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UK


Great Britain has so many areas of natural beauty, incredible cities and historical places to visit, picking the perfect location can be challenging. This is why we have taken advantage of our colleagues in the UK to see what they would recommend. AltText

HIDDEN GEMS


BLUEBELL WOODS
Ashridge Estate - Buckinghamshire
www.chilternsaonb.org
This is a magical place which could have come straight out of a fairytale. Walk through an enchanted wood containing a blanket of Deep Blue flowers. Recently used for filming the new Robin Hood film starring Russell Crowe. The flowers are only out for a short period around Easter. One of the most romantic places on earth.
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THE MINACK THEATRE
Porthcurno, Cornwall
www.minack.com
Picture yourself on a clifftop in Cornwall on a Summer night, where you sit on terraced ledges cut into the rock itself, and look out as far as the eye can see to the panoramic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Add musicans, actors, costumes; maybe a spot of drizzle, a light sea breeze, and the sound of waves rolling in, just to add to the atmosphere. What a spectacularly natural way to enjoy theatre.
Among the performances this Summer are A Midsummer Nights Dream; La Traviata and A Chorus Line; and the best bit is all tickets are under a tenner!

Even if you can't get to see a performance, it is still worth the visit - the views alone are stunning, and there's a lovely beach just next door!
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KESWICK
Lake District - Cumbria
www.keswick.org

There is always a great atmosphere here especially on market days, down every cobbled street there is something to discover. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can hire a rowing boat and enjoy the scenery with the family. A definite must is to have afternoon tea in the quaint tea shops with their homemade jams for sale and the smell of fresh bread as you enter the door, there is even crazy golf for kids. There is a vast choice of accommodation, from family run Bed & Breakfasts to luxury hotels on the lake. Keswick is a pleasant drive with vast rolling hills on each side, and it's just a 2 hour drive from Manchester airport travelling straight up the M6 motorway so it couldn't be easier to visit this little Gem of the lakes.
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THE FORBIDDEN CORNER
Leyburn - North yorkshire

www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk
This is a place of mystery and excitement, filled with anticipation of what may be around the next corner! As you drive through the big iron gates up the drive to the castle building you will be transported to another world. A world of cheeky little imps, mazes and watery fun awaits you. A labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises in the heart of The Yorkshire Dales. Recently voted best children's attraction in Yorkshire. Entrance by pre-booked tickets, by telephone or on-line. You will not be disappointed! Adults will become children for the afternoon, giggles and hoots will ensue. When finished you can have your lunch in the picnic area by the lake. Children will have great memories of fun times.
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YE OLDE TRIP TO JERUSALEM
Nottingham

www.triptojerusalem.com
The oldest pub in the world is situated in Nottingham. It's called Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem. Allegedly the crusaders drank here prior to their jaunts around the world! It is built into the caves that run underneath Nottingham and is nothing like any other pub in the world. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
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CASTLES


STIRLING CASTLE
Scotland
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk

Strategically positioned on top of a volcanic rock, guarding the crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling Castle has played a central role in the power struggle for central Scotland for many centuries. From its 250 feet high wall, the castle witnessed some of the most ferocious battles in the Wars of Independence, including William's Wallace's victory over the English in 1297, and was the preferred royal residence of the countries' monarchs. Its long and fascinating history is reflected in its complex and multi-layered architecture, offering visitors plenty of interest and intrigue
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OXFORD CASTLE
Oxfordshire
www.oxfordcastle.com

Built for William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, the Castle was officially turned into a prison in 1230, a function it retained until 1996. Since then, it's become a regular backdrop for the big and small screen, accommodating stars such as Brad Pitt and Glenn Close in its jail cells!
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BODIAM CASTLE
East Sussex
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

