Here are some of the best places to go walking in the UK, covering everything from architecture to waterfalls and everything in between.

Pen-y-Fan, South Wales, UK / Photo by Ben Gallivan

The Brecon Beacons

Situated in the lower half of Wales, this range of mountains is part of the larger National Park of the same name. They are situated just to the south of the town of Brecon and are hugely popular with walkers. The six peaks range from 2000-3000ft and are easily accessible for less experienced walkers. Paths are also available for those who are looking for more of a challenge. One of the best walks is the ‘Beacons Horseshoe’ which takes in 3 of the peaks and provides some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Further to the east in the National Park is another great walk at Ystradfellte where you can take in many majestic waterfalls; there are plenty of paths available for those wanting to take a leisurely amble around all of the waterfalls.

London

Many people don’t consider London to be the best place to head out for a walk; too much pollution, too many cars and overcrowded? Well you’d be surprised. London is a great place to set out for the day and see the many sights by foot rather than travelling by the underground. First of all, there is the splendor of the many Royal Parks. Hyde Park and Regents Park are two of the largest and you can while away the hours admiring the greenery and lakes (along with the varied wildlife) and spare yourself from the noise of the traffic. Another place worth visiting is the town of Richmond. There is a charming walk besides the river that takes you to the locks at nearby Teddington, on towards Kingston and beyond.

Angle Tarn, Lake District National Park, UK / Photo by Ben Gallivan

The Lake District

The Lakes, as they are commonly known are situated in the North West of England and have become increasingly popular with walkers and now attracts up to 16 million visitors per year. Don’t let this put you off however; the area is vast and although you may not have the various routes and paths to yourself at any one time, there is a likelihood that you will find yourself with plenty of breathing space when you’re out on the trail. Most of the walks are hilly, as the roads take over the routes around the lakes themselves; there are many guide books on the area inspired by the works of Alfred Wainwright who discovered many of the routes in the mid-20th century.

Ben Gallivan is a keen walker based in Wales, UK. He has been hiking for many years and writes for Appalachian Outdoors who stock all the best walking gear as well as products from great brands such as Life Is Good clothing.

The post Best Walks In The UK – enjoy greenery, lakes and mountains appeared first on Europe Explored.

Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK by Nigel Swales

This region of the UK has an abundance of beautiful countryside, stunning coastal paths and soft, sandy beaches. There are also many interesting castles and historical sites waiting to be explored.  South Wales has long been a popular choice for families on holiday in the UK. There are many great holiday caravan parks and campsites to choose from in the region and they are always popular places during the summer months.

Reasons to Take a Family Holiday in South Wales

Why do so many families come to South Wales every year for a getaway? There are many reasons why this part of the world is so popular with families on holiday. Here are some of the reasons why South Wales is such a great family getaway destination:

• Amroth Castle is located in South Wales. This unique and beautiful historical 18th century house was constructed on the site of an original Norman fortress and makes a very interesting and educational day trip for kids of all ages.

• South Wales has many opportunities for active holidays, such as hiking, swimming and more. If you have kids who love to explore the outdoors they will have a great time here.

• South Wales does not have a high crime rate, so it is a very safe place to bring your children on a holiday.

• As it is only a short drive or train ride away from anywhere else in Britain, you will not have to take a plane to get to your holiday destination which saves you time and money. Also, sometimes flying with young children can be stressful so staying in South Wales will let you avoid this.

• This region is home to the Brecon Beacons national park which covers a third of the area and contains the highest mountain south of Snowdonia; Pen y Fan. This is a beautiful place to show your children the wonders of nature and take some impressive family photographs.

• With so many holiday caravan parks and camping sites in South Wales, there is a lot of selection and your family will be sure to find somewhere that suits your needs and budget. Camping can be a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel as well as being a fun and memorable holiday experience.

• All of the national museums within Wales are free to visit and great fun for families. Your kids might enjoy visiting the National Museum in Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum or the National Roman Legion Museum.

• Cardiff, Swansea and Newport offer a good selection of high quality restaurants so that your family will have plenty of choice when it comes to where to eat.

• Every summer plenty of family-friendly festivals take place in South Wales, such as the Cardiff Festival. These events include live music, food, entertainment and children’s activities and are great fun for kids of all ages.

• The big sandy beaches of the West Shore are the ideal place for a classic British seaside experience. Your kids will love making sandcastles and swimming while you relax in the sunshine.

These are just a few of the reasons why South Wales is such a popular destination for family getaway. Why not consider booking a trip this summer with your kids?

South Wales is an ideal place to take the family on a holiday and here are the reasons why so many people love Kiln Park Camping.

