Soul Pattinson’s newest venture SoulPattinson.com is now live, and it brings with it an entire travel destination dedicated to bringing the world’s best outdoor activities and travel experiences to those within reach of the UK and Europe.
Launching with just six trails, the website – which was inspired by the music producer’s love for New Zealand – is a veritable treasure trove of treks, ranging from gentle strolls to full-blown adventures, and takes you right in the centre of some of the best the country has to offer. The best part is that all the trails can be completed throughout the year, so there’s always somewhere fresh and exciting to go on holiday to.
The Best UK And European Destinations For 2018
For those looking to make the most of their European travels next year, here are our top UK and European holiday destinations for 2018.
1. Scotland
Stayed tuned for more information on Scotland’s tourism offering, as there’s a lot more to discover and enjoy, both in and outside of the country. We recommend you start with a visit to the Scottish Parliament, built in the shape of a butterfly, which meets daily in the summer and on special days in the winter.
From there, it’s but a hop, skip and a jump to the beaches of beautiful, award-winning Scotland, where you can hit the waves in any direction and be sure of catching some rays. After your bathing suit has dried, make your way a little further north to the centre of the great whisky distilleries of Speyside and visit the historic Tobermory Lighthouse, before returning to the capital city of Edinburgh for more sightseeing.
2. Ireland
Walking tour operator LANDmark have announced the launch of their latest attraction, LANDmark Ireland where guests can discover all that Ireland has to offer. The new itinerary will see you visiting some of the most iconic Irish sights including the Blarney Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and the Hill Street Blues Studio.
On your way to and from these attractions, you’ll be accompanied by one of Ireland’s best-known hospitality experts who can give you an insider’s view of the culture. Book your place on this exciting new itinerary today.
3. Portugal
Portugal may not be at the top of everybody’s bucket list, but it certainly should be. Stunning coastlines, historic towns and stunning wilderness make for some incredible adventures, as well as some relaxing relaxation. From Portugal’s coast you can take a boat cruise to the spectacular island of Sintra, home to the Museu Colecao Berardo, where you can see work by Hockney and Warhol.
Further afield, you can head to Spain and walk in the footsteps of the great explorers, including Christopher Columbus, who made La Isla del Horno his final resting place. You can even visit the place where the explorer was born, Puerto Real. We recommend you start with a visit to the Catedral, with its remarkable Moorish influence, and the Picasso Museum, in nearby Palma.
4. France
If you liked the sound of Portugal, then you might also want to visit its glamorous neighbour, France. Like Portugal, France is a country steeped in history, with some incredible sights, including the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Walking tour operator Hays have launched their new France itinerary, which takes in many of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre museum.
Those looking for a more relaxing trip can head to the Loire Valley where there are plenty of vineyards, eateries and hotels to choose from. One of our favourite spots in this stunning part of France is the medieval town of Amboise, which gives an up-close-and-personal insight into the lifestyle of Renaissance France.
5. The UK
Finally, we come to the home of Budge, our English Springer Spaniel, who couldn’t care less about fashion or trends but he is extremely proud of his country. So much so, that he has a flag painted on the wall of his kennel just to show it off.
The UK is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, due mainly to the country’s superb year-round offer and a desire to explore landscapes not usually seen by travellers to these shores. This year, we recommend you start with a visit to Stonehenge, one of the first images that may pop up in your head when you think about the UK.
From there, make your way to the Lake District, where you can walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth, enjoying some of the most stunning rural English scenery while taking in some of the greatest British poetry. To complete the Lake District loop, return to its biggest city, Liverpool, where you can spend a relaxing afternoon among the city’s extraordinary art collection and quirky boutiques.
We hope this article has offered some inspiration for your next travel adventure. As well as bringing some fantastic outdoor activities and travel experiences to the UK and Europe, we also hope this article serves as a reminder of the important role that nature and wildlife play in sustaining our Planet. We need to keep travelling to these places as we know that one day, they may no longer be there.