If you haven’t heard about the U.K.’s heated debate on cutting ties with the European Union—dubbed a “Brexit”—you certainly will this week. Britons headed to the ballot box on Thursday and made the historic decision to leave the European Union.
21.07.2023 - 08:11 / roughguides.com
Camping’s revival isn’t just about the money in people’s pockets; there are few better ways to get some fresh air and few more eco-friendly trips. The best campsites in the UK stretch from Scilly to Orkney, taking in New Forest ponies, bushcraft courses and ancient trails, and are fine options for a summer that’s due some sunshine.
There are several things to consider while planning your camping trip in the UK. First thought: the pesky British weather. Notoriously fickle, you'll want to plan for every eventuality. If it's hot, you'll need plenty of suncream and cool clothes. But even on the hottest days, the nights can get chilly, and you never know when the skies are going to open. Be sure to bring layers, a cosy jumper, a warm sleeping bag and a good waterproof.
There's a long list of camping essentials you'll want to pack, too. Besides your tent and your bedding (sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping mat), be sure to consider a table and camp chairs, portable chargers and batteries, a tent-repair kit and a windbreak. A good head torch is a worthy investment, too. Depending on the campsite and on your plans, if you're planning to cook your own food, you'll need a portable stove, cooking utensils and plates, bowls and cups. And don't forget a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, travel towel and toiletries.
Scilly may be only a short hop from the mainland, but its islands feel a world away. St Martin’s has sandy beaches, gorgeous cliffs, Britain’s most westerly vineyard and gourmet food. Even better, this popular British campsite is only a short stroll from the awesome white sands.
What to see and do in the area: Aside from lounging on the beach and splashing in the sea, the Isles of Scilly have a lot going for them. There are five inhabited islands to explore, as well as countless uninhabited beauties that will make you feel like you're at the end of the world. From fabulous hikes to island hopping by boat, wildlife spotting and gorging on local delicacies, you'll be spoilt for choice. On St Martin's, paddle in the rock pools at St Lawrence's Bay, while a trip to one of its neighbouring islets – Nornour, Ganilly and Menawethan – will bring you up close to seal colonies.
Visit stmartinscampsite.co.uk for more information.
Cromwell Castle Tresco and Bryher, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, UK © Neill Duggan/Shutterstock
With access to 220 square miles of thick woodland, not to mention those titular ponies, Roundhill, the New Forest’s best campsite, is understandably popular. But its size means it rarely feels crowded, and you can either venture into the woods on your own, or join the rangers’ guided walks. With toilets, showers, lots of space and the whole forest on your doorstep, this is one of the best campsites for kids.
If you haven’t heard about the U.K.’s heated debate on cutting ties with the European Union—dubbed a “Brexit”—you certainly will this week. Britons headed to the ballot box on Thursday and made the historic decision to leave the European Union.
Looking for a new museum to add to your travel to-do list? TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) has released the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Museums of 2018, including the top 10 worldwide and the top 10 in the United States, with some surprising frontrunners. The findings also highlight bookable ways to see each winner—think VIP tours and scavenger hunts—with some offering the added perk of allowing you to skip the lines to get in.
Summer, also known as high season for travel, is almost here. And according to AAA just about everyone is poised to hit the road. The organization predicts two-thirds of what it categorizes as “leisure travelers” plan to take vacations this summer, meaning millions of Americans will be hitting the road.
With rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft taking over, you might be wondering where in the world it’s still possible to take a cheap taxi. Cabs aren’t dead, yet: These countries still heavily rely on them.
In this time of isolation, businesses and individuals around the world are sending out messages of hope. Discover, in photos, how we’re keeping our spirits up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the sixth year in a row, Finland has claimed the top spot in the World Happiness Report. The annual report, compiled by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, surveys residents in over 150 countries to determine which nations are the happiest.
In Willemstad, the capital city on the island of Curaçao, the waterfront is dotted with buildings the color of tropical fruit: mango orange, banana yellow, kiwi green. Paired with the bright blue water in nearby bays, it’s almost a full kaleidoscope of color. Originally, the structures were limestone white, but an 1817 law forbade white facades on buildings to protect islanders’ eyesight from the bright reflections of the Caribbean sun – but locals joke that it was a money-making bid on behalf of the island’s only paint supplier.
It may be hard to believe, but there’s a place in England where the sand is fine and white, the sea is turquoise blue, and the sun shines more than just about anywhere else in the country. In this dream-like place, you can surf, you can sunbathe (and even get a tan), you can hike coastal paths, valleys, and moors, and you can stuff you face with cream teas and pasties. You guess it, Cornwall, England, is a must-see when in Britain. Lucky for you, it’s only a direct train ride away from London.
Cushioned by the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver is interrupted by pockets of greenery and bay views. The natural landscapes are matched by the port city’s art museums, vibrant food culture, and wine bars that show off what British Colombia is capable of. Downtown Vancouver, BC, hotels put you within walking distance of the main sights and are just a short subway or boat ride to outlying spots. These are the best luxury hotels in Vancouver for living the high life on Canada’s West Coast.
Secluded, serene and unspoilt, Dark Skies Camping, near Llandovery, offers camping without the crowds. With just 10 pitches (from £40 a night for two) set within 12 hectares of meadows, which run alongside a mountain stream, this is the perfect spot to unwind and get back to nature as you sit and enjoy the incredible night’s sky beside a crackling fire. The Cambrian mountains and Brecon Beacons national park offers plenty of nearby hiking opportunities. Hosts Tanya and Duncan keep the campsite facilities immaculately clean and are always on hand to offer local walking and wild swimming recommendations. The Neuadd Arms is close by for a great pint.Helen
Up on Cornwall’s Penwith Moors time takes a strange quality. Here the landscape is a morass of knotted bracken and bristly gorse, a soft marigold tinge signalling warmer summer days. A grey smudge of cloud sags on the horizon and the wind whirs like white noise, a low and disorientating murmur. The topography is a palimpsest, with working farms etched over ruinous mines and prehistoric settlements. And at its heart is a scattering of ancient stones, the enigmatic quoits, barrows and stone circles that have captivated and confounded societies for millennia.
The 6th June 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. To mark the occasion, in this Rough Guides podcast episode we take a look at how the Second World War is memorialised across Europe, and the importance of doing commemorating such events.