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The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Off-the-radar day trips for May bank holiday and half term
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Published: Invalid Date, AS the May Bank Holiday weekend and half-term quickly approaches, you might be at a loss for things to do. Luckily, we have got you covered with 10 off-the-radar historic gems from around the UK. 11 HeritageXplore has partnered with Trainline to suggest a bunch of day trips that can be reached by train - although some will need a bike ride at the other end too. Read on to find out more... Hatfield House, Hertfordshire Nearest station: Hatfield – six minute cycle (0.7 miles) or a 10 minute walk. Just 25 minutes from London, Hatfield House is where Queen Elizabeth I spent her childhood. A place of pageantry, political intrigue and spectacular Jacobean architecture — today, you can tour the ornate rooms, wander sculptural gardens, and grab a flat white in the stable yard. Cycle tips: If you take the fast train (25 minutes) from London King's Cross, bike reservations are not required. However, it is important to avoid peak travel times, as you may be asked to remove your bike if the train is too busy. There's also a bike shed in the visitor's car park at the site to park up and take a look around the house. Pretty English town an hour from London is trending day trip destination 11 Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Lincoln - 31 minute cycle (six miles). This Elizabethan mansion, built in 1600, is buzzing with creativity. Still family-owned and full of personality, it blends heritage with art, seasonal sculpture trails, wild gardens, and perhaps one of the best farm shops you'll ever visit. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Nottingham, you don't need to reserve a space for your bike. If you have a folding bike, you can store it in the same way you would store luggage. There are secure bike stands on-site, and a whole guide to cycling for when you arrive with lots of lovely trails, including the Georgie Twigg Track and a mountain bike trail. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire Nearest Station: Cheltenham Spa – 54 minute cycle (8.9 miles) or take the bus from the station via the Stagecoach W or Pulhams 606 services. Upon arrival at Winchcombe, it's approximately 15-minute walk to the castle or you can take the seasonal shuttle service from the station. Tucked into the Cotswold hills, Sudeley offers a deeply romantic mix of Tudor history and sprawling horticultural magic. Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's final wife, rests here — the only English queen buried on private land. Roam the ruins, visit the 15th-century chapel, or picnic in the rose garden, surrounded by peacocks. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first come, first served basis. There's also bike storage facilities on site for when you arrive. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire Nearest Station: Matlock – 35 minute cycle (6.5 miles) or take the bus from the Matlock Bus Station via the TransPeak (TP) or the 6.1 from Platform 1 towards Buxton or Bakewell. One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses — and a film star, too, having appeared in Pride & Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl amongst many others. Explore its storybook courtyards, stroll by the riverside, and stop by the restaurant for their renowned afternoon tea. 11 Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Derby, bike reservations are not required but are generally allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. There's also space to lock up your bikes at the site behind the Ticket Office, and electric bike charging is provided. Beaulieu, Hampshire Nearest Station: Brockenhurst – 31 minute cycle (six miles) or, during the summer months, the New Forest Tour's Green Route connects the station directly to the house via open-top bus. Alongside the gothic-style Palace House and romantic abbey ruins, you'll find the National Motor Museum — with classic cars, F1 icons and even Bond vehicles. And the destination is all set within the New Forest National Park - so bring your walking shoes as you'll most likely want to stay a while. Cycle tips: If travelling from Southampton, reservations for bikes are not required. The New Forest has a number of beautiful cycle paths for you to explore in the local area, and Beaulieu has bike parking facilities on-site. Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Stamford – one-hour-and-six-minutes (11.7 miles) or take the bus directly from Peterborough via the 101 to Drummond Road, then swap to the 404 to The Black Horse Inn, a short walk from the castle. With its grand façade and sweeping grounds, Grimsthorpe was made for the screen — and starred in Bridgerton, no less. In real life, it's even better - expect royal stories, rambling summer walks, and a brilliant adventure playground for younger explorers. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Peterborough, reserving a space is recommended - most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also bike facilities are available at Grimsthorpe, but you will need to bring a lock. Also nearby is Lord Willoughby's Railway - a line that was in operation between July 1856 and July 1873. It runs from the village of Edenham to the main London line at Little Bytham – there's a cycle path along its historical site. Newby Hall & Gardens, North Yorkshire Nearest Station: Knaresborough – 59 minute cycle (11.8 miles) or take the bus directly from York via the 22 service towards Ripon and alight at Skelton on Ure, a four-minute walk from the hall. 11 Inside, you'll find Robert Adam's stunning neoclassical interiors and one of the UK's best private collections of sculpture. Then outside, there is one of the country's longest double herbaceous borders and a Teddy Bear House housing over 1,000 bears — from Paddington to Fozzie. Cycle tips: If you are taking the train from York, reservations are not available and there's a limit of two bikes per train. Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire Nearest Station: Northampton – one hour cycle (11.1 miles) or take the Stagecoach X7 bus from the Northampton Bus Interchange towards Market Harborough and alight at The Swan, a five-minute walk away from the hall. Once home to Sir Charles Isham — who introduced garden gnomes to Britain — Lamport is a peaceful spot for art lovers and slow-day-out seekers alike. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, no bike reservations are required – it's a maximum of two bikes allowed on each train. Cyclists are welcome at the Hall, with bike parking available in the stable yard – just bring a lock. Stonor Park, Oxfordshire Nearest Station: Henley-on-Thames – 31 minute cycle (5.5 miles). Still lived in by the same family after 850 years, Stonor is full of heart and history. Wander the meadow paths, sip tea on the terrace, and dip into the medieval chapel — it's the kind of place that makes you want to stay for the weekend. