STAYCATION SPECIAL THE BEST OF BRITISH
Looking for a little trip away to kickstart the year or maybe a Valentine’s getaway? We take a look at five fabulous UK destinations with plenty to offer the discerning holiday maker. Take your pick from a rural Cotswold retreat or check out the bright lights of the North West in Liverpool. Our UK towns, cities and villages certainly have plenty to offer whether you’re looking for gentle rest and relaxation, culture, sporting adventure, history or entertainment.
ADVENTUROUS STAYCATIONERS WANTED
Adventurous staycationers are being sought by the Scottish-based small-boat cruise company Hebridean Adventures for amazing island-hopping and whale, dolphin and wildlife-watching adventure cruises around the Inner and Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
With two boats operating out of Oban and Stornoway, Hebridean Adventures begin their cruising season in April and operate right through until October, offering a wide range of cruises in and out of the main holiday seasons, that reach all around the Inner and Outer Hebrides, including highlights such as St Kilda and North Rona, and ranging as far north as the Orkneys, Fair Isle and Shetland on two new itineraries for this year.
Their two boats, the Hjalmar Bjørge in Oban, and the Monadhliath in Stornoway, are respectively a former Norwegian ice-class rescue vessel fitted with stabilisers to help smooth out bumpy rides, and a converted fishing vessel built for Scottish waters. They can sleep 12 and 8 guests and specialise in reaching out of the way destinations amongst the myriad of small deserted islands to be found in the Hebrides which receive few if any visitors, as well as the more well-known locations such as Mull, Skye, Lewis and Harris. Daily shore excursions will land you in these locations to go and explore a remote beach, hike a local hill, or visit iconic and historical locations such as Iona Abbey or Oronsay Priory, not to mention viewing the multitude of smaller castles and fortified towers that are scattered along the shorelines.
Sailing through the fresh air on a daily basis whilst watching some of the most amazing land and seascapes roll by is both refreshing and brings a sense of wellness that just has to be experienced to be believed. Add in a visit from some of the local common dolphins riding the bow of the boat right beneath you, a breaching minke or humpback whale leaping from the water in a cloud of spray, watching thousands of puffins and other seabirds wheeling around sea cliffs, or marvelling at the sight of a huge white-tailed eagle soaring overhead, and nirvana is surely not far away.
The choice of cruise lengths available ranges from a few nights to travel more sedately whilst exploring the length of the Caledonian Canal, to a full 11 nights’ proper exploration on the Atlantic West Coast Voyager with plenty of choices inbetween. Both boats are also available for private charter with some options for 2023 still, or look ahead to 2024!
Full details of all cruises and the boats can be found online at
www.hebrideanadventures.co.uk EURO MUSICAL CAPITAL
Liverpudlians were celebrating last year when the city was named as the host for this year’s Euorvision Song Contest but there are year round attractions there to pull in the tourists.
All eyes will be on Aintree Racecourse in April as the world stops to watch the Randox Grand National, the biggest horse race of the year. A staple in Liverpool's event calendar, it returns for another year, as people flock from around the world to be part of sporting history.
Just a few weeks later in May, Liverpool will shine on the global stage once again to welcome the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 to the city, hosting on behalf of 2022 winners, Ukraine. With nine shows taking place in front of a live audience, fan zones and a cultural programme of events, there will be plenty of chances to catch all the action in their UNESCO City of Music.
June will see the launch of the 25th Anniversary of Liverpool Biennial, the UK's largest contemporary visual arts festival. Titled 'uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things', over 30 international artists and collectives will take over spaces in Liverpool with curator Khanyisile Mbongwa at the helm.
Moving onto July, The Royal Liverpool in Hoylake will host the 151st Open for the 13th time. Golf fans will witness the world's best players battle it out on the links for the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.
There are lots more reasons to add Liverpool to your travel bucket list this year too. From new openings, to returning events, blockbuster exhibitions and an ever expanding food and drink scene, those who visit Liverpool will find everything at their fingertips in the city and across the region.
For more information and tourism suggestions for the city, visit
www.visitliverpool.com
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TRAVE L S TAYCAT ION SPECIAL
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