Highlights: Splendid mountain scenery and breathtaking views. Lake cruises on Derwentwater. Borrowdale valley and Catbells. Traditional cuisine and local specialities. England’s last remaining working slate mine. Via ferrata – thrilling outdoor experience.

Transport

• Travel by train from London Euston to Penrith (Virgin trains). Then use local bus or taxi to get to Keswick (see below links).
• Taxi from Penrith railway station to Keswick: Davies Taxis
• Local transport and bus maps: click here

Accommodation

Hotels, B&B, hostels in Keswick

YHA hostel in Keswick, YHA hostel in Honister

Accommodation in surrounding areas: Kendal, Windermere

Recommended walks & Sights

		WALK 1: Circular walk around Keswick via Catbells & Boat cruise on Derwentwater Length: 9 km. Grade: easy-moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NW area, sheet OL4). Start the walk with a relaxing boat trip on Derwentwater (www.keswick-launch.co.uk). Leaving Keswick cruise to the “port” High Brandelhow. From there start climbing to Catbells offering magnificient view of Keswick and Derwentwater. You can return to Keswick around the lake (stopping in a pub for a refreshing pint of beer) or you can take the boat again. Sleep in hotels, B&B or hostels in Keswick. Hostels: YHA hostel in Keswick, YHA hostel in Honister. Click here to download the map
		WALK 2: Circular walk around Keswick via Castlerigg Stone Circle Length: 8 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NW area, sheet OL4). Castlerigg Stone Circle stands on a superb natural plateau commanding a superb 360 degree view over the surrounding fells. It is composed of 38 free standing stones, some up to 3 metres (10 feet) high. It is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles dating back to the Neolithic period 4000 to 5000 years ago. Click here to download the map
		WALK 3: From Honister Pass back to Keswick Length: 14 km. Grade: moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NW area, sheet OL4). Travel by bus from Keswick to Honister Pass (The Honister Rambler – Service 77/77A). Then hike back to Keswick via Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells. From Catbells you can walk to Keswick around the lake (stopping in a pub for a refreshing pint of beer) or you can take the boat.
		WALK 4: Scafell Pike Length: 18 km. Grade: hard. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (The English Lakes, sheet OL6). Please find detailed walk description here.
		HONISTER VIA FERRATA and Honister slate mine Grade: hard Located high in the remote part of Northwest Fells surrounded by English highest peaks this is the unique extra dose of adrenalin – Britain’s first mountain via ferrata. For those who like the thrill, let’s come to celebrate mountains! To get to Honister Pass travel by bus from Keswick – The Honister Rambler – Service 77/77A. Find more info about the Via Ferrata and Honister slate mine here.

! The ultimate Lake District travel experience: download here ^{(thanks to Mark Richards – http://www.markrichards.info)}

“After-hiking” programme: Derwentwater Lake Cruises, Keswick Climbing Wall, Pencil Museum, Honister Slate Mine + Via Ferrata, Canoe adventures, Keswick Adventure Centre

Useful Info & Tips

• Visit Lake District (official website)
• Lake District
• Keswick
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

Transport

Travel by train from London King’s Cross to Hope changing at Sheffield. Then walk or take a bus (service 272) to Castleton. Local bus transport: click here

Accommodation

Hotels and B&B in Castleton

YHA Castleton

Recommended walks & Sights & Where to eat

		WALK 1: Walk around the Castleton / day 1 Length: 9 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Peak District, sheet OL1). Travel to Castleton (by train via Sheffield and Hope) and bus (number 272). Start your amazing long weekend in Peak District by a circular walk around Castleton via Mam Tor (Shivering Mountain), Hollins Cross and Lose Hill. Download the map below. Celebrate the day in a pub in Castleton, we recommend The Castle (see link below). Sleep in hotel or B&B in Casteton or YHA Castleton. Click here to download the map
		WALK 2: Hike to Kinder Scout via Jacob’s Ladder / day 2 Length: 18 km. Grade: moderate-hard. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Peak District, sheet OL1). Strengthen by a rich breakfast today’s challenge is Kinder Scout (636 m / 2,088 ft above sea level, Kinder Scount is the highest point in the Peak District). Download the map below. On the way back to Castleton, it is worth to stop for late dinner in The Old Nags Head Inn (in the village Edale). Click here to download the map
		VISIT BLUE JOHN CAVERNS / day 3 After all that hiking it’s time to relax. We recommend you to visit world famous Blue John Caverns. Click here to download the map

Sights: Blue John Caverns, Peveril Castle

Where to eat: The Castle

Useful Info & Tips

• Visit Peak District
• Castleton
• Mam Tor hill (Shivering Mountain)
• Peveril Castle
• Blue John Caverns
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

Highlights: Splendid mountain scenery and breathtaking views. 3 wonderful walks – Aira Force waterfall, Helvellyn peak and Grisedale tarn. Lake cruises on Ullswater Lake. Traditional cuisine and local specialities.

