Best of

Britain
travel guide

2 which.co.uk which.co.uk 3
 Welcome Contents
Its official we Brits love domestic holidays! And its no 04 The best of England 18 
Cardiff
real surprise. Flick through the pages of this guide
and youll see why we all enjoy the great cities, coasts 08 
The best of Wales 19 
A few team favourites
and countryside of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Here we reveal some of the best beaches, from a 10 
The best of Scotland 20 Hotel tips
sandy stretch in the Scottish Highlands to a cliff-backed
crescent on the coast of Cornwall thats reputedly home 12 Best British beaches 21 
Self-catering
to the warmest waters in the UK. made easy
Our favourite walks push the boundaries, with the 14 Weekend walks
natural rock formations of the Giants Causeway well 22 Save on holidays
worth the jaunt and the Peak District promising scenic 16 Glasgow and transport
hikes for all levels of fitness. While our cities have
culture, fun and history in equal measure. 17 
Cambridge
The guide is also packed with money-saving advice
so, whether youre seeking a week away in Snowdonia
with the whole family in tow or a quiet mini break in a
romantic corner of the Cotswolds, it will point you in the
right direction.

Jill Starley-Grainger
Editor, Which? Travel

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2 which.co.uk All information correct at 16 November 2015

The best of England
Heres a slice of the best on offer in this green and pleasant land
Somerset
Think this English county is all about cider
and cheese boards? Think again. Yes, theres
award-winning local food and drink to sample,
but make time to explore Exmoors wild beauty,
the Tudor abbeys and gorgeous Mendip Hills.
Holiday hit
Go wild in the country
If youre driving around Exmoor National Park,
travel up from Porlock to the Webbers Post
viewpoint, and then snake through Cloutsham
Woods for a better-than-average chance of
spying the elusive red deer amid the ancient
oaks. Its also worth picking up a copy of the
free Exmoor newspaper inside youll find
a map of areas where youre most likely to
spot the moors rare semi-wild ponies.
Step back in time
Head to Montacute House, especially if you
were a fan of the BBC adaptation of Hilary
Mantels Wolf Hall. The mansion doubled up on
TV as Henry VIIIs Greenwich Palace. You can
4 which.co.uk
even stay a night in the 16th-century South
Lodge at the entrance to the house for a
taste of aristocratic life.
A better bet
Ditch the crowds
Cheddar Gorge caves often get busy at peak
holiday time, so instead head to Ebbor Gorge,
a popular, local walking spot. Youll encounter
caves, woods, streams and high limestone
crags, with views as far as south Wales.
City break
Wells
Englands tiniest cathedral city wows Which?
members, who rated it the UKs best small city.
Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills,
Wells is a scenic spot for a combined city
countryside break.
The citys showstopper is Wells Cathedral
with its 300 delicately carved, life-sized statues
of saints and kings, but its also worth visiting
the Bishops Palace to see the ancient springs.
Dont miss the free daily tour at 11.30am.
Cornwall
Its no wonder more than 5 million people flock
to Cornwall each year. With 435 miles of
dramatic, rugged coastline, a thriving culinary
scene and higher temperatures than elsewhere
in mainland Britain, its a real holiday hotspot.
Expert view
Mike Hawley, a lifelong Cornwall resident
and expert on the Cornish coastline, shares
his take on the regions hidden gems.
A sunny, sandy beach
Head to Lantic Bay, between Polruan and
Polperro, and youll find a remote beach with
azure-blue sea that gets sun all day. Swimming
and snorkelling on a rising high tide is a Reserve to walk along the Coast Path: start
highlight, but take care at low water when from Kynance Cove and ramble north to Soapy
currents can be unpredictable. Cove. In early summer, the clifftop grasslands
are carpeted with wild flowers, and its a good
A characterful coastal village place to see seals, ravens, kestrels and the
Explore Port Isaac, a fishing village nestled celebrated Cornish chough.
along the inhospitable north Cornwall coast.
Theres evidence of tourism, but with the fishing
harbour still at the heart of the village, it has a
distinctive character and community. Explore
the narrow streets and haphazard collection
of stone buildings, traditional pubs and
i Stay in the know
Which? Travel members
restaurants serving local seafood. can keep up to date with the best
places to stay on any budget, from
A cracking spot to see wildlife 400-year-old thatched cottages to
Cornwalls coastal fringe is a naturalists urban boutique hotels.
paradise. Visit the Lizard National Nature
which.co.uk 5

