We sometimes forget that you don’t have to travel too far for some truly spectacular scenery.
Tranquil waterfronts, beautiful forests, incredible landscapes: if you want to take in some of nature’s most wondrous views, there are options both abroad and here in the UK.
STAY – COLERIDGE PREMIER, LAKE DISTRICT
A hauntingly beautiful corner of the world, the Lake District has a spellbinding beauty that attracts international and home-turf tourists to its shimmering meadows and sparkling blue lakes daily.
Seducing Wordsworth with ease and calling itself home for Beatrix Potter, the region attracts literary enthusiasts, walkers, adventure seekers and wellness tourists in search of the abundance of activities the Lake District offers.
Visiting the Lake District is arguably the most historic of popular breaks for people across the UK and beyond. From charming Windemere to the Lake District National Park, the region is permeated with ancient history that feeds local life on a daily basis. One of Britain’s most notable prehistoric monuments in terms of megalithic astronomy – Castlerigg Stone Circle – sits at the centre of a ring of mountains, on a low hill just east of Keswick. The cultural heritage of the Lake District is as unique as its geography. Visitors are welcomed to partake in old local traditions such as rushbearing and hound trailing. However, if getting stuck in so blatantly isn’t your style, support local heritage by indulging in a meal of Cumberland sausage with Sticky Toffee pudding for afters.
Looking to taste more history? A visit the largest whisky distillery in England is sure to whet your appetite. A tour and tasting at The Lakes Distillery may even spark your inner Tennyson.
Unlike other regions centred around National Parks, the Lake District hasn’t succumbed to mass-tourism, safeguarding the areas natural beauty and way of life. Less than 10km from the historic town of Keswick, nestled beneath mountain peaks, looking over shimmering lakes, lies award-winning Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat. Ideally located, with sights and attractions easily accessible, this stunning lodge retreat offers an opportunity to experience the best of the Lake District from a luxurious base.
Escape the hustle and bustle within an elegant lodge featuring a stylish interior. Step out onto the decking area and absorb the spectacular views that surround you – better yet, take it all in from the comfort of your private hot tub. Offering 12 of the largest lakes in England and over 3000km of rights of way, this is truthfully one of the UK’s breathing spaces.
Kewswick Reach Lodge is available from £929 for 7 nights based on 6 people sharing.
AWAY – LANZAROTE
The beauty of Lanzarote has long been forgotten as stereotypes of pie-and-chips resorts and package tourist getaways stained the island for those wishing for a unique travel experience. However, a marked increase in independent travellers to the island has sparked the government to promote more of the natural beauty, history and adventure tourism available for tourists.
A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Lanzarote has a landscape that is otherworldly in comparison to other Canary Islands. Palm-filled valleys sit alongside wrinkled black lava fields, as the geology of 300 volcanic cones give the island a moon-like terrain. It’s an ideal holiday destination for those with a penchant for the great outdoors and a stay at Villa Buena Vista Bocaina goes hand-in-hand with a nature focused itinerary.
Unrivalled views of the rugged Lanzarote landscape and sparkling waters of the Bocaina Straight create a sensational outdoor space. The crisp white-washed villa sits against the dark hues of the Montana Roja slopes which surround it. With palms arched over the pool and plants dotted about the terrace there’s an exotic and desert-like feel to the villa grounds, yet it’s just a short journey to neighbouring beaches – that’s if you can tear yourself away from the Roman pool that sits centre stage in the private courtyard. The rustic, natural vibes of the villa compliment the local landscape perfectly, inspiring guests to get out and experience to beauty of land and sea in Lanzarote.
Known as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, it’s no surprise that Lanzarote is graced with year-round sunshine and powerful waves, making it Europe’s surfing Mecca. For those yearning for goose bump inducing thrills, surf the islands most historic waves – La Santa Left (The Slab) and El Quemao. Professionals from around the globe travel to Lanzarote in October of every year to test their skills on these renowned swells.
By land, a visit to the Timanfaya National Park is a must for every visitor to Lanzarote. Six years of near continuous volcanic eruptions have created a spectacular volcanic landscape that adorns a quarter of the island. Test your limbs on Lanzarote’s adventurous, historical terrains before returning to the privacy Villa Buena Vista Bocaina for a remedial dose of relaxation in the terrace hot tub.
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