THE VERY BEST OF BRITISH
HEN many foreign trips were put on hold because of lockdown restrictions, it inspired a world of creative thinking around leisure time.
While some of us developed a soft spot for staycations, others discovered a love for the great outdoors or took up a new hobby.
We’ve rounded up some of the UK’s most exciting new travel offerings, events and anniversaries for 2021 which indulge our new-found passions and pastimes.
PAULTON’S Park on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire is home to Peppa Pig World rollercoasters, water splash parks and animals. Now there’s a new attraction for spring. Relive 1950s midwest America exploring desert town Tornado Springs. Prepare for hurricane conditions on the Storm Chaser. The Cyclonator replicates a giant pendulum as it spins and dips while harvesting crops and the two drop towers will send you back to earth with a bump. Opens March.
Moneyspinner:
WHEN lockdown stopped indoor swimming, thousands started taking regular dips in open-water pools, lakes and rivers as a natural alternative.
They’ll love the new Wild Swimming & Waterfalls package at Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the northern Lake District.
Guests can choose half or full-day packages from
£90pp and experience Bassenthwaite Lake, secret locations including the ‘Gin Pool’, an infinity pool with great views, and waterfalls in Buttermere with an expert guide. Overnight stay for two, dinner and breakfast from £320 (armathwaitehall.com).
Scotland, with its lochs and wonderful coastline, offers guided swimming run by swimwilduk. com in the Highlands, and immersehebrides. com in the Outer Hebrides.
In Wales, Angela Jones, pictured above, who has been swimming the River Wye for 35 years offers a private 60-minute wild swim for adults at £35, and families at £50. run-wild.co.uk/