The falling British Pound is a welcome treat for Australian travellers wishing to visit the United Kingdom. As a result of ‘Brexit’, Australians can splurge on a last minute trip to the UK and while they’re there, indulge in purchases they never would have completed back home. Think about that luxury time piece you’ve had your eye on, or that designer handbag you’ve always wanted to gift yourself –whatever it is – an impromptu (cheaper) holiday plus these items are more within reach thanks to the strengthening Aussie dollar. So where do we recommend to visit?
London
If you’ve never been to the UK then now’s the time to visit London. Traditionally, this has been an expensive experience for Australians but there’s actually so much to do for free. Below are some snapshots of what you can experience:
- Countless places to eat and enjoy a drink catering to nearly every type of dietary need and budget: Some pubs offer a beer for £1! Wander into the historic pubs each with their own story to tell, where you’ll find the traditional dishes like the good old Sunday roast with bread and putter pudding.
- Theatres to enjoy a show: You can often buy tickets for up 75% off the original price at small ticket sellers located in the underground tube stations and throughout London.
- A variety of art galleries: From small to large they offer a huge array of art styles to take in from classical to modern, Old Masters to contemporary sculpture, impressionism and so much more.
- So many museums: Top picks include the British Museum (Rosetta stone and Egyptian mummies), the V&A museum (ceramics, sculpture and more) and the Natural History Museum. There are so many more to explore but we don’t have the space to list them all here!
- Iconic and historic attractions to see: Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the River Thames, London Tower, Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and hundreds more.
- Markets: Each offers their own unique experience. Portobello Road market, Covent Garden and the Camden Lock market are some we recommend visiting.
Cornwall
Located on England’s rugged south-western tip, Cornwall is a collection of historic ports, wild coastlines, windswept moors, world heritage sites, picture-perfect fishing villages and iconic attractions. There’s so much to discover in Cornwall:
- Dartmoor National Park: Technically it’s located just outside the county of Cornwall, but it’s well worth the visit. Visit to experience the tranquillity or use the time to get active and explore this dramatic landscape. Activities on offer include walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing, canoeing, geocaching and more.
- Falmouth: A town influenced and shaped by its strong connection to the sea. This area is building a name for itself as a leading cultural and festival destination. There’s plenty of beaches to visit where you can go rock-pooling or snorkelling as well as sailing. You’ll also find beautiful coastal walks, creek-side villages and gardens to explore.
- Fowey: Pronounced “Foy”, a picturesque and historic harbour village, and a haven for yachtsmen hosting up to 7,000 visiting yachts in a season. Here you can enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, golf and horse riding.
- Saint Ives: A beautiful seaside town, widely regarded as the art centre of West Cornwall, encompassing breathtaking coastal scenery. The area enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate thanks to the warmth of the Gulf stream. The activities you can enjoy here include coasteering, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), boat trips and a variety of walks.
- Tintagel: A fishing village with a big history famous for its link to King Arthur and its cornish pasties.
- Newquay: Voted “one of the nation's favourite seaside towns” this Cornish town has a great beach and is popular with surfers. Take some surfing lessons or enjoy some locally caught fish and chips whilst enjoying the sea view.
Yorkshire
Located in the North of England, Yorkshire is the largest county in the country. To the East is the coast which stretches from the port city of Hull all the way up to Redcar, a seaside town situated on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, and to the West is the Yorkshire Dales National Park which borders the famous Lake District. There is plenty to see and do – here are our top suggestions:
- Head to York and spend the day exploring this historic city. Walk the city walls, visit York Minster, discover what York was like in the viking era with a visit to The Jorvick Museum, or just enjoy a wander through the famous ‘Shambles’ window shopping.
- Visit the seaside town of Whitby and climb the 199 steps to the clifftop Abbey. Bram Stoker was so affected by this breathtaking outlook, that it inspired him to write ‘Dracula’. Further down the coast you’ll find Scarborough which is another great seaside town, with great history. Visit the castle on the cliff, enjoy freshly caught seafood from the harbourside vendors or head to the retro Harbour Bar ice-cream parlour to indulge in a sundae.
- Do some serious shopping in Leeds city centre, whether it is designer brands, vintage finds or high-street fashion you are after, you’re sure to find it here. If shopping centres are more you’re thing, visit Sheffield’s Meadowhall Centre – it houses over 280 retailers, a large selection of food outlets and even a cinema.
- If art is your thing, then take a trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield, or the Henry Moore gallery in Leeds.
- For a relaxed afternoon, visit spa town Harrogate. This town was popular with rich Victorians and this is clear in the architecture. Harrogate is also home to well-known Betty’s Tearoom, a Yorkshire institution! If you want to experience morning tea, luncheon or afternoon tea we think there is nowhere better!
If you’d like to book a trip to the UK now whilst the Aussie dollar is going strong, see our current special offers or contact a Travellers Choice agent.
