Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BELLS AND WHISTLES
for almost every outward bound activity under the sun – or (more likely) the rain. The railway reopened yesterday.
strathspeyrailway.co.uk
The Bluebell Line opened as a privately-run railway within three years of being closed as a public service – and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
That unaltered authenticity means it has been the go-to line for numerous film and TV productions in recent years.
It is also home to 30 steam locomotives – the biggest collection outside York’s National Railway
Museum – so attracts a lot of hardcore rail fans. Wine lovers will be pleased to hear there are vineyards just a few miles from Sheffield Park, while garden enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Wakehurst Place, which is owned by the National Trust but managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens. The South Downs National Park also lies just to the south of the railway, where services are now running again. bluebell-railway.com but this narrow-gauge line is one of the UK’s oldest.
Originally built to transport iron ore, it rattles up from the Cumbrian coast into the heart of the Lakes. Its gauge makes it extra nimble when it comes to tackling hills, and its pint-sized carriages are partly open-topped so passengers can enjoy the magnificence of the setting.
Eskdale has long been popular with artists for its pastoral contrast with the drama of Scafell Pike. It could be a particularly good choice for holidaymakers this year because it avoids the honeypot of the eastern Lakes.
Nearby attractions include the beach and ruins of a Roman bath house at Ravenglass, plus 13th century Muncaster Castle, which is still family owned. There is also a well-known hawk and owl centre near the railway, which is already back up and running.
Demand for winter sports holidays has not gone downhill because of the pandemic. Research by the Ski Club of Great Britain shows 96 per cent of skiers who hit the slopes last season want to ski again in the next one, despite the ongoing impact of coronavirus. Four out of 10 book their break six months or more ahead, while 60 per cent still use a tour operator. France is our most popular destination, followed by Austria, Italy, Canada and Switzerland. skiclub.co.uk
It’s summer and that means brights. Samsonite has updated its Paradiver Light luggage in fabulous colours. This uplifting yellow duffle/backpack is super strong, light and water repellent. It has loads of zips, a retractable handle, two wheels and even backpack straps. (55 x 25 x 40cm)