Shane loves the outdoors and travels around the UK visiting and reviewing all the top attractions.
With January drawing swiftly to a close, the season of love is now fast approaching. The supermarket shelves once again are piled high with novelty chocolates and stuffed animals marking to countdown to Valentine's Day. Many can feel rather a lot of pressure to make this day special for their significant other and we at DOUK feel it as out duty to inform you of some of the most romantic goings on in the country that you and your partner can enjoy. However, I’m also aware there are a great many of you who either don’t like this particular day or perhaps would prefer to do something a little different as this time of year can leave some with more of a bitter taste in their mouths. I therefore present to you, Valentine’s spots for those struck by Cupid’s arrow as well as events and inspirations for the anti-valentine’s crowd or for those looking to do something a little different this time, as regardless of your relationship status, everyone deserves for this day to be fun.
(Make sure to read to the end for some fun Valentine’s Day facts!)
Romantic inspirations
What screams love more than prison? Wait wait, let me explain. Not only is Oxford Castle a site steeped in a rich history, but Oxford Castle Unlocked is offering people the chance to have a very different experience with the ol’ ball and chain. One really wouldn’t expect this almost thousand-year-old ruined castle turned prison complete with crypts and cells and a general aura of mystery and death to offer anything romantic, but you’d be surprised. On Valentine’s day, couples can enjoy a romantic, candle-lit three course meal served in a the unique and intimate location of… an actual prison cell. Don’t get put off by the location! You can enjoy a delicious dinner in this fun and unique setting and certinaly isn't your average Valentine’s day dinner for sure, plus it makes the perfect setting for any history-lover in your life!
From £90 per couple
Click HERE for more information
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You know what’s also romantic? Trains! (I promise I’m being serious). Sometimes when travelling, the journey can be just as important as the destination, and the UK is certainly not lacking in scenic views, so why not take a Romantic ride somewhere? There are heritage railways dotted all over the country that offer scenic views, relaxing trips as well as special dining/drink packages. Why not book dinner, brunch or afternoon tea on the Avon Valley Railway or enjoy the variety of trips offered by Dartmouth Steam Railway? Click HERE for a more comprehensive list of rail tours throughout the UK and to find ones near you. For something specifically Valentine’s themed, for those around the Kent area, the Spa Valley Railway has a Valentine’s special on the 12th of February where you can appreciate the relaxing beauty of traveling on this amazing heritage railway as well as enjoying a complimentary bottle of wine!
Spa Valley Railway Valentine's: £40 per couple (includes a bottle of wine)
For classic romance, how about a romantic evening under the stars? Even better, how about a romantic evening under the stars where you don’t have to go outside into the freezing cold and, more likely than not, rain? London’s famous Royal Observatory is offering exactly that on Valentine’s night itself. Discover all about the romantic sights seen in our night sky in a visually stunning planetarium show and do your own stargazing through a real 18-tonne Victorian telescope. You can also enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly whilst standing on the famous Greenwich Prime Meridian whilst enjoying the twinkling lights of our own night sky (If we are granted clear weather.) The Glasgow Science Centre is also getting in on the Valentine’s spirit with a Valentine’s screening of “Her” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. As well as a complimentary glass of fizz and treats to enjoy during the film, the event will also begin with a stunning planetarium show exploring the surrounding cosmos.
Royal Observatory Valentine's Stargazing: £30.00 adult, £28.00 concession
Glasgow Science Centre Her Screening: £40 per pair of tickets (18+).
Walks are about as much of a romantic cliché as you can get but, they’re a cliché for a reason and are a tried and true romantic activity if you can get past the blisters. For the rambler in your life, there are many beautiful locations dotted around the country perfect for Valentine’s Day strolls. I could go on for hours about the many MANY places in the country perfect for walking, but this blog post would be about 10,000 words long so instead I've made a few suggestions of some of my personal picks. For Castle lovers, Hever Castle and Gardens has its wonderful snowdrop walk around it's grounds offering a great perspective as these beautiful flowers emerge from their winter hibernation.
To see some stunning views of the coast, try one of the trails near the Giant’s Causeway if you can. Often considered the 8th wonder of the world, views across this amazing rock formation are enough to take anyone’s breath away. Made up of over 40,000 basalt steps, this natural rock formation has a number of natural features dotted along its length including the Giant’s Boot, the Wishing Chair and the Camel. Visit to find out the story behind these eclectic names.
