The summer holidays are finally here, and you know what that means? It’s time to set an out of office on the email and get away for a while! The problem, is that it’s not as easy as it used to be. With the cost of airfare, train tickets and ferries going up all the time, many holidaymakers are opting to stay within the UK for their holidays this year. So this year, instead of cramming into a car and sleeping through the journey, why not plan a getaway that takes advantage of some of the most beautiful spots England has to offer in the comfort and style of a minibus. If you’re not sure which direction to point your minibus in for this summer, we have a few suggestions for you:
If you’re looking for somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and really just -breathe – then this is the place for you. It’s like a scene from Lord of the Rings, with its rolling hills, quaint countryside villages and beautiful greenery. And once you get past the motorways, the drive is full of panoramic views that will make you feel peaceful and awe inspired all at once. Once you’re there, you can enjoy spending some time driving down winding country lanes, visiting old English pubs or just stargazing at crystal clear skies at night. Overall, idyllic country living while only a short hop from the capital.
This part of the world is known as ‘God’s Country’ for a reason – and not just because it looks like something out of the Vicar of Dibley. It’s dramatic landscapes and long stretches of untouched greenery and wildlife make it quite impressive to look at and drive through – perfect if you need somewhere to go to unplug. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can walk down streams and rivers, take in crashing waterfalls or visit the local farms and towns. You could also try your hand at dry stone walling, which is something of a local speciality.
There’s a pretty big clue in the name when it comes to the Peak District. Like a miniature North Wales, the Peak District is characterised by hilly peaks and mini-mountains, perfect for avid climbers or just those who want a great photo op. You could enjoy the Dark Peak to the north, where you’ll find moorland as far as the eye can see, or the White Peak to the south, where the landscape seems carved out of limestone, and many small villages and settlements are nestled within. Driving around the Peak District is a dramatic treat, with some amazing views of the beautiful national park.
Lakes are the name of the game here, in case you hadn’t guessed. A very popular destination for camping, swimming, sailing or just general getting-away-from-it-all, the lake district boasts a huge collection of lakes, trails and driving paths to enjoy during your stay. It’s a wonderful place to drive, and soon you’ll never want to leave.
And finally, if you fancy a trip to the coast, you could do a lot worse than Devon and Cornwall. Famous for their higher temperatures and delicious ice cream, you could roam these tourist-friendly towns for hours. You’re bound to spot plenty of new kinds of trees and animals that prefer the warmer weather, and you can spread out on the beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy the sounds of the ocean. What could be better?
Of course, if you want to take a minibus full of people to any of these places, you’ll need a license first. We’ve talked about the different scenarios for needing a minibus license before, so depending on how many people you’re taking, you may need to get one. But that’s ok. At The LGV Training Centre, we’re fully qualified and prepared to teach you everything you need to know about minibus driving, so you can be ready for your best summer ever. For more information, just get in touch with us today.