From 25th March to 2nd April 2017, we’re all officially invited to celebrate England - it's the English Tourism Week! The English Tourism Week happens every spring and it aims to highlight the value of tourism in the country. It sees businesses and residents
alike getting involved with special events and activities from heritage walking tours in period costumes to little farmers markets selling local cheeses and produce. According to Visit Britain, the
visitor economy is worth mind-blowing £106 billion annually, supporting a wide range of
industries from farming to theatre. With the weather feeling decidedly
spring-like these days it's the perfect time to plan a little holiday, book cheap train tickets, explore some of my favourite heritage short break spots in England and participate in
this week-long celebration!
WHAT ARE THE BEST SPOTS TO VISIT DURING THIS YEAR'S ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK?
🇬🇧 Bath
Bath is a city brimming with history, from
its striking architecture to its most popular attractions. A visit wouldn’t be
complete without a trip to the Roman Baths, one of the most beautifully-preserved ancient Roman spas in the
world. Another must-see is Bath Abbey, an
impressive medieval church with a breath-taking view (although you have to
climb up the 212 steps to see it!). While you’re there, take a stroll past the
Royal Crescent and observe the grandeur of some of the best Georgian
architecture in the country. Pop into No.1 Royal Crescent, the museum dedicated to imagining what life was like in
one of these historic residences from 1776-1796. If you’re a Jane Austen fan,
visiting the Jane Austen Centre is a
must. There you can learn more about the genius behind so many classics.
🇬🇧 Norfolk
For gorgeous coasts, scenic countryside and
unique places steeped in England’s heritage, go to Norfolk. Whether you’re
after a city break or a weekend in the country, Norfolk has a bit of
everything. The city of Norwich, which was named England’s first (and only) UNESCO City of Literature in 2012, has a wealth of attractions to explore – from
the cobbled streets of Elm Hill to the medieval history of Norwich Castle.
Norwich also boasts some of the country’s best shopping: The Royal Arcade has quirky
shops as well as delicious places to graba bite to eat. Norfolk is home to some truly majestic
country estates: Blickling Estate in Aylsham and the Queen’s country estate in Sandringham
are two of the area’s most impressive attractions and are perfect for a day
trip.
🇬🇧 Brighton
For the perfect blend of a city break and a seaside
getaway, Brighton is the place for you. Explore the Royal Pavilion
with its intriguing Eastern-influenced architecture. Enjoy mouth-watering fish
and chips on the beach – with a stunning sea view that never gets old. Shop in
the eclectic North Laines and support
locally-owned businesses – from record shops to frozen yoghurt parlours. In
addition, Brighton Pier will delight
all ages with rides, arcade games, and booths galore. You can also enjoy a meandering walk along
the South Downs National Park, especially around Devil’s Dyke (a sweeping
valley just five miles north of Brighton) – for trails and hike suggestions, click here.
🇬🇧 The
Lake District
The Lake District has been a holiday
destination for hundreds of years, made famous by its picturesque scenery and
prominence in classic literature. Located in Cumbria in north-west England, it
is also home to the country’s highest mountain Scafell Pike. Derwentwater, one of the main lakes in the
Lake District, is located just south of the quaint village of Keswick. This gorgeous little retreat is the
ideal place to book a cosy bed and breakfast and enjoy a meal at one of the
local pubs. Another popular feature of this beautiful area is Lake Windermere:
at over 10 miles long, it is the country’s longest lake. Take a leisurely
cruise on the lake – or hire a boat and do the cruising yourself. No matter what you decide to do, you
are guaranteed to see truly unparalleled scenery!
🇬🇧 York
York, located in the north of England, is
another city not to miss. Drink in the Gothic architecture of the Minster and
Clifford’s Tower, or learn about the city’s Viking past at the Jorvik Viking Centre. There
are also plenty of lovely walks to take: around the city walls (confusingly
called ‘gates’), through the Museum Gardens, or along the River Ouse, which passes through the city.
York is also the ultimate destination for
ale enthusiasts: the 2016 York Beer Census confirmed there are over 300 unique real ales on sale within the
city – including tasty offerings from the city’s own York Brewery – and there is an
equally impressive number of pubs to match.
From picnics on the beach in Brighton to
lakeside hikes around Keswick, there are plenty of activities to plan in time
for English Tourism Week!
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What are your favourite places to see & events to attend during the English Tourism Week?