An insider's guide to Britain - Part 3
As we start to plan how to escape the everyday in 2021, these Australian travel industry leaders share memories and anecdotes of childhood holidays on the Isle of Wight and conjure up the smell of sea-salty air in the Outer Hebridean islands. They take you wine tasting in England’s south while give a passing nod to London’s oldest wine bar and Britain’s brilliant gardens.
Tricia Warwick, Director - Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, VisitBritain
Being born in London and having family in East Sussex (Brighton and Hove) and ‘framily’ (close friends I consider family) spread across the country means the UK is an extra special holiday destination for me.
As an expat in Dubai, I love travelling home and catching up with everyone. May is a particularly favourite time to visit as I can experience the Chelsea Flower Show with my mum and I enjoy attending Royal Ascot and Wimbledon. But it doesn’t really matter what season I travel to the UK in; each has its own unique favourite thing I love to do. From visiting Kew Gardens in Springtime to see the amazing floral displays and strolling around Hyde Park in Summer or travelling around the Lake District and up to the Borders and into Scotland any time of year. In winter, the warm fires and cosy hotels, restaurants and pubs are very inviting in every corner of Britain!
Top of my bucket list for my next trip are Devon and Cornwall. Both bring conjure wonderful childhood holiday memories and I’d like to get back to explore as an adult. On my last trip home, I drove south from Edinburgh to Brighton but next up is a road trip around Scotland. The NC500 appeals as I really want to explore the outer islands of Scotland, like Skye, Harris and Lewis for starters! Of course no trip to the UK is complete without a stay in my home town of London. It is always such a treat, as I love a bit of retail therapy and am a foodie who likes to follow the restaurant and bar scene.
Jo Boundy, Chief Marketing Officer, Qantas Airways
Britain is the land of opulence. Renowned for long cups of tea, late night gigs, world class cuisines, secret bars, regal parks, whimsical beach towns, footy fanatics, epic music festivals, long summer nights, cultural significance, wild fashion, sweet-smelling roses, hearty pints and all round good times.
My Top Tip is to stop in at Gordon's wine bar - This is the oldest wine bar in London (1890). As you enter the bar you find yourself in a room with old wooden walls covered in historical newspaper cuttings and memorabilia faded with age. Make your way to the cellar and you need to stoop to get to your rickety candlelit table – anonymity is guaranteed! Get out at Embankment or Charing Cross tube and walk up/down Villiers Street (its number 47).
Karen Deveson, Managing Director Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold
For me, a UK holiday offers the perfect balance between bustling, iconic and vibrant cities, and the lush, calming countryside. There is no better feeling than sitting back and relaxing as you drive through rolling hills and enchanting villages. The beautiful landscape is complimented by architecture dating back centuries, with captivating tales just waiting to be told. Watching the Crown recently has made me want to go back to visit the UK in whole light.
Coming from a country as young as Australia, I find it incredibly fascinating to dive into the extensive history of each place I visit in the UK. I like to encourage my family and anyone I’m travelling with, to really take it all in. From medieval times to royal castles and tales of iconic writers, each stop has its own story to discover.
After not being able to travel as much as I’d like to in 2020, I’m looking to make my next trip a long one! I’ve travelled to England and Ireland before, but I’d like to see the UK on an in-depth trip and travel on something like Insight’s popular Britain and Ireland Discovery. Visiting England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales over a decent 22 days is right up my alley, covering both cities and quaint towns.
Nicole Backo, Regional Manager, British Airways
My very first holiday to the UK was when I was three years old and I haven’t stopped travelling to Britain since then! Some of my earliest memories are of a trampoline park in the Isle of Wight that my parents took me to those many years ago.
A holiday to the UK is special especially for those of us who have family and friends there but it’s the variety of things to see and do that makes it a fantastic destination for all travellers - families, singles, couples – for everyone! Easy to get around, Britain has boundless beautiful scenery and historic sites - including many castles that are like something out of a fairy tale! There are urban adventures in its many great cities and towns. The countryside is dotted with quaint pubs to relax in and hang out with the locals, experience one of the many world class festivals and events. And let’s not forget British food which is on the rise and really has become the centre of global fine dining.
Bath is one of my perennial favourite places to visit. It is an easy day trip from London, though I would recommend staying there. It is picturesque, with striking architecture and Roman remains, good restaurants and shopping. I always find myself in the Christmas shop collecting another decoration for our worldly decorated tree!
London of course is a ‘must-do’ with all its historical sights - there is just a wealth of things to see and do. I especially like the many and varied street markets where you can enjoy a meal, wander around the many stalls and catch a mesmerizing street performance. Days exploring like this are best capped off with a show in the West End – simply a must on any visit to London. Given the location of our head office near Heathrow, I also like to fit in a trip to Windsor whenever I can. It is a much more relaxed pace than the city yet is only a 30min train trip from the centre of London! I enjoy meandering around the village, grabbing a curry in the magnificent backdrop of Windsor castle. For those with kids, Legoland is also nearby!
I am still in negotiations with my nine year old daughter around our next UK holiday destination. Top of my list is a road trip taking in the Lake District then, heading up into Scotland and across to North Ireland. She, on the other hand, is set on Warner Bros Studio Tour in London stepping into the world of Harry Potter after she’s taken in the Paddington Trail walking tour checking out all the locations from the Paddington Bear movies. We may just have to work out a way to do both, as you’re never too old for Paddington. Right?!
For more inspiration, view Part 1 and Part 2 of our exclusive insider series.