Highlights of Past Trips to the UK
I was born and raised in the steel town of Sheffield,South Yorkshire. After attending Liverpool University I left on my first extensive trip outside of the UK. Some friends and I headed to Israel with a backpack and youth on our side. The love of travel was born. To cut a long story short a year later I found myself living in Germany where I met and married the love of my life ,an American! I have now resided in the States for almost 30 years and during that time I have been drawn back to the UK frequently to visit family and to ensure my children knew their heritage. In the last few years my nest has been empty so I have enjoyed to ability to travel and see more of the UK. Here are some highlights of trips over the years. If you are considering a trip try and make it a priority to visit more than just London.
Area surrounding my hometown of Sheffield.
Keep Calm and Drink Tea........
One of the things I miss the most about home is the food and drinks. I know what you are thinking; British food that's for the birds. Well I happen to love British food and if you know what to eat I think you will too. If you ever get the chance to visit be sure to try some of the food that I have highlighted here……………cheers!!!
My Dad enjoying a pint of bitter. Cheers!
Take a Walk..........
Aside from the food I also miss walking in the countryside. Oh I know we have parks in the States and plenty of opportunities to walk here but walking in the UK can take on a whole new meaning as there is such a wide variety of options. This is largely due to the fact that there are public footpaths everywhere in the countryside. When I first introduced my husband to this fact he was stunned that we could easily walk through farm land with no danger of being chased and shot by an angry farmer. There is however a distinct chance you could be chased by an angry bull, a heard of cows and even a horse or donkey- all of which I have encountered over the years.
Interesting fact: According to figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 74 people have been killed by cows in the UK in the past 15 years. Don’t let the facts scare you though. If you get a chance while you are in the UK plan a day out and about walking in the countryside - it's good for the soul and something you simply can't do here in the States. 
My Dad and my daughter on our last hike with him before he passed. Truly treasured memories of a beautiful day walking in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
East England........
If you happen to find yourself in East England there are some beautiful places to explore. I want to highlight two of my favorite. The first is Alford. This is a small town about 15 miles from the east coast .I have grown to know this town as my Dad and step- mom moved here before he retired. My family and I have visited many times and over the years I have grown to love this small town and the surrounding countryside. If you happen to be in the area it is worth stopping to visit the beautiful church of St. Winifred’s, the windmill, Manner House and maybe have breakfast or lunch at one of the café’s in town. I personally love Blue Willow Café. Sadly Alford no longer has a town crier but it still has a lot to offer.
Lincoln
Lincoln is one of England’s historic cities and has so much to see and do. I usually try and take a trip here if I am home and I have had the pleasure of taking my daughter who also fell in love with the city. So why Lincoln? The Cathedral, the Castle, Steep Hill , The Ghost Tour, amazing cafes and historic pubs –these are just a few reasons to make Lincoln one of the places you must see while visiting the UK.
Britains Beaches.............
Most people don’t consider the beach when they visit the UK. I’m not sure why as the UK is an island and you can be at the beach in a few hours no matter where you are. I love the beaches at home here are some of my favorite beaches.
Dornoch Beach,Scotland
The Peak District
If at all possible visit the Peak district while you are in the UK. I was born and raised in Sheffield which is not far from this amazing area. I spent my childhood visiting with family on the weekends .I have had the pleasure of taking my children here .It is nothing short of glorious. There are two towns I have known my whole life and love to visit whenever I am in the area. The first is Bakewell, a market town in the most idyllic countryside. My mother lived here for a time so I know the area well. I love market days, the old church on the hill and Bakewell pudding. Buxton is not far away and is famous for The Fringe Festival and the Victorian Opera house.
BuxtonThe Opera House
Designed by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham, Buxton Opera House opened amidst great celebration on 1 June 1903. Check out the amazing history of this magnificent building at:
https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/about/our-story 
Bakewell
Bakewell is a beautiful town nestled in some of the most stunning countryside. This is a popular destination especially on Market Day which is every Monday. It is easily reached by car or bus from Sheffield or Manchester and it is well worth the trip. Stay a day or make a weekend of it. There is plenty to do including beautiful hikes, great shopping in town, wonderful places to eat and of course the famous Bakewell Pudding Shop. The Bakewell show is famous and well worth visiting. There will not be a show this year as they are preparing for the 200th Anniversary Show in 2019. So mark your calendar, start saving and make the trip to Bakewell- you won’t regret it.
The Original Bakewell Pudding shop
Chatsworth House-A Must See
If you are out and about in Derbyshire you must see Chatsworth House it will literally take you breath away. There is so much to see and do here I promise you it is well worth a visit. There is a playground, farmyard, grounds to explore and so much more but of cause the house itself is spectacular. I have visited here with friends and family many times since I was a child and I have had the pleasure of taking my own family- they too love to spend a day here.Visit the website and see all that this amazing destination has to offer.
https://www.chatsworth.org 
These are just a few of my favorite places in the UK. Follow my blog for future posts to include- Jersey, Wales and Dornoch in Scotland . I’m also in the process of planning a trip for June of this year. I haven’t yet decided where my adventures will take me in the UK but I know we will have a great time exploring old places and discovering new ones –I can’t wait!!!
Bernie PrestaFull time educator- wanna be travel blogger. Exploring our world one trip at a time.
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