Shane loves the outdoors and travels around the UK visiting and reviewing all the top attractions.
It’s easy to forget among the travel mayhem of London’s tube strikes that the UK has some of the most gorgeous and serene scenery in Europe, and it’s right on our doorstep. Take a look at some of these photos!
1. Snowdonia National Park
Before marvelling at these photos and checking your holiday dates, note that Snowdonia is officially the wettest place in the United Kingdom! This photographer had to wait thirteen days in the middle of July before capturing these (may not be true).
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| © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales | © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales |
2. Brecon Beacons
Designated an International Sky Reserve in February 2013, you'd be forgiven for thinking you had teleported into New Zealand upon visiting some of the places in the Beacons.
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| The Ystradfellte Waterfall |
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| Eroded slopes dot around the Beacons |
3. Cheddar Gorge
Voted Britain's second best natural wonder in the UK by a Radio Times poll in 2005, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is one of the South West's most popular attractions.
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| A winding road around the Cheddar Gorge | Breathtaking views |
4. Jurassic Coast
No you won't find T-Rex bones here, but you will find almost 200 million years of geology packed in it's coastline. I know, the T-Rex bones would have been sweeter, but stop moaning.
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| Durdle Door |
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| Old Harry Rocks |
5. Giant's Causeway
In Antrim now, and only because of a ginormous ancient volcanic eruption many, many millions of years ago. Interestingly, posters of the Causeway have been given pride of place on the Paris Metro and in other French cities to try and draw potential tourists to Northern Ireland.
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| © Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism | © Causeway Coast and Glens Tourism |
6. The Yorkshire Dales
Not just good old fashioned British countryside, the Dales draws in visitors from across the country to take in it's rural charm.
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| © Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority |
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| Waterfall in the Dales |
Summer’s approaching, kids have spent all winter sat on their bums indoors playing video games and you are eager to get them of out the house, but wait! Make sure you don’t forget these 7 tips or risk upset children!
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1. The weather! Just because the sun is shining where you are doesn’t mean the sun is shining two hours away! Check the weather, DOUK have a quick five day forecast for every attraction listed on our website, so do look before setting off.
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| Luckily this chap has brought his wellies! | Those whites are going to get messy! |
2. Are they definitely open? A website can often be slow to update, we always advise to check an attraction’s Twitter feed before leaving home as this is likely to give you the most up-to-date news. Opening times also vary throughout the year so make sure you are looking at the right information.
3. Find out what food facilities are at the attraction. You may want to bring a picnic.
4. Are dogs allowed? Tucker’s in the back seat looking forward to some fun family time, only the place they’ve arrived at doesn’t allow dogs! Disaster! Do always check by calling or visiting an attraction’s website if they allow dogs so you can decide whether to bring him or her along or not!
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| Who wouldn't let this guy in? |
5. Are there any events running? Again, check the Twitter feed to be sure!
6. Don’t just have one thing in mind! Check out nearby attractions and plan your day so kids don’t get bored. DOUK have a great ‘What’s Near’ feature to give you some ideas.
7. Don’t forget the camera. It’s easily done.
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| A camera. Remember it (or your phone) |
