With there still being so much uncertainty surrounding international travel and COVID-19, it is easy to see why so many holidaymakers are choosing to instead go on staycations until things straighten out.
Indeed, according to This Is Money, back in April, staycation bookings (must we discuss the word’s meaning again?) were up 200% on last year.
RECENT POPULAR STAYCATION DESTINATIONS
With the ease and convenience of staycations during this difficult period, many Brits have been able to explore places in the UK that they have never visited before.
Looking at data from this year, it seems that there are a few destinations that are proving to be particularly popular in 2021. The top 5 locations and their percentage share of bookings include:
- Devon (10%)
- Cornwall (8.75%)
- Cumbria (7.85%)
- North Yorkshire (7.15%)
- Dyfed, South West Wales (6.52%)
In terms of specific destinations with the biggest year-on-year surge in popularity, they are as follows:
- Wiltshire (343%)
- Shropshire (211%)
- Clwyd, northeast Wales (189%)
- Staffordshire (181%)
- Cornwall (180%)
This massive rise in staycation interest has seen some destinations – particularly popular cities like Brighton, Bath, St. Ives and Edinburgh – fully booked for the remainder of the summer season.
With that in mind, today we’re looking forward to autumn, and toward some locations on the more rural, wild side of things. Far from the madding crowds and blessed with rugged, untouched scenery (and hopefully with plenty of beds still available!), here are 5 ideas for an active autumn holiday in the UK countryside.
TAKE A GAME OF THRONES TOUR FROM BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Winter is coming…but first, let’s enjoy autumn, hey?
Experiencing the mythical world of Westeros is perhaps even more enjoyable in autumn, with Tollymore Forest Park (which was used in various season one episodes) particularly resplendent in shades of russet and auburn.
Amazingly, you can leave Belfast in almost any direction and arrive at a GoT filming location within an hour or two. The aforementioned Tollymore is just an hour’s drive south of Northern Ireland’s capital. An hour and a half east of Belfast, you’ll find County Fermanagh, home of the Marble Arch Caves, and the hideout to Beric Dondarrion and the Brotherhood without Banners in the show.
If you’re planning to visit in autumn, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Fermanagh Autumn Activity Festival and Autumn Equinox Walk through the caves take place in mid October and late September, respectively.
Or, if you’re looking for a longer excursion, the Causeway Coastal Route, along stunning North Antrim coast, is 200 miles (which should take you around 3 to 5 days) of natural wonder. Along the way, you’ll see the inspiration for the kingdoms Dragonstone, the Stormlands, Braavos and the Iron Islands from Game of Thrones, and even if you aren’t a fan of the show, you’ll marvel at the rugged, spectacular backdrop.
DRIVE THE SNOW ROADS OF CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK, SCOTLAND
The Snow Roads of Cairngorms National Park are widely regarded as the UK’s best for driving and motorbike riding, taking you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands and past sights like Balmoral Castle, through the Cairnwell Pass and Glenshee ski region, with endless peaks and troughs always on the horizon.
The Glenshee Ski Centre is this year estimated to be operating from September onwards (until April) meaning it’s ideal for visiting during autumn before it reaches its busiest period, with the onsite snow factory guaranteeing a good coating of the white stuff. It should be noted that at the time of writing, Glenshee ski lifts were closed due to COVID restrictions.
Regardless of the prospect of skiing, Cairngorms National Park, and the 100 mile stretch of Snow Road from Grantown-on-Spey to Blairgowrie, boasts some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, much of which is most abundant in autumn.
This route is filled with twisting hairpins, rollercoaster-like ups and downs and steep gradients, with views that are pretty spectacular, too. Keep your eyes peeled for roaming herds of deer, snow rabbits, grouse and curlew in the moorlands, all of which are in peak season during the autumn months.
For bird watchers, Discover Glenshee recommend that in October, ‘’golden eagle and other birds of prey soar and hunt over the upland areas’’. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
Holidaymakers do need to make sure that their car is in a good condition before setting off on a long, sometimes testing drive. Make sure that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, that you have enough tread depth and that there is no damage. Remember to check your various fluid levels and lights, too.
You also need to make sure that the car is fully taxed, insured and that you have a valid MOT certificate. Drivers can easily book an MOT online if they need to get it done before setting off.
GO WILD, COLD WATER SWIMMING IN CORNWALL, ENGLAND
The health and wellbeing benefits of taking a dip or even a shower in cold water have been well documented recently. As the sea gets a little colder and summer gets smaller in the rearview mirror, there’s no better place to go wild, cold water swimming than in Cornwall.
Some of the best spots for swimming in Cornwall include Port Gaverne, near Port Issac, Stanbury Mouth, just two miles from Duckpool, Lansallos Cove in Polperro, Goldiggins Quarry in Bodmin Moor, and Kynance Cove, in Lizard. The Treyarnon Bay rockpool is also fantastic.
It should be noted that for those keen to try wild, cold water swimmer in Cornwall, the RNLI recommend that you should do so in groups. Fortunately, there are plenty of dedicated clubs of mad, bad, crazy to know swimmers in Cornwall, and it’s an incredibly inclusive scene. The guys at Wild Swimming Cornwall have a handy map helping you find your local group. Do check it out.
CYCLE THE COTSWOLDS
Amongst the gentle, traffic free roads, country lanes and bridleways of the Cotswolds, you’ll find mile upon mile of lush green countryside punctuated and untroubled villages that seem like they belong in a fairy tale.
There are many routes to take when journeying through the region; perhaps our favourite uses Chipping Campden as a starting point and then makes its way north. Alternatively, you could start in Oxford, then cycle to Stratford Upon Avon, Bourton on the Water, and end up in Bath, covering 70 miles and taking around 6 hours on two wheels. Bookending your road trip with two of the UK’s most iconic, historic cities? Sounds pretty ideal to us.
For something significantly less strenuous, the ride from Cirencester to Cricklade is just 9 miles each way, and a good portion of that is in the traffic free Cotswold Water Park stretch. Blissful. Of a similar length, the Windrush Valley cycle route, beginning in Witney and ending in the historic town of Northleach, is well signposted, pleasantly undulating but never steep.
Although the region is beautiful at any time of the year, spring and, particularly, autumn are the best times for a road trip, as traffic on the roads is significantly lower.
SEE THE BRECON BEACONS, WALES, ON A HORSE
That sense of freedom you’re craving after 18 months spent indoors could well be satisfied with a spot of horse riding.
The UK certainly boasts a deep affinity with all things equestrian, and Wales is no exception. The Brecon Beacons, in particular, has some of the best opportunities for horse-based holidays, partly owing to a network of bridleways which stretches for over 600 miles, meaning you can steer well clear of any busy roads.
There are seven horse riding and pony trekking centres at last count in the Brecon Beacons: Ellesmere Riding Centre, Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, Cantref Riding Centre, Tregoyd Mountain Riders, Freerein Riding Holidays, Trans Wales Horseback Trails, and Grange Trekking Centre.
It’s generally recommended that late summer and early autumn are the best seasons to ride horses in Wales, as the heat has dropped a little, which is better for the horse’s wellbeing, but the threat of rain and slippery conditions is somewhat less severe than later in the year.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sure, a city break staycation sounds like a whole lot of fun, but after so long cooped up indoors, we’re desperate to explore the UK countryside in all its glory come autumn. If you’re the same, then we hope you’ve found some inspiration above for your next holiday.
And if you’re not the same, then why not check out these 7 weekend escapes from London, all just a train’s ride away.