Great British getaways

Planning a staycation?

Here are some great places to explore – and some discounts for Benenden Health members to pick up along the way

Kent

Explore Dover Castle and the edge of England

There are countless stunning places to visit along the south coast of England, including many of the country’s sunniest beaches.

Dover is well known for being the gateway to Europe thanks to its ports and proximity to France (just 21 miles). Historically speaking, that made it a rather crucial defensive spot for the country. We hear there are some white cliffs well worth checking out here too.

Dover Castle is one of the largest in the country and has a rich military history. With My Benenden Rewards, you can save 25% on membership to English Heritage. This will get you entry to Dover Castle and reduced or free entry to other selected landmarks in the rest of the UK, so well worth checking out if you plan on exploring more of England.

Cardiff

Wander through the captivating capital of Wales

There may still be restrictions on international travel, but the UK has four fabulous capital cities right here waiting for you.

It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Cardiff with its spectacular city centre castle and luscious Bute Park, nestled alongside the main shopping area. Take a passenger boat

along the River Taff or an evening wander through the modernised Cardiff Bay area filled with funky architecture and restaurants.

If you fancy an ice cream, you’ll find the popular 94-year-old Welsh ice cream brand Cadwaladers right there on the pier.

Scotland

Road trip through magical Scottish scenery

Whether you want to hunt for Nessie, see the Fairy Pools of Skye or visit the Kelpies, Scotland has loads of magical stories to tell.

If you don’t make it as far as Loch Ness, the country has many other fascinating bodies of water to see. Head to Balloch (not far from Glasgow) if you want to explore Loch Lomond by boat, and you could enjoy discounted tickets for the Sea Life Centre there through My Benenden Rewards.

Head east to visit Loch Leven near Kinross. Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned in the castle on the island in the middle of the loch, before launching a daring and successful escape. English Heritage membership will get you discounted or free entry to Lochleven Castle.

Head further north and Scotland will continue to offer you stunning scenery and cracking little towns and villages to stop in.

Berkshire

Take on the world in miniature at Legoland

Typically attracting more than two million visitors a year, Legoland Windsor is a theme park that has plenty to offer all ages of thrill-seekers.

Wander through LEGO recreations of famous landmarks from around the world, or hop on a fab selection of rides and rollercoasters. This year Legoland Windsor has opened the new ‘flying theatre’ ride, Flight of the Sky Lion, the first of its kind in the UK.

With My Benenden Rewards, you can purchase discounted tickets for Legoland and other Merlin attractions – which also include Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park.

These three theme parks are only around 25 miles apart and are all pretty close to West London, so if you want to take a theme park mini-break, or pair one of the parks with a visit to the big city, it’s all right there for you.

Yorkshire

Fall in love with the luscious landscape of the north

If you fancy a hiking trail, there are some spectacular ones to be found in the Yorkshire Dales.

Well-trodden routes include the Pennine Way, the Dales Way, the Coast to Coast Walk and the Pennine Bridleway.

Or if you’d prefer a shorter jaunt, there are many highly touted little treks to take – visit Malham Tarn, Hudswell Woods or Upper Wharfedale

You can enjoy discounts on National Trust gift cards with your Benenden Health membership – which you won’t need for these walks, but which may come in handy for other places in the region, such as the magnificent Fountains Abbey.

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