Sensory Pleasures

Sensory Pleasures

Awaken body and soul with these holiday trips across Britain and Ireland with five experiences to drive your senses wild and some great hideaway stays. 

It looks likely that restrictions will be eased sooner for the common travel area of Ireland and  Britain before the EU's digital green certificate is in place. The idea was put forward  by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar this month as a possible ‘dry run’. So perhaps a trip across to our nearest neighbours is worth considering - as well as the delights of our own lovely island.

One of the key Covid symptoms is loss of taste and smell, but lockdown has arguably deadened all our senses, by detaching us from the outside world.

So, as we unfurl from our sofas and prepare to venture outside, it’s no surprise sensory experiences are likely to direct travel plans. From coast to countryside, Britain and Ireland have so many sonic, visual and audio wonderlands. Here are a few more of the visceral experiences we’re eager to enjoy this summer.

1. Smell of sea air

So salty it can make your nostrils sting, the scent of the sea is an instant ticket to a refreshing break. Some of the most invigorating coastal trails in Britain can be found in Northumberland, including a seven-mile barefoot walk at low tide across the causeway to the tidal Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Crabtree & Crabtree, who have holiday cottages in the region, bring the journey to life with a guide regaling tales of local legends. The walk is best enjoyed from April to September, when grey seals gather on the exposed sandbanks. Prices from €29 (£25) per person for a private walk. Visit crabtreeandcrabtree.com.

Or inhale fresh maritime air by walking a section of the England Coast Path, a new National Trail which hopes to have all stretches approved and works underway this year. Once complete, it will be the longest coastal walking route in the world at 2,700 miles.

Cwmtydu, Wales

Further north of Pembrokeshire, and far less busy, the stretch of Cardigan coast between Llangrannog and New Quay is a playground for active pursuits: go hiking, cycling, coasteering, kayaking or surfing. Alternatively, stroll along the shoreline and explore hidden coves. The coastline is dotted with pretty beaches, National Trust sites, and sleepy towns.

Cwmtydu, in Ceredigion, is a small hamlet, where a winding lane connects to a narrow valley dropping into the sea. Very close to the pebble beach, Ty Cwch Beach House is a collection of cabins constructed from stacked shipping containers – available to rent either individually or exclusively for a group of 12. Tables and chairs have been upscaled from wooden crates, and large doors can be rolled right back for a glimpse of sea views.

There’s ample space to store kit, such as kayaks and bikes, which can be rented locally. The owners can also put can guests in touch with qualified instructors, who can design bespoke itineraries.

From €139.50 (£120) per person per night (12 sharing). Book through qualityunearthed.co.uk.

Ardmore Bay, Co Waterford, Ireland

Set below a medieval cathedral tower dating back to the 12th century, Ardmore in County Waterford has a superb sandy beach. When the sun shines brightly, swirls of turquoise appear, making it look like an exotic escape.

Constructed by the team behind the award-winning Cliff House Hotel, the ultra-modern Cliff Beach House is an exclusive-use luxury rental property a two-minute walk away, which benefits from access to the hotel’s Michelin-starred chefs.

Making the most of its waterside location, all six en-suite bedrooms have vast glass windows framing Atlantic waves. A patio area is available for al fresco dining or a dip in the hot tub; on stormy days, stay indoors and tinkle on a baby grand piano, if you please.

From €242 (£208) per person per night (12 sharing). Visit cliffbeachhouse.ie.


2. Taste of coast and country

Foraging forges a connection with nature, allowing us to literally savour our immediate environments. As an island, Britain offers up a bounty of goods from both coast and countryside.

In Dorset, Fore/Adventure offer a half-day Coastal Foraging Course, based on the beach in Studland. Search for sea vegetables, sea weeds, crabs and cockles, and learn how to prepare wild foods. From €58.13 (£50) per person.

For something more decadent, head to Mersea Island in Essex, where oysters have been grown in creeks since Roman times. Lady Grace Boat Trips offer a two-hour Picnic Trip along Salcot Creek, where you’ll hear curlew calling and find egrets wading along the shoreline. Pre-order a picnic platter from the West Mersea Oyster Bar. From €116.27 (£100) per trip (up to six people).

Both excursions can be booked through englandscoast.com.

Rame Peninsula, Cornwall

It’s hard to imagine there’s a stretch of Cornish coastline yet to be discovered. But the Rame Peninsula, often referred to as the county’s ‘forgotten corner’, is supposedly so under the radar, even locals are baffled by its whereabouts. To clarify, it’s in the south east, just across the border from Devon, and is surrounded by three bodies of water: River Lynher, River Tamar and the Plymouth Sound.

Tidal creeks, sandy beaches and clifftop footpaths characterise the peaceful place, where nearby attractions include Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, a Tudor property surrounded by landscaped gardens, temples and follies.

Perched on a cliff at Whitsands Bay, Brackenbank Cottage (sleeps five) is a Scandi-styled hideaway, where gulls swoop overhead and dolphins cruise out front.

From €790.95 (£680) per week (five sharing), with a small extra charge for dogs. Book through beachretreats.co.uk. 

3. Sound of birds in flight

From the soothing symphony of a dawn chorus to the furious flapping of flocks cruising across the sky, birds are an inspiring soundtrack to our daily lives.

Filled with salt marshes, sand dunes and twisty tidal creeks, North Norfolk is a paradise for birders and walkers; trips to RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve are particularly recommended, when red knots beat their wings above the mud flats.

Inntravel has introduced a new self-guided short break to Snettisham and Holkham, following the Norfolk Coast Path from Old Hunstanton to Thornham, and inland to Burnham Market via windmills and wildflowers. A four-night B&B trip costs from €674.40 (£580) per person (two sharing). Visit inntravel.co.uk.

Or head to the ancient woodlands of Castle Eden Dene in Durham, an example of the ‘wildwood’ that once covered most of Britain. It’s home to a variety of birds, including the common swift, greylag goose and goldcrest, along with more than 450 species of plants, and mammals such as roe deer and fox.

4. Touch of a tree

The art of forest bathing first became popular in Japan during the 1980s, and has since spread it’s restorative roots worldwide. Along with the joy of simply being surrounded by ancient oaks or pleasing pines, there is a science to the trend: trees emit oils used to naturally protect them from insects or other invaders, which induce a sense of calm.

North London’s closest glamping escape, Home Farm Glamping in Elstree has partnered with charity The Wilderness Foundation to offer therapeutic sessions in 150 acres of wild woodlands and historic parklands. Their first session, An Introduction to Forest Bathing at Home Farm Glamping, will be held on May 13 and costs €17.44 (£15) per person. Visit homefarmglamping.com.

Sleep under the stars in the midst of the forest at Finn Lough in Enniskillen. Set amid the tranquility of nature the Forest Bubble Domes are the ultimate escape to the trees and lakeside where you can bask in the luxury of nature. Bubble Domes overnight stay from €319.94 (£275). Visit finnlough.com

5. Sight of great horizons

If your window on the world has been obstructed by concrete towers and never-ending rooftops, great views will be a priority once lockdowns end.

Although not vastly mountainous, Britain and Ireland do have their high points – one being the fabulous Wicklow Mountains, south of Dublin. Wilderness Ireland includes the national park on a guided tour visiting three of Ireland’s most scenic areas known for walking and mountains. Hikers will summit Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain of Ireland, as well as the highest peak in each corner of the country. A six-night trip costs from €1,710 per person (two sharing), departing September 18. Visit wildernessireland.com.

Dornoch, Scottish Highlands

Undeniably beautiful, Scotland nevertheless divides opinion when it comes to the weather. But Dornoch is an exception; benefitting from its own microclimate, the seaside town is much warmer and evenings are lighter than elsewhere in the country.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie got married here years ago, but despite several claims to fame, the sleepy site is still relatively unknown.

Close to the beach, Links House is a five-star, 15-room hotel, divided into three cottages, a 45-minute drive from Inverness. Built in 1843, it enjoys superb views of the Dornoch Firth, and sits on the famous 516-mile NC500 driving route (a favourite of Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond who stayed whilst filming Top Gear). Four of the leading single malt whisky distilleries are also within a 30 minute drive.

Rooms from €290.80 (£250) per night, including breakfast. Visit linkshousedornoch.com. WW