Five Of The Best UK Summer Day Trips For 2012

With many Brits choosing to save money by spending holiday time at home instead of venturing overseas , the summer day trip is a school holiday saviour. With plenty of cost effective days out accessible by car but not always by public transport, new drivers have a wealth of day trip opportunities to explore across the UK. RED Driving School has created a list of five of the best summer day trips, perfect for new drivers.

1) Lindisfarne castle, Northumberland

Lindisfarne Castle (Photo credit: Alan Cleaver)

Located on the remote Holy Island off the coast of Northumberland, Lindisfarne Castle is only accessible via a three mile causeway at low tide. The causeway is covered by sea twice daily, so visitors are warned to check safe causeway crossing times in advance to ensure access to the island. For drivers, tide times are displayed at both ends of the causeway. Lindisfarne is a romantic 16th century castle, although the site was originally a Tudor fort , it is a one mile walk from the car park along a tarmac road and cobbled path. Admission to the castle costs £6.95 for adults and £3.50 for children, visitors should research tide times and severe weather warnings in advance to get the most out of this historic day trip.

2) Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire, East Midlands

Clumber Park Kitchen Garden (Photo credit: horrigans)

For a cost effective and active day out with spectacular views, pack your bike in your car and drive to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. With 3,800 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland to explore and 20 miles of picturesque cycle routes , visitors can easily spend a whole day enjoying the great outdoors. There’s plenty of open space for other activities too, with some visitors setting up cricket matches in the summer. Parking is just £5 for the day and entry to Clumber Park is free, facilities include toilets, a cafe and cycle hire.
3) Arne nature reserve, Dorset

Dorset Landscape (Photo credit: Phil Beard)

The RSPB managed Arne nature reserve in Dorset is home to almost 500 types of flowering plant and is known for its lowland heathland and oak woodland. Wildlife includes British reptile, Dartford warblers, nightjars and many species of moth, dragonfly and butterfly . The reserve overlooks Poole Harbour where visitors can watch birdlife including wading birds, ducks and geese, black tailed godwits, brent geese and avocets . Parking is available next to the reserve, entry is £4 per car for a whole day and is free for RSPB members. With the nearest train station a four mile walk away and the closest bus stop three miles from the reserve, this really is a destination best accessed by car.
4) The Lizard Peninsula and Kynance Cove

English: Mullion Cove, Lizard Peninsula (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For beautiful views and a taste of British history, visit the Lizard Peninsula (the most southerly point of British mainland), home to the ‘Lizard wireless station’ where some of the first wireless radio experiments were held . The secluded Kynance Cove is just two miles north of Lizard Village, visit at low tide when a sandy beach is revealed . As well as the picturesque views, visitors can enjoy walks along the coastline. Local facilities include parking, food vendors and public toilets.

Kynance Cove, 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5) The Seven Sisters sheep centre, Sussex

English: Seven Sisters Sheep Centre, Gilberts Drive, East Dean, East Sussex (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visit the Seven Sisters sheep centre, situated in the South Downs national park and housed in a 17th century barn. This family run farm specialises in sheep breeding, with over 40 different breeds, as well as other farm animals including pigs, goats, rabbits and chicks . A child-friendly day out, visitors can feed the animals, see lambs and sheep being shorn and milked, watch wool being spun and learn about cheese making. Parking is available on site and the farm is wheelchair accessible , with toilets and a picnic area available. Admission is budget friendly, at just £5 for adults and £4 for children. Located just one mile from Beachy Head, finish your afternoon with a cliff top walk enjoying scenic views out to sea.

Dominic Cohen of RED Driving School comments: “Learning to drive makes spontaneous day trips more accessible, so new drivers can easily take advantage of unexpected sunshine and explore local countryside, coastline, history and wildlife, especially areas which are less accessible by public transport.”

Cohen continues: “Learner drivers should encounter a range of different motoring experiences in their driving lessons, so should pass their test prepared to drive on rural roads. The independent driving aspect of driving lessons should help to prepare new drivers with navigation skills. Planning summer day trips with friends is the perfect way for new drivers to continue to develop their route planning and navigation skills.”
ENDS

Notes to editors:

• More information from www.reddrivingschool.com/
For further information, please contact Leapfrogg

Emma Jane Faulkner emmajane.faulkner@leapfrogg.co.uk 01273 322 837
Taken from: http://www.prfire.co.uk/automobile/five-of-the-best-uk-summer-day-trips-for-2012-114687

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