Little trips that promise big thrills

Sarah Baxter has some inspiring solutions for anyone seeking a mini adventure that’s still close to home

Ah, the long, hot summer of 2018… officially the hottest on record for England, just edging the temperatures of mucheulogised 1976. But alas, now it’s over; a receding warm memory. The kids are back at school. The suitcases are back in the loft. For pity’s sake, the new season of Strictly Come Dancing has started – it’s already beginning to feel like a lot like Christmas…

But stop! Hang on a minute. True, maybe you’ve already taken your big holiday for the year. But don’t write off the possibility of more travels yet. There’s plenty of fun still to be had, right on our doorstep.

You can still squeeze in little trips that provide big thrills in little more than a weekend, because the UK is home to a diverse range of activities, experiences and mini-adventures that can rival those found on foreign shores.

For instance, you don’t have to go to France for award-winning fizz or Switzerland for impressive hills; you don’t need to hit Route 66 for an epicfeeling road trip or fly all the way to Greece to sail between pretty little islands. No, you can do all of those things without leaving the country at all.

And the forecast looks favourable too. According to the Met Office, autumn appears to be getting off to an excellent start. September, forecasters say, should bring “more settled weather conditions” and “above-average” temperatures. Plus sea surface temperatures are at “near-record levels” – a quick surf trip to Cornwall, anyone?

So get that suitcase back down, or at least a decent-sized holdall. You’re going to need it…

WOOLLY THINKINGForget Peru – Andean llamas can be found in Surrey