Yorkshire
Romantic ruins, rolling valleys, a rugged coast
and mysterious moorland no wonder we all
love Yorkshire. Whether youre out exploring
the countryside or on a sightseeing city break,
theres plenty to keep you entertained.
Holiday hit
Forbidden fun
If youre travelling as a family, make time for the
Forbidden Corner on the edge of the Dales. This
quirky labyrinth includes tunnels, underground
chambers and fantastic statues; for the younger
members of your group, its like walking through
the pages of a storybook. Advance online or
telephone booking is required.
Do the locomotive
Want nostalgia and spectacle? Jump aboard a
train along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
The great steam locomotives depart from
Pickering station itself perfectly preserved
with luggage trolleys, signage, porters and
gaslight fittings from a bygone age then
chug and whistle up through the North York
Moors National Park to remote villages like
Goathland, before arriving in Whitby.
Mines a pint
According to author and pub expert Mark
Reid, the Craven Arms in Appletreewick is
everything a Yorkshire country pub should
6 which.co.uk
be. Youll find real ales, a cast-iron range
in the bar and a heather-thatched cruck
barn, built from a bent oak A-frame. Cheers!
City break
York
An unspoilt medieval city with a web of
narrow, cobbled lanes, York is brimming with
historical attractions and its also one of the
top-three large cities to visit on a UK city break,
according to Which? Travel members.
York Minster, one of the largest medieval
cathedrals in northern Europe, should make
your must-see list, but also be sure to check out
Cliffords Tower (all thats left of York Castle), the
nearby York Castle Museum, the Jorvik Viking
Centre and the National Railway Museum,
the largest of its kind in the world.
The Cotswolds
Amid the gently rolling countryside, the
Cotswolds offers fascinating history and
glorious gardens. With exciting independent
producers and chefs popping up in every
golden-stone village, its also a haven for
foodies. But most people come for the views
scenes that are impossibly pretty, bucolic
and quintessentially English.
Expert view
Anne Bartlett is a Blue Badge tourist guide and
has spent most of her life in the Cotswolds
showing holidaymakers its highlights. Here
are her favourites.
A historic house
Blenheim Palace in Woodstock was a gift to
the 1st Duke of Marlborough from Queen
Anne and a grateful nation for winning a
decisive battle in Bavaria in 1704. Today its a
particularly busy attraction, so ensure that
youre one of the first to arrive when it opens
in the morning. As you leave, dont forget to
get your ticket stamped youll be entitled
to free visits for the rest of the season.
A traditional church
All Saints Church in Selsley is a favourite
because of the craftsmanship in the furniture
and fittings, and especially the stained-glass
windows. On a hillside overlooking Stroud
Valley, home to the cloth mills of the Industrial
Revolution, Selsley was the last Cotswold wood
church to be built during the 19th century.
A royal garden
The private gardens at Highgrove, created by
the Prince of Wales, are among the regions
most creative. The fascinating guided tour lasts
nearly 2 hours. Although the house isnt open to
the public, the tour includes some of the history
of the 18th-century building. The garden visit
must be booked in advance.
i Picture perfect
Should you pack a digital
camera or rely on your smartphone
for holiday snaps? Find out at
which.co.uk/camvsphone.
which.co.uk 7
The best of Wales Money-saving tips
The Ordnance Survey map
Discover where hymns and arias ring out over the green, green grass of Snowdon costs around 8,
but you can print free routes
for the six official paths from
visitsnowdonia.info.
To see the waterfall at
Betws-y-Coed without the
admission fee, park at the
north-west end of Betws,
beyond the bridge, for free
then take the footpath west.
Britains longest heritage
railway the Welsh Highland
Railway runs the 25 miles
between Porthmadog and
Caernarfon. For each adult
ticket bought, a child under
16 goes free.