If you’d prefer a walk that isn’t so down to earth, then the Tree Top walkway at Kew Gardens is the walk for you. Set 18 metres above the ground and surrounded by a grand canopy of chestnut, oak and lime trees, this walkway offers great close-up views of the birds and insects that make those trees their home as well as an unparalleled view of the surrounding skyline. Make sure to check out the rest of Kew whilst there for some of the most amazing and well-kept gardens in the country. Plus Valentine’s night itself coincides with one of the Orchid Late events, offering an intimate evening celebrating the bright and exotic culture of India. Click HERE for more information.
Anti-Valentine’s events
Now for those of you not really into the season, cripplingly lonely or just looking for a completely off the wall date idea, then why not check out a few of these rather different activities that I’ve compiled.
Calling all sketch artists! For a special anti-Valentine’s event, the Tower of London will be hosting a sketch-special covering all those who died in the name of love in the Tower. For all those that aren’t the biggest fans of the romance at this time of year, why not hear the tales of someone who met a grizzly end because of it a.k.a: Anne Boleyn. Enjoy the opportunity to sketch lovingly costumed models posing as ghosts at the site of her burial in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula after her execution. Capture the gruesome consequences that sometimes follow love. This is an event the proves that Romance truly is dead.
£24/£20 concessions
Click HERE for more information
If this is a time of year you'd like to escape, the why not try breaking out of the norm by visiting one of many MANY escape rooms across the UK. For those unfamiliar with the setup, the basic premise is that you ar locked in a room and usually have one hour to solve the room's puzzle to find your back back out whilst more often than not solving a grizzly mystery at the same time. Definitely not your usual Valentine's activity to be sure as well as being a thought-provoking and fun activity to try. If you haven’t experienced an escape room before, I highly recommend it as it is the perfect activity for friends, couples and co-workers alike. See HERE for a full list across the UK.
For a more unique date idea or if you just want to bounce away your crippling loneliness doing something fun and silly then you should definitely try out one of the country’s trampoline parks. I bet some of you haven't touched a trampoline since you were kids, but as one of the biggest up and coming event industries in the country, these parks offer a number ways to burn off energy and proving that trampolining certainly isn’t just for the younger generation. Whether you're taking full advantage of being surrounded by wall to wall trampolines or enjoying the Slam dunk courts and airbags offered by many, these parks have so much fun to offer if you decide to jump in!
Click HERE for a complex list
What’s the opposite of romance? How about Horror! Chase away any notion of romance by taking a look at any of a number of haunted spots across the country. For the best experience, there are a number of fun tours run at night that highlight these terrifying spots and give you all the grusome details of the terrifying events that occured in these places. From the well loved Ghost walks of York, to the dark secrets of Lincoln, to the Witchery tours of Edinburgh, whichever spooktacular tour you choose to embark on, they each ofer a horrifyingly good time and are a far cry for traditional Valentine's Day events. Halloween might be the season for spooks but with these tours, plenty of creepy fun can be had all year round. Click HERE for a full list of ghost tours available.
Ultimately whether you love, hate or are just indifferent to Valentine’s day in general, there are a tonne of fun things you can do around this time of year regardless. While some people find enormous pressure in making this day special, ultimately (and this really might sound cliché but it is true) it is the thought that counts and sometimes the simplest and even strangest gestures can mean the most. So whatever you end up doing on the 14th of Feb, we at DOUK.com want to wish you a very very happy Valentine's Day!
Let’s finish off this post with some fun facts about Valentine’s day!
Hello once again from DOUK.com! With 2016 now just a memory and with the new year rolling on, I’ve taken this time to take a look back to our country’s past. The UK is a place with thousands of years of history surrounding us everywhere we go: from the ruins of medieval castles, to ancient monuments standing tall, to attractions dedicated to our predecessors, we are certainly not lacking in areas rich in historical intrigue. So why not take this year to visit some of them? This list covers some of the most interesting historical places to visit or re-visit that offer both a fun and educational experience for everyone involved (I know that historical places have a notorious reputation for being boring but I am here to assure you that that is absolutely not the case!) As a former history student please accept my humble insight into some of the best places to visit to discover all about this country’s fascinating past.
1. Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury)
I must admit I’m being a little bias here as in my final year of university, I spent a LOT of time here taking notes for my dissertation. However, despite the many MANY gruelling hours I spent here mapping stained glass and marble, this building never ceased to amaze me. With Canterbury being a Christian centre of the UK and the landing site of the great Christian mission from Rome over 1,000 years ago, when built, this Cathedral became the heart of religious democracy and the post of Archbishop of Canterbury a highly sought after position by the orthodoxy. The story of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s gruesome martyrdom under the orders of the King Henry II in the thirteenth century is a famous one and this incident still stains the space of the cathedral to this day: from his saintly miracles depicted in the East end windows, to the strange pink colouring of the marble around where his tomb once stood. It’s a great shame that many of the original artefacts housed within the building were taken or destroyed during the sixteenth century reformation, including the beautiful golden shrine dedicated to Becket, however, what remains is still a marvel. From the crypts, to the stunning stained glassworks, to carvings hidden on walls throughout, a trip here has much to see and explore. If you really want to get into the cathedral’s story, make sure to join a guided tour for a detailed description of the long and vibrant history of this amazing building.
