Coming around to the idea of spending summer in the UK but worried a standard staycation just won’t cut it?
Just because you’re not leaving the country doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun.
We’ve found exciting trips, activities and tours from all over the British Isles that you can enjoy this summer.
So if you fancy learning a new skill, embracing your inner adventurer or travelling back in time, read on.
British Pullman train trip
Hark back to the golden age of travel when taking a train meant plush seating, proper table service in the dining car and the fantasy of bumping into Hercule Poirot.
This summer, luxury company Belmond is introducing a range of four journeys to a selection of seaside towns on board the British Pullman train.
After settling into your vintage art deco carriage at London Victoria, you’ll enjoy a sparkling Bellini and brunch before stopping to explore your chosen town.
And on your way home, you’ll tuck into a delightful three-course dinner. Whether you want to visit Whitstable’s colourful beach huts, stroll Broadstairs’ sandy beaches, take in contemporary art at the Turner gallery in Margate or see historic Hastings, this is certainly one of the best ways to do it.
Tickets from £360pp, click here to book.
Sea And Coast painting course, Cornwall
Two new creative UK stays give budding artists the chance to test their talent on some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
Firstly, talented painter Kit Johns has just launched an outdoors Sea And Coast painting course in West Cornwall, from the base of the renowned art school in Newlyn.
You’ll explore dramatic coves and coastlines using a variety of painting and drawing techniques.
Stay at nearby Chapel House, rooms from £150pn.
Three-day courses for all levels available from £395pp. Click here to book.
Six-day photography trip, Cornwall
If photography’s more your thing, try Frui Holidays’ trip focusing on the landscapes and culture of Newquay.
You’ll learn how to compose beautiful images of cliffs, beaches, moorland, tin mines, fishing boats, surfers and more, with help from an expert tutor.
The six-day course, including accommodation at Porth Beach Hotel, costs £1,999pp. Click here to book.
Much Better Adventures
Are you seeking thrills on your doorstep? Holiday company Much Better Adventures has launched seven mini-adventure trips around the UK.
You could be bikepacking from London to Brighton along quiet back roads and staying in a woodland bunkhouse (from £275pp), kayaking and wild camping around Moidart on the west coast of Scotland (from £560pp) or even ice-climbing up Ben Nevis (from £700pp).
All the trips are guided by specialist instructors – who needs Machu Picchu?
Find out more here.
Stubble & Co Luggage
As travel slowly gets back into gear, consider sprucing up your luggage – enter new company Stubble & Co, a British brand crowdfunded via Kickstarter.
It has created a collection of stylish, durable, all-weather bags, able to adapt to any adventure. From an everyday backpack to a spacious weekender, they should cope with any rough treatment from over-eager baggage handlers.
Prices start at £95, click here to shop the collection.
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Get in touch at metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.
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