Winter Days Out In South England To Beat The January Blues

coach hire high wycombe - Tourists besides the Cathedral

January can be a gloomy month as the festive good will begins to dwindle, leaving us yearning for something to look forward to. Fortunately, there are so many options if you are fortunate enough to live in High Wycombe or the surrounding areas. Here’s a look at how  coach hire can help your group to explore inspiring destinations in style and comfort.

Canterbury

Canterbury is a convenient distance from London, with a journey of just under one hour and excellent road links to the rest of the country. It’s a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the breathtaking Canterbury Cathedral at its heart. The roots of the impressive Anglo-Gothic structure date back to the 11th century and it’s steeped in history.

It’s a historical pilgrimage site where some of history’s most important events have played out, including the creation of the Magna Carta and the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett. Despite the sometimes turbulent events of the past, it’s an immensely spiritual place with a unique sense of calm and peace within its walls.

Canterbury is also packed with museums such as the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, and the Canterbury Roman Museum. It’s also known for its thriving foodie scene, with a fine collection of restaurants and cocktail bars. Slightly further afield, you can take a tour of the award-winning vineyards such as the Simpsons Wine Estate.

The New Forest

If you are craving some outdoor time to freshen up and walk off the excesses of the festive season, then the New Forest is the perfect place. It’s a National Park that consists of ancient woodlands, open moors, and clifftop walks. There are dozens of beautiful woodland walks that are especially magical in winter as the landscape is tinted with frost.

The area is famous for its native ponies who roam freely throughout the park. Amazingly, these hardy creatures have occupied the forest for 2,000 years and are still going strong, with around 5,000 of them. They play a vital role in keeping the grassland healthy and supporting biodiversity. 

The welfare of the New Forest ponies is overseen by agisters who carry out an annual round up to record numbers and check their health. They are on the native breeds ‘at risk’ register and it’s important to remember that they are semi-feral animals that should not be approached or touched, even if they seem friendly.

Hastings

The historic town of Hastings will forever be remembered as the site of the famous battle of 1066, when the English and Norman armies clashed on the hills and in the valleys surrounding the coastal town. The ruins of the castle sit on the hilltop above a labyrinth of tunnels, which hold a wealth of stories about daring escapades and bootleg smugglers.

The town has an old fashioned seaside spirit, with all the features you would expect such as amusement arcades, fish and chips, cafes and a miniature golf course. There’s also some really interesting museums to explore, such as the self-explanatory Shipwreck Museum and the Fishman’s Museum, and contemporary and traditional art galleries.

 Seven Sisters Country Park

 Seven Sisters Country Park is the perfect place for bracing winter walks to blow away those January blues. It’s part of the South Downs National Park, bordering the famous chalk cliffs of the south of England and encompassing the charming valley of the River Cuckmere. The landscape is home to rare wildlife and you may spot snakes and lizards in the grasslands.

It’s also an area rich in historical and archaeological interest, with evidence of the ancient people who once lived and worked in the landscape. There is evidence of early flint mines for producing tools and also iron furnaces that were used to make weapons for the English Navy during the 17th century.