The post Why South Wales Is a Great Holiday Destination for Families | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Go Hiking in Snowdonia National Park

If you’re an outdoor lover, you’ll want to spend a day or two hiking in Snowdonia National Park. The park is located on the western shore of Great Britain. It covers more than 800 acres that will thrill with its breathtaking beauty. Snowdonia boasts the highest peak in Great Britain. It also has the biggest lake and is the largest national park as well. Welsh is spoken by a vast number of local people, so it will be a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture.

Snowdonia National Park / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Christopher Owen Jones

You’ll Want to See Swansea

Swansea is the name of a city and county on the southwest coast of Wales. A trip to Swansea will include the scenic Gower Peninsula and the Lliw Uplands. The area was a huge copper producing site in its heyday, and earned the nickname, ‘Copperopolis.’ Swansea has a distinct cultural heritage that is evident in the local dialect, which can be hard to understand at first.

Visit the City of Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital and largest city in Wales. It has numerous attractions that you’ll want to visit, such as St. Fagans National History Museum. This museum is still referred to locally as ‘The Museum of Welsh Life.’ It is comprised of 100 acres of parkland filled with restored, rescued, and authentically furnished buildings from Welsh history. Other must see sights in Cardiff are Bute Park, the Millennium Stadium, and the National Museum and Art Gallery.

Take a Walk in Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons National Park is in the midst of the Brecon Beacons Mountains, in South Wales. There are a number of events in the park which are highlighted by ‘walks’ in the area. They are based on a number of things, including the botanical aspect of the region, as well as the heritage. As you might expect from an area rich in history, there are numerous historical sites to visit within park boundaries.

Brecon Beacons National Park / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by P – A – S – T

See the Welsh Mountain Zoo

In North Wales, at the far northern reaches of Snowdonia National Park, is the town of Colwyn Bay. The peaks above town are home to the Welsh Mountain Zoo. The zoo has panoramic views of the town and bay that lie below. The scenery is beautiful, as are the gardens within the zoo, which is home to many endangered species of Great Britain. The Welsh Mountain Zoo also houses animals from throughout the world.

Enjoy Family Fun at the Rhyl Sun Centre

When you get tired of being a tourist, you can take some time out to enjoy yourself at a family-friendly venue in North Wales called the Rhyl Sun Centre. It is a huge water complex that includes water rides and slides of various heights and difficulties. There is something for every member of the family. You can spend the entire day there enjoying the water, and then relax while you eat or shop at the Trading Post.

Indulge Yourself at the Portmeirion Village and Gardens

The Portmeirion Village and Gardens are located on a private peninsula near Porthmadog, off the Snowdonia coast. It is a beautiful place filled with beaches, gardens, shops, restaurants, and hotels that cater to fun-loving tourists. It is open all year so you can visit anytime you’d like to. There are woodland walkways for you to enjoy before your return to your room for an evening of dinner and entertainment.

Enjoy the History of the Caerphilly Castle Town Center

Caerphilly Castle is located in the center of town in the village of Caerphilly in South Wales. It spans nearly 30 acres and is a prime example of the architectural marvels of medieval times. The history of the area dates back to the Romans, and has numerous sights of historical interest. The Town Center is a place where you can enjoy the sights of the castle while you visit shops, eat at local restaurants, and soak in the local culture.

Caerphilly Castle / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Robert Payne

Stop at Beaumaris Castle

The Beaumaris Castle is located on the Isle of Anglesey off the northern coast of Wales. It was built by Kind Edward I as one of the ‘Iron Ring’ of castles in North Wales that were intended to put his stamp of ownership on the area. Despite his plans, the castle was never finished. It remains an impressive site to visit. In fact, it is regarded by some as the finest example of Edwardian castles ever built.

Tweedsmill Factory Outlet

No trip to Wales would be complete without a stop for pure shopping pleasure. There may be no better place to do that than the Tweedsmill Factory Outlet, located in the Vale of Clwyd in the northeastern part of Wales. This huge shopping center has become a tourist attraction in its own right, and you won’t be sorry you stopped by to purchase souvenirs for your friends at home.

Guest post from Casey Lynch. Casey writes about home insurance for HomeInsurance.org.

View 10 Things to Do in Wales United Kingdom in a larger map

The post 10 Things to Do in Wales | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Elizabeth Veitch

There are plenty of tour operators who specialise in horse riding holidays that you can check out online, and they can find places that are close to you, or a little further away. Here are some ideas horse riding holiday places all over the UK that you might want to consider.

Escape from London

If you live in London, it can be a bit difficult to get out and about on horseback. Fortunately, that’s what the home counties are for! The Thames Valley has a wealth of stables and horse riding facilities across counties such as Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Surrey. These places make a great escape for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.