Transport

Travel by train (Virgin trains) from London Euston to Penrith. Then use local bus (service 108) or taxi (Davies Taxis – Tel: 017687 72676) to get to Glenridding.

Accommodation

Hotels and B&B in Glenridding

YHA Helvellyn in Glenridding, YHA Patterdale

Accommodation in surrounding areas: Kendal, Windermere

Recommended walks & Where to eat

		WALK 1: Spectacular waterfall – Aira Force / day 1 Length: 12 km. Grade: easy. Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NE area, sheet OL5). Leaving London in a comfortable train head towards Penrith. Around the second largest lake in English Lake District, Ullswater, the local bus (service 108) takes you to Glenridding. Leave our rucksacks in the hotel (B&B or hostel) and from there the first fabulous walk through enchanting leafy glen to one of the most spectacular waterfall in the Lake District – Aira Force, begins. In the evening settle into your peaceful hotel surrounded by stunning peaks including Helvellyn, the challenge for tomorrow Click here to download the map
		WALK 2: Helvellyn / day 2 Length: 11 km. Grade: moderate-hard. Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NE area, sheet OL5). Strengthen by a rich breakfast it’s time to head up to an impressive peak, Helvellyn. It’s a challenging climb, on well maintain footpath, to 950 metres (3,117 ft), and it’s truly worth it. Breathtaking views on Ullswater Lake, the valley and mountainous horizons of Lake District are unforgettable. Make sure you have your photographic equipment ready! Once on the top the views are even more splendid, especially at the knife-edged Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Red Tarn, a pool nestling between them, is the highest tarn in the Lakes. Of course, it will be the right time for a picnic and to celebrate your victory as well. Leaving the summit you still have half of your great day before you. Taking the footpath on Swirral Edge you get to Red Tarn with clear mountain water. If you are brave enough you should try to dip your feet. It’s cold but so refreshing :). Then slowly start coming down to the valley, back to the hotel. Click here to download the map
		WALK 3: Grisedale tarn / day 3 Length: 10 km. Grade: moderate. Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (The Lake District: NE area, sheet OL5). It is worth to wrap up your stay by a less demanding walk, so you can relax, enjoy and truly absorb fresh air and the beauty of the mountains. Walk along the river Grisedale will take you to the Cumbria’s mysterious site, Grisedale tarn. It is a great place for a picnic. Grisedale Tarn is also the legendary resting place of the crown of the kingdom of Cumbria, after the crown was conveyed there in 945 by soldiers of the last king, Dunmail, after he was slain in battle with the combined forces of the English and Scottish kings. Last views at the imposing steep ridges and crags behind and it is time to slowly head back passing through another beautiful valley, Deepdale. Then down the farmlands of another picturesque village Patterdale. We recommend you to contact Local Mountain Rescue Team members and ask them to show you their centre and talk you through interesting aspect of their work and show the rescue equipment. Click here to download the map
		BOAT TRIP with the famous Ullswater Steamers / day 4 To finish your stay in Lake District in style we recommend you a boat trip with the famous Ullswater Steamers. Wonderful one hour boat trip along the whole 9 miles length of the lake is just another way to enjoy the spectacular panoramas. The boat stops at picturesque Pooley Bridge from where you can take a bus or taxi back to Penrith for your train.

Where to eat: Travellers Rest

Useful Info & Tips

• Visit Lake District (official website)
• Lake District
• Glenridding
• Lake District map (PDF)
• Glenridding (map) (PDF)
• Aira Force waterfall
• Helvellyn
• Grisedale tarn
• Ullswater Steamers
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

Highlights: Discover unforgettable Needles and sunny Freshwater Bay. Admire romantic sunsets of western coast of Island. Enjoy the best trails and sea views from the bike. Ride on the high speed hovercraft – fastest Isle of Wight passenger ferry. Relaxing time at hidden bays and award winning beaches. Shanklin Chine historic woodland and waterfalls – natural walking trail. Thatched cottages and tea gardens of “Old Shanklin Village”. Taste quality fish&chips… fresh, big and tasty

Transport

To get to Isle of Wight travel by train (bus or car) to Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central or Lymington Pier. Then board the ferry or hovercraft.