Snowdonia mountain to the lakes. Just beyond

St Davids
St Davids achieved an impressive City Score
of 80% in our survey of best and worst UK
cities. This sprawling church settlement gained
city status in 1995, but its history dates back to
the 6th century, when St David founded his
monastery on this site.
Plan your visit around exploring the huge
stone cathedral. Some parts date back to the
12th century, but as you examine the wood
carvings in the choir stalls and the restored
waves, so the beach draws a crowd at peak
times. Take care when facing strong winds.
Pitch up
If you fancy camping, Cool Camping editor
Jonathan Knight recommends Caerfai Farm,
which offers spectacular sea views and
freshly baked croissants in the morning.
Alternatively, pitch up at Caerfai Bay,
Porthclais Farm or Rhosgadw Farm.
Climb the highest peak in Wales or scale
Snowdon by rail from Llanberis then reward
your efforts by visiting charming villages, eating
in cosy cafs and enjoying some family fun.
Expert view
Gerallt Pennant, a presenter on Welsh TV
station S4C and BBC Radio Cymru, reveals
his top spots in Snowdonia.
A scenic drive
The Victorian writer John Ruskin said that only
one Welsh road offered better views than the
one from the town of Barmouth to the town
of Dolgellau the same road in the other
direction. Get off the beaten track and take
the narrow 6-mile road from Dolgellau to Llynnau
Cregennen that skirts the mighty Cader Idris
is a revelation: a birds-eye view over the
Mawddach estuary and its strikingly long
railway bridge.
A teatime treat
A quirky mix of caf, alehouse and art gallery,
Pen-y-Ceunant Isaf is an obligatory stop on
the way home from a Snowdon walk for a
slice of bara brith, the moist tea bread that
makes teatime in Wales such a treat!
An underground thrill
Blaenau Ffestiniog once gave the world its
roofing slates. Now the quarries buzz with
zip wires and mountain-biking trails. But
far underground at Llechwedd, in a cavern,
is Bounce Below trampoline-like nets
over three storeys.

shrine of St David, youll discover centuries
of careful upkeep and expansion.
Holiday hit
Sea and surf
Head a couple of miles west of the city to watch
the spectacular apricot sunsets over the wide
sandy beach of Whitesands Bay. Go during the
day and youll find a bustling hangout for local
surfers. Whitesands is known for its impressive
i
Staying dry
In a recent survey, our
members rated waterproof-jacket
brands on aspects such as water
resistance, comfort, durability
and fit. Which? members can find
out which brands fared best at
which.co.uk/jackets.

8 which.co.uk which.co.uk 9
The best of Scotland Ingliston Park and Ride and hop on the new
tram. A day ticket gives you unlimited day
travel on tram and bus services.
A sample of Auld Reekie and an impressive track to hill and glen
Scotland by rail
When it comes to scenic rail routes in
Britain, travelling on the London-to-Fort
William Caledonian Sleeper has to be one
of the best. You relax in a lounge car with
leather sofas, sleep in cosy bedrooms and
wake up in the morning in the heart of the
West Highlands.
From Fort William, the West Highland line
extends further north to Mallaig, and many
consider this to be the most spectacular
part of the journey it crosses the 21-arch
Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in the
Harry Potter films. Cinema buffs may also
recognise the stunning Morar beaches you
pass from Local Hero and Highlander.
The Caledonian Sleeper leaves Londons
Euston station every night, except Saturday,
arriving at 9.55am in Fort William. There are
four trains a day from Fort William to Mallaig.
The journey takes just under an hour and a half.
In summer, a Jacobite steam train offers day
returns. For prices and timetables, visit
westcoastrailways.co.uk.

Edinburgh Holiday hit

Compact, lively and drenched in history
and culture, Edinburgh is a year-round,
city-break destination with world-class
attractions and restaurants and
Which? members voted it the best big
city in our survey.
Make the most of the bevy of attractions
in the city that are free the tranquil Royal
Botanic Gardens, the views from Arthurs
Seat and the highly regarded collections of
the National, Modern and Portrait galleries
(nationalgalleries.org) are just a few of the
sights that wont cost you a thing.
The National Museum of Scotland in
Chambers Street is also free, and filled with
enough antiquities, historical artefacts and
natural-history exhibits to keep you on your
toes. Dont miss the life-sized Tyrannosaurus
rex cast and the oldest-surviving colour
television set.
King of the castle
If youre going to Edinburgh Castle, time your
visit to be there for 1pm. Every day (except
Sunday) youll see army reservists fire the
105mm field gun, a tradition since 1861. If youre
just walking around the city, note all the locals
checking their watches when they hear the
blast. While youre there, marvel at the Stone
of Destiny and the Scottish crown jewels.
Retail therapy
Detour off the Royal Mile into Grassmarket to
find independent shops, such as Armstrongs
Vintage Emporium and Mr Woods Fossils. Or i Travel tip
take the train to Glasgow, less than an hour Which? Travel members
away, for a fine array of contemporary shops. can read about our pick of
restaurants to suit every budget,
Ditch the car from award-winning gastropubs to
Dont drive in Edinburghs city centre. Parking locals favourite fish-and-chip cafs.
is expensive, so leave the car for free at the

