Many of us have been dreaming of what we’ll do when the current lockdown ends and the easing of Government restrictions allows us more freedom to get back to the Great Outdoors. We surveyed over 2000 Brits and found out that nearly 60% of them have created a post-lockdown bucket list of places they can’t wait to go.
Those surveyed were asked to name the activity they had on their bucket list and almost half aspired to try something they’d always wanted to do as a child. In light of this, we have put together Briton’s top 10 bucket list activities and created a post-lockdown staycation inspiration guide.
1. Explore the English Riveria | Devon
The English Riveira is one of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations with millions flocking to its picturesque Devon shores every year. Its name comes from its striking resemblence to its French Mediterranean counterpart so it comes as no surprise that it’s in the number one spot on Britons’ post-lockdown bucket list. If you love to keep active on your breaks away, the beautiful UNESCO costline offers everything from coasteering and kayaking, to jet skiing and sailing to keep you busy. There’s also plenty of family fun on offer too with Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay, and Paignton Zoo.
2. Take a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train | Scotland
The famous Jacobite steam train takes visitors on one of the most thrilling rides in the world. On the 84 mile round trip visitors are treated to the most iconic sights in the Scottish Highlands. The train starts off near Ben Nevis- the highest mountain in Britain and snakes around the highlands passing countless natural marvels along the way including the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig and Morar before rolling into its final destination- the fishing port of Mallaig. Your stop off here is the perfect opportunity to grab some fresh local fish and chips.
3. Have fish and chips and an ice cream at the seafront | Bournemouth
Having fish and chips and an ice cream at the beach is arguably one of the staples of British culture. Whether it’s a pebbly beach or a sandy one, the view out to sea is always made that little bit better with the crunch of freshly battered fish, or the cool and refreshing scoop of an ice cream. Voted top of TripAdvisor’s top 10 beaches in the UK in 2019, Bournemouth beach is the perfect staycation location for all ages with its soft inviting sand making it perfect for a summery walk on the beach. Bournemouth itself has plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy with 4 other beaches to explore, plenty of museums, outdoor sports activities and amusements aplenty.
4. Experience the Stonehenge summer solstice | Wiltshire
This mysterious collection of ancient stones is a part of English Heritage and has been captivating visitors from around the world for hundreds of years. While many come to the iconic monument every year to explore and learn more about its story, the most popular time for visiting the stones is the summer solstice in June. Visitors gather and watch in fascination the summer sun rise from behind the Heel Stone in the north-east to then shine its rays into the heart of the circular formation.
5. Explore the Scottish Highlands
Whether you choose to walk, drive or even take the Jacobite train, a trip to see the fantastic scenery of the Scottish Highlands is a must. Some of the most iconic sights to see are Loch Ness, a place shrouded in mystery with its mythical monster “Nessie” starring in many fantastical tales for decades, Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain standing at over 1,300 metres above the highlands, and Cairngorms National Park, a beautiful 2,000 square mile park full of fascinating wildlife, local fare and exhilarating activities to enjoy.
6. Walk Hadrian’s Wall | northern England
Known the world over as one of England’s icons, it’s easy to see why this place is on Brits’ bucket list. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and experience for yourself a piece of Britain’s history. The path route here stretches for a huge 84 miles from coast to coast across northern England. However, if you’re a more relaxed rambler then some of the smaller walks are a more manageable way to experience Hadrian’s Wall and see some of northern England’s breath taking views.
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7. Explore the Peak District | Derbyshire
Miles of rolling hills, walking trails, woodland, caves and beautiful lakes and rivers are on offer here at the Peak District, one of the nation’s most popular National Parks. There’s a huge variety of things to do and experience here, so whether you’re here for an action packed family adventure, or simply for a summer escape you’ll be well catered for. Go camping at one of the parks campsites, explore the Titan Cave, the tallest cave in the UK which is almost as tall as the London Eye, fish in one of the parks many rivers, take a bird’s eye view from above by trying an air sport, or set off for an epic adventure at Edale, the start of the legendary Pennine Way.
8. Take a trip on the Ravenglass & Eskdale train to explore the Lake District | Cumbria
Explore the beautiful Lake District on one of the oldest and longest steam train routes in England. The much loved steam train has transported visitors along the 7 mile track from Ravenglass to Dalegarth for over 100 years and offers passangers breathtaking views across the national park thanks to its half open and open top carriages. As well as spotting the mountainous peaks, beautiful lakes and vast grasslands, make sure you look out for some of the resident wildlife too. Greylag Geese, Buzzards and Red Squirrels are some of the many animals that call this place home. In Dalegarth, there is a cafe serving delicious homemade sweet treats, and plenty of trails great for exploring this corner of the park.
9. Have a picnic in the Yorkshire Dales | Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Dales is the 3rd National Park featuring on Brits’ lockdown bucket lists and not hard to see why. Well known for its natural beauty and attractions such as Malham Cove and Bolton Priory, the park’s many rolling hills complete with stunning scenery make it a perfect place to set down the tartan picnic blanket and tuck into a sandwich or two with the family. When you’re finished, there’s lots of great places to explore in the park including the park’s many waterfalls which you can see on the famous Ingleton Waterfalls Walk. Or why not adventure underground in the show caves and discover the longest cave system in the country.
10. See the northern lights | Scottish Highlands
While many think seeing the northern lights means jumping on a plane, there is in fact an opportunity to see them right here in the UK with a trip up to the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands’ remoteness and proximity to the North Pole make it one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the most elusive and mystifying natural lights in the world. Shetland and Orkney are the top viewing spots with the Moray Coast and the tip of the Isle of Skye being great alternatives.
