice to list every option here. My favourite northern cities are Liverpool, Chester, York and Blackpool, and my favourite countryside regions are the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Northumberland, which gives you a few suggestions for an enjoyable short break, or longer stay, in the UK.
UK, you say, with no mention of Wales, Scotland or North Ireland? Unfortunately, there are too any fabulous locations to cover in one article, but if you’ve found this piece on English holiday regions of interest, then please watch this space.