• Hovercraft: Hover Travel
• Ferry: Red Funnel, Wight Link
• Local transport and bus maps: click here

Accommodation

Hotels and B&B on Isle of Wight (Shanklin)

YHA hostel on Isle of Wight (Totland Bay)

Recommended Bike routes & Sights & Where to eat

		BIKE ROUTE 1: From Ryde to Shanklin Length: 25 km. Grade: moderate. Maps: map 1 (to Bembridge), map 2 (to Sandown), map 3 (to Shanklin) Fly to Isle of Wight (Ryde) from Portsmouth on a hovercraft (www.hovertravel.co.uk). Journey takes only 10 minutes. Then hire a bike from TAV Cycles in Ryde (www.tavcycles.co.uk) and cycle to Shanklin via Bembridge and Sandown. Visit Shanklin Chine, relax by the sea and do not miss great seafood.
		BIKE ROUTE 2: From Yarmouth to The Needles Length: 15 km. Grade: moderate. Maps: click here. Hire bike at Wight Cycle Hire (www.wightcyclehire.co.uk) and cycle to The Needles via Freshwater Bay.

• Sights: Osborne House, Shanklin Chine, The Needles
• Where to eat: The WaterFront Bar and Restaurant (Totland Bay}. !!! Great views and seafood.

Useful Info & Tips

• Isle of Wight – official website
• Island Breaks
• Short movies from Isle of Wight
• !!! Cycling routes
• Hire bike
• Isle of Wight beaches
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

Highlights: World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Impressive Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Superb cliff top coastal walk of The South West Coast Path National Trail. Relax in Studland Bay – miles of white sand backed by sand dunes. Boat trip along Impressive Old Harry Rocks. Great seafood

Transport
Travel from London to Bournemouth, then take a boat to Swanage. Or travel to Weymouth.
Local transport and bus maps: click here

Accommodation
Hotels, B&B, hostels in Swanage and Weymouth, YHA hostel in Swanage, YHA hostel Lulworth Cove

Recommended Walks & Sights & Where to eat

		FOR A WEEKEND: From Bournemouth to Swanage and back (plus Corfe Castle) Length: day 1: 12 km, day 2: 10 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Purbeck and South Dorset, Sheet OL15). Day one: Travel by train to Bournemouth then take scenic boat trip (www.dorsetcruises.co.uk) along the Jurassic Coast to Swanage. Have a lunch in Swanage and then hop on historic steam train (www.swanagerailway.co.uk) to Corfe Castle. Visit the Castle and walk back to Swanage. Finish the day with a great seafood plate in Swanage (we liked Gee Whites – “en plein air” seafood bar). Sleep in one of hotels in Swanage or YHA hostel Swanage. Day two: Enjoy breakfast by the sea and then start walking to Studland Bay via Old Harry Rocks (stunning white cliffs with great view. Must see!). Have a lunch at The Bankes Arms Country Inn and relax at Studland Bay beach. There is a bus connection from Studland Bay back to Bournemouth (bus number 50). Click here to download the map
		3 DAYS PROGRAMME: From Weymouth to Swanage via Lulworth Cove Length: day 1: 15 km, day 2: 17 km. Grade: moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Purbeck and South Dorset, Sheet OL15). Day one: Travel by train to Weymouth and have a breakfast in one of the beach cafés. Then start walking to Lulworth Cove stoping at Smugglers Inn Pub for lunch or refreshing pint of beer (just one! :), remember you still have half way to go). Just before you get to Lulworth Cove take a picture of you and Durdle Door as a background. Sleep in one of hotels in the village or YHA hostel Lulworth Cove. Day two: Enjoy breakfast by the sea and then start walking along the coastline to Swanage via Corfe Castle. Have a late lunch at Corfe Castle village. As it was a long day we recommend you to take a historic steam train (Swanage Railway – http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk) from the Castle to Swanage. Finish the day with a great seafood plate in Swanage. Sleep in one of hotels in Swanage or YHA hostel Swanage. Day three: Again enjoy your breakfast by the sea and then start walking to Studland Bay via Old Harry Rocks (stunning white cliffs with great view. Must see!). Have a lunch at The Bankes Arms Country Inn and then relax at Studland Bay beach. Finally treat your-self with a sweet refreshing ice-cream. You deserve it! There is a bus connection from Studland Bay back to Bournemouth (bus number 50). Click here to download the map

