With the flight time taking as little as an hour, or the option to ferry across the pond with your car in tow, the UK is a solid option for a holiday destination this year. Whether your interests lie in relaxation, high-adrenaline activities or sporting fixtures, there’s something to suit everyone on our neighbouring island. Just don’t forget to stock up on pound sterling before you go!
The UK is a solid option for a holiday destination this year.
Something for the adventurous ones
Sitting pretty within 400 acres of forest, Centre Parcs is a great source of family fun. With the option of three, four or seven-night stays in a picturesque lodge or treehouse, you’ll find adventures for big ones, littles ones and even the dog. There’s everything you need to get the heart pumping, including 200 options of indoor, outdoor and watersports activities with Wild Water Rapids in the famous subtropical swimming paradise. Rumbling tummies won’t be an issue, as the family-friendly restaurants cater for the pickiest of eaters, and those falling low on the adrenaline junkie scale can indulge in some on-site retail therapy, or pay a visit to the Aqua Sana Spa. With a firm focus on family, Centre Parcs’ five UK locations (Cumbria, Nottinghamshire, Wiltshire, Suffolk and Bedfordshire) should give you plenty of travel options for your next big break.
Something for the sporty ones
If the beautiful game is the main theme of your next holiday, location is key. Depending on the hometown of your beloved team, you’ll need to factor that in accordingly. For United and City fans, a city break in Manchester is a no-brainer. As well as being able to attend a match, you can spend an afternoon in the National Football Museum, and it’s even open on Sundays. You’ll be able to browse the history of football through a staggering collection of objects like the FA Cup silverware and a replica of former FIFA president Jules Rimet, while the extensive displays tell the story in a unique and engaging way – it’s an essential stop for all footy fans. If you fancy getting competitive along the way, there’s even an interactive game and penalty shootout complete with a virtual goalie. Be sure to check out the English Football Hall of Fame exhibition and get a photo with the Premier League trophy (well, an official replica of it, anyway).
Something for the shopaholics
London has all the shops your heart could desire.
London’s calling and every shopaholic should be answering. Known as the fashion capital of the UK, any shopper worth their salt knows that London is a high priority destination for the latest clothes and accessories and let’s face it, a gigantic multi-storey Primark. Oxford Street is in central London and is hailed as Europe’s busiest shopping street with around half a million daily visitors. Easily accessible by buses and underground rail, once you get to Oxford Street, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is where to start. It’s got all the shops your heart could desire, like H&M, & Other Stories, All Saints, John Lewis, Urban Outfitters, Links of London, Miss Selfridge, River Island, Uniqlo and dozens more, including an IKEA coming soon at the site of the former Topshop location. Accommodation-wise, it’s best to move a little further from central London if you’re on a budget, or would rather blow your savings on perfumes, accessories, shoes and fine dining.
Something for the lovebirds
If you’re looking to get away and spend some quality time with your other half, the Lake District is the perfect backdrop to your romantic break. England’s largest national park is now officially a World Heritage Site spanning over 3,100km. Walkers, cyclists, watersports enthusiasts, stargazers and hikers will delight in this picturesque place. With landmarks like Wray Castle, an aquarium, climbing walls, restaurants, steam train journeys, stone circles and even Roman remains, you won’t be short on things to do. Then cuddle up under the stars at night in one of the darkest places in the UK and bask in the glory of the skies – Ennerdale, Wasdale and Grizedale Forest are tipped as go-to spots for a starry show. Stay up all night and catch the sunrise, if you dare (just be sure to pack a blanket or two!).
The Lake District is the perfect backdrop to your romantic break.
Wherever your next adventure takes you, a currency card can come in handy. The An Post Money Currency Card is a prepaid card that allows you to purchase and top-up 16 currencies on a single card, including GBP. Exchange rates are locked in on the date of purchase and you can use the card at millions of shops, restaurants and ATMs worldwide. It’s cheaper than a credit card as it comes with 0% commission for foreign currency transactions. You can manage the card and your spending using the dedicated An Post Money Currency Card app, making it easy when you’re on-the-go. Plus, you can get 24 hour support, should you need it.
For more information, pop into your local Post Office or visit www.anpost.com/Money/Foreign-Currency/Currency-Card
Terms and conditions apply. An Post Money Currency Card is issued by PPS EU SA pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PPS EU SA is authorised by the National Bank of Belgium and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