Click HERE for more information
2. Stonehenge/Woodhenge (Wiltshire)
As a site of mystery and magic, Stonehenge has a LOT of different history to explore. From its original construction, almost 5000 years ago, to the influence it’s had on popular culture and religion over the centuries, this site is certainly one of the country’s most well known and loved landmarks. I’ve been here enough times to practically sneeze out the entire history and label each of the individual pieces of this stone circle, yet every time I see them, these great standing stones still takes my breath away. While many consider the ‘mystery’ of Stonehenge to be very much alive, thanks to years of research, a lot of the design history and construction methods have been uncovered and you can find out all about this is the visitors centre that was recently finished in 2013. While you are no longer allowed within the stones themselves due to much damage sustained over the centuries from tourists, it is still a stunning sight to behold. The surrounding areas also have a rich history to explore, Woodhenge being an often-forgotten gem. Close to Stonehenge, Woodhenge marks the site of another henge dating to around 2300 BC. While the wooden structure has since rotted away, fear not, as now concrete posts mark the shape of the original timber posts that once supported this structure. While possibly the world's most famous named henge, I must admit, my favourite thing about Stonehenge is that it is in fact not a henge at all! A “henge” is defined as having a ditch inside and a bank running around the outside and Stonehenge is the other way around, so I’m not even sure what Stonehenge’s official title should actually be. #FunFactsWithDOUK
Since this site has been the subject of countless documentaries, films of varying quality (I highly recommend Stonehenge Apocalypse), books and even songs, if you haven’t already, you must come and see this place for yourself!
Click HERE for more information
3. Roman Baths (Bath)
How about looking at the ancient methods of relaxing and health treatments? The influence of Romans in Britain can be seen in many places in the UK but one of their lasting and most awe-inspiring monuments is the Grand Bathhouse located in the city named for it, Bath. The temple within was constructed in around 60AD and the rest built over the next 300 years, but continued to be modified over the centuries where people still drank the spring water for its percieved healing powers. Much of the original structure still remains today and a museum of interest has been built throughout it, giving every visitor a wealth of history to enjoy: from the Sacred Spring, to the Temple, to the original Bathing pools, to the many finds that have been discovered hidden in the bathwater. For the full experience, there are audio guides available, giving unique and interesting facts about each individual area as well many anecdotes about some of the archaeological discoveries. Make sure to try a sample of the bath water at the end of the experience and find out for yourself if the springs really do have the powers that they claim. (Don't worry, it's clean and filtered I promise).
Janaury-June Prices
Click HERE for more information
4. Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh)
For a castle steeped in a history of war, look no furthur then Edinburgh Castle! Set in the centre of Scotland's grand capital city, this site is surrounded by amazing landscapes and has a number of places within to marvel at. From James IV setting out to Flodden in the sixteenth century to the power struggles between the Douglas and Hamilton families this isn’t a site that was ever short on action! As a stronghold during many conflicts due to its gradual decline as a place of residence and increase in use as military barracks, it has had 26 sieges during its life making it one of the most besieged buildings in British history! Come and visit the famous Stone of Scone or the stone of Destiny as it is known, once stolen to England by Edward I during his violent campaigns in the thirteenth century, but now sitting proudly with the crown jewels in the castle and is only ever removed from Scotland for coronations. Make sure to join a complimentary guided tour or pick up a free audio tour to find out a number of fun anecdotes about this amazing castle.
Prices April 2016 - March 2017
Click HERE for more information
5. Westminster Abbey (London)
Yet another place I went to for my studies, standing in the heart of London for over 1000 years, Westminster Abbey naturally has a great number of amazing sites to see within. This is the place to visit for anyone interested in religious history as, next to Canterbury, this is the religious centre of the nation as well as a building steeped in the best of British history. Home to the burial grounds of a number of famous royal figures: from the virgin Queen Elizabeth I, to James VI as well as many historic artefacts including the country-wide famous Coronation Chair, originally built for Edward I to enclose the Stone of Scone, and also many famous poets buried and commemorated in Poets' Corner, one visit is hardly enough to appreciate everything to see here. The site of the abbey itself has served as the coronation church since the days of William the conqueror after 1066, but the present building dates to the reign of Henry III in the 13th century. To really get behind all the history housed within the abbey, make sure to join a verger-led guided tour which covers the Shrine, the Royal Tombs, Poets’ Corner, the Cloisters and the Nave for just £5 per person.
