A break from the norm?

A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men…

My good friend Sally and I said repeated this phrase many times at university. It rings true today. Life is busy and hard sometimes and it’s so important to take a step back and have a giggle. It’s as good as a break. I know the benefits of having a good break, having enjoyed one of the best holidays in recent years in the wild and beautiful scenery of Scotland. Yet again, it lived up to its magic, (perhaps I’m biased with my Scottish roots). Having a break was exactly what was needed! So, what about a bit of fun or a giggle to break up the routine for a day trip or holiday? Here are 4 weird and wonderful ideas and activities to discover across the UK this summer. They might give you a chuckle and will definitely help you to break from the norm!!!

It’s all gravy

The World Gravy Wrestling Championships 2021 is still planned to go ahead on the 30th of August 2021 but do check out its website here for Covid updates. Held at Stacksteads in Lancashire this charity-based event involves, (as you’d expect from the title of the championships), competitors wrestling in gravy, often wearing fancy dress. Just over twenty minutes away from Stacksteads is the tranquil Hebden Bridge Caravan and Motorhome Club Site where you can explore other great places such as the Singing Ringing Tree or Panopticon, near Burnley, as well as Saltaire, a UNESCO listed village and textile mill. You are also near the many other delights of West Yorkshire and East Lancashire like the Pennine Way, Bronte country and the Ribble Valley.

Hydrospeeding heaven

Love the fun and thrill of tobogganing and fancy trying it on water? Try the wild and fun filled hydrospeeding run at Lee Valley. Priced at £10 per person for an exhilarating and quirky adventure, you’ll be as giddy as a kipper afterwards and will want to try the vast array of other activities on offer at the White Water Centre located here. There are numerous options in terms of accommodation nearby for campers, glampers, tourers or those who prefer more traditional self-catering accommodation. Check out where to stay on the Lee Valley website.

Weird Wales

Head for heights? Then try walking to Worm’s Head Tidal Island in Wales along the Gower Peninsula. It was named after the Norse word ‘Wurm’ meaning ‘dragon’ from the Vikings who believed that the coastal feature was shaped like a giant sea-serpent. Do make sure that you check out the National Trust information centre for instructions and tidal information before heading out though! There are some wonderfully placed caravan and camping sites along this stretch of coastline such as Gowerton Caravan and Motorhome Club Site and Pitton Cross Caravan and Camping Park. Of course, if you visit this region you could also take a peek at the Baked Bean Museum of Excellence at Port Talbot which prides itself on being the world’s only museum dedicated to baked beans along the coast. No, I am not making this up!

It’s all in the name

Netherthong, Pratt’s Bottom and the River Piddle. Yes, they really exist! These funny sounding place names in Yorkshire, Kent and Dorset show what a great sense of humour British people have. However, most of these strange sounding names hide the fact that they are nestled next to amazing places and beautiful countryside nearby. The Butt of Lewis for example, is located on the wild and historical Isle of Lewis in Scotland. The Isle of Lewis is also home to the Calanais Standing Stones erected over 5000 years ago as well as stunning, almost tropical looking beaches such as Camas na Clibhe and Ardroil Sands. As for Muff in County Donegal, (sitting close to the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), you’ve got the scenic Ards Forest Park in this beautiful region as well as the rugged and picturesque Malin Head coastline to explore.

Go on! Get a map, get giggling and find a new place to explore. In return, you’ll get to experience even more of the beautiful UK countryside…

For more information on each of the places mentioned, don’t forget to click the links to find out more! Please see the latest UK’s COVID-19 regulations in each country in the RESOURCES section for up-to-date advice on travelling this summer.

For more ideas on outside adventures, follow me at alifeoutsideblog.com. If you liked what you’ve read, don’t forget to like, or share this page too!