Dream destinations at home and abroad
Stuck at home, we’ve all had time to dream up epic escapades and construct lists of the activities we’d love to do. If you need inspiration for planning a high-octane staycation, here are a few suggestions to spark ideas.
Chase butterflies across sand dunes in County Down
The Murlough National Nature Reserve at the foot of the Mourne Mountains features a sand dune system in existence for 6,000 years. Follow a network of paths through woods, heaths and dunes to observe wildfowl and wader birds, plus 720 species of butterflies and moths. Look out for the threatened Marsh Fritillary butterfly, distinguishable by its amber mosaic wings.
See nationaltrust.org.uk/
Walk with dinosaurs in London
Stand alongside the mighty reptiles who once dominated our planet, by strolling along a fantasy trail enjoyed by the Victorians 150 years ago.
Crystal Palace features more than 30 sculptures reconstructed from imaginings based on their fossilised remains, including a megalosaurus and an iguanodon.
Visit cpdinosaurs.org
Dive a First World War shipwreck in Orkney
The shallow waters of the Churchill Barriers at Scapa Flow are home to an eerie collection of submerged ships.
Sunk to provide a blockade against enemy forces, the vessels are now a popular spot for guided dives.
Open to anyone with an Advanced Open Water qualification and drysuit certification, boat dives cost from £225 per person.
Visit krakendiving.co.uk
Climb trees on the Isle of Wight
If you failed to master it during childhood, there’s still
time to perfect the art of arboreal ascents.
Goodleaf Tree Climbing runs three-day tree-climbing courses, with instructors sharing everything you need to know about using a harness and swinging through the canopy.training mostly takes place on turkey oaks, known for their strong boughs.
Visit goodleaf.co.uk
Ride stallions through the surf in County Antrim
Explore the rough and tumble of Northern Ireland’s north coast on a horseback
ride led by Danny Mckinley and his team. Select your breed of horse and the pace of the tour, opting for a speedy gallop into the hills or a gentle amble along the beach and visit several locations featured in Game of Thrones on a two-hour tour costing from £20 per person.
Visit sheanshorsefarm.com
Kitesurf without getting wet in Pembrokeshire
With a sail attached to a skateboard on wheels, kite landboarding allows you to skim surfaces without even touching water. It’s easy to learn, and works as a foundation for kitesurfing – or even snow kiting. Suitable for ages seven to 70, twohour lessons cover launching, landing and flying skills. From £45 per person.
thebigblueexperience.com
Mush and sled with husky dogs in Yorkshire
Replicate the experience of running a pack of dogs through Lapland’s icy wilderness, by harnessing a group of huskies on a dry land mushing rig. Discover the different commands used to control your canine team, then set off for an adventure around a 250-acre farm at Thornton Hall Country Park. A 2-3 hour experience starts from £55 per person.
Visit runwiththepack.co.uk.
Circumnavigate Wales on foot
Connect two signposted pathways to hike around Wales, tracing its land and sea borders from end to end. By combining the Welsh Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke, ambitious ramblers can get a 1,047-mile workout – if they’ve got around eight weeks to spare. .
Witness the aurora borealis in Northumberland
Occasionally, the northern lights can be seen at latitudes as low as northern England. Benefitting from a lack of light pollution and the reliability of clear skies, Northumberland’s international Dark Sky Park is one of the best places to find a place to spectate.
Watch Shakespeare on a clifftop stage in Cornwall
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall’s Minack Theatre enjoys a spectacular location almost as dramatic as the plays it hosts.watch actors run through a repertoire of classics at the open-air amphitheatre. Shows are yet to be announced for 2021.
Visit minack.com.