With over 60 years of making great holidays behind us, our team at Holgates have developed a deep understanding of what makes living in the country so special. Postcard villages, breathtaking country scenery, and a plethora of local food and entertainment are just a few of the ingredients in this heady brew.
However, many modern holidaymakers are on the lookout for something a little different; they’re looking for destinations that don’t just help them relax but also thrill, challenge, and show them the raw, natural beauty of the English countryside. We’re going to look at how UK holidaymakers have turned to bike saddles and hiking boots to escape the ordinary.
What Holidays Are People Looking For?
Cycling
There’s no denying that the UK is a country obsessed with cycling. From 2016 to 2020, the number of cyclists have increased by 50% to over 7.5 million cycling enthusiasts. Whether for exercise, enjoyment, or both; this market is one that has grown in leaps and bounds and seen the rise of cycling holidays. Planning a route, picking idyllic destinations, and scouting restaurants and pubs to try along the way are all part of the excitement allowing you to get to know an area before you get there.
Mountain Biking
Road cycling’s rough and tough cousin, mountain biking has also burst onto the holiday scene. Mountain biking brings you even closer to nature with trails ranked according to technical difficulty and physical demands. MTB trails snake through forests, hills, and valleys taking you to unique natural environs that can’t be reached by car or foot. Lancashire is a rich county for these adventures featuring popular trails that are constantly updated with user trail maps, directions, and reviews.
As an added bonus, our cottages in Silverdale serve as the ideal basecamp for any MTB excursions. Using The Royal Silverdale as a starting point you can get to the Forest of Bowland AONB, Arnside and Silverdale AONB, Ghyll Wood, Beacon Feel Country Park, Gisburn Forest, and Mere Sands Wood for a day out before returning to the comfort of our luxurious 4-sleeper and 6-sleeper cottages. The Royal Silverdale pub and restaurant is also right on your doorstep so if you need something to slake your thirst or a hearty meal to prepare you for a day of heart-pumping excitement you don’t have far to go.
Hiking
It’s not just cycling but also hiking which has also seen a huge increase. What started as a form of exercise to break monotony during lockdowns has become a hobby and pastimes people of all ages now pursue. And the reasons are obvious to understand. Some hike to exercise, others to see the views or experience nature, and some people use hiking to escape technology and daily life.
Whatever your reasons, hiking in Lancashire, and the Ribble Valley, in particular, offers all kinds of walks. Dramatic moorlands give way to fertile valley floors, verdant forests, and crystal clear rivers. All of these areas can be explored with a weekend away or summer holiday in this stunning part of the country.
Holgates Cottages Have It All
Cycling, mountain biking, bouldering, and hiking have all become hugely popular pastimes in the UK. We are blessed with a diversity of natural landscapes and vistas, especially in Silverdale, so planning a cycling holiday, MTB holiday, or hiking holiday is a great way to enjoy the stunning Lancashire countryside. And the best part about choosing a holiday with us? After a long, tiring day out in the wild, you can come home to a modern, inviting cottage packed with everything from wifi to parking, and log burners to luxurious bedding.
Our cottages are located right in the middle of the lovely village of Silverdale, near the Arnside and Silverdale AONB, so if you’d like to unwind with a pint or a delicious meal before heading home, The Royal Silverdale is right on your doorstep. The guests at our cottages also have access to everything our Holgates holiday parks have to offer too. Swimming pools, steam rooms, children’s play areas, and more are all at your disposal when you feel like some downtime from trekking up hills or speeding down dirt tracks.
However you want to experience the countryside, we’ve got a country cottage to rest, relax, and enjoy. Our cottages sleep up to six guests, are pet friendly, and have all the creature comforts you could ask for. Contact us today to find out more about our cottage bookings and grab yourself a country escape to remember.
