Traditional Britain
Imagine a cosy cottage overlooking the countryside, the savoury waft of fresh pie filling your nostrils, a drop of spiced mead warming your tongue… sometimes when the modern world becomes too much, the simple life is best. Escape the city rush with these traditional British itineraries. Take part in hundreds of tours, ceremonies, or even rural pub crawls, all harking back to a simpler and perhaps more posh time. Hear, hear!
Heritage
For a special time in Britain, visit some the country’s most important heritage sites. At the heart of London in Hyde Park sits Apsley House. Once known as Number 1 London, this grand Georgian house was home to the first Duke of Wellington and his descendants. A short train journey from London is the picturesque county of Sussex with its areas of outsatnding natural beauty and heaps of fun for the family. One of the best places to see is Battle Abbey, which was the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings and is a enjoyable way to discover more about that famous date. East of London is the county of Essex where you can find one of England’s finest country houses, Audley End House and Gardens. Tour the decadent mansion and explore its serene gardens that were designed by Capability Brown and burst with colourful flora.
Afternoon Tea
There’s no better way to describe a classic British tradition than afternoon tea. With its ever-rising popularity, more restaurants, hotels and cafes now offer indulgent, bold and colourful spreads. A classic afternoon tea selection usually consists of scones, clotted cream, jam, finger sandwiches, cakes, tarts and of course tea. However, various quirky variations have now been created including Japanese afternoon tea, Moroccan afternoon tea and even a Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea with cakes inspired from the Disney classic Alice in Wonderland.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python’s comedy spoof about the adventures of King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his knights are regularly hailed as one of the funniest films ever. Join Arthur and friends for a surreal and irreverent gallop through folklore at the British locations used for filming. Venture to Camelot itself in the form of Doune castle and explore the timeworn passages and historic grounds. You’ll also find an entire exhibit dedicated to the movie at Castle Stalker so get your informative entertainment right here and make sure to stop by the Meeting of the Three Waters in Glencoe for its one of a kind hiking experience!
Walking
Walking is perhaps one of the best ways to discover the UK, not only do you get to explore the most stunning landscapes and scenery on foot but it’s also a great way to do some gentle exercise and increase your level of fitness. Take a long leisurely family walk in the Norfolk Broads, which offer a range of routes to suit all abilities from nature trails to circular walks. If you’re after a gruelling challenge then a trip to the Scottish Highlands is a must. With some of the steepest and dramatic climbs in the country, it will leave you feeling both breathless and accomplished.
Traditional
From fish ‘n’ chips at the seaside to cosy Cotswold villages, what comes to mind when you think of ‘Traditional Britain’? Exploring Oxford is a great place to start. The University of Oxford is an architectural gem and was the educational home for many famous alumni such as the late Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde and Hugh Grant. Great Hall of Christ Church College is the only college in the world that is also a cathedral. From there, you’re within touching distance of the picturesque Cotswold villages to fill up your camera. Nearby Bampton is a must for Downton Abbey fans and Bibury has some of the most charming English countryside views you’ll find in the country.
