It’s taken me a while but I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that a foreign holiday this summer is not going to be possible for me. This is mainly due to the fact that my regular earnings have been much depleted. I suppose I should also throw in the fact that I don’t feel totally confident about flying or staying in hotels. Can you imagine having to wear a face mask while sunning myself on the beach or by the pool (perhaps a bit of an exaggeration by some news outlets)? Anyway, as a result, I’ve reluctantly decided to stay put and opt for a staycation vacation. This will take the form of various day outings to some of the U.K’s popular beauty spots.
Rain will not stop play.
The lockdown weather has been pretty flawless, for the main part. It has helped me to buoy myself up with the thought that there is nothing more beautiful than the English countryside on a sunny day. Of course, the weather can be unpredictable but let’s face facts, the millions of tourist who come to the U.K, do not come for the weather. They come to appreciate the beautiful countryside, enjoy the culture, and take in the historical sites. I too will just go forth and appreciate, no matter the weather.
My wish list of places to see.
So here’s to enjoying the summer months, appreciating the sights this this country has to offer. With all this being said, the following places are on my wish list of places I’ve been meaning to visit for some time..
Cliveden –The estate and the gardens (owned by the National Trust) rather than the hotel, which I could never afford to stay in, is my main focus. Visiting this landmark has always been on my wish list, even before it played host to Megan Markle and her mother, a day before her wedding. It is resplendent with a maze, woodland and water garden. There is also a pavilion, octagonal temple, amphitheatre and works of art peppering the grounds. I’m told it is a place where you could get drunk on its mere beauty.
The Eden Project – It’s one of those places that I’ve always wanted to go to but some how have never had the time. Well, I guess now is the time.
To be fair, it’s a place that can be explored all year round owing to its indoor and out door attractions. It boasts the world’s largest indoor rainforest with over 1,000 variety of plants. It also offers a great range of adventure activities, boasting England’s longest and fastest zip-wire.
Warwick Castle – I’ve been to Windsor and Leeds Castle. Perhaps it’s now time to add another castle to my resume. Because of Covid-19, it might just be just the gardens I’ll get to visit but I think on a glorious day, the Peacock Gardens and Conquerors Fortress may just be enough.
Jane Austin country – As a lover of her books, I think it’s long overdue that I visit Jane Austin’s birth place; her home and the surrounding area. I’ll be sure to take in the manors and gardens of rural England and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Darcy and the Bennet sisters.
Thomas Hardy country – I’m a bigger fan of Thomas Hardy’s books, even more than Austin’s (sorry Austin fans). I always find myself empathising with at least one character in his books. Now owned by the National Trust, the thatched house in which Hardy was born and where his books were written is said to be delightful, not to mention the equally enchanting surroundings..
Isle of Wight – This would be a staycation vacation where I am actually travelling to another island. I don’t expect to walk the 65 miles coastal path but I’m excited to get a feel of what it’s like as a place. I’ve heard it’s a place that look better in the flesh than its picture perfect pictures. I’d just like to see for myself.
Liverpool – This is a late addition to the list. Only recently did it occur to me how great a place Liverpool was. A friend of mine recently returned from a visit and waxed lyrical. It made me realised that it’s a town with so much history (and I’m not just talking The Beatles and the Merseyside beat). It has an impressive list of museums documenting its history including the International Slavery Museum.