Horseriding in the North

In the same way that Londoners need a break from the city, other places such as Manchester certainly benefit from nearby places to go horse riding. Cheshire is full of rural places where you’ll be able to get away from urban city life and enjoy the great outdoors. Places such as the Coddington Loop at Farndon is well known for its ideal conditions for leisurely outdoor pursuits, and great for horses too.

Stunning Scotland

Scotland is a country that is, without a doubt, visually stunning. When it comes to this part of the world, you’re spoilt for choice for great places to visit and enjoy slipping on your Ariat Bromont boots and riding into the sunset. There is a network of horse and pony trekking routes throughout the glens of Scotland, which were originally used for cattle driving. Many of these routes can take days to traverse, although there are much shorter routes to travel, which allow you to take in the scenery.

Trails in Wales

The mountain range of the Brecon Beacons is one of the most awe-inspiring places in the British Isles. This area has National Park status, protecting it from development and maintaining the areas natural beauty. Here you’ll find a rolling vista to enjoy while on horseback, but you can also enjoy other past-times too, such as rock climbing, hang gliding, sailing and windsurfing. The Brecon Beacons offer a rewarding horse riding experience, where you can really breath in the wide expanses of this magnificent, rugged countryside.

Trot2 has a great collection of riding gear and footwear such as Ariat Bromont boots.

The post Horse Riding Holidays In The United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Nant Llech is a small and peaceful river that meanders its way to the edges of Farewell Rock. It is here that the waters of the river make the 27-meter plunge over the edge of the rock face.

Henrhyd Falls, Wales, UK by Dave Mack

The Henrhyd Falls are very well-known; not just in the UK, but throughout the world as well. Up until just recently, the area was a popular destination for those who lived in the UK and just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of inner city life. However, since the falls appeared at the end of the recently released film, The Dark Knight Rises, more and more visitors from all over the world have made the trek down into the gorge.

To get to the Henrhyd Falls, you will need to park your car and take a steep hike down into the very deep gorge lined with oak and ash trees. There is a small bridge at the bottom which will take you to the opposite side of the Nant Llech. From here, special care must be taken as the path narrows and becomes uneven.

There is only one way down into the gorge and one way out so special care must be taken when choosing to make your way down to see the Henrhyd Falls. The path will take you down to the base of the waterfall and if you continue to follow it, the path will take you behind the falls.

The area that Henrhyd Falls is located in is aptly dubbed the Wales Waterfall Country as there are countless falls that can be found throughout the Brecon Beacons National Park. For someone who is planning on visiting the Henrhyd Waterfall, make sure that you bring the proper footwear for the trek down into the gorge.

Take your time and make sure to check out the many other spectacular water falls that can be found throughout the area before you leave.

The post Henrhyd Falls – the tallest waterfall in South Wales, United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

The mountain is composed of Old Red Sandstone which dates back to the Devonian Era. The summit peaks are also composed of sandstone, but are much more resilient to erosion than the Old Red variety. As the glaciers in the area receded following the last ice age, the twin peaks of Pen y Fan and Corn Du were formed.

Pen y Fan, Wales, UK by Dave.Dunford

On the side of the mountain slopes along the path that leads from the Storey Arms to the summit of Pen y Fan, you will find an obelisk which was constructed and dedicated in memory of a five year old child who had died on the spot back in August of 1900. The child was the son of a coal miner from Rhondda who was on his way to visit his grandparents who lived near the Cwm Llwch Farmhouse. For twenty nine days the locals searched for the missing child before discovering his body where the memorial obelisk stands today.

Those who visit the mountains may also see military recruits along the paths leading to the top of Pen y Fan. Carrying a standard duffle, rifle plus food rations, those who want to join the UK Special Forces must pass the rigorous test that has become known over the years as the Fan Dance.

In similar fashion to the military training endurance test, a series of annual races are conducted along the same route in the middle of January and July each year. Racers start just south of Cwm Llwch and proceeds up to Pen y Fan as well as Corn Du. The current record for the 5.6 kilometer long race is only 30 minutes. On the same day as the summer race, the Brecon Beacons National Park also holds its annual sixteen kilometer Fan y Big Horseshoe Race.

Those who travel to the peak of Pen y Fan will be rewarded with some of the most awe-inspiring views of the region. It is said that when the day is clear, one can see even the Bristol Channel as well as the islands in the channel, Flat Holm and Steep Holm. You can also see the Swansea Bay, Cardigan Bay, and the Carmarthen Bay from the summit. The peak is the highest in South Wales and as such, you can see the far off Black Mountains, Cambrian Mountains as well as most of Mid and South Wales.

The post Pen y Fan – the highest peak in South Wales, United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.