Pack into the family car and go for a day out
Many Brits are choosing to spend their holidays on home soil in order to save money and we know that of all the ways to spend the summer, the traditional British day trip is a school holiday saviour. With plenty of cost effective days out accessible by car but not always by public transport, RED Driving School has put together their top five summer day trips in the UK, for new drivers. But, we say, whether you’re a seasoned driver or an L plate newbie, there are a wealth of day trip opportunities to explore across the UK, and RED’s recommendations give you a taste of just a few of the best.
Here’s RED Driving School’s top five UK summer day trips:
1. Lindisfarne castle, Northumberland
Located on the remote Holy Island off the coast of Northumberland, Lindisfarne Castle is only accessible via a three mile causeway at low tide.
The causeway is covered by sea twice daily, so visitors are warned to check safe causeway crossing times in advance to ensure access to the island. For drivers, tide times are displayed at both ends of the causeway. Lindisfarne is a romantic 16th century castle, although the site was originally a Tudor fort , it is a one mile walk from the car park along a tarmac road and cobbled path. Admission to the castle costs £6.95 for adults and £3.50 for children, visitors should research tide times and severe weather warnings in advance to get the most out of this historic day trip.
2. Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands
For a cost effective and active day out with spectacular views, pack your bike in your car and drive to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. With 3,800 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland to explore and 20 miles of picturesque cycle routes, visitors can easily spend a whole day enjoying the great outdoors. There’s plenty of open space for other activities too, with some visitors setting up cricket matches in the summer. Parking is just £5 for the day and entry to Clumber Park is free, facilities include toilets, a cafe and cycle hire.
3. Arne nature reserve, Dorset
Photo: Andy Hay
The RSPB managed Arne nature reserve in Dorset is home to almost 500 types of flowering plant and is known for its lowland heathland and oak woodland.
Wildlife includes British reptile, Dartford warblers, nightjars and many species of moth, dragonfly and butterfly. The reserve overlooks Poole Harbour where visitors can watch birdlife including wading birds, ducks and geese, black tailed godwits, Brent geese and avocets. Parking is available next to the reserve; entry is £4 per car for a whole day and is free for RSPB members. With the nearest train station a four mile walk away and the closest bus stop three miles from the reserve, this really is a destination that combines road trip with a day out and is best accessed by car.
4. The Lizard Peninsula and Kynance Cove, Cornwall
For beautiful views and a taste of British history, visit the Lizard Peninsula (the most southerly point of British mainland), home to the ‘Lizard wireless station’ where some of the first wireless radio experiments were held. The secluded Kynance Cove is just two miles north of Lizard Village, visit at low tide when a sandy beach is revealed. As well as the picturesque views, visitors can enjoy walks along the coastline. Local facilities include parking, food vendors and public toilets.
5. The Seven Sisters sheep centre, Sussex
Visit the Seven Sisters sheep centre, situated in the South Downs national park and housed in a 17th century barn. This family run farm specialises in sheep breeding, with over 40 different breeds, as well as other farm animals including pigs, goats, rabbits and chicks. A child-friendly day out, visitors can feed the animals, see lambs and sheep being shorn and milked, watch wool being spun and learn about cheese making. Parking is available on site and the farm is wheelchair accessible, with toilets and a picnic area available. Admission is budget friendly, at just £5 for adults and £4 for children. Located just one mile from Beachy Head, finish your afternoon with a cliff top walk enjoying scenic views out to sea.
Dominic Cohen of RED Driving School comments: “Learning to drive makes spontaneous day trips more accessible, so new drivers can easily take advantage of unexpected sunshine and explore local countryside, coastline, history and wildlife, especially areas which are less accessible by public transport.”
Are you off on a day trip this summer? Tell uswhere below in the comment box or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM