From France to Isle of Man, make those travel wishes come true with a short boat trip over the sea
STUNNING countryside, wondrous wildlife, gorgeous beaches, family adventures and activities . . . all on our doorstep.
Even if we cannot fly after lockdown is lifted – or you simply do not want to – a world of options for a fabulous holiday are waiting to be discovered.
So pack up the car, drive to a ferry port and sail off to one of our nearby isles or neighbouring countries. Here, Trisha Harbord gives you a flavour of six destinations.
Isle of Man
SOMETIMES the best discoveries are right under your nose. That is how tourism bosses on the Isle of Man are selling the island to holidaymakers, hoping to lure them to this treasure in the Irish Sea.
It is best known, of course, for the annual TT motorcycle races on the mountain course. But the island is truly a destination for all seasons, rich in history, culture and attractions.
With 100 miles of coastline, you will find spectacular views and sandy beaches around every corner. The rugged landscape is perfect for hikers, walkers and cyclists.
The peaceful countryside is a haven for wildlife, too – including the native tailless cats and wild wallabies.
Meanwhile, the western coast is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Explore castles and medieval ruins or visit the eastern village of Laxey to see the world’s largest functioning waterwheel, which is 72ft in diameter and 6ft wide. Go coastal kayaking, take a Segway tour, catch a comedy show or a concert at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, and eat “queenies” – queen scallops, the Manx national dish.
Special treat: Stargazing. There are 26 Dark Sky Discovery Sites around the island where you can see the Milky Way or perhaps even the Northern Lights.
Ferry time: Steam Packet Company Liverpool-Douglas 2hrs 45mins, or from Heysham, Lancs-Douglas 3hrs 45mins.
Check out: The 4 star Mannin Hotel in Douglas and 5 star Lily Bank Lodges in Foxdale (; )
Isle of Arran
IT’S known as Scotland in Miniature because the Isle of Arran has a little bit of everything – mountains, beaches, forests, glens and a famous single-malt whisky.
As you approach Arran by ferry, you will behold its biggest mountain, Goat Fell, which is popular with walkers with spectacular views from the summit.
The beautiful island is a haven for wildlife, so look out for seal colonies, basking sharks, porpoises, eagles and otters.
There is loads of history to explore. too. Visit Brodick Castle Garden and Country Park for a perfect family day out – there is an interactive visitor experience, a collection of wonderful artefacts in the castle and an Isle Be Wild adventure play area. Family entry costs £36.
Check out the art gallery by the sea in Whiting Bay, full of original works, and the Torrylinn Creamery for the famous Arran cheese. Enjoy rock-climbing, fishing or an off-road safari, or try one of the many watersports including sailing and kayaking.
Special treat: A guided tour of Lochranza Distillery to see how whisky is produced and sample a dram or two.
Ferry time: CalMac Ferries Ardrossan-Brodick 55mins. Ardrossan Harbour is 30 miles from Glasgow. See .
Check out: Self-catering apartments at The Shorehouse, Brodick. See and .
France
WHILE in lockdown, start teaching the children a few words of French ready for when you can cross the Channel again. They will love ordering their own croissants and crepes on one of the many holiday parks perfect for families.
Brittany is brimming with activities and attractions as well as boasting beautiful sandy beaches, sweeping countryside, forests and sensational sunsets.
Set in 400 acres in the grounds of a 13th-century chateau, Domaine des Ormes is one of Brittany’s finest holiday parks with lodges, mobile homes and tents. There is an amazing tropical pool dome, pictured, with water-slides and lazy river.
Other fun includes outside pools, a boating lake, zipwire and treetop adventure course, horseriding school and kids’ clubs. Domaine des Ormes is near the medieval cathedral city of Dol-de-Bretagne, with ramparts, wooden houses, pretty squares, cafes, bars and shops. It is a great place to buy local crafts and souvenirs.
The park is just 35 minutes from the ferry port of St Malo, which is well worth visiting for its castle, museums and Le Grand Aquarium – home to 600 underwater species including sharks.