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Reading, it's a short trip but you'll need to change at Twyford. Bike reservations are not required on either train but it's best to avoid peak hours. You can find lots of fab routes for cycling around the site and there's a Cyclepod repair station, an air pump and dedicated bike parking on-site. Elveden Hall, Suffolk Nearest Station: Thetford – 36 minute cycle (4.1 miles) or take the 82 bus towards Bury St Edmunds and alight at Elveden Post Office, which is a seven-minute walk from the hall. One of the most intriguing houses in the country, Elveden was once home to Maharajah Duleep Singh — the exiled last ruler of the Sikh Empire — who made this quiet corner of Suffolk his sanctuary. 11 A rare blend of Indian heritage and English country life, the house is usually closed to the public, but you can now book exclusive guided access via HeritageXplore. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and cake in the courtyard before perusing the shops or take a spin on the off-road 4x4 trail. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Cambridge, you don't need to reserve a bike space. There are lots of interesting and varied cycle routes when you get there too. A Brit also discovered the best day trip to see the Northern Lights from London. Plus, nine of our top winter day trips that are great even in rain and snow… from kid-friendly museums to seafront shows. 11
Travel Daily News
15-05-2025
- Travel Daily News
Why holiday cottages are the UK's best-kept secret
If you're tired of cookie-cutter hotel stays and long airport queues, it's time to consider the charm and practicality of the UK's holiday cottages. From coast to countryside, these hidden gems deliver an experience that's richer, more relaxing, and ultimately more memorable. In recent years, more UK travellers are discovering the charm of staying in holiday cottages, opting for unique and flexible accommodation over traditional hotels or overseas trips. Whether nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside or perched along dramatic coastlines, these hideaways offer an intimate, authentic British experience that big resorts simply can't match. With domestic tourism on the rise and a renewed appreciation for local escapes, it's time to explore why holiday cottages are being hailed as the UK's best-kept secret. Below, we delve into the top five reasons more people are turning to these quintessential retreats. 1. Authentic Local Experiences Staying in a holiday cottage places travellers at the heart of a destination. Unlike standardised hotel chains, cottages are often deeply integrated into their local surroundings—be it a thatched-roof home in a chocolate-box village or a converted barn on a working farm. This setting gives visitors a real taste of local culture, food, and traditions. The design and charm of holiday cottages often reflect the history and character of their region. In many places, you can enjoy local produce from nearby markets, interact with village life, and even walk to family-run pubs or tearooms. The experience feels less like a tourist and more like a temporary local—one of the key draws for those who want more than just a place to sleep. 2. Unmatched Privacy and Flexibility One of the standout advantages of top holiday cottage destinations, such as Cofton Holidays, is the level of privacy they offer. Without neighbours on the other side of a thin hotel wall or daily interruptions from housekeeping, you're free to truly relax on your own terms. This makes cottages ideal for romantic getaways, family holidays, or solo retreats. Flexibility is another key factor. You can cook your own meals in a fully equipped kitchen, come and go as you please, and enjoy a living space that feels like a home rather than just a room. Whether you're spending a quiet evening reading by the fireplace or enjoying a summer BBQ in the garden, the sense of autonomy enhances the overall experience. 3. Access to Nature and Outdoor Adventures Many holiday cottages are set in rural or coastal locations, offering immediate access to some of the UK's most beautiful landscapes. From the moors of Yorkshire to the cliffs of Cornwall, cottages serve as perfect bases for exploring walking trails, beaches, national parks, and nature reserves. For example, if you're looking for holiday cottages in Devon, you'll find properties surrounded by lush countryside and within striking distance of both Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast. These settings provide a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and paddleboarding. Whether you're an avid adventurer or a casual nature lover, the opportunities are abundant. 4. Pet-Friendly and Family-Oriented Stays Hotels often impose strict rules when it comes to pets or children, but many holiday cottages in Devon are designed with families and furry friends in mind. You'll find properties with enclosed gardens, game rooms, and even dog-washing stations—making them a practical choice for those travelling with their full household. Parents appreciate the space to spread out, cook child-friendly meals, and avoid the stress of dining out with little ones every night. Likewise, pet owners can enjoy walks straight from the front door and rest easy knowing their pets are comfortable. It's a win-win situation that few traditional accommodations can offer so comprehensively. 5. Better Value for Longer Stays When it comes to longer holidays, cottages often deliver better value for money than hotels. With self-catering facilities and no need for constant restaurant meals or extra room bookings, families and groups can save significantly while enjoying a more spacious, comfortable stay. Take, for instance, those looking for holiday cottages near Dawlish. Many cottages in that area offer weekly rental rates that rival or beat hotel costs—especially during shoulder seasons. Plus, with amenities like Wi-Fi, private gardens, and washing machines included, the overall convenience and cost-effectiveness make them an increasingly popular choice for both short breaks and extended stays. Discover a Better Way to Holiday in the UK If you're tired of cookie-cutter hotel stays and long airport queues, it's time to consider the charm and practicality of the UK's holiday cottages. From coast to countryside, these hidden gems deliver an experience that's richer, more relaxing, and ultimately more memorable. Next time you plan a break, think beyond the usual options. Whether it's a cosy cottage nestled in Devon's rolling hills or a cliffside retreat near Dawlish, the perfect escape is likely closer—and more enchanting—than you think. Photo by Lois Portelli on Unsplash
