TheViewPoint-Q2-21

TRAVEL
Britain is home to many
stunning places to visit.
We’re starting off our
staycation recommendations
this summer, with these four…
Why travel
afar when
we have a
glorious Isle
to celebrate?
Tintagel Castle coastline
SNOWDONIA - NORTH WALES
Prepare to be wowed when driving through
Snowdonia - its wild mountains rival the
beauty of its Scottish Highland counterpart.
There are seven approaches to hiking up
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
Celebrate your summit in style in their top
notch fully serviced café, boasting one of
the best views across the landscape. If you
don’t fancy hiking, be sure to book a ticket
on the Snowdon Light Railway and enjoy a
leisurely train ride up to the top. Tickets get
booked up very quickly so the second you
know your dates, get booking! If an adrenalin
rush is more your thing, Snowdonia also
plays home to the world’s fastest zip line,
Malverne hills at sunrise
reaching speeds of over 100 mph. It’s also
a mecca for mountain biking, horse riding,
caving and any number of outdoor activities.
When you’re happily worn out and needing
to chill, take a leisurely stroll around the
town of Caenarfon with its historic castle,
then journey over the Menai Bridge onto
Anglesey island. Alternatively, drive to the
west coast of Snowdonia and explore Sir
Clough William-Ellis’ Portmeirion; an entire
Italian style village which formed the set of
the 70’s cult show, The Prisoner. Play human
sized chess, relax with a book from the shop
on the cliff top bench or while away the hours
enjoying delectable food and fine wines at
the water’s edge in their cosy restaurant.
TINTAGEL - CORNWALL
Where legends come to life. This part of the
north Cornish coast is steeped with history
and legend. Explore Tintagel, restored by
English Heritage, you can walk across the new
bridge to see the remains of King Arthur’s
castle, pose with the striking bronze statue on
the promontory, get a sense of Merlin’s magic
in the cave and understand the inspiration for
many of Lord Tennyson’s poems. A few miles
south down the coast is Port Isaac, home of the
infamous Fisherman’s Friends and Doc Martin.
Walk through the characterful fishermen’s
cottages to explore the tiny town, ensuring
that you peruse the stunning array of painted
porcelain and photographs inside the artist’s
store and café just past Doc Martin’s house.
Travel north up the coast to Camelford, hire
a bike and ride leisurely over the tarmacked
railway line into the bustling fishing town
of Padstow. Made famous by Rick Stein, his
original restaurants there showcase a multitude
of his culinary creations, or opt for one of the
many independents putting their own twist on
the day’s fresh catch. Hike the rugged cliffs that
lead into Boscastle and then enjoy an afternoon
tea with Cornish clotted cream at the cafe
by the harbour. End your staycation with the
ultimate luxurious treat - book into one of The
Scarlet’s rooms and enjoy a hot tub on a cliff top
with Champagne before a sumptuous feast for
dinner. Heaven, in front of the waves …
CHRISTCHURCH
Keen to stay closer to home? There are
plenty of places still to discover locally.
Christchurch is a burgeoning hub on both
the food and live music scene. A fifteen
minute drive from Bournemouth, you’ll
feel as though you’re in another world, it’s
well worth planning a weekend stay-over.
Enjoy a stroll through the beautifully
tended Exbury Gardens and wander around
Highcliffe Castle, formerly owned by none
other than Harry Selfridge. Explore the old
priory and wander through the gardens to
the water’s edge. Try your hand at a spot of
sailing or simply laze on the grassland and
watch the yachts sail by, then indulge in the
culinary delights at the award-winning Jetty.
After being cancelled last year, the highly
anticipated Christchurch Food Festival is
making a victorious come-back this summer
- time your trip for August Bank Holiday and
sample over 100 independent food and drink
brands in one day. Book early before the best
places get taken up!
MALVERN
Her Majesty, The Queen prefers her water
to hail from this natural spa made famous
in the 1920’s and the town still retains much
of its charm today. The high street has been
revamped in recent years and includes a
mix of independents, chains and eateries
to peruse. And of course, all restaurants
serve neighbouring local Herefordshire
beef. Edward Elgar’s birthplace and
first home has been transformed into a
beautiful tribute to the composer and
is a great way to immerse yourself in his
music and life story. There are also several
National Trust properties to discover in
the local area. Fancy stretching your legs
or trying a spot of paragliding? Take in
marvellous views of Herefordshire and
Worcestershire as they flank either side
of the famous Malvern hills. Challenge
yourself to walk all or part of their eight
mile stretch, then relax in a traditional pub,
sampling pure Herefordshire cider to toast
your mini break away in the evening.