Click HERE for more information
6. Warwick Castle (Warwick)
Who doesn't like castles? If Edinburgh castle wasn't enough for you, then along the River Avon stands the stunning remains of Warwick Castle. It was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a wooden motte and bailey structure before being rebuilt with stone in the 1100s. It was then used as a strategic military base and stronghold until the 17th century when it was converted into a country house and became renowned as a place of great beauty. Housed within are a number of well preserved grand interiors that transport you back to what this great castle was like in its heyday, with original artworks, furniture and chandeliers decorating the grand rooms. This is a great attraction to bring the whole family to as it has a number of fun activties to enjoy, from the Horrible Histories Maze where you can get lost in a number of time periods, to the amazing audio-visual expereince of the Time Tower where you can find out all about the castle's long history, to hearing about the bloody tales of the dungeons and so much more, both inside and out of this building, history is made fun for all!!
Click HERE for more information
7. Hadrian’s Wall (Northumberland)
For the ramblers in your life, Hadrian’s wall stretches for 73 miles and there are a number of fun trails to be walked along it. Originally built in 122 AD by the Romans as a fortification under Emperor Hadrian, large pieces of the original wall still remain today and have several areas of interest peppered along the length of it. From the remains of Roman towns, to a number of surviving military turrets, to many temple ruins, there are A LOT of sites to be seen along this route. If you’re in the mood to see more than one, or are looking for inspiration for your next walking holiday, you can tackle the intense 84 mile coast to coast to walk following the path of the wall, or for those wantong to avoid too many blisters there is also the easier 7.5 mile Greenlee Lough walk as well as the family friendly Steel Rigg and Sycamore Gap walk. However far you travel along this ancient structure, there is always something to see and perfectly illustrates how intense and masterful the Romans were when building both their military defences and structuring the surrounding towns.
Click HERE for more information
8. Caernarfon Castle (Caernarfon)
Here comes castle suggestion number three! (We're in the UK, there are a lot of them). This medieval fortress has stood proudly in North Wales for over 700 years after King Edward I began replacing the original castle wooden structure with stone and gained a reputation as being a site not to be messed with. This is one of the best castles situated within Wales and that's hardly surprising as it marked the site where the son of Edward I became the very first Prince of Wales, an act to furthur solidify his conquest and power in the country, and even marks the site where the investiture of Prince Charles took place in 1969. Looking at Caernafron it marks a more uniquely designed castle with its Polygonal towers and such grand design work was perhaps used to symbolise the strength of the English rule then present throughout the country. Today, there is much fun to be found here with the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum spread over two of the towers and events often run. If nothing else, it is an amazing piece of architecture that very much reflects the iron will of the man who built it.
Click HERE for more information
9. Jorvik Viking Centre (York)
If Vikings are your thing, then there is nowhere better to find out all about their life, wars and conquests then at the Jorvik centres in York. The Viking Centre, re-opening on 8th April 2017 after extensive rebuilding work following flood damage, stands on the ground of the excavations the Viking city of Jorvik and gives you a full experience of life in York during the Viking age. If you can’t wait until April, don’t worry, as Jorvik will be hosting it’s 33rd Viking festival running from 20th-26th February! This fun-packed week has a number of different events and activities to come and see, from the opportunity to try real Viking sword combat and archery, to crafting Viking jewellery, watching re-enactments of a Viking army marching through the streets and, of course, the annual beard competition! Discover all about the terrifying army of Eric Bloodaxe in England and see just how much of culture today stems from these big bearded invaders.
Click HERE for more information
10. The Wallace Monument (Stirling)
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Why not take some time to learn all about Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace? Putting aside the famous and annoyingly inaccurate (history student sorry) representation in Braveheart, discover the TRUE story of his exploits at this the monument built to venerate him. Allegedly the site where he watched the gathering of the English army before the battle of Stirling Bridge, marvel at a great collection of artefacts from the battle including Wallace’s own sword as well as plaenty of other battle memorobilia. While this is a monument that post-dates Wallace’s death by centuries, it is the place to visit to discover all about his story. Visit the Hall of arms and see how the armies of Wallace and Edward I came to blows at Stirling Bridge and how the Scots fought through to victory.
