Celebrating English Tourism Week

With all the rich and exotic destinations the world has to offer, most families are looking to jet off to a far-flung foreign country come holiday season (and with the UK’s erratic weather, who could blame them?). Having said that, Great Britain is home to some beautiful natural spots and idyllic areas that are perfect for the holidays – and the art of the ‘staycation’ is becoming a trendy way to catch a welcome break from the hectic hullabaloo of modern life without breaking the bank…


ALNWICK CASTLE

This picturesque castle and stately home is (somewhat unsurprisingly) located in Alnwick, Northumberland. Surrounded by sprawling gardens and the burbling River Aln, this castle and it’s ornate interior has been the setting for a number of huge Hollywood films, including 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman, and the first two films in the immensely popular Harry Potter franchise.


THE NEW FOREST

One of the gems of the South East, this huge swathe of untouched and undeveloped heathland and forest covers an area stretching from Hampshire to the edges of Dorset. Its eclectic mix of rural habitats means it’s a great place to spot all kinds of flora and fauna, from all three native snake species to even polecats and mink. Ponies, cattle, donkeys and pigs wander free throughout the forest, and may even provide a welcome wildlife surprise over your morning cup of tea!


TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS

Located on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, these bountiful gardens cover 17 acres and are home to a massive range of flowers, including 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries, ranging from Burma and Brazil to New Zealand. Even in winter solstice, you’ll be able to find over 300 plants still in flower. Alongside this incredible range of plant life is the Valhalla Museum, which exhibits a collection of over 30 figureheads from shipwrecked vessels, dating back as far as the 17^th century.

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