For many the end of the summer period and beginning of autumn is
the perfect time to start thinking of a short break before the
long winter months settle in. With the main summer holidays of
June and July seeming like a distant memory the need to recharge
the batteries can lead to many of us exploring the various short
vacation options available to them. To many the term “short
break” is synonymous with “city break”. Be it going to a show in
London or sampling the nightlife in European cities such as
Prague, Amsterdam and Barcelona – the options with city breaks
are almost endless. However, perhaps the one downside is that
short holidays in a city can often lead to you being more
exhausted than when you set out for your break in the first
place...
During the summer months one of the main problems with city
breaks can be the fact that all the local attractions can be
packed to the rafters with tourists. Literally, bus loads of
people descend on small areas like plagues of locust – meaning
queuing becomes the order of the day. Another downside is
undoubtedly the fact that major cities are expensive, which can
leave you paying over the odds for inferior goods and services.
Combining these problems with the organisation of flights,
getting to and from airports, battling through traffic and
navigating the local public transport – it quickly becomes easy
to see why a city break can leave you somewhat less than
refreshed.
It is perhaps due to these tiring schedules that more and more
Briton’s are exploring the joys of a quiet rural retreat.
Providing a wonderful contrast to the hustle of the city,
country breaks allow you to set your own pace enjoying the
stunning landscapes, quaint villages and excellent hotels that
the UK has to offer. Whether you fancy a visit to historic
buildings, walking in glorious gardens or perhaps a winding
cycle through the countryside, one thing you are always
guaranteed is to return back to work well rested and full of
vigour.
One of the advantages of living in a relatively small country
such as the UK is that you are never too far away from the
countryside. Even residents in major cities such as Manchester
and Glasgow can find themselves in fantastic locations such as
Loch Lomand or The Peak District in under an hour. Despite the
UK being such an urbanised nation there is an abundance of top
quality and unspoilt rural areas that provide excellent
destinations for country breaks.
One such area is the Lake District, which is located in the
North West of England and is officially the countries largest
national park. Seen by many as the quintessential country
retreat, the area gets its name from the large amount of
stunning lakes that fill the area and provide a stunning
foreground to the majestic mountain landscape. Perhaps as a
result of the national park status the area was granted in 1951,
the Lake District has maintained much of its traditional charm
of small towns, welcoming inns, sumptuous bakeries and quaint
craft shops. It is this preservation of times gone past that has
ensure that the pace of life is slow – making it an ideal
getaway for those looking to unwind. For further details on the
area and the multitude of activities that it has to offer try
visiting http://www.lakedistric
toutdoors.co.uk.
On the eastern side of northern England, rural Yorkshire has
always been a popular retreat for those looking to escape to the
solitude of the rolling hills and moors. Television shows such
as “Heartbeat” and “All Creatures Great and Small” have ensured
the area has grown in popularity with those seeking the quiet
life. The Yorkshire Dales – a national park since 1954 – is
famous for it lush green valleys and limestone rock formations,
which provide excellent backdrops for relaxing country walks.
The area really is a haven of unspoilt beauty and a visit can
almost feel like a step back in time. The informative website http://www.yorkshire-dales.co
m has an array of information regarding things to do and see
in the area and the Yorkshire based short break specialist http://www.superbreak.com has
various hotel deals in the area.
Finally, the Scottish Highlands is renowned the world over for
its breathtaking scenery. This is perhaps most evident in the
North West Highland region of Assynt which boasts some of the
most rugged and dramatic landscapes in the British Isles. The
unique combination of ancient mountain landscape, vast
moorlands, spectacular cliffs and utter solitude proves a
powerful magnet to many seeking the ultimate in rural escape.
Unfortunately, the remoteness of Assynt make it perhaps not
ideal for 2-3 day breaks but areas such as Aviemore in the
Southern Highlands offer a more practical solution to those
wanting to venture into the highlands for a country break.
At the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Aviemore is a mecca
for hill walkers as well as being a truly beautiful place that
is fully accessible by road or rail. With an abundance of
quality hotel accommodation the area can be visited at any time
of the year – indeed the winter is usually the most busy time to
visit due to the flourishing ski industry in the Cairngorm
Mountain Range. For further, details on short breaks in the area
http://www.visitaviemore.com has all the information you will require.
Overall, a quiet break in the country can be an excellent, cost
effective way to relax for 2-3 days. The UK is spoilt for choice
in terms of possible destinations – maybe its time you woke up
and smelt the fresh air?
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