10 which.co.uk which.co.uk 11
Best British beaches
Watch the kids build sandcastles or lie back with the latest
bestseller at these hidden gems on our beautiful shores
Pedn Vounder,
Cornwall
Pedn Vounder beach, near Porthcurno,
Cornwall, is as iconic as you can get, with its
exotic shell-based white sand and sculptural
granite cliffs. Its a half-mile walk from either
Porthcurno or Treen and involves a steep
path and finally a scramble down rocks to the
beach. But if that doesnt put you off, then its
great! And Pedn Vounder is reportedly the
warmest beach in the UK.
Kiloran Bay,
Scottish Highlands
Colonsay is a sort of Hebrides in miniature and
has lovely sandy beaches Kiloran, with
its golden crescent, should be top of your
must-see list. The island has some decent
walks and great views on a clear day to Jura
and Islay, but the turquoise water can be
12 which.co.uk
deceptive its rarely warm enough for a dip.
If youre travelling around Scotland, avoid
backtracking by getting the CalMac ferry from Football Hole,
Oban, then drive on from Kennacraig on Kintyre. Northumberland
You cant help but be impressed by Bamburgh,
and families love the beach at Newton-by-the-
Sea, but if you want a little stretch of sand all to
yourself, take the coastal path north to Football
Hole a secluded cove tucked around the
corner. If you cant get a table at The Ship
Inn at Newton, try The Joiners Arms further
along the road for good fish and chips.
Marloes Sands,
Pembrokeshire
Picturesque Tenby has acres of sand, so its
great for family holidays with a bucket and
spade but if youre after a hidden cove,
head to the far south-west to Marloes Sands.
Rugged and sandy, its almost deserted,
even in the height of summer. With rock pools
and amazing views to Skokholm and Gateholm
islands, its a secret worth keeping.
Grunta,
Devon
Devons most popular sandy beach is
Woolacombe, but youll fall in love with
neighbouring Grunta. Tucked into a semicircle
of silky grey rocks and surrounded by cliffs, it
will delight children with its combination of
sand, shells and tidal pools. Though normally
accessed by a steep cliff path, at low tide you
can walk here over the rippled sand from
next-door Barricane beach.
i Best Buy vs. Dont
Buy suncreams
Whether youre frolicking on the sand
or strolling the boardwalk, remember
to stay safe in the sun. Which?
members can learn which suncreams
passed and failed our SPF and UVA
tests at which.co.uk/suncream.
which.co.uk 13
Weekend walks Explore North Yorkshire
The Ribble Valley offers great walking (and
cycling), including the areas most formidable
Want to stroll 5 miles or hike 500? Bringing along a pushchair hike the Three Peaks Walk, taking in
or an energetic dog? Walk this way Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent
hills. For something less challenging, nearby
Malhamdale has wonderful scenery, especially
the immense, horseshoe-shaped limestone cliff
Malham Cove, known for peregrine falcons.
The route includes Malham Tarn, Englands
highest lake.
Those keen on coastal walking will like the
110-mile Cleveland Way, through the North
York Moors National Park, with walks of varying
lengths. The coastal stretch takes in Staithes,
Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay and Scarborough.

