TRAVEL IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: MY TRIPS AROUND THE U.K.

Besides baking the odd cake, assembling flat pack furniture from Ikea, and playing every board game I can get my hands on, I have been making a solid effort to do as much travelling within the south of the U.K. as I can during lockdown. International travel restrictions have now eased somewhat, but I still don’t feel super comfortable going to different countries. Over the last 2 months I have gone on some lovely day trips around the south of England and thought it would be helpful for others to read. Also, if anyone has any suggestions for where I could go next, drop a comment below!

My local area:

You would be amazed at the hidden gems you can find right under your nose! When I was living with my boyfriend, Peter, we came across some beautiful countryside spots, mostly within walking distance from his house. We took some trips around the neighbouring villages and found meadows and a forest, perfect for some cute photos, which I took full advantage of!

Bramley

Sherfield-upon-Loddon

Winchester:

Peter and I actually visited Winchester to visit one of my friends who was working in a hospital there at the time. We had a picnic outside Winchester cathedral before climbing up St. Catherine’s Hill, a viewpoint overlooking Hampshire. Very nice day out and it was great to catch up with an old friend, even if it was from a distance!  

Winchester

St. Catherine's Hill 

Winchester

Margate: 

I had never been to the beaches on the east coast of the U.K. before visiting Margate, and I am so glad I did! Peter and I went on a weekday when the weather wasn’t too hot to ensure we wouldn’t get stuck in crowds of people. Kingsgate Bay and Botany Bay were particularly lovely, perfect for a lil’ picnic on the sea front while admiring the views of the white cliffs. Kingsgate Bay is now one of my fave U.K. beaches! (Also shoutout to Peter for doing the long drive, love ya)! 

Botany Bay

Botany Bay

Kingsgate Bay

Ham House:

This National Trust house and its beautiful lavender gardens were a delight to see! With the entrance fee only being £5 per person, I would say it’s well worth the money to enjoy a morning or afternoon admiring the purple flowers and impressive house. Also a FAB place for some cute pics! 

Entrance to Ham House 

Lavender Garden at Ham House

Lavender Gardens at Ham House

Kew Gardens:

Kew is honestly one of my favourite places to visit! I’ve been going every few years since I was very little (I even dragged my hay-fever-suffering boyfriend there for our 2-year anniversary 3 years ago)! Our trip here happened to coincide with the hottest day of the year. Luckily 37 degree heat didn’t stop me from enjoying the wondrous glasshouses and multitude of exotic plants. Entrance for me was £9, but it changes depending on your age. 

Waterlily House

Palm House 

Temperate House

Temperate House

It’s amazing that it took a global pandemic to see all these places which are (mostly!) right on my doorstep. It’s definitely given me a new appreciation for the beauty of the country I live in and I will certainly be making more of an effort to see more of it soon!

Before I sign off, a huge thanks to everyone that has helped me reach 50,000 views in time for my blogs second birthday! Documenting my life over the last 2 years on my blog has been a pleasure and has been made infinitely better by the love that I have received in the form of views, comments and messages! 

Thank you <3

B x