Sights: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, The Swanage Heritage Steam Railway
Where to eat: Gee Whites (“en plein air” seafood bar in Swanage), Smugglers Inn Pub, The Bankes Arms Country Inn

Useful Info & Tips

• Visit Dorset (official website)
• Jurassic Coast
• Dorset videos
• The South West Coast Path National Trail – 630 miles of superb coastal walking
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

SUMMER HOLIDAYS INSPIRATION – 10 DAYS IN NORTH PORTUGAL

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste. Accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read our free detailed guide “10 DAYS IN NORTH PORTUGAL” here…

Splendid mountain scenery and breathtaking views. Walk around the Peris Lake and hike to Snowdon (1,085 m / 3,560 ft) and Glyder Fâch. Visit medieval Dolbadarn Castle, Electric Mountain and Llanberis Slatemines. Relax in friendly and comfortable accommodation. Enjoy traditional cuisine and local specialities.

Transport

Travel by train (Virgin trains) from London Euston to Bangor. Then take a bus to Llanberis (service 85). Local bus transport: Sherpa buses

Accommodation

• Hotels and B&B in Llanberis
• YHA Llanberis, YHA Snowdon Ranger, YHA Idwal Cottage, YHA Pen y Pass
• Accommodation in surrounding areas: Conwy, Betws-y-Coed, YHA Betws-y-Coed

Recommended walks & Sights & Where to eat

		WALK 1: Hike to Snowdon (1,085 m / 3,560 ft) / day 1 Length: 11 km. Grade: moderate-hard. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Snowdon, sheet OL17). It is advisable to start the hike in the morning so you have plenty time.Travel to Llanberis (bus service 85 from Bangor), then use local bus from Llanberis to Pen y Pass (service S1 – Sherpa buses). Pen y Pas is the starting point for Snowdon hike. There are 3 paths to get to the peak (download the map below). Once on the top relax in Snowdon café. Once refreshed use Rhyd-Ddu Path to Rhyd-Ddu village. There is lovely pub, The Cwellyn Arms (www.snowdoninn.co.uk) where you can celebrate the day. Sleep in YHA Snowdon Ranger. Click here to download the map
		WALK 2: Walk around the Peris Lake / day 2 Length: 6 km to Llanberis, 7 km around Peris Lake. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Snowdon, sheet OL17). Strengthen by a rich breakfast walk back to Llanberis. You can either relax in National Slate Museum, visit Electric mountain or walk around the Peris Lake(download map below). There is a nice pub on the other side of the lake, The Vaynol Arms. Sleep in hotels, B&B in Llanberis or YHA Llanberis. Click here to download the map
		WALK 3: Glyder Fâch, Devil’s Kitchen and Idwal lake / day 3 Length: 9 km. Grade: moderate-hard. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Snowdon, sheet OL17).T ravel by bus to Pen y Pass again. From there hike to Glyder Fâch. It is a demanding hike but you will be rewarded for your bravery with some stunning views. Another highlight of the walk is a deep rock cleft, Devil’s Kitchen. Sleep in YHA Idwal Cottage. Click here to download the map
		WALK 4: From Idwal Cottage back to Bangor / day 4 Length: 13 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Snowdon, sheet OL17). After all that hiking, let’s relax today. Enjoy your breakfast, walk slowly back to Bangor and enjoy all that scenery around you. Click here to download the map

Sights: Snowdon Mountain Railway, Electric mountain, National Slate Museum

Where to eat: Pete’s Eats (serving good generous portions of food to the many hungry climbers in the area)

Useful Info & Tips

• Visit Snowdonia (official website)
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

Highlights: Enjoy summer in the best scenery England can offer. Get bronzed on the Cornish coastline. A glimpse of fame on the stage of unique Minack Theatre. Discover where the Land’s End. Learn about the history of St Michael’s Mount. Indulge seafood specialities.

Transport

By train: First Great Western operate high speed services from London Paddington, South Wales and the Cotswolds to Cornwall, including sleeper services also known as the Night Riviera Sleeper Service from London Paddington. Journey from London to Penzance takes approx. 6 hours.

By Air: Newquay Cornwall Airport is linking Cornwall to major cities across the country as well as internationally.