A gem in Northern Ireland

Walking the Peak District
Dovedale and its iconic Stepping Stones attract
more than a million visitors a year, so if youre
after some peace and quiet on your walk, you
might want to avoid this popular gorge on a
sunny summer day. But the valley draws a
crowd for a reason. Pushchair- and wheelchair-
friendly, a few miles of easy walking alongside
the crystal-clear waters of the River Dove takes
in open flower-filled pasture, gaping caves
such as Dove Holes, dense ash woodland and
craggy rocks such as the Tissington Spires.
If youre looking for a weekend base, try
Castleton, a lovely village with no fewer than
six superb pubs offering a range of ales and
good accommodation. Situated at the head
of the Hope Valley, it owes its name to Peveril
Castle, built by the illegitimate son of William the
Conqueror in around 1076. Perched high above
the town, the castle has one of the earliest
stone keeps in the country, with views across
to Mam Tors 517-metre summit. If you want to
climb Mam Tor, an easy half-mile route starts at
Mam Nick car park just outside Castleton.
An eight-and-a-half-mile traffic-free route
running along the former Midland Rail line
takes walkers, cyclists, horse riders and
wheelchair users through some of the Peak
Districts most spectacular limestone dales.
Starting at Blackwell Mill near Buxton, the
trail offers an amazing journey through
restored railway tunnels and valleys, and over
impressive viaducts above the River Wye,
all the way to Bakewell. One of the route
highlights is the Monsal Head viaduct, built
in the 1860s. Stop along the way and take in
the views at the Packhorse Inn, a 16th-century
pub in Little Longstone.
dramatically rugged coastline, the Causeway
i Feet first
Are those boots really
made for walking? In a recent survey,
our members rated walking-boot
brands on aspects such as comfort,
durability and grip. Which? members
can find out the brands that fared
best at which.co.uk/walkingboots.
While its billing as a World Heritage Site
and the most visited attraction in Ireland
does tend to inflate expectations, the Giants
Causeway in County Antrim is undoubtedly
a bizarre and fascinating natural phenomenon.
At the foot of a soaring amphitheatre in a
itself comprises three modestly sized fingers
of naturally created crazy paving.
The 37,000 hexagonal basalt columns
formed as flows of molten lava cooled
and contracted, fracturing vertically with
mysterious regularity to produce what looks
like a fiendishly complicated, giant keyboard.
A shuttlebus covers the half mile between
the visitors centre and the Causeway. But a
better way, if you are able, is to walk eastwards
along the clifftop path and take the staircase
down to sea level. Further eastwards along
the clifftop are Ballintoy Harbour and the
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The wobbling
bridge is some 30 metres above the water
and not for the faint-hearted!

