Forget the far-flung corners of the world; your next adventure expedition is just a stone’s throw from one of the UK’s major cities
1 Swim with seals off Lundy Island
DISTANCE: Four hours from Bristol
EASE OF ACCESS: 2/5 Lundy Island’s varied and unspoilt terrain, mild climate and abundance of wildlife make it a small bastion of wilderness in the UK. It’s located four hours from Bristol, with two hours of that a picturesque ferry ride. Step up the aquatic aspect of this adventure by getting face to snout with the island’s inquisitive resident population of around 200 Atlantic grey seals. You’ll depart Ilfracombe harbour for Lundy where you will spend the morning swimming with the seals in one of the many coves and bays around the island’s marine nature reserve. bristolchannelcharters.co.uk
2 Climb the UK’s only Via Ferrata in the Lake District
DISTANCE: 1.5 hours from Manchester
EASE OF ACCESS: 4/5 Honister Slate Mine’s Via Ferrata, meaning ‘iron way’, invites intrepid adventurers to scale a series of footholds and cables built into the mountain. There are two routes, the Classic and the Xtreme, with the latter o” ering a more heart-pounding thrill for the relatively fit at around 3.5 hours while the former is suitable for most ages and abilities and rarely takes longer than three hours. honister.com/via-ferrata
3 Sleep in a snow hole in the Cairngorms National Park
This story is from the Adventure September 2018 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Adventure September 2018 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Annette Arjoon-Martins
RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES
The Amazon to the Andes
THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE
Serra de Tramuntana
MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL
CRAFTING PERFECTION
Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
MALDIVES
An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.
TRANSYLVANIA
The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.
Audio adventures
FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD
NICE
Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season
BELFAST
In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together