There are a number of events hosted throughout the year to enjoy: from re-enactments of famous moments from the battle, to treasure hunts, as well as events celebrating the anniversary of important times including Wallace’s eventual capture and execution. Despite his grizzly end at the hands of the English, there is a lot of fascinating history surrounding this figure and, when in Scotland, it would seem a shame not to find out about one of their most famous national heroes.
Click HERE for more information
So whether you’re interested in castles, monuments, landmarks or walks, you can see that the UK is certainly not lacking in historical places to visit with somewhere guaranteed to pique your interest. This year why not visit a few sites and see just how far we’ve come since centuries past as well as how our culture today has been influenced by our ancestors: from the language we speak, to the places we habit and even in how we live our lives!
A Happy happy new year from all of us at DOUK.com! We hope the hangovers from New Year’s Eve have worn off and that you aren’t putting off taking down your Christmas tree for too much longer. While some may abhor the cold weather without the bright beacon of Christmas to keep your spirits up, there are still plenty of fun activities to try and attractions to visit this January. With the new year in full swing, this is the perfect opportunity to take some time to think of all that the coming months may have in store, and there is no better way to do that then by taking a nice scenic walk to clear your head. There are many MANY beautiful spots in the country to take a stroll, but since a blog post like that would probably end up being about fifty pages long, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best and most beautiful places to take a wintry walk in Sussex and Kent. So wrap up warm, grab your walking boots, the kids and the dog and try one of these stunning strolls!
Castle Capers
For those wanting to experience a little history as well as some amazing architecture, there are a number of castle grounds that can be explored in these areas. East Sussex is a rambler’s paradise and Bodiam Castle has a number of delightful trails to trek and explore. This 14th century moated structure still stands tall to this day and looks spectacular against the backdrop of a wintry landscape.
Prices (Incl. gift aid)
Adult: £9.15
Child: £4.60
Family: £22.90
Sissinghurst Castle and its surrounding area also boasts stunning views and walking trails to wear yourself out before staggering home to demolish all your left over Christmas food. The Castle grounds are home to a well-loved garden to explore and the building itself is surrounded by stretches of farmland, peaceful woods and stunning lake views.
If you’re in need of ideas for your walking route you can pick up a leaflet in reception. After your walk why not enjoy the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition showcasing some of the best amateur photography from around the world or regain some energy by checking out the seasonal menu offered at the castle restaurant. Surrounding the castle is a wealth of picturesque nature to explore and signposted footpaths to explore. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a costumed character or two whilst exploring who will be more than happy to take you on a tour of the castle and explain the goings-on from the point of view of the staff.
Prices (Incl. gift aid)
Adult: £12.40
Child: £6.00
Family: £31.00
Countryside Houses
Kent and Sussex also contain a wealth of countryside houses perfect for walking around. The Romantic moated manor house of Ightham Mote has once been described by David Starkey as 'one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses,' and even a cursory glance of the property can see how he came to such a conclusion.
With a lush orchard and garden to discover and over 580 acres of the estate to explore as well as more substantial walks to that cover the surrounding woodland in the Kentish countryside, this is not a property to be missed! There are circular walks to Wilmot Hill, covering all of the vast estate, to walks to Oldbury Hill, an Iron Age Hillfort dating from around 50BC, or, for those really looking to burn some energy why not try the walk that covers two beautiful properties, Ightham Mote and Knole!
Prices (Incl. gift aid)
Adult: £11.50
Child: £5.75
Family: £29.00
Knole itself is a beautiful house that covers six centuries of history and isn’t short of areas to discover either. While the house is closed during the winter period, the estate is still available to explore. Make sure to check out the resident deer herd found wandering the grounds and see all the beauty found within the over 1,000 acres of surrounding parkland.
For inspiration (and so you don’t get lost), make sure to pick up a map at the visitors centre or alternatively join one of the regular guided winter walks available Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 14:00!
Chartwell- The family home of Winston Churchill has an estate that becomes a beautiful winter wonderland once the frost sets in. From the winter border of the orchard home to blooming flowers even at the coldest times of year, to a crater formed by a bomb dropped during World War Two, to a Canadian camp, there is much to be discovered across this large estate.
Make sure to visit one of the two exhibitions available to see during the winter: Child of the Commons and the Fiftieth Anniversary exhibition!
Prices (Incl. gift aid)
Whole Property
Adult: £13.80
Child: £6.90
Family: £34.50
Gardens and studio only
Adult: £6.90
Child: £3.45
Family: £17.25
So if you’re in and around or planning a trip to the Kent or Sussex area, there are plenty of places to take a stroll and work off the mountain of food we’re all guilty of getting through over the Christmas season. As 2017 marches on, whatever you have in store for the coming months, all of us at DOUK wish you a very Happy New year.