Local transport and bus maps: click here

Accommodation

Hotels, B&B, hostels in Penzance

YHA hostel in Penzance, Penzance Backpackers in Penzance, YMCA Penzance Backpackers Hostel

Accommodation in surrounding areas: Falmouth, St Ives, Padstow, Newquay

Recommended Walks & Sights & Where to eat

		WALK 1: From Penzance to Mousehole / day 1Length: 5 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Land’s End, sheet 102). Eat in The Ship Inn (ww.shipmousehole.co.uk). Sleep in hotels, B&B, hostels in Penzance. YHA hostel in Penzance, Penzance Backpackers in Penzance or YMCA Penzance Backpackers Hostel. Click here to download the map
		WALK 2: From Land’s End to Porthcurno beach, stoping at Minack theatre / day 2Length: 15 km. Grade: moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Land’s End, sheet 102). Travel by bus (service 300) from Penzance to Land’s End, then walk to Porthcurno beach (15 km). Visit Minack theatre. Take the bus from the beach back to Penzance. Finish the day in style with great seafood in Admiral Benbow Restaurant. Click here to download the map
		WALK 3: From Penzance to St Michael’s Mount / day 3Length: 7 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Land’s End, sheet 102). Walk along the coastline from Penzance to St Michael’s Mount. Visit St Michael’s Mount. Then walk back to Penzance or take the bus. Click here to download the map

Sights: Minack Theatre, St Michael’s Mount

Where to eat: Admiral Benbow Restaurant

Useful Info & Tips

• Visit Cornwall (official website)
• Falmouth Visitor Information Centre
• Newquay
• Padstow
• Penzance Visitor Information Point
• St Ives
• Scenic railways of Cornwall
• Walking Britain – maps, walks, tips

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

DAY 1 – From London to Lake District

We took Virgin bullet train (www.virgintrains.co.uk) from London Euston to Penrith. The return ticket was £87.10 per person. The journey took us around 3h30mins.

We did some basic shopping at Penrith (there is a supermarket just next to the railway station) but you can also shop at Keswick (the closest shop is next to the bus station).

From the Penrith railway station we took a bus no X5 to Keswick (ticket costs £6 per person) and then a bus no 77 from Keswick to Buttermere (ticket costs £5.20 per person). The bus journey took us around 60mins. Good tip: you will save some money if you buy the Explorer ticket for £10 per person. It covers all buses in the area and you can buy it from the bus driver.

The Buttermere village was our starting point.

Length: 6 km / 4 mi. // Grade: easy // Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (sheet OL4) // Our journey on the map: download the map here

Accommodation

• Black Sail Hut – http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/black-sail
• We paid £18.40 per person per night (bed in shared single sex room). Full English breakfast / vegetarian breakfast costs around £5 per person; 2-3 course dinner around £10-15 per person.
• Accommodation in surrounding areas: B&B, hotels and holiday cottages in Lake District – compare deals, learn from real guest reviews

Gallery

DAY 2 – From Black Sail hostel to Honister via the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike (978 metres / 3,209 ft)

Length: 20 km / 12 mi. // Grade: hard // Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (sheet OL4 and OL6) // Our journey on the map: download the map here

Accommodation

• Honister Hause hostel – http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/honister-hause
• We paid £51 (bunk room with 2 beds). Full English breakfast / vegetarian breakfast costs around £5 per person; 2-3 course dinner around £10-15 per person.
• Accommodation in surrounding areas: B&B, hotels and holiday cottages in Lake District – compare deals, learn from real guest reviews

Useful links

• Scafell Pike (info from Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scafell_Pike

Gallery

Length: 17 km / 11 mi. // Grade: moderate // Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (sheet OL4 and OL7) // Our journey on the map: download the map here

Accommodation

• Elterwater hostel – http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/elterwater
• We paid £16.40 per person per night (bed in shared single sex room). Full English breakfast / vegetarian breakfast costs around £5 per person; 2-3 course dinner around £10-15 per person.
• Accommodation in surrounding areas: B&B, hotels and holiday cottages in Lake District – compare deals, learn from real guest reviews

Useful links

• Honister slate mine museum and Honister Via Ferrata – http://www.honister.com
• Recommended restaurant in Elterwater: we enjoyed great dinner in The Britannia Inn – http://www.lakedistrictinn.com

Gallery

We walked from Elterwater to Grasmere. Then we took a bus no 555 to Thirlspot (bus station, ask the bus driver). From there we hiked to Helvellyn.

