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.
FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS Hebridean Princess: The Western Isles of Scotland are famed for their blinding white 8beaches, edge of the world feeling and out of this world wildlife - golden eagles, minke whales and otters are just some of the species you might see, on or offshore, from the Hebridean Princess. This boutique cruise ship hosts a maximum 50 guests, and her small size means she can access more remote spots, unreachable by larger vessels. On shore, experienced guides can take you to see the wildlife plus sights like the ancient Callanish standing stones and Colonsay House Gardens. If you prefer to do your own thing, grab one of the ship’s bikes and set off on your own explorations. The Western Isles Wildlife cruise runs from 18-26 May 2021. hebridean.co.uk BritishTravelJournal top tip If you miss the boat (pardon the pun) this year, there’s a very similar cruise next year. à BritishTravelJournal.com 35