With its rounded towers, squared plant and moat. Bodiam Castle, is the archetypical example of late medieval architecture. Built in 1385 by former knight, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, allegedly to defend the surrounding area from French invasion, the castle never really served any clear military purpose and appeared to have been inhabited since the 15th century.
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DOVER CASTLE
Kent

www.english-heritage.org.uk

On the outside, the Castle, built to guard the shortest crossing point of the Channel, represented for centuries an impressive but threatening sight for any unwelcome visitors. But it's the intricate labyrinth of secret underground tunnels that really tells the story of one of the most important outposts in the history of Great Britain. Built during the Napoleonic wars, the tunnels were converted into command posts during World War 2, and played a pivotal role in the legendary Dunkirk evacuation.
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WINDSOR CASTLE
Berkshire
www.windsor.gov.uk

For more than nine centuries this beautiful castle has been at the centre of the British Monarchy's like and today Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world and still one of Her Majesty The Queen's offical residences. The huge complex which covers over 13 acres contains not only the Royal Palace but also the magnificent St George's Chapel (resting place of 10 monarchs). and a number of annexes as well as a beautiful park.
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SEASIDES


BRIGHTON
www.visitbrighton.com

Brighton Marina is only a short drive from Gatwick. From the age old classic ''fish and chips by the beach'', to the fantastic sea-life centre. There is something to suit everyone, the atmosphere is superb, cheap food, lots of bars, nightlife is fantastic for all ages.

How to get there: from the M25, head south along the M23 and then the A23, straight into Brighton.
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NORTHUMBERLAND COAST
www.visitnorthumberland.com

Miles of open, empty beaches, beautiful clean sand, dunes to explore, views out to the Farne Island bird sanctuaries and nearby attraction of Bamburgh Castle.
When it is cloudy and the wind is blowing you can lose yourself with a spot of kite flying, take the dog for a lengthy walk or simply breathe in the clean fresh air. When you've had enough of the beach, head to Seahouses for some chips and a boat trip to the Farne Islands to see some of the largest sea-bird colonies in the UK.
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LEYSDOWN - SHELLNESS ON SEA
www.leysdownonsea.com

There is great beaches, lovely scenery, arcades and cafes and good old Fish 'n' Chips. Shellness also boasts its very own nudist beach! (For the more daring)
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HAYLING ISLAND
www.hayling.co.uk

You not only have the normal seaside fair and the beach, you also have one of the best fish and chips shops, some good pubs and restaurants and a small shopping area.
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MORFA NEFVYN
Lymm Peninsular - North Wales
www.northwales.co.uk

Beautiful golden sands and a pub that can only be reached along the beach on foot. Perfect for lazy days in the sunshine.

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FESTIVALS


T IN THE PARK
Belado, Kinross-shire - Scotland 10-12 July
www.tinthepark.com

Critically acclaimed music event on the international festival circuit, T in the Park attracts over 80,000 music fans from all over the globe who join 180 artists performing across 11 stages for what has become the most relevant music festival in Scotland.
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LATITUDE FESTIVAL
Henham Park, Southwood - Sunrise Coast - Suffolk 16-19 July
www.latitudefestival.co.uk

Whilst legendary names in the music arena like the Pet Shop Boys and Grace Jones take on the main stage with emerging talents and independent artists, the surrounded area is animated by everything from theatre and cabaret to stand-up comedy and literary debates.
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KENT COUNTY SHOW
Kent Showground - Kent 17-19 July
www.kentshowground.co.uk

Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Kent County Show offers an interesting mixture of agriculture, animals and equine competitions, including Young Farmers Competition, and unusual attractions like humanoid Titan or the thrilling Wall of Death.
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MAIDSTONE RIVER FESTIVAL
Maidstone - Kent 24-25 July
www.maidstoneriverfestival.com

Now in its 30th year, the Maidstone River Festival is a three-day party, with art and craft stalls, entertainment, live music and the infamous raft race, culminating in a grand firework finale and illuminated boat parade.
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GAY PRIDE BRIGHTON AND HOVE
Brighton - East Sussex 25th July - 2nd August
www.brightonpride.org

In the picturesque setting of Brighton seaside, the biggest Pride event in the UK brings together a wide range of people from around the country, for a weekend of celebrations to promote equality and diversity, and educate against discrimination.
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