‘A wise traveller never despises his own country’ are the industrious words of the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni, and if that playful Icelandic volcano decides to erupt again this summer (unlikely as that is) more and more holiday makers/travel junkies are going to find Britain a much more appealing place. As well as this, due to the country still struggling financially, many families may be thinking about another summer of (shudder) stay-cationing. One can be prudish when thinking about what Britain holds in terms of holiday destinations and exotic locations, but it certainly holds its own in certain areas. Many still remember sea, sand, sun cream, buoys, beach huts, banana boats, oh, and fish and chips, while some are still trying to forget. But whatever your opinion on good old Blighty, think of it as an opportunity this summer to search out some of the hidden gems across the country.
The South West Coast has been, for a while now, a beautiful, burgeoning hot spot for a slightly trendier crowd. Small villages and discrete little hamlets dotted by the beach stay in hibernation during the winter, but turn into Technicolour that would rival the flamboyancy of Oz during the summer, thanks to the rather radical sport of surfing. Travellers from across the globe take a wander down the South West, surfboard in tow, to find the perfect place to catch some waves. Quiet, traditional pubs are invaded by these bohemian fellows and transformed into busy and boisterous hangouts. All night lock-ins are a general occurrence. The further down the South West the traveller strolls, he or she is likely to find the more closeted side of the region; Pagan romanticism and eerie tales mark this coast all the way down to Devon and Cornwall, which regularly top polls as the most elegant parts of England.
Of course beaches can be bitches at times, and people searching for a quainter experience should look no further than the Cotswolds. Expensive? Mundane? Pretentious? Well yes, all these descriptions can be applied, but Gloucester and Cheltenham are stunning examples of British architecture and cities that act on a slower place and scale.
Northern cities also have a profound magnetism; York and Durham are the pick of the bunch. Both these cities are grand, gorgeous and gives the visitor a sense of gravitas that are unattainable in any other area of the UK.
Scotland, as well, has seen its stock rise in certain years with a considerable attention turned towards its major cities. Since 1990 Glasgow has been given a huge amount of awards such as European City of Culture, City of Architecture and City of Sport, and has some of the best cultural and artistic highlights in the country, let alone the United Kingdom. The art galleries and museums in particular are something special. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery (which is situated nicely in the University) specialises in displays of scientific modernism, but also has paintings from the great British artist James McNeil Whistler. It’s impossible to mention Scotland without giving a quick homage to the illustrious and historic city of Edinburgh. One of the leading lights of Europe, its many levels and hidden treasures make it a favourite for foreign visitors.
The East of England is harshly overlooked in terms of what it has to offer, especially in the county of Cambrigdeshire. Ely is one of the most stunning and extraordinary cities in the country and perfect for a day trip to get away from it all. Its main attraction is the cathedral, which draws a mighty crowd, but Ely’s best quality is that it is easy to walk around, and you’re able to admire the sun glinting off the majestic River Ouse, belonging to the rolling Fens. Cambridge, of course, is the largest city in the region, and its reputation precedes itself: the university town of choice for many a student, its stylish aesthetics make it arguably the best city in England, and (whisper) better than Oxford.
Some view Great Britain as a country obsessed with keeping its own morals and values, and therefore incapable of promoting diversity. However, its pure and pastoral landscape compared with its radiant and iconic cities proves its blissful variety. This summer is a chance for one and all to try its effervescent flavour.
Sam Langan
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