For your 2024 holiday, we challenge you to stray away from your typical list of ‘to-do’ activities, and immerse yourself in some unique, local experiences.
To help you out, we’re sharing 10 Booking Good experiences that will help you make your break one to remember.
1. Holiday closer to home:
Sometimes the best holiday destinations are right on your doorstep. Save time and money on travel, and make 2024 your year to explore your local holiday hotspots.
Setting your travel radius within just two or three hours from home gives you just enough distance to feel like you’re away, without costing the world in plane fares or petrol. Who knows, you might even discover some local attractions you never thought to visit!
Looking for some local inspiration? Check out our Best Western Destination Guides to find out what’s drawing tourists close to you.
2. Grab a bite of local delicacies
Immerse yourself in tradition by eating like the locals. From Welsh cakes and Cornish pasties down south, to Bakewell Tarts and deep-fried Mars bars up North – even your taste buds deserve a holiday!
Take up the challenge by seeking out some of these local delicies…
• When in
Edinburgh – stock up on Haggis. It is Scotland’s national dish after all. The White Hart Inn serves up some delicious haggis fritters or you could order a haggis tower at the Whiski Bar.
• In
Manchester for a weekend? Visit the Curry Mile located on Wilmslow Road. You’ll find a large number of Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants so pick whichever one you fancy and treat your tastebuds to different flavours.
• Down in Dorset, make sure to make a side stop for some Dorset Knobs. Careful of your teeth though, these little biscuits are small but mighty hard!
3. Conquer a walking challenge
Never underestimate the joy of a good walk. Great exercise, fresh air and, best of all, it’s free!
When visiting
Yorkshire, set yourself the goal of completing the three peaks challenge. Trek the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours either as part of an organised group or event.
Catch a train from Cardiff and get your hiking gear ready for a walk up Garth Mountain. The 6km trail takes you to a 1007-feet high summit and is a decent climb for those who want to get their daily steps in. Plus you’ll be rewarded with incredible sweeping views when you reach the top.
4. Express your artistic side
Don’t want to visit the popular art galleries and museums? Don’t worry, you can still embrace culture by taking part in a local art class.
Ask your hotel about art classes running in the local area and head on over for a fun hands-on activity you wouldn’t normally do at home. A great example can be found in London at Social Pottery London – an ideal alternative place to get together with friends in the big city.
5. Take part in a crazy British tradition
Towns across the UK are littered when some of the strangest traditions and festivals, from folk dancing to vegetable growing. You’ll be amazed the weird and wonderful activities you could discover.
One of our favourite local events is the annual Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling event in
Gloucester. This competition may seem strange but it dates back several hundred years and is now world-famous. Warning – you might end up feeling sore afterwards!
If cheese-rolling isn’t your thing, you can show off your swimming skills at the Bogsnorkelling Championships in Wales. Swim for 60 metres in a peat bog and be prepared to get down and dirty in this unique endurance test.
6. Join an archaeological dig
Ever fancied yourself an Indian Jones apprentice? Get yourself and your family out in nature for an archaeological dig and see if you uncover any hidden treasure.
Many excavations and archaeological projects in the UK welcome help from volunteers, so before you go on your break, take some time to research sites where you can volunteer and enjoy taking part in an activity that gets you one step closer to earning Indi’s hat.
7. Watch a movie outdoors
Grab some popcorn, get your drink ready and cosy up with your partner or friends at an open air cinema.
Whether it’s on a rooftop or in a park, an outdoor cinema is the perfect activity for those who want to relax and enjoy a new movie experience. The Luna Cinema holds open air movie nights across the country. Check details of upcoming screenings for a wholesome evening activity wherever you choose to holiday.
8. Roadtrip across Britain
Who says a holiday has to be limited to one place? Take your holiday on the road by visiting some much loved locations across England, Wales and Scotland. Roadtrip with your friends or family, take turns driving and see the beauty of the country in it’s full glory.
If you feel like getting even closer to nature, you could even take the bikes along with you. Set up the bike rack and tick off some of the country’s off-road cycle trails.
Check out Best Western’s bike friendly hotels to start planning your two-wheeled adventure.
9. Visit a microbrewery
If there’s one thing us Brits know how to do, it’s brew up a good pint.
Sip on a carefully crafted beer at a local microbrewery. Find out more about the process of microbrewery by booking a tour or just get the drinks in if that’s more your thing.
You can find one of our favourite brewery experience days at Brew York. Or, if you’re further South, Ascot Brewing Company is another laid-back spot for a pint and a pizza.
10. Meet a local
There’s no better travel companion than a local who knows the area and who can take you to the best unknown spots.
If you want to find a local travel buddy, you can download the Locals App – a discovery app of activities and communities full of interesting people ready to share their local knowledge. Meet new people who will show you the beauty of their hometown like only a local can do.