We all love a little getaway. A break from the nine to five for a little fun, rest, and relaxation. But having a holiday doesn’t have to mean jetting off to faraway lands. Every year, over 65 million British citizens take off abroad for a taste of sun, sea, and sand. But think how much damage these trips do to our planet!
Air travel has a serious impact on the environment, as aircraft emit heat, noise and particulates and gases that contribute significantly to climate change and global dimming. So how do you take a respite without harming the Earth? The answer? A staycation. Staycations are rising dramatically in popularity: close to home holidays spent in one’s homeland rather than abroad. Here are a few firm favorites to consider.
London
Let’s start with England’s capital: London. This cultural hub can provide something for pretty much anybody. If anything, you’ll struggle to pick which parts you want to fit into your visit! There’s so much going on that you couldn’t possibly see everything in just one trip. For theatre lovers, there’s the West End. Current shows include Wicked, Dream Girls, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and The Book of Mormon.
If you enjoy a little retail therapy, head to the world famous Oxford Street, Spitalfields Markets or Brick Lane. Foodies can rejoice with the choice of 53 one Michelin star restaurants, 9 two star establishments and 2 almighty three-star eateries. Alternatively, you could stick to the traditional tourist route and explore the city’s tourist attraction hot spots: Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben, Madame Tussaud’s and the London Dungeons.
Swansea
For an alternative getaway that isn’t so overwhelmed with inner-city hustle and bustle, check out Swansea. This beautiful Welsh city is under 50 miles from the country’s capital Cardiff but offers beautiful seafront landscapes. Get active at Wales’ National Pool, the LC Aquapark and Leisure Centre, Teamforce Paintball or Go Ape in Margam Park. If you fancy a more cultural trip, browse the National Waterfront Museum or see a show at Brangwyn Hall. If you’re looking to relax, kick back on Swansea 360 Beach or have a hot drink in one of the city’s many quaint coffee shops. These are just a few things to do in Swansea: there’s so much more to explore once you get there.
Edinburgh
Ah, Edinburgh! The capital of Scotland, this city will leave you wishing you lived in the country’s hilly region. Main tourist sites include the stunning Edinburgh Castle and Harry Potter tourist sites (the city inspired J K Rowling’s books and it’s easy to see how once you get there). There are also some wonderful hidden gems to watch out for. The city’s cat cafe is a popular hit amongst lovers of coffee and kitties, while the stand-out nearby joke shop draws customers through its confusing doors throughout the day. Stylish boutiques and independent retailers’ stores hide away in side streets and alleys: search for Studio One, the Fudge Kitchen and Armchair Books. This city truly has everything you could possibly want or need for a little getaway, so grab a cold can of Irn Bru and revel in the city’s beautiful atmosphere.
These are just three cities that the British shores have to offer. Who needs to head abroad for a brilliant time when there’s so much on your doorstep.
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