ESCAPE ROOM
EVEN IN THE MOST POPULAR COASTAL AND COUNTRYSIDE SPOTS, IT’S POSSIBLE TO FIND MOMENTS OF PEACE AND PLACES TO BREATHE. YOU JUST NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO LOOK
Congested Cornish lanes and queues up the Lake District fells are not what we dream of when planning our summer holidays. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe and with most foreign holidays still off limits, our countryside and coastal resorts are going to be super busy through until autumn.
But even the most popular holiday destinations have their secret hideaways and wild places if you know where to look – and are prepared to walk a little way. Scotland has so much more space it’s easier to escape the crowds, so we’ve explored the lesserknown corners of some of England and Wales’s most popular holiday hotspots to suggest inspiring ideas for finding your own piece of peace. »
BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX
Despite the proximity of Brighton and other coastal towns, the great, green, rolling Downs exude a sense of ancient mystery and solitude where Iron Age earthworks crown every peak. Head up the hills as the day draws to a close to bivvy out under the stars. Castle Ring on Edburton Hill, just west of the Devil’s Dyke, is one of the best hillforts in Sussex with superb sunsets. Climb straight up the north escarpment from the church in Edburton. Wolstonbury hillfort is even closer to the city and the steep walk up passes through cool and shady beech woodland.
Also try… For something more coastal, the nearest wild beach is Cuckmere Haven, a majestic sweep of beach and caves at the base of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs with caves to explore.