Experiences that are better in the UK than abroad

July 01, 2019

Throughout the year, many of us are very quick to set our sights on a summer holiday abroad, where we can surf, hike, sail, dolphin watch and even scuba dive. But what if we were to tell you that the UK is actually the best place to do many of these activities.

Shocked right?

Well, depending on what you fancy doing, the perfect location could be right under your nose. What’s more is that, once you’ve waded through the preconception that abroad is always best, you could actually enjoy experiences in the UK far better than anywhere else in the world . What’s more, if you do have an annual Multi Trip policy with us, then you’re trip is already covered.**

Surfing

You’re probably thinking, surely somewhere like Australia has got to win this one, what with that gold sandy beaches, world renown waves and surfing culture? If this is the case, then you are very much mistaken.

Whilst Australia is the clear winner when it comes to temperature, the UK is a far more cost-effective option. Travelling to Australia would cost 11 times more than going to Cornwall and hiring a surfboard would cost more than double.

Now obviously, if you are a surfing enthusiast, you may still have your heart set on one of Australia’s beaches. This being said, why not give Cornwall a go in the meantime? We guarantee between the months of May and August you won’t even feeling like your surfing in the UK!

Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, is a playground for any surfing enthusiast. It is home to many big UK surf competitions including, Boardmasters, the UK Pro Surf Tour and the BUSA Championships. This comes as no surprise given its waves often reach heights of between six and eight feet. If you don’t have a lot experience in surfing then not to worry. You can book surfing lessons and hire gear – so you can really get a feel for the sport without having to splash out on wetsuits and surfboards.

However, this beach isn’t just about surfing, it is also a great place to relax – especially during the summer months. On shore there are a number of eateries, takeaways and shops ideal if you fancy a bit of a wander. So, what are you waiting for?

Dolphin Watching

Watching the dolphins isn’t restricted to tropical islands and far away destinations. In fact, between June and September, Cardigan Bay in Wales is a hotspot for these magnificent animals. Whilst the temperature is considerably lower than other tropical destinations, the cost is considerably lower in terms of travel, boat trips and hotels.

Britain’s largest resident population of dolphins live in Cardigan Bay and during the summer months, the chances of seeing these beautiful creatures is almost a guarantee. Whilst the law in the UK permits anyone from approaching wild dolphins, there are plenty of boat trips where you can appreciate them from a distance. Adult tickets cost around £26 and under 16s are around £13. For more information click here.

Sailing

Whilst sailing in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Greek Islands sounds like utter bliss, the UK is also a goldmine for open waters just waiting to be explored. Cowes in the Isle of Wight is home to the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world, which comes as no surprise given its fantastic waters and endless opportunities. Every year over 8,500 competitors and 100,000 spectators descend on Cowes, making it the largest event of its kind in the world. There are a number of additional yachting and water sports events in Cowes throughout the year, making it an exciting place to visit for any sailing enthusiast. So, whether you want to simply watch from the side-lines or take part, why not join in on the action and come down to Cowes?

Rock Climbing

Now this is by no means for the faint of heart, but for all the adrenaline junkies, rock climbing guarantees to get your blood pumping. Snowdonia National Park in Wales is without a doubt one of the most spectacular places to visit in the UK. It is effortlessly beautiful, with steep mountains which gently touch the clouds, endless greenery and rocks that make the least likely climbers excited.

Between the months of March to July (weather permitting) Snowdonia is an ideal place to rock climb. With guided rock-climbing trips costing up to £200 (per day, peak time), what better opportunity to take on the diverse challenges the mountains have to offer?

At Get Going, we believe that everyone should give activities ago and make the most of what the UK has to offer. Whilst going abroad brings about sun, new cultures, and stunning scenery, the UK is also a haven for adventure. If you are looking to go away anywhere within the UK or abroad, why not check out our Single-Trip policies? So that you can get going with the peace of mind knowing that should something happen, we’ve got to covered.

*trips must be a minimum of 3 days or more

*Not all our activities are covered as standard, so please check the policy wording