Ah, the sweet smell of spring is finally here. Flowers are beginning to bloom, the sun has started to shine and there is hope on the horizon for a great British summer!
I’m sure you’ll agree that spending so many months at home has only made our adventurous, curious hearts grow fonder with a passion for travel and exploration.
I will appreciate my upcoming travel trips so much more, and it has only made my job as travel Editor, and the content in our latest issue, seem even more special than usual!
Lockdown might have put a stop to many things, but it certainly hasn’t stopped the travel industry preparing to ensure a super fun and warm welcome once it is safe for visitors to return. From new hotels and luxury spas, exciting holiday resorts full of adventure and off-grid activities, luxury boutique stays in acres of unspoilt countryside and coastline, brand new attractions to immersive one-of-a-kind experiences – it seems there has perhaps never been a better time to explore the British Isles!
With so much ‘British staycation’ wanderlust flying about we couldn’t resist compiling our Ultimate British Bucket List. Deep in the West Dorset countryside we Meet the Makers behind the world’s only vodka made from cows’ milk. We uncover 10 of the most wonderful places to visit in Yorkshire and discover that there’s much more than just Cheddar Cheese and ancient apple orchards to Somerset’s epicurean offering in The Rise of Food and Drink. In search of beautiful destinations where social distancing is made easy, you won’t find better than a remote Sea Garden Cottage on the white sandy shores of Tresco island, a luxury family stay in the heart of Suffolk’s rolling countryside at The Ickworth or a whisky tour around the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Islay - the Lord of the Isles.
Wherever, and whenever, you next plan to take a holiday in the British Isles, we hope British Travel Journal continues to deliver as your indispensable travel magazine, and wish you a safe and seamless journey full of wonderful memories.
2 FOR THE AVIATOR
2 FOR THE AVIATOR Goodwood: Goodwood is celebrated for its motor racing but this 12,000 acre sporting estate has much more to offer – including exciting flying experiences. These operate from Goodwood Aerodrome, used as a Battle of Britain station during World War II. During the Harvard Warbird Fly & Dining package, for example, you can take to the air in – and even have a go at flying - this iconic 1943 plane, once used for training Spitfire pilots. Afterwards, there’s a Champange lunch at The Kennels – former home to the Duke of Richmond’s hounds, now a rather smart estate members’ club. Or, for the really keen there’s Flying Through the Ages - a full day experiencing three different planes plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the aerodrome and meeting with the aviation teams. At the end of the day, retire to the Goodwood Hotel, with its restaurants, health club and two golf courses. goodwood.com BritishTravelJournal top tip For an extra special stay, book the exclusive use ten bedroom Hound Lodge, which has a private chef and butler. 3 30 BritishTravelJournal.com
4 FOR THE COASTAL SCENERY LOVER Luxury Irish Tours: The Northern Irish coast encompasses some of Britain’s most interesting and wildly beautiful scenery. Let specialists organise a bespoke tour around the top sights, including a private driver in a luxury vehicle (or self drive if you prefer) plus accommodation in five star hotels or castles, private, behind-the-scenes tours, fine dining and, of course, visits to all the ‘blockbuster’ sights – the Glens of Antrim, Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle to name but a few. luxuryirishtours.com BritishTravelJournal top tip Special interests can also be catered for – if you want to see every single Game of Thrones location, here, your wish is their command. Or play golf at the top courses, including the world famous Portrush…all is possible. FOR THE CRUISER Abercrombie & Kent: Not being allowed to visit even the next county has got us all gagging to get out and explore the UK. The Tradewind Voyage gives the chance to do that, on the Golden Horizon – the world’s largest squarerigged sailing vessel. The design is based on a traditional clipper ship, with wood panelled interiors alongside modern facilities - think three swimming pools and a spa! During the 13 night trip, the many destinations to explore include Glenveagh National Park in Donegal, with its mountains and lakes, the exciting city of Liverpool, some of the tiny uninhabited islands in the Isles of Scilly, the lovely little Cornish town of St Ives and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. abercrombiekent.co.uk BritishTravelJournal top tip Many of the optional excursions include cycling or walking. Take advantage to counteract the effects of the copious onboard food and wine. à BritishTravelJournal.com 31
