The Great British Getaway!
We’ve created this guide to inspire you to reconnect with the brilliant and the beautiful that Britain has to offer. We’ve scoured for hidden gems, including attractions accessible for those with disabilities and family-friendly locations. And don’t forget, a road trip doesn’t start when you arrive at your destination, it starts from the moment you get into your vehicle. So, we want to make sure you’re making the most of your quality time, by making a stop at Roadchef an enjoyable part of your experience.
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Our top picks
Join a bat patrol in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Britain’s biggest gorge is a world famous beauty spot, with dramatic cliffs rising up 450ft and stunning stalactite caverns below. During the day time, visitors can see wild goats grazing on the steeps cliffs, but the fun really starts when the sun goes down. Once you’ve been kitted out with an ultra-sonic bat detector, the bat patrol explores Gough’s Cave, where endangered greater horseshoe bats scan the night air for moths and insects to feed on. With a conservation officer leading the walk, you’re sure to spot the bats, especially since these caves are home to the UK’s largest colony. If you simply can’t get enough of the gorge, there’s also adventure caving, rock climbing and the Black Cat Free Fall, a 30 foot drop inside the cave - don’t worry, you’re attached to a safety line at all times.
Explore Hogwarts Leavesden Studios, Watford
Stepping into these studios is like stepping straight into Hogwarts. You’ll find the props, sets and costumes used to create the magical world of Harry Potter, including iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and, of course, the gleaming Hogwarts Express steam train. While fans of the franchise will be in heaven, general cinephiles will also appreciate learning more about the special effects and animatronics that were used to bring J.K. Rowling’s books to life. Don’t forget to grab a butterbeer on your way round, even if you’re only a muggle.
Marvel at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-shire
You might recognise Glenfinnan Viaduct from the Harry Potter films, but even if you’re not a Potterhead then this impressive feat of engineering is still worth a visit. The 21 arches of the 1,000 foot long and 100 foot high viaduct can be found west of Fort William, and there’s parking available nearby so you can hop out of the car for a photo. Keep an eye out for the Jacobite steam train, which crosses across the bridge on its way between Fort William and Mallaig.
Crack the code at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
Once the top secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers, Bletchley Park is now a vibrant heritage attraction and museum, open daily to visitors. See where technological innovation and human endeavour came together to make groundbreaking achievements that led to the Allied victory, and walk the very same corridors as the codebreakers themselves. Guests can enter the iconic mansion as well as the Codebreaking Hut, where you can take part in exciting interactive exhibitions to learn about the different methods used to crack secret messages from the Germans, as well as viewing Alan Turing’s office. After that try to crack the code for yourself, or head outside to enjoy the vast gardens and have a go on the giant chess board.
Catch a steam train up Snowdon, Gwynedd
If you’d rather scale a mountain without breaking a sweat, the jump aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Operating its steam service since 1896, you can reach the scenic summit (1085m/3560ft) in all the comfort of the train, with the return journey taking around 2 and a half hours, which includes a half an hour pitstop at the top. However the railway only operates from May to the end of September, and so outside of those months you’ll have to climb to the top.
Stay Over
Break your journey, have a weekend away or visit the family with Days Inn at Roadchef. Whether you're looking for a relaxing break in the Lake District, a visit to the bright lights of London or an airport stopover, our 17 Days Inn hotels are ideally located for a comfortable and convenient stay.
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