14 which.co.uk which.co.uk 15
Glasgow
Feast on culture and cuisine in Scotlands biggest city, then head out
to the castle-studded hills of Loch Lomond
Nestled on the banks of the Clyde, Glasgow is
often seen as Edinburghs grittier, urban sibling,
with its industrial past and rowdy reputation. But
scratch the surface and youll find a place filled
with trendy nightspots, a burgeoning arts scene
and the best shopping north of the border.
City sights
A neighbourhood stroll
Glasgows West End has long been the affluent,
cultural heart of the city. Jump out at Hillhead
subway station to wander cobblestoned lanes
Ashton and Ruthven in particular exploring
vintage boutiques, art galleries and coffee
shops. Afterwards, take a rest at the nearby
Botanic Gardens or Kelvingrove Park.
The weekend market
Dealers have been hawking their wares at The
Barras in the gritty East End since 1938. Today
its a hotchpotch of indoor and outdoor stalls on
weekends (9.304.30), plus historic pubs and
shops tucked under arches. Pop into Glickmans,
16 which.co.uk
Glasgows oldest sweetshop, for handmade soor
plooms (sour plums).
A place to reflect
Banish morbid thoughts: locals treat the
Glasgow Necropolis, an enchanting, 37-acre
Victorian cemetery, like a city park. As Glasgow
boy Billy Connolly once said, Glasgow doesnt
care much for the living, but it really looks after
the dead. Expect elaborate tombs, rambling
greenery and an ornate mausoleum that harks
back to the citys industrial heyday.
Escape to the country
A breath of fresh air
Glasgow is only a stones throw from one of
Scotlands most picturesque destinations, Loch
Lomond (20 miles by road to the south side of
the loch). Rich with castles, walking and cycling
trails, boat trips and tearooms, it makes for a
welcome escape from the bustle of the city.
Regular buses and trains run from Glasgow
city centre.
Cambridge
Swot up at the majestic university, admire the awesome architecture,
then wade with the birds in the wetlands
Whether you want to punt down the river, pootle
down quaint streets, potter at a market or simply
marvel at the magnificent college buildings, a
city break in Cambridge promises to be both
awe-inspiring and relaxing.
City sights
The star turn
The jewel in Cambridges crown is Kings College
Chapel, which offers hair-raising architecture and
a heavenly choir. Inside, the sense of soaring,
sublimated emotion will give you goosebumps
so too will the ceiling, which explodes in
a firework display of fan vaults. Dont miss
evensong, sung by the Choir of Kings College.
Take a punt
Most Cambridge colleges present a stern face
to the street; riverside is where they get prettier
and more indulgent, as youll find on a guided
punting tour on the Cam. The river glides
through the grounds of Kings, Queens and
St Johns, among others, and unwinds against Fen. Home to more than 9,000 species including
a backdrop of parkland and medieval brickwork.
For punt hire head to Scudamores, next to the
Magdalene Bridge.
Essential art
To view gorgeous paintings by 20th-century
masters head to the Fitzwilliam Museum
on Trumpington Street. Check out Stanley
Spencers breathtakingly honest and naked
self-portrait, as well as works by Picasso,
Henry Moore and Graham Sutherland. If ancient
history is more your thing, fear not, because the
Fitzwilliam is also brimming with Greek vases
and Egyptian sarcophagi.
A poignant moment
Artefacts from Captain Scotts ill-fated British
Antarctic Expedition of 191012 are on display at
The Polar Museum. Two filing cabinets contain
the letters he scribbled as he waited for death,
including a heartbreaking letter to his parents.
Escape to the country
At one with nature
Just 17 miles outside Cambridge is the
National Trusts oldest nature reserve, Wicken
many rare plants, birds and dragonflies, this
pristine, green and tranquil wetland is well
worth a detour.
which.co.uk 17
Cardiff
Browse for bric-a-brac in Edwardian arcades, explore the
castles Norman keep and then time travel with Doctor Who
As Britains youngest capital city, Cardiff is
bustling with energy. Popular with students, its
also home to one of the UKs most impressive
sporting venues, the Millennium Stadium, as well
as a host of stylish shops and boutiques. Add to
that a castle in the heart of the city, two national
concert halls, the Wales Millennium Centre,
St Davids Hall and the Doctor Who Experience,
and you have a lively city, attractive to visitors
of all ages.
City sights
A slice of history
Dating back 2,000 years, Cardiff Castle was
gifted to the people of the city in 1947. Take in
the views from the summit, which bring Cardiff
into focus. Stroll through battlements hollowed
out by wartime tunnels, then go into the Castle
18 which.co.uk
Apartments, a Gothic Revival fantasy created in
the 1860s for the 3rd Marquess of Bute.
Edwardian-style shopping
Amble down ornate arcades that furrow
between The Hayes and St Mary Street.
Rummage through comical and classical clothes
fastenings at Claire Grove Buttons, and get
swallowed up by a plush sofa as you sip a
cappuccino at Coffee Barker in Castle Arcade.
Later, peruse gentlemens accoutrements
(whisky, cigars) at The Bear Shop in Wyndham
Arcade. Also, dont miss Spillers Records in
Morgan Arcade, said to be the oldest record
shop in the world, established in 1894.
A bayside stroll
Walk between fresh water and sea atop the
barrage dividing Cardiff Bay from the Bristol
Channel. Start at Mermaid Quay, passing the
Wales Millennium Centre, before the Norwegian
Church Arts Centre signals Waterfront Park. Take
the Tardis Walk past the Doctor Who Experience
to reach the barrage and the best bay views.
Then hop on the Princess Katharine a river
service between the bay and city centre, with
