I’m writing about the UK a lot recently, aren’t I?
I guess I’m getting nostalgic in my old age. Or maybe it’s just that fact that I haven’t lived in the UK for eighteen months now and I kinda miss it. (Ok, I miss the chippies and the TV shows, so sue me.)
But in the same vein as my English stereotypes post, I want to employ a list of must-do things that no-one should miss if they’re visiting the UK (and I said UK – not London), whether you’re travelling as a family or as a young backpacker.
Get Some Scones
When I spent some time in the US earlier this year, I was half disgusted and half intrigued by their notion of “scones”. To them, a scone is something triangular that is served in Starbucks, usually flavoured and often topped with some kind of icing, and definitely a different consistency to our scones.
It doesn’t have to be a full ‘afternoon tea’ (with a pot of tea, sandwiches, scones and preserves) but please, just once, try a proper scone (either filled with raisins or just plain) smothered in clotted cream and jam. It is an other-worldy experience unlike any other and one which is not enjoyed nearly enough, in my opinion.
Take A Ghost Tour In An Historic City
Some of the best walking tours I’ve ever taken have been in cities like York, where the history literally oozes out on to the streets. To accompany an actor around the city, as night is falling, while listening to gruesome tales of the Black Death and Victorian England, is definitely a memorable experience, especially around Halloween time. Kids of all ages can have great fun in the October holidays doing one of these tours around the country. Try one in York, Edinburgh, Whitby, Cardiff or Bath.
Sit On The Beach, Even If It Isn’t Hot
If the sun is shining in the UK, even if it isn’t hot, we will damn well get out and enjoy it. This was a trait I have also witnessed in Amsterdam, where their weather is almost as bad as ours (if not worse). Pack a picnic, get some drinks, wrap up in a coat and scarf…and sit on the beach.
You can’t say we don’t make the most of our measly weather, so you should too. It’s the best way to enjoy your breaks in the UK summer holidays.
Pay Homage To One Of The Greatest Bands Of All Time
I know many visitors don’t make it north of London (tut tut) but no-one can deny that The Beatles shaped the face of music as we know it today. If you really want to pay homage to one of the best bands in the history of music, you’ll need to head up to Liverpool and visit the Beatles Story Museum. Just keep an eye on your purse while you’re there. (joking, obviously – we Northerners need to stick together)
Enjoy The Greenery
I don’t think enough people appreciate just how “green” the UK is. We literally have rolling hills and valleys. We have sheep and cows and beautiful lakes and rivers. This is definitely something I take for granted and am surprised when a visitor exclaims over the scenery.
If you really want to immerse yourself in nature, head to the Lake District or the Peak District and strap on your hiking boots. Then end the day in a cosy pub with a roaring fire. Every good walk ends with a meal and a beer. Fact.
Stay At A Holiday Park
Holiday parks seem to be a very quintessentially British thing. Most people, when reminiscing about their childhood, will have stayed in at least one holiday park while growing up. For me, that time was a stint at a Butlin’s in Skegness with my grandparents, being forced to enter child karaoke competitions and eating lukewarm cheese sandwiches on the car drive down. It wasn’t exactly the holiday I had imagined (I’d imagined myself to have an experience akin to Baby in Dirty Dancing), but it was a rite of passage I wouldn’t have given up for anything. I feel that all foreign visitors should have this kind of experience thrust upon them if they want to say they have experienced a true slice of Britain.
Having said that, holiday parks are a lot more modern than they were in the days of my childhood, so it wouldn’t be quite the character-building exercise that it was for me. Which is a shame.
Eat Some Chocolate
The UK may not be Belgium or Switzerland, but after having travelled the world, I’ve realised just how good British chocolate really is. Not only are we the birthplace of Cadbury’s (and I’m talking about the proper chunky bars of chocolate here, not the thin imitations you sometimes find abroad), we also have some amazing independent chocolate shops and more expensive high street chains such as Hotel Chocolat.
Damn, I miss good chocolate.
Photo credits: lake district, scones, beatles, chocolate
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