Your senses

Awaken body and soul from lockdown with these staycation trips, says Sarah Marshall

One of the key Covid symptoms is loss of taste and smell, but lockdown has arguably deadened all our senses, by detaching us from the outside world. So, as we unfurl from our sofas and prepare to venture outside, it’s no surprise sensory experiences are likely to direct travel plans. According to a poll by Visitengland, the experiences Brits are most looking forward to include eating fish and chips, listening to the jingle of an ice cream van, or smelling the waft of sea air.

From coast to countryside, the UK and Ireland is a sonic, visual and audio wonderland. Here are a few more of the visceral experiences we’re eager to enjoy this summer.

Smell of sea air

So salty it can make your nostrils sting, the scent of the sea is an instant ticket to a refreshing break. Some of the most invigorating coastal trails can be found in Northumberland, including a seven-mile barefoot walk at low tide across the causeway to the tidal Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Crabtree & Crabtree, who have holiday cottages in the region, bring the journey to life with a guide regaling tales of local legends. Or inhale fresh maritime air by walking a section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail which, once complete, will be the longest coastal walking route in the world at 2,700 miles.

Crabtree & Crabtree prices from £25pp for a private walk. Visit crabtreeandcrabtree.com

Taste of coast and country

Foraging forges a connection with nature, allowing us to literally savour our immediate environments. As an island, the UK offers up a bounty of goods from both coast and countryside.

In Dorset, Fore/adventure offer a half-day Coastal Foraging Course, based on the beach in Studland. Search for sea vegetables, sea weeds, crabs and cockles, and learn how to prepare wild foods. For something more decadent, head to Mersea Island in Essex, where oysters have been grown in creeks since Roman times. Lady Grace Boat Trips offer a two-hour Picnic Trip along Salcot Creek, where you’ll hear curlew calling and find egrets wading along the shoreline.

Pre-order a picnic platter from the West Mersea Oyster Bar from £100