Here at The Sporting Lodge, we like to keep an eye out on the weather, especially when it comes to bank holiday weekends, and this weekend is looking like it could be a good one. We’ve therefore put together a small list of activities for you to do to make the most of the three day weekend.
Castle Visits
In the UK, we’re surrounded by centuries of history, so we thought it only right to celebrate that. We’ve created a list of our top five castles to visit around the country, from the Isle of Wight to Cheshire, the dramatic views and architecture from different eras in history is breathtaking.
- Dover Castle
Sitting high above the White Cliffs, this impressive castle was built soon after 1066 and has been the site of many epic sieges. It's the perfect place to explore and soak up some history.
- Kenilworth Castle
Originally a Medieval fortress and turned into an Elizabethan Palace, Kenilworth Castle has Tudor towers, an Elizabethan garden, and a Norman keep to explore.
- Carisbrooke Castle
Sitting high and proud at the heart of the Isle of Wight, Carisbrooke Castle has been an artillery fortress, King’s prison and a Royal summer residence.
- Beeston Castle
Crowning a rocky crag above Cheshire, Beeston is a Medieval castle with views of the Pennines and the Welsh mountains.
- Tintagel Castle
On the north coast of Cornwall, the Tintagel Castle is linked to the legend of King Arthur.
Camp Trips
Alongside the history around us, the UK is basked with nature, from stunning coastlines to rolling hills and mountain views. So, if you’ve not got any plans for the whole weekend, why not head out into nature and go camping.
- Top Of The Woods, Pembrokeshire
Whether you’re using your own tent or hiring one of their nature domes or safari lodges, with hiking and mountain bike trails as well as the coast there's plenty to do all weekend.
- Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull
A bit farther afield, Fidden Farm on the Isle of Mull is the perfect place to reset and embrace the outdoors. From beaches to a whiskey distillery, Fidden Farm offers more than just a campsite.
- Woodfire, Sussex
With three different sites all in the South Downs ‘dark sky reserve’, Woodfire has the stargazing as well as cooked breakfasts from Friday - Sunday as well as a BBQ dinner from Thursday - Sunday.
- Ten Acres Vineyard, Devon
Bring your own or rent a safari tent, either way you’ll be camping next to a working vineyard, meaning you’re able to try some wine tasting.
- Low Wray Campsite, Cumbria
With lakeside and mountain-view pitches, this campsite is on the biggest lake in England and offers both self pitches or safari huts.
Country & Game Shows
Finally, if you just wanted to experience true British culture, head down to one of the Country and Game shows taking place this weekend.
- Kelmarsh Show
From clay shooting, to parachute displays and motocross stunts, Kelmarsh is on Sunday & Monday and is a perfect day trip out.
- North Somerset Show
Taking place on Monday, the show includes a host of activities including sheep shearing, dog shows and a qualifying show for the NBCC Blacksmith of the year.
- Nonsuch Town & Country Show
From falconry displays to cookery demonstrations, the show runs from Sunday to Monday in Epsom.
- Duncombe Park Country Fair
The original country fair of North Yorkshire hosts activities such as gun dog displays, clay pigeon shooting and terrier and lurcher shows. Running both Sunday and Monday, it’s a great show to experience.