pick-ups and drop-offs along the way.
A few team favourites
The Which? Travel team reveal some must-see destinations
Senior Researcher Matt Stevenss
favourite island: Mull, Inner Hebrides
Mull offers so much. You must wander
around the colourful town of Tobermory TVs
Balamory to anyone under five. If youre there
between May and August, take a boat trip to
Staffa island. Our captain said wed see puffins,
but I didnt expect to see hundreds. Make sure
Principal Researcher Kate Shipps top view: the boat pops into Fingals Cave, a natural
Rhossili Bay and Down, Swansea fissure with eerie acoustics that give it a
The sheep teetering on clifftops over Rhossili cathedral-like atmosphere.
Bay enjoy one of Britains best views miles of
straw-coloured sand, flanked by the undulating
green-and-brown ridge of Rhossili Down. From
my favourite spot opposite the National Trust
visitor centre youll see surfers battling the
waves below, and the sole building in sight,
the Old Rectory, on a terrace above the beach.
Deputy Editor Chris Grays top cycle route:
Aysgarth Falls to Skipton, Yorkshire Dales
Ill never do the Tour de France, but I cycled
a 28-mile section of the 2014 route through
Yorkshire. Starting from Aysgarth Falls, the
ride combines challenging climbs, long, rolling
descents and a pretty lunch spot in the pubs
Senior Researcher Guy Hobbss favourite around the river at Kettlewell. You dont have
historic site: Avebury stone circle, Wiltshire to be super-fit, but if 28 miles is too much, cut
Imagine if you could visit Stonehenge without the the route in half and get a cab to meet you
crowds, walk freely among the stones, touch them at the pub after a well-deserved pint.
and stop at an excellent village pub inside the
circle. Thats Avebury. On a bright, frosty morning,
with the sun casting shadows of colossal jagged
rocks manoeuvred into place by manpower alone,
I practically had the place to myself. The stone
circle is one of several prehistoric monuments
in the area, so take a picnic and spend the day
exploring the landscape.
which.co.uk 19
 Hotel tips
How to find the perfect
hotel to suit your break
Whether youre looking for good-value city
accommodation or somewhere unique to make
your break truly memorable, Britain offers a wide
range of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.
Booking options
When booking a hotel, you can either reserve a
room directly through the hotel or via an online
booking agent, such as Booking.com or Expedia.
When booking youll be asked to input your
bank details but often you wont be charged until
arrival. Read the small print to check the hotels
refund and cancellation policies, as these vary
by hotel and booking agent.
Hotels for city breaks
Hotel rates in cities can be expensive, especially
if a big sporting event or concert is on. For the
best deals book well in advance or book your
Booking tips
Dont always rely on booking agents for the
best price. Do a comparison with the hotels
own website.
The star-rating system is confusing, and
booking websites dont always reflect official
tourist-board ratings. Avoid disappointment by
reading other reviews too.
Hotels are often cheaper if you stay during
the week rather than at weekends.
Many hotel chains offer loyalty cards. Sign
up to get future discounts and offers.
20 which.co.uk
break when you know the city will be quiet.
Many 4 and 5-star hotels like to remain
anonymous so offer secret deals. This means
you get a great room rate but only find out
where youre staying the night before you arrive.
Bag a bargain by booking a room in a secret
hotel, via Lastminute.com or LateRooms.com.
Secret Escapes (secretescapes.com) also
offers discounted luxury hotel rates through
their regular flash sales. For the latest deals,
sign up to its weekly email.
Hotel deals
Comparison websites like Trivago offer a quick
route to the lowest hotel prices. These sites
have prices for hundreds of thousands of
hotels across the UK (and worldwide) and save
you the trouble of trawling through multiple
booking websites. Trivago aggregates prices
from a range of booking sites, including
Booking.com, Expedia and Lastminute.com,
as well as the best prices advertised by some
hotel chains, such as Hilton and Holiday Inn.
i Chain hotels
Our member survey shows
a king-sized gap in the standards
visitors experienced at the UKs
most-visited hotel chains. Which?
members can see the results at
which.co.uk/hotelchainsuk.
Self-catering
made easy
From thatched cottages and converted Victorian
pubs to quirky treehouses and minimalist loft
apartments, self-catering properties can make a
holiday feel homely.
Booking options
Unless youre booking directly with an
accommodation owner, most self-catering
stays will be booked through an agent or
by using an online listings website. Booking
agents act for the owner, advertising their
property and managing bookings on their behalf.
The accommodation is usually inspected by the
company, or minimum standards are adopted
based on accredited tourism bodies.
Listings websites will charge property owners
to advertise, but your booking is made directly
with the owner. Youll often find more properties
on these websites, but be warned that there
are no inspections of minimum standards for
advertised accommodation.
Booking tips
Read the reviews. Compare comments left
on the bookings website to other review sites
for a more complete picture of how previous
guests rate their stay. Long-standing listings
are likely to have more reviews, but pay
particular attention to the most recent ones.
Opt for a home away
from home to experience
living like a local
Make contact. When booking directly, contact
the property owner or manager to ask any extra
