Escape the Everyday this autumn during a getaway at a Best of British holiday park. It's time to discover the beauty of the surrounding area, have the freedom to explore and treat yourself to some much needed time away. Here are some unique places to enjoy in Britain this Autumn whilst staying in our touring, holiday home or glamping accommodation. All are off the main tourist trail but offer beautiful experiences to remember whilst you 'escape the everyday'
1. Dungeness in Kent
Britain is host to some spectacular scenery, so why not discover some slightly different coastal experiences this Autumn? First stop, Dungeness. Not the first beach you'd think of in Kent, but well known by locals for the spectacular, if stark, landscape. The desolate area is home to wooden houses, lighthouses and a power station – all within very close proximity! It houses the largest shingle beach in Europe.
Quite possibly the most famous house in Dungeness, Prospect Cottage was purchased by the film producer and artist Derek Jarman in the 1980s. He turned the Victorian fishing hut into a thoroughly unique home, along with a very unusual garden. Nestled in the wild landscape, it is also shadowed by two former nuclear power stations. The cottage was saved earlier this year after fundraising efforts to save it and establish a permanently funded programme to conserve and maintain the building, its contents and garden for the future.
Nearest Best of British parks: Broadhembury Holiday Park in Ashford and Tanner Farm Touring Caravan and Camping Park in Marden.
2. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Gloucestershire
The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust and Forestry England have worked in partnership for many years to create and maintain this fantastic Sculpture Trail. The focus is clear – that all of the sculpture pieces are specific to the Forest of Dean, inspired by the location, its history and land forms.
The Sculpture Trail starts and ends at the rear of the Forestry England, Beechenhurst picnic site. The full Sculpture Trail is about 4.5 miles long. It can also be explored in a series of shorter distances, identified throughout your walk. The cafe is currently open on a takeaway basis only. Parking is plentiful and reasonably priced.
Nearest Best of British park: Poston Mill Park, Herefordshire.
3. Punting on the River Cherwell in Oxford
International travel may be a little tricky at the moment, but if you have dreams of punting in Venice, consider our next option! Treat yourself to a punting trip on the River Cherwell in this beautiful part of the country. Situated underneath Magdalen College Tower, at the lower end of Oxford's famous high street, you'll find Magdalen Bridge Boathouse. There are lots of options, including traditionally crafted punts, rowing boats and pedalos, or you can really treat yourself by hiring a chauffeured boat and picnic hamper! Wrap up warm, get cosy and enjoy the autumnal scenery of this spectacular part of the country.
Nearest Best of British parks: Lincoln Farm Park, Witney and Swiss Farm Touring and Camping, Henley-on-Thames.
4. Sharpham Vineyard, Devon
The Sharpham Estate, near Totnes, is home to a thriving agricultural business. Situated on the banks of the River Dart, the vineyards, winery and cheese dairy have been producing wines and cheeses for 35 years to much acclaim. The good news is that they have extended their opening date til 23rd December! You can visit the shop, walk the vineyard trails or book on to a tasting to enjoy the wine and cheese. And of course, you can take some back to your holiday accommodation with you to continue the enjoyment!
Nearest Best of British parks: Woodlands Grove Caravan and Camping Park, Totnes.
5. Walsingham and Walsingham Abbey, Norfolk
The Abbey is famous for the remains of a mediaeval Priory (of Our Lady of Walsingham) and place of pilgrimage, destroyed at the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It sits in a beautiful landscape in the pretty village of Walsingham, not far from the Norfolk coastline. The Abbey grounds are open daily and provide a place of peace and tranquility. Perfect for Autumn walks, the grounds are well known for their Winter flower displays so you should see the green shoots of something peeping through the fallen leaves!
After you've visited the Abbey, do take a wander around the village. Picture perfect and unspoilt, there are plenty of cafes and pubs where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.
Nearest Best of British park: Old Brick Kilns, Fakenham.
6. The Plant Centre at Hortus Loci, Hampshire
Hortus Loci is a wholesale plant nursery working with landscape architects and garden designers. They supply a large percentage of the gardens at the national flower shows and are well known for their expansive selection. However, if you thought they just supplied the shows, think again! The Plant Centre at Hortus Loci is ready and waiting for you. While most good garden centres boast a few hundred varieties, the Plant Centre has access to over 4,000 . The staff are superbly knowledgable so this really is a haven for hobby horticulturalists and well worth a stop if you are staying locally.
Nearest Best of British park: Concierge Camping, Chichester.
