Nicest Parts of the UK to Visit

[Galant]

For a while I've been thinking about taking my kids for their first visit to the UK. I can, and might, take them and the wife around some of my old haunts in Lancashire, but I've also been thinking that it might be nice to explore some areas of the UK that I've never been to. I thought Hexus might have some best kept secrets they want to divulge.

I'm mostly interested in nice scenery, open spaces, maybe some activities for the kids, and maybe a bit of history, some castles or whatnot.

To give you an idea, I went to uni in Cheshire and so I know that one could spend a nice long weekend, or a week, around there, with some castles to visit, nice country drives, some ice-cream farms, Chester city, and then Wales isn't too far off to drive into. That might work.

Scotland could be nice, I've only spent one or two weekends there around Glasgow and Loch Lomond.

There are also some historic weekends near castles in different places that look they could be a fun family weekend.

So, anyone have any favourite places in the UK that they'd recommend for a late spring/Summer visit. Long weekend or 1 week trip, probably.

Oh, and I'm hoping that by next COVID issues will have relaxed considerably, if not entirely.

Cheers!

[spacein_vader]

Apparently Barnard Castle is a must see.

And Salisbury cathedral.

[g8ina]

South Shropshire has a few great spots, Im now in Northampton which isnt up to much, but depends on what you are looking for, history ? wildlife ? Landscapes ?? architecture ??

[SeriousSam]

Im now in Northampton which isnt up to much

The best thing about it is the access to lots of Motorways / A-roads to go somewhere else... anywhere else... well perhaps not Wellingborough

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Honestly,if they haven't been to London or Glasgow,it is worth visiting them both. Even if you have been,there are lots of museums and landmarks which are worth visiting.

In terms of more scenic areas - perhaps the Lake District,Lands End and Cornwall?? Lots of trails,to work along,etc.

[Galant]

It's a family trip, so while my wife and I enjoy would enjoy just getting out into nature or perhaps some history, the chance to see or do something with the kids would be good. So I suppose a place with lots of natural beauty with a few places nearby that we could visit with the kids.

Older history is a bonus.

[Galant]

Cities don't appeal at all. Too much walking around cement getting sore feet and kids complaining.

The Lakes are lovely and as much a I'd like a week or year away in the lakes I think the kids might get bored if it's all just trails. If there were an area with some sort of attraction or park for kids that might work.

[Saracen999]

Apparently Barnard Castle is a must see.
....

If your eyes are up to it.


Classic one, space-in. Absolutely classic. Love it.

Risks opening a can-of-worms though. Though I've taken an oath of abstinence.

[Saracen999]

I'm partial to Devon, and especially Cornwall too .... but perhaps for reasons of nostalgia.

Lots of historic sites dotted all over the midlands due to the power of the Dukeries in the middle ages. If you like castles, what about stately homes?

For scenery, of course, the Lake District takes some beating, though the Moors and Dales give it a good old try, as of course do large chunks of Wales and Scotland. Areas like the Cotswolds aren't too shabby either.

In fact, much of the country, as soon as you avoid cities, is pretty attractive.

Not much help, am I?

[ik9000]

It's a family trip, so while my wife and I enjoy would enjoy just getting out into nature or perhaps some history, the chance to see or do something with the kids would be good. So I suppose a place with lots of natural beauty with a few places nearby that we could visit with the kids.

Older history is a bonus.

So Croydon then.

[spacein_vader]

Cities don't appeal at all. Too much walking around cement getting sore feet and kids complaining.

The Lakes are lovely and as much a I'd like a week or year away in the lakes I think the kids might get bored if it's all just trails. If there were an area with some sort of attraction or park for kids that might work.

It's a family trip, so while my wife and I enjoy would enjoy just getting out into nature or perhaps some history, the chance to see or do something with the kids would be good. So I suppose a place with lots of natural beauty with a few places nearby that we could visit with the kids.

Older history is a bonus.

Windermere has a steam railway at one end and plenty of places you can hire a small motorboat for a couple of hours and let the kids drive for a bit when you're out on the water, there's also a castle. Depends how old the kids are I suppose. You could probably make a weekend out of that area if it wasn't too far from other stuff you wanted to see/do though.

[TeePee]

Scotland, in particular the Highlands would be the first place I'd plan to go. Edinburgh is worth visiting. The Lake District, Northern England and the West Country are the parts worth seeing. London has some attractions, but it's really not somewhere I enjoy very much.

[spacein_vader]

The best thing about it is the access to lots of Motorways / A-roads to go somewhere else... anywhere else... well perhaps not Wellingborough

As someone who doesn't live in Wellingborough but within its blast radius I have come to the conclusion it exists to make Northampton feel better about itself. Corby used to provide the same facility to Wellingborough but has allegedly improved.

I shouldn't throw stones though given I'm from Peterborough originally, another place highly regarded mostly for the various means it has for speedily leaving it.

London has some attractions, but it's really not somewhere I enjoy very much.

I agree. My view of London is that I can't stand the place but it does have an annoyingly high number of things/places within it I'd like to visit. For example I love the Natural History museum, it's just a shame you have to go to London to visit it.

[OwP]

Hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads. Odd suggestion but you can move about and still have access to countryside, city (well ere Norwich), the sea, etc. Dump the boat hop on a train and head to Cambridge, London etc for the day. No locks on the Broads, so less hassle than other rivers.

Kent and Sussex are also very nice. Had friends of the wife stay down here, and after spending a day with them thought it was the type of place we would take a cottage holiday if we didn't live here. Plenty of castles, rivers, seaside, countryside, pubs, London is close, Brighton, Lewes, etc. Loads of heritage railways around here as well.

For a town and seaside break, Swanage is great. Boat trips from the pier, lovely countryside, steam trains to Corfe Castle. The military were training when we stayed there so had a free airshow and special forces raiding boats out at sea. Main highlight was two hercs going over with boats being chucked out the back followed by loads of soldiers. Then boat and helicopter raid on a ferry.

On the London front, love going there, main bits are relatively close so you can walk, also love leaving it at the end of the day.

[XA04]

We want to Malham just before the lockdown, lovely little escape to the countryside. Though I imagine you would all enjoy anywhere in the Yorkshire Dales.

[Saracen999]

....

My view of London is that I can't stand the place but it does have an annoyingly high number of things/places within it I'd like to visit.

And it's really, really irritating, innit?