UK Travel 2017 - Where to go?

Published: 27/07/2017

Travel the UK in 2017 to some of the most beautiful and picturesque destinations featured in this blog post. With lots of fun activities to keep the whole family smiling there will be at least one on our list you will want to venture to.

Amy Williams, one of GoEuro's travel experts and Cory Varga, founder of You Could Travel have given their top destinations and reasons why they are a must.

1. Torquay

A trip to Torquay is a must if you’re looking for a family holiday break. This seaside town is located in Devon and has a lot more to offer besides the beaches along the ‘English Riviera’ coastline. A part of the UNESCO English Riviera Geopark, a must-do activity in Torquay includes visiting Kents Cavern, which is one of the oldest Stone Age cave sites in Europe. If you’re looking for something indoors, in case of rainy weather, visit the Torquay Museum to see collections of British insects, birds, and other special species.

2. St. Ives

This picturesque seaside resort is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and experience the English summer. If you’re a sun-worshipper or a surfing fanatic, its award winning beaches will not disappoint. Located in the cultural county of Cornwall, St. Ives boasts a multitude of museums and art galleries, including Tate St. Ives, one of only four Tate galleries in the world. If you want to immerse yourself in the rich local history, St. Ives Museum is well worth a visit, while a stroll around the ‘Downlong’, situated in the heart of the town, is a must-see with its quaint fisherman’s cottages and cobbled streets.

3. Penzance

With one of the mildest climates in Great Britain, it’s clear to see why Penzance is a thriving coastal English town, especially during the summer season. Although the nearest beach is located at Perranuthnoe, a 45-minute drive away, Penzance has some stunning sights, most notably St. Michael’s Mount, a tiny Island just off the mainland that is home to a stunning 12th century castle. Other places to visit include Morrab Gardens, a municipal park situated by the seafront, and home to a large variety of sub-tropical plants, a theme you will find throughout the town with its ubiquitous palm trees.

4. Portsmouth

If you’re looking for the quintessential family holiday destination this summer, then Portsmouth should be your first port of call. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Hampshire coastline at the top of the Emirate’s Spinnaker Tower, visit the Cumberland House Natural History Museum or a family favourite- the Blue Reef Aquarium. Literature buffs will also love Portsmouth as it is the birthplace of two literary giants: Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle. A number of museums showing casing their works are scattered throughout the city, so you’ll certainly get your cultural fill during a visit to this Hampshire hotspot.

5. Southend-on-Sea

Boasting the longest pleasure pier in the world stretching over a mile out to sea, Southend-on-Sea is just an hour’s journey from central London. With beautiful beaches and an array of attractions for the kids, this Essex coastal town is a great holiday destination for families or those looking to escape the bustling city scene. Enjoy a day out at Adventure Island amusement park or visit the Southend Pier Museum and learn all about how the town got its most famous landmark. If wildlife is more your thing, take a stroll through Belton Hills Nature Reserve, and admire the stunning regional species of insects and plants.

6. Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is Britain's biggest gorge offering spectacular views from cliffs reaching 137 metres in height. This amazing site has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is a well-known centre for climbers, cavers; as well as the perfect place for hikers, walkers and foodies. For outdoorsy families, the Cheddar Gorge is an absolute must.

7. Eden Project

The Eden Project is home to the world’s largest indoors rainforest as well as myriad plant species from all around the world. At the Eden Project, you will see cocoa plants, coffee shrubs, banana and rubber trees, nuts and spices. The best part? You can enjoy a rainforest canopy walkway, where you can oversee the top of the jungle. I simply can’t imagine anything better for a family weekend activity.

We hope this has inspired you to travel to some of these UK destinations and have a great adventure. Don't forget to tag us in your pictures with #TSTravel!