Length: 15 km / 9 mi. // Grade: moderate-hard // Suggested map: OS Explorer Map (sheet OL5 and OL6) // Our journey on the map: download the map here

Accommodation

• Patterdale hostel – http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/patterdale
• We paid £41 (private room with 2 beds). Full English breakfast / vegetarian breakfast costs around £5 per person; 2-3 course dinner around £10-15 per person.
• Accommodation in surrounding areas: B&B, hotels and holiday cottages in Lake District – compare deals, learn from real guest reviews

Useful tips

• Helvellyn (info from Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvellyn
• There are 2 shops in Glenridding and many restaurants in Glenridding and Patterdale

Gallery

We left Patterdale hostel in the morning and bought 2 tickets for Ullswater Steamers (www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk). It was an amazing boat trip on the Ullswater lake. Single ticket costs £8.50 per person. The steamer took us to Pooley Bridge.

From there you can take a bus back to Penrith or walk (it´s about 6 km / 4 mi.)

Gallery

Check more pictures in our gallery on Picasa… click here

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

There’s a lot of caravan parks in England, providing both static mobile homes and parking pitches for touring caravans. Take a look at the Park Resorts website to discover a range of caravan holiday ideas. And if you’re ready to agree to a long-term future as an owner, you’ll also find a good choice of caravans available to buy.

So, to provide you with some great ideas for your first caravan adventure, here are a few choice locales around Britain’s stunning south…

Finlake, on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park, is comprised of a hundred acres of Devon’s gorgeous countryside. Use of literally miles of woods gives you that bit nearer to Britain’s varied wildlife. Finlake is additionally very near to a range of wonderful beaches and leisure facilities. There are a variety of lodges and holiday homes in order to relax in a bit more space and style, and there’s enough caravan space too.

Devon Hills, formerly often known as Paignton Holiday Park, is naturally a relaxing, rejuvenating area for a family holiday or perhaps even a romantic break. Located near the Torbay coast, Devon Hills is set spectaculaly in over 60 acres of parkland and, again, lodges and caravans are provided.

Bossiney Bay in Cornwall is a great spot, surrounded on many sides by lush green countryside. Not far away from some fantastic beaches, it’s actually a real gateway to the best that Britain offers.

Boasting extraordinary views and a family-centric vibe, Praa Sands in Cornwall is naturally a well-known spot for seasoned caravanners. A golf course, leisure complex and swimming pool are among the facilities provided to keep you and yours pleased for a long stay.

Sandy beaches, crystal clear sea, sunny summer as it should be. That´s Cornwall. Amazing history of St Michael’s Mount, famous Minack Theatre and vibrant Penzance. Wild Cornish coastline, remote Land’s End. All wrapped up in beautiful Cornwall. Who could resist! We love Cornwall and we want you to enjoy your holidays there… so here are our tips where to go, what to see and where to stay, recommended restaurants and more. We hope you will find it helpful: http://www.mintytrips.co.uk/cornwall.html

Martello Beach on the south-east coast has become another resort that could boast perfect leisure facilities, not least a gym and heated swimming pool. Acres of perfectly maintained land makes for some great exploring – and you can hardly be disappointed with the sea views when you do!

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com

Photos from our visit to Wimbledon

Check more details about the Wimbledon tours and museum here: www.wimbledon.com/visiting/tours

Enjoy your visit

Jakub

Find more on: Independent A-Z guide to London, England and Scotland (www.mintytrips.co.uk). Everything you ever needed to know when traveling to Great Britain. Shared by people who live in Britain, admire it’s beauty and recommend worthwhile places they know well.

• Cornwall – Where the Land’s End
• The best of Isle of Wight
• Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
• Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon (North Wales)
• Lake District National Park (Honister Via Ferrata)
• Lake District National Park (Keswick, Catbells)
• Lake District National Park (Glenridding, Helvellyn)
• Peak District National Park
• Biking in The New Forest
• Seven Sisters (Seven Sisters Country Park), Eastbourne, Brighton
• Horse riding in The New Forest

Our tip:

• Looking for a hotel, bed and breakfast, holiday cottage or hostel in London, England, Wales or Scotland? We were very happy with this website (click here) that we’ve tried for our holidays. It compares the deals, lists real guest reviews and offers really good rates

Enjoyed our holidays in North Portugal we have put together a list of our tips where to go, what to see and taste, accommodation tips, best beaches, where to hire a car, what you should see in Porto, in Douro Valley and around Viana do Castelo. Read more here www.myromanticholiday.com

My Romantic Holiday – 10 days in North Portugal – 7 days in lovely South France (Languedoc). Check some great tips for your romantic holiday: www.myromanticholiday.com