Special treat: Climbing the stone steps of the incredible tidal island Mont St Michel, to the impressive abbey at the top.
Ferry time: Brittany Ferries Portsmouth-St Malo is ten hours. See
Check out: Two and three-bedroom holiday homes at Domaine des Ormes. See
Isle of Wight
IMAGINE the kids’ excitement when you tell them you are off to Dinosaur Island. On the Isle of Wight, they can walk on the sands where neovenator, Britain’s largest-ever beast, thundered along 125million years ago.
The island, 23 miles long, is a treasure trove of dinosaur footprints, especially at Hanover Point along Brook Beach. Take a fossil walk with an expert then marvel at lifesize moving dinosaurs at the Blackgang Chine theme park.
There are more footpaths and bridleways than roads, plus 60 miles of coastline, so cyclists and walkers are spoiled. You can even take a West Wight alpaca for a leisurely stroll.
Catch the Needles chairlift from the clifftop above Alum Bay down to the beach for spectacular views of the rocks and lighthouse. The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is an interesting stop.
Who knew you could buy garlic ice-cream and black garlic beer?
Special treat: Osborne House, especially if you are a fan of ITV period drama Victoria. It was the palatial holiday home of Her Majesty and husband Albert.
Ferry time: Red Funnel Southampton-East Cowes 55mins, or foot-passenger Red Jet 25mins.
Check out: The 4 star Luccombe Hall Hotel in Shanklin and 4 star Waverley Park Holiday Centre in East Cowes. See and .
Guernsey
NEVER mind the Med – Guernsey is a great alternative, with glorious sands, scrumptious fresh seafood and dolphins swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
The Channel Island is just nine miles long by three miles wide, yet boasts 27 beaches and watersports galore, including sailing, surfing, paddle-boarding and kayaking.
There are many walking and cycling routes through the countryside, with heritage sites from the Nazi occupation during World War Two.
Foodies will love the selection of fresh produce and fish, especially lathered with creamy butter made from the milk of Guernsey cows. Set on a hill above the capital St Peter Port, you will find Hauteville House where French author Victor Hugo lived for 15 years and wrote Les Miserables.
There is a statue of him among the beautiful plants and colourful flowers in nearby Candie Garden. Hopefully, once travel opens up again, you will be able to take a short ferry ride to visit the tiny, peaceful, car-free islands of Herm and Sark.
Special treat: A walking tour taking in the sites and breathtaking views featured in 2018 movie The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society, starring Lily James.
Ferry time: Condor Ferries Poole-St Peter Port 3hrs, from Portsmouth 7hrs.
Check out: The 4 star Duke of Richmond Hotel and 4 star Clifftop Cottages in St Peter Port. See and .
Ireland
HIT telly drama Normal People is boosting Ireland’s plans to entice holidaymakers after lockdown ends. Millions are watching the love story filmed in the Emerald Isle – which had expected a flood of tourists to celebrate Galway being named 2020 European Capital of Culture.
Many of those events will now be held in autumn and winter, even early next year. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were given a taste of the entertainment, including arts festivals, circus skills, sports and music when they visited the city of Galway pre-lockdown.
Located on Ireland’s rugged west coast, two and a half hours cross-country from Dublin, it has a bohemian feel, with live traditional music on streets and in pubs.
It is a mix of old and new – medieval city walls integrated into a modern shopping centre in Eyre Square. Cruise along the Corrib River and take a walking tour, to see where Ed Sheeran filmed a video with Saoirse Ronan for his hit song Galway Girl.Or follow in William and Kate’s footsteps by popping into the Tig Coili pub for a pint of Guinness.
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Special treat: Drive through the lush landscape of Connemara and eat mussels and salmon from Misunderstood Heron, a food-truck cafe on the shore of Killary Fjord.
Ferry time: Irish Ferries Holyhead-Dublin 3hrs 15mins.
Check out: Ballyconneely Holiday Cottages in Connemara National Park. See and.
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