questions, and clarify their deposit policy and
any other terms and conditions before booking.
Pay the full amount by credit card if youre
given the option. This will give you protection
under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act
for transactions over 100. Take out suitable
travel insurance for additional protection.
Get a signed agreement. Ensure you are
happy with the terms and conditions; check for
cancellation charges in case your plans change.
Check for any difference between the
advertised price and the cost during your
proposed stay. Like hotels, most self-catering
properties raise their rates during the high
season (usually May to September). You can
save around 350 on a two-bedroom property
by swapping to the low season.
i Tried and tested
Which? members can find
the results of our self-catering
survey and who made the list
of recommended providers at
which.co.uk/selfcatering.
which.co.uk 21
Save on holidays
and transport
A little planning can save a lot in the long run
Want to save some cash on your next break?
It could be easier than you think. Knowing the
right time to travel and the best time to book
can make all the difference.
Be flexible on flights
Our research finds that midweek (from Tuesday
to Thursday) departures have the lowest
average fares, with Tuesday being the
cheapest day overall. If youre willing to
catch an unsociable first or last flight on your
departure day, you may pay less. But if you
have to stay in an airport hotel as a result,
make sure it doesnt cancel out any savings.
A quick way to find the best deals is to use
a flight-comparison website, such as Momondo,
Skyscanner or TravelSupermarket. Both
Momondo and Skyscanner have filter options
22 which.co.uk
to narrow down your search by date, flight time,
airport and airline. Both have tools to show
you the best time to book your flight.
Type with care
Making an error in an online booking can
be costly. Take your time when typing dates,
itineraries and names, and double-check
before you press confirm. If buying flights,
passenger names must match those on
passports. Misspellings can be amended
by some airlines free of charge, others are
not so flexible.
Use the right websites
Airline-ticket fraud accounts for 22% of all
reported cases of travel fraud. For example,
you come to pay for your flight ticket from what
appears to be a genuine booking site, but
credit-card payments are temporarily
unavailable. Instead, you receive an email
encouraging you to pay by bank transfer, a
typical trick used by scammers. Always avoid
sites that ask for payment by bank transfer. Pay
by credit card where you can, as this gives you
extra protection under section 75 (see which.
co.uk/section75). Dont panic: the vast majority
of travel companies are completely legitimate,
but check out who youre booking with first
this could be as simple as reading feedback
from customers on Facebook. Also, look for a
phone number, email and a postal address on
the website and if its not listed, or theres
only a PO box, it could suggest a shifty operator.
Money for nothing
Why not get paid for booking your holiday?
Once you know which holiday, hotel, train or
flight you want, visit a cashback website like
TopCashback.co.uk or Quidco.com. These
sites earn money from retailers every time
someone makes a purchase after clicking
a link on their website and they share the
cash with you.
They may not have any offers from the
company you want to book with, but if they
do and big names like British Airways,
Gatwick Express and Expedia often have deals
all you need to do is click a link to take you
back to the original site you were planning to
book with. Your reward? Money paid into your
account. We found cashback of 10.50 on
a weeks holiday at a cottage in Devon.
Learn to haggle
Haggling may not feel very British, but it gets
results. Shop around online for the best deal,
then get on the phone to see whether the
hotel or tour operator will beat it. Even if they
only match the price, they may well throw in
extras, such as free breakfast or wi-fi. In our
haggling investigation, we found that, on
average, using this tactic saved 150 on
a summer holiday for a family of four.
Split and save
Slash train-fare costs by splitting your ticket.
This UK train cheat involves buying two
or more tickets to cover one journey. It may
sound strange, but it can lead to big savings,
and its perfectly legal. Your train will usually
need to stop at the split point (though not
always), but you dont need to get off.
Ticket splitting is complicated, but thankfully
the Tickety Split tool at moneysavingexpert.
com does the hard work for you though it
can only cope with single journeys at the
moment. We found an advance single from
Derby to Plymouth for 109, but when we split
the ticket at Cheltenham Spa it was only 84.
Make a Mega saving
Megatrain is a website that offers cheap
tickets on train routes operated by several
train companies. And like its more-famous
sibling, Megabus, it sometimes has tickets
for as little as 1 each way.
Most routes depart from London, but the
website searches for some cross-country
routes, too. Check your journey on Megatrain
before you book your tickets, and you could
save significantly up to half the cost of your
fare or even more. We found an advance return
from London to Sheffield for 16.50 using East
Midlands Trains. The same ticket cost 35
when bought directly from the train operator.
i Find out more
Want to know the big
winners in our survey of the best
and worst train operators? Find
out who is on the right track at
which.co.uk/uktrains.
which.co.uk 23
Weve tested 44 suitcases and 15 brands of sunscreen. So whatever
you need to protect when youre travelling, log in to which.co.uk.