Take an Olympic-inspired staycation in UK locations
Top sportsmen and women from across the world will take part in The 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, so why not get into the spirit of it all with an Olympics inspired trip in the UK.
Keen cyclists could try a mountain biking campervan holiday in the South Downs – from £104 pn with Yescapa.
A mountain biking adventure by campervan allows you to strap on bikes, get on the road and park up wherever the terrain looks appealing. The limestone gravel paths and hills of the 160km South Downs Way are made for off-road biking. Your home is Nellie, a converted Ford LWB based in Crawley, with kitchen, bike rack for four bikes, camping table and chairs, and awning. The cost for seven nights is £732 including one insured driver, breakdown cover and up to 100 km mileage per day. Flexible cancellation policy up to 48 hours in advance. Bike hire not included. Contact Yescapa (www.yescapa. co.uk).
Or Go for Gold with London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Tours, led by a Blue Badge Tourist Guide.
A professionally guided tour of the park is available as a private itinerary, or customised for special interest groups. Hear how this part of East London was transformed to host the iconic event, view the London Stadium, and visit sites such as the London Aquatics Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark, and pose for pics next to the Olympic Rings.
A half-day tour costs from £176 per group, comprising up to 30 people. To book, visit www.toursof2012sites.com.
Tee off on a championship, original Victorian golf course at Luton Hoo – from £50 pp
One of the longest 18-hole championship golf courses in the UK, the Luton Hoo Hotel course spans 7,107 yards of inland links and parkland. The par 73 course has hosted top events, and offers six holes with water hazards, as well as a driving range, putting green and chipping green. Tuition is offered with resident PCA Golf Professional Craig Ferris. Tee slots costs start from £50 pp while tuition is from £60 pp. Call Luton Hoo on 01582 734437 (www.lutonhoo.co.uk).
Get swimming in the open waters of Britain’s beaches – with the new and free Beach Check UK App.
Using this app, you can see how busy a beach is before you arrive. Choose from spots such as Camber Sands in East Sussex and Sandbanks in Poole. The app is available across the south coast, with resorts nationwide being added. Visit https://www.englandscoast. com/en/blog/beach-checkuk-app.
Have a smashing time at Thurlestone – from £100 pp with Pride of Britain Hotels
Badminton became an official sport at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, and the Thurlestone Hotel’s facilities include a large indoor badminton hall. It has two pools, tennis courts, a spa and a nine-hole par three golf course, and is close to many beaches. Stay overnight in October from £200 per room/£100 pp including breakfast. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels. com).
Holidays for horses, hounds and humans – Shropshire from £134 pp with Canine Cottages
Hopton Gate House (sleeps six) is one of several properties that accommodate guests, dogs and horses too, in a Shropshire hamlet with views.
There’s room for up to three horses, with full livery available. Explore on horseback before heading to historic Ludlow (4.5 miles away). A seven-night, self-catering stay costs from £134 pp (£801 total) plus £20 supplement for a dog. Visit Canine Cottages (www.caninecottages.co.uk).