‘A temporary escape from inner-city life’
In 2020, we were forced to look closer to home for holidays. Our readers made some wonderful discoveries
Our rule is “Don’t go on holiday in England in August” – but in 2020, we had little choice. With some trepidation, we set off on our road trip.
In balmy sunshine, we walked the castle walls of Lincoln, glorying in the views. Sun streamed through the stained-glass windows of the cathedral, creating a kaleidoscope of colour. A delicious al fresco meal at Brayford Wharf followed, watching the sunset.
Then we crossed the Humber Bridge to Yorkshire – Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Scarborough. Imposing views, glorious beaches. Finally, luxury at Warner’s Nidd Hall. Peace, divine food, entertainment. Our green and pleasant land has something for everyone. Linda Court, Kent
Because we were unable to travel to Madeira in May this year, we stayed in Britain instead and visited Shropshire, somewhere we had never considered before. It was an inspired choice. We stayed in Ludlow, which well deserves its description as the loveliest town in England, and drove all over the county.
The countryside is beautiful, dotted with small towns such as Church Stretton and Bishop’s Castle, which are delightful. History is everywhere, including the famous Ironbridge.
There were very few other visitors around, which made the trip even more special. I cannot recommend this county highly enough, and we shall definitely be visiting again.
Mrs M Evans, Dorset
WELCOME WINTER WALKING
When lockdown began, my wife and I headed to the countryside and – like Forrest Gump – just kept on walking, always within a 15-mile radius of home. We’ve walked through 100 villages and seen more than 80 old churches, most sadly closed by Covid regulations.
These circular walks of seven or eight miles begin at a church where we leave our car and end with a picnic on the churchyard bench. The latest was from Polstead – scene of the Red Barn Murder in 1827 – to Stoke-by-Nayland. It was glorious. We followed ancient lanes, crossed swollen streams and saw hares, buzzards, herons, redwings and fieldfares, all in welcome winter sunshine. How fortunate we are.
Paul Marshall, Suffolk
FLAT OUT IN DEVON
My husband and I usually spend holidays in Europe with our tandem bicycle. But where to go in England that was flat? We decided on Devon and the Camel Trail, starting near Bodmin. There were many cyclists. As we rounded a bend, there was Padstow in all its glory. It took my breath away. Where on the Continent could better this?
Our thoughts turned to lunch. I like Rick Stein’s TV programmes, but do I want to eat at his restaurant? Yes! Soon we were sipping cold white wine and sampling the crevettes for which he is famous. I was in seventh heaven.
My husband and I have 170 years between us – but we are pleased to be able to turn the pedals still and enjoy the best of Britain.
Eileen Williams, Kent
CROYDON, 60 YEARS LATER
Croydon in the 1960s: late Le Corbusier brutalist tower blocks. Purley Way choked with traffic. Waddon Marsh power station wreathed in steam.
And in 2020? A landscape reinvented. The River Wandle, once an open sewer, now a clear and lovely stream bubbling through south London. Take the tram from outside the George pub in Croydon, through leafy Wandle Park. See the conserved power station chimneys, painted blue and part of an Ikea precinct. Get off at Phipps Bridge and stroll around the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park with its rose garden and former snuff mill.
Walk the Wandle boardwalk, through a wetlands eco-reserve and past Deen City Farm to Grade II listed Abbey Mills with its craft market and historic Liberty print factory – an oasis in a city of eight million. Fantastic! Louis Murray, Hampshire
OFF THE RAILS AND ON THE TRAIL
Abandoning a planned cruise to Norway in 2020, we headed to the Derbyshire Peak District and discovered, purely by chance, the spectacular delights of the Monsal Trail.
The former Midland Railway line has been converted for walkers and follows the Wye Valley for 8.5 miles through the limestone dales between Buxton and Bakewell. We wandered through former stations, over viaducts and through illuminated tunnels.
The trail is flat and suitable for ramblers, riders, prams and wheelchairs. It is surrounded by nature reserves, with footpaths and bridleways branching off the main route for more experienced walkers. The whole experience provided a much-needed opportunity to reconnect with nature and a temporary escape from the Covid restrictions of inner-city life. Gerry Tomlinson, Merseyside