Linger in the UK
This post is brought to you by Sykes Cottages, a great company with which to book a holiday cottage in the UK.
Travelling to the UK is often seen by many first time visitors as simply a quick weekend in the capital before heading over to mainland Europe for some “proper travel”. Once you step foot in the UK though, you’ll soon realise that there’s plenty more on offer beyond London’s bright lights no matter what you’re into. Spend a few weeks touring a part of the UK and soon you’ll be thinking of ways to extend your stay...
Outdoor life in the Lakes
This may seem a bit obvious but life in the Lake District revolves around the great outdoors. This huge region in the north of England dominated by an impressive National Park boasts miles of unspoilt, beautiful countryside and as you’d expect great walking country. Whether you admire the natural beauty on foot or from the water, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy leisurely days wandering through charming market towns like Grasmere and Kendal discovering the area’s surprising heritage; the Lakes were home to William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and inspired numerous literary works. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, a self-catering holiday cottage is a great base for exploring the Lake District, just click here for more information.
Delicious Cornwall
Compared to mainland Europe, the UK may have a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to food but if you head to Cornwall this stereotype will be turned on its head time and again. As you’ll never be more than 16km from the sea, look forward to the freshest of fish and seafood across the region. And, when in Cornwall, you simply have to try the Cornish pasty and traditional cream tea, a popular choice with locals and visitors alike. Most food in Cornwall has a story behind it; take, for instance, the Stargazey Pie which was created to celebrate a Cornish man who saved his village from starvation. This is just what you’d expect from a region with a unique identity; Cornwall is to England what Catalonia is to Spain. Spend some time getting to know the real Cornwall; from smuggling to mining and witchcraft, there’s much more to this pretty coastal region than first meets the eye.
Surprising North Wales
If you’ve only got a few weeks to spend in the UK, North Wales is a good bet if you’re looking to maximise your experiences. The Snowdonia National Park is a must when you’re in this part of the world with nine mountain ranges and miles of coastline offering outdoor activity for all abilities. There’s also history aplenty in this part of the UK; try Conwy which boasts the smallest house in the UK in the shadow of its imposing medieval castle. Pastel-coloured buildings and ornamental gardens probably aren’t what you’d imagine in this corner of North Wales but a visit to the unique Italianate village of Portmeirion will certainly change your mind. Cross the Menai Bridge to Anglesey where you can expect golden beaches and watersports on a par with the Mediterranean; all in all a great place to spend a few weeks relaxing.
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.