Enjoying Activity Holidays in the North West of England
Enjoying Activity Holidays in the North West of England
By Paul Mcindoe
With beautiful scenery taking up much of the countryside in the area, the North West of England is the ideal location to enjoy the great outdoors with an activity holiday.
Horse riding in the Lake District has always been a popular pursuit among UK holiday makers, with many claiming that it's the best way to see the country. Open trials run along tranquil waters and through sleepy, leafy villages. Silecroft, located down in the south western corner of the Lake District, is particularly well known for its horse riding. Close enough to the shore to offer long rides on unbroken beaches and surrounded by stunning rolling countryside, this area offers a number of horse riding opportunities suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
For those looking for more of an adrenaline rush on their activity holiday, the Lake District also offers rock climbing and mountain biking opportunities. Rock climbing enthusiasts will feel truly spoiled in the Lake District, with the Eastern Crags boasting a number of multi pitch routes on good, well protected rock. Buttermere also has some excellent climbing in more remote conditions, with the area being pretty much off the tourist map.
The Whinlatter and Grizedale Forests in the Lake District feature some great mountain biking routes for all skill levels while the counties of Cheshire and Lancashire offer some of the regions best cycle routes. The easy going Cheshire Plains take cyclists through some amazing countryside while the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire awards cyclists with the opportunity to ride over unforgettable open moor land.
The North-West of England is also teeming with golf courses to challenge all skill levels and the region can count the likes of Royal Lytham and Royal Birkdale among its repertoire.
Royal Lytham is a true seaside 'links' course and is part of the Open Championship rotation. The term 'links' refers to a golf course built atop an area of coastal sand dunes, and although the Lytham course is set back from the shoreline, it's close proximity to the coast means the wind from the sea often still comes into play making it a real test when the wind blows. The course plays to a Par of 71, has 198 bunkers and is unique on the Open Championship rotation in that it is the only course to open with a Par 3 hole. The next Open Championship to be held at Royal Lytham will be in the year 2012 and previous winners include Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player amd Tony Jacklin.
Royal Birkdale is also part of the Open Championship rotation and is situated in the town of Southport. Birkdale was the location of the 2008 Open where Padraig Harrington successfully defended his Open title - the first European player to do so since James Braid in 1906. Royal Birkdale presents a real test to even the most competent of golfers; no two consecutive holes face the same direction making the course notoriously difficult on windy days - a common hazard on links courses. Royal Birkdale plays to a Par 70 score.
Whether you're looking to relax and unwind with a relaxing round of golf or are looking for a more adrenaline filled experience, the North West of England offers a wide range of activity holidays, truly offering something for everyone.
Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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