With its picturesque countrysides and historic landmarks, England offers endless possibilities when it comes to day trip destinations. So much in fact, that 2016 was a record-breaking year for the English domestic tourism sector, according to new research.
New figures from VisitEngland (www.visitbritain.org) show that Brits spent a whopping £45.3 billion on day trips across England in the first 11 months of 2016. January to November also saw the highest number of day trips taken in the first 11 months of the year at 1.35 billion visits[1].
As more people are choosing to visit a huge range of quality destinations and tourism products across the country, the domestic tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down. In light of this, we thought we would share some of the English day-trip attractions exhibiting at this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show.
Dartington Hall in Devon
Dartington Hall offers 2 Rosettes dining, heritage and horticulture. Day trippers can enjoy a tour of the gardens, Devon cream tea or a film in the 14th century barn on-site cinema.
Knowsley Safari in Merseyside
Did you know Knowsley Safari has the longest safari drive in the UK? Awarded the highest rated Safari Park in the UK in Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards, it’s home to 700 wild animals and offers various school and educational excursions.
Castle Howard in North Yorkshire
Explore one of Britain’s most magnificent houses. The grounds include lakes, fountains, temples and woodland as well as a formal walled garden and children’s adventure plaground; plus a changing programme of events, children’s trails and a range of cafés and shops including a farm shop and garden centre.
Waterperry Gardens in Oxford
Waterperry Gardens offers beautiful ornamental gardens with a fascinating history, including a gift barn, gallery, museum, teashop and events throughout the year.
Coldharbour Mill in Devon
Coldharbour Mill is a traditional working woollen mill largely unchanged since the industrial revolution. This destination offers not only a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past but a perfect destination for lovers of knitting, spinning and weaving.
Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall
Enjoy a group day out at the largest garden restoration in Europe, home to a national collection of camellias and rhododendrons, bursting with romance and intrigue around every pathway and corner.
ArcelorMittal Orbit in London
Enjoy breathtaking views of London from the ArcelorMittal Orbit – UK’s tallest sculpture. Thrill-seeker? Ride The Slide, the world`s tallest tunnel slide.
Kents Cavern in Torquay
As Britain’s most accessible cave and award-winning attraction, Kents Cavern is home to cave chambers, geological formations and a history that stems back over half a million years.
British Tourism and Travel Show will return to the NEC Birmingham on the 22-23 March 2017. For more information and to register for a free ticket, please visit www.tourismshow.co.uk and use priority code BTTS1 (direct link: https://registration.n200.com/survey/3merbygtnzi4j?actioncode=BTTS1).
VisitBritain article: [1] https://www.visitbritain.org/january-november-2016-highest-recorded-tourism-spend-day-trips-across-england