travel
From Sussex to Scotland, my road trip through four centuries of British holidays
A 1,600-mile journey to the wild peaks of Scotland, via Llandudno’s Victorian promenade and the bright lights of Blackpool proved an eye-opener in more ways than one
TL;DR
- The author undertook a 1,600-mile, 13-day solo road trip from Sussex to Scotland for research on British holidays.
- The journey included visits to Eryri (Snowdonia), Llandudno, Lancashire, the Lake District, Yorkshire, Blackpool, Morecambe, Scarborough, Loch Lomond, and Glen Coe.
- The author discovered that overtourism is not a contemporary trend, noting instances from the 18th century onwards.
- Small museums and local archives hold significant historical information, often run by dedicated volunteers.
- The trip challenged preconceptions about certain locations, such as the elegance of St George's Hotel in Llandudno and the beauty of British beaches.
- Historical figures like JMW Turner, David Cox, William Wordsworth, and Queen Victoria are linked to the visited locations.
- Blackpool was highlighted as a town of extremes, with pockets of joy alongside significant deprivation.
- The journey concluded with a profound appreciation for the diverse landscapes and histories of Britain.