10 doorstep destinations that feel a world away
| 26th March 2021
| 26th March 2021
10 doorstep destinations: VIVA loves the water and we were frankly stunned by these 10 beauty spots you can cruise, well ferry, as lockdown eases.
But if you want to get on board, hurry as according to the ferry industry body Discover Ferries, operators are reporting an average increase of 116% in bookings since the Government’s pathway was announced.
So, grab a coffee or vino and play our travel quiz: ‘Guess where it is!’
The answers are at the bottom of each image if you want to play along…
Ha Long Bay?
Actually it’s Guernsey.
Boat trips on the turquoise waters off Guernsey’s rugged south coast are reminiscent of Vietnam’s spectacular Ha Long Bay – but with far less traffic. Condor Ferries operates routes from Poole and Portsmouth to Guernsey.
Tahiti?
Bonjour Western France!
Brittany’s Ile Callot may look like a Polynesian paradise but is actually only a ferry trip across the Channel. Travellers can also enjoy the neighbouring Tahiti beach, the sandy shores, cocktail bars and happy vibe mean it shares more than just a name with the popular honeymoon destination.
Brittany Ferries operates routes from Plymouth to Roscoff and from Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Saint Malo, DFDS runs a service between Newhaven and Dieppe. DFDS and P&O Ferries also run crossings from Dover to France.
Australian Outback?
Nope sport, it’s the Isle of Man
After a chance escape from a wildlife park several decades ago, the island has a thriving wild wallaby population. The winding footpath through the Ballaugh Curraghs is the best place to spot the marsupials, which are native to Australia. Families can even download the “Where’s Wally the Wallaby?” trail map from Visit Isle of Man.
Travel to the Isle of Man with Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Please check the latest Isle of Man Government guidance for travellers.
Iceland (not the shop obvs)?
This gorgeous Scandi scene is actually the Isle of Wight!
The Isle of Wight is home to many breath-taking beaches but the rocky, rugged and wild landscape at Freshwater Bay makes it one of the most picturesque. At low tide, beachcombers are rewarded with rockpools teeming with life.
Travel to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel.
New Zealand?
This Tolkien view is actually Northern Ireland.
The Mourne Mountains have been crowned Best Walking Destination in Northern Ireland thanks to the spectacular scenery and diverse geography found within the range. With a third (32%) of the public taking up walking during lockdown2 and keen to continue this hobby in their holiday and leisure time, the mountains will make ramblers feel like intrepid explorers.
Sail to Belfast with Stena Line from Liverpool and Cairnryan, P&O Ferries operates a route between Cairnryan and Larne.
The Caribbean?
Visitors will be forgiven for mistaking the white sandy beaches of Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris for a far-flung destination. The island has been voted the best in Europe, blessed with crystal clear waters and fantastic seafood helping tourists to feel a million miles away.
VIVA has been here and can vouch for its beautiful sandy beaches and fabulous seafood.
Travel to Harris with Caledonian MacBrayne, which offers routes from Skye or can be incorporated in an island-hopping tour from Barra.
California dreaming?
Nope Holland.
California surfin’ dreams can be made on this stretch of beach in Vlieland, Holland. Our research shows a quarter of Brits are looking to be more active on their next trip and whether you’re a surfing pro’ or expecting to wipeout every time, you’ll certainly get a good workout while riding the waves.
DFDS runs ferries from Newcastle to Amsterdam, P&O Ferries operates services from Hull to Rotterdam and Stena Line offers crossings from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.
Italy?
It’s beautiful Ireland.
Located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Bantry House boasts European-style terraced gardens. Inspired by the second Earl’s travels, visitors will feel transported to the Mediterranean and enjoying the tranquillity found amidst the estate’s impressive wisteria. Irish Ferries runs daily sailings from Holyhead to Dublin and Pembroke to Rosslare, P&O Ferries operates crossings between Liverpool and Dublin and Stena Line offers services from Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare.
Hong Kong?
It’s London calling.
While we might be familiar with the famous Westminster monuments dominating London’s skyline, the towering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf give a glimpse into slick modern metropolitan life. At night it almost looks futuristic!
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers enables Londoners and visitors to take in the city’s sights from the water, there’s even an on board bar to add sophistication to the moonlit river cruise experience.
The Maldives?
Don’t be Scilly!
Home to some of Britain’s warmest waters, the Cornish archipelago looks and feels like heaven. Sandy beaches, shipwrecks and sub-tropical flora and fauna give visitors a taste of the exotic, but it is the gentler pace of life that really sets a relaxed holiday vibe.
Isles of Scilly Travel transports sea passengers on The Scillonian departing from Penzance to St Mary’s Harbour.
Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries, told VIVA: “Lack of holidays has certainly impacted our mental health and it’s heartening to see travel could return in time for the summer for both passengers and travel operators. While we are all eager to travel again, we also know that passengers will feel tentative about booking holidays. For peace of mind operators offer flexible booking options, allowing travel details to be amended up to 48 hours prior to travel. All ferry companies have also operated with strict hygiene and social distancing measures in place for over a year, so we are ready to welcome holidaymakers as soon as they are able to travel.”
Discover Ferries’ members operate over 80 ferry routes across the UK, Ireland and British Isles. For destination inspiration and information on the hygiene and social distancing measures in place for individual routes, visit: www.discoverferries.com