UK Breaks

BADWATER 135, CALIFORNIA USA
Traditionally referred to as 'the world's toughest foot race', Badwater was forced to alter its traditional route through Death Valley in 2013.  The Death Valley Park authorities placed a ban on strenuous events taking place during the summer months, when air temperatures (in the shade) reach over 48 degrees.  So organisers came up with an alternative route, one with more than 5,200m of cumulative vertical ascent (compared to 3,962 in the previous route), and 3,900m of cumulative descent (compared to 1,433m).  While temperature might not reach the sizzling heights of Death Valley (ultra-runner Dean Karnazes once reported that between his team car handing him a cheese sandwich and him eating it, said sandwich became a toastie), the world's toughest foot race just got tougher.

Race facts: The race takes place in July; 135miles(217km); Maximum 48 hours, there is an entry fee.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA USA
The world's largest and busiest launch facility, Kennedy is the place to touch a moon rock, get close to the coastal launch pads and, if you're lucky, watch a satellite take off, which still happens. Don't miss the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to the largest rocket built (a 363ft-long moon rocket), the moving Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and the Shuttle Launch Experience.

The Isles of Scilly could be a world away, but you don’t need to leave the UK to enjoy them.  Hop on a flight from Exeter Airport and you can touch down in paradise in just 60 minutes. Traffic, noise and deadlines all melt away as you take your seat on board a Skybus aircraft, for an experience that’s almost worth a trip on its own.

With fewer than twenty other passengers for company, the flight gives you space to reflect.  While you do, you’ll be treated to aerial views of Cornwall’s famous golden beaches and the rugged coastline of Land’s End.

YORK
York is an ideal destination for a weekend break, with its historic 14th century streets known as The Shambles, the impressive Minster gothic cathedral and the York Castle Museum offering plenty of culture and charm.  The historic city has many establishments or hotels for visitors to choose from but only one offers true, unadulterated elegance and that’s The Cedar Court Grand hotel; York’s only five-star hotel.

One arm outstretched towards the Thames, grasping the tail of Tam o, Shanter’s horse in her hand, is the ghostly white figure of Nannie, figurehead of what was once the fastest tea clipper in the world.  Below her on the brow, the words Cutty Sark glitter in bright new gilding.  In old Scots, the phrase means short skirt of petticoat: the teasing garment that caused Tam, in Robert Burn’s  ballad, to risk losing his life to a ghostly dancer so fleet of foot that, had she been able to cross water like her racing namesake, she would have taken him to the underworld.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE, SURREY
This is a perfect day out.  While majestic Tudor palace is the main attraction, wandering around its gardens and getting lost in the maze are perfect additions to a visit on a fine day. And the interpretation is what all heritage attractions should ain for. Costumed guided tours, audio guides, videos and displays are excellent at explaining and capturing the feel of royal history and are all included in the entry price.  Children are well catered for, with family trails and hands-on displays.  And while there are cobbles and steps aplenty, much of the sites is wheelchair accessible.  The palace can be reached by all forms of transport and there are some parking on site.  The main restaurant on site that serves a good selection of food, albeit a bit pricey.

The Snowdonia National Park, more so Mount Snowdon is one of Wales most visited attractions.  Located in north-west Wales Snowdon is said to be one of the wonders of Wales by Wales former first minister Rhodri Morgan, the band Doves has also name a song after it.

Many of us might know Kielder Water and Forest as having northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s largest forest or for activities such as its beautiful lake, star gazing, mountain biking walking and much more. Since October 2010 the Kielder Water & Forest Park has become the location of the Kielder Marathon, a brainchild of former 1,500m world champion Steve Cram, who hopes the undulating, off-road course around Kielder Water will eventually become known as the most beautiful marathon in Britain.

With months of cold days and nights no wonder one of the British favourite outdoor activities is going to the beach, especially when the weather forecaster said we are to get some sunshine with high temperature, we flock to the nearest said side and one of them is Bournemouth. It has a reputation of offering some of the country’s best weather and long sandy and clean beaches. Also a visit to Bournemouth would show you why research (done by First Direct Bank in 2007) as found it to be the happiest place in Britain.

Why travel to the France Alps, Switzerland or the Far East for the ultimate Spa Breaks when you can have them here in the UK at some of the best countryside hotels. Taking you closer to nature these countryside spas offer the best in mind and body rejuvenation, using a mixture of state-of the-art centres and natural ingredients.  They are the perfect quick-fix weekend spa break to soothe your worries. Here I have collated six of the best, packed with character and talented masseurs.