With most Brits staying within our shores this year, many will be looking to the Scottish Highlands, the Welsh coast or an offshore island for their 2021 holiday fix. Meanwhile, the south of England might get overlooked, or regarded as merely day-trip material. Look a bit closer and you’ll find an incredibly diverse range of places, whether you’re looking for a city break, a beach holiday or an adventure. Here are a few to whet the travel appetite.
London
If you’d normally save the pennies for a city break in Rome, Paris or Vienna, then why not do London this year? Be a tourist, take the open-top sightseeing bus and marvel at the sights you may have seen a hundred times on TV, but never in real life.
There are so many world-renowned museums and galleries such as the Natural History Museum and the Tate, striking architecture such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, and large beautifully maintained parks ideal for an afternoon’s lounging.
It’s also a hugely diverse city so its street markets are well worth visiting to try food and other goodies from across the globe, from the traditional Borough Market to the more alternative Camden Market. And don’t forget the obligatory selfie in front of Big Ben, the London Eye, Nelson’s Column… the list goes on.
Brighton
Situated directly south of London, you can easily travel to Brighton by train for a wonderful coastal holiday. Head to iconic Brighton Pier for some family fun at the arcades or a tasty bite at one of the many food outlets. Close to the pier is the extraordinary Royal Pavilion – a fabulous building constructed as a retreat for the Prince Regent. There’s great shopping (and eating) in the wiggly historic streets known as Brighton Lanes, plus a huge open market selling everything from jewellery to furniture. And all this before you’ve even reached the beach!
Cornwall
Perhaps not forgotten by UK holidaymakers, but definitely worth including. The county that covers the far south-western corner of the British mainland offers beaches and charming coastal towns and villages in abundance. And the mild waters make taking a dip in the ocean a far less bracing experience than elsewhere in the country.
From the impossibly beautiful fishing village of Port Isaac to the dramatic tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, the surfing town of Falmouth and the dramatic coastline around Land’s End, Cornwall has variety as well as beauty and drama.
Dover
A great location for the adventurous, Dover is home to the world famous White Cliffs, and a walk over these with views over the Channel to the French coastline is a must while you’re there. There are numerous cycle trails to enjoy in and around Dover too, and the ancient Dover Castle has many great stories to tell (including the wartime tunnels and underground hospital).
There’s much to see in England’s deep south. Even if you live in the area, you’ll be surprised by how much you didn’t know and how much you haven’t seen of your beautiful part of the world.
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