Sci-Fi adventures
2013 marks 50 years of Doctor Who. Coupled with 2012’s opening of the Star Wars Miniland Experience at Legoland Windsor, which depicts several famous scenes using 1.5 million Lego bricks, the anniversary will spark an interest in Sci-fi tourism. Visit the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham,the UK's first science adventure centre where you launch rockets, board an airship and spin in a gyroscopic chair, or The Centre for Life in Newcastle upon Tyne. At this stunning planetarium - the biggest in the North of England – you can have the ride of your life on a motion simulator ride.
At the Spaceport, Wallasey you can become a virtual astronaut in the incredible 360-degree, fully immersive Space Dome show, fly through the galaxy in the Space Explorer craft, admire the Solar System and Milky Way or venture into the Alien Zone. At the National Space Centre in Leicestershire, the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space and home to the UK’s largest planetarium, you can test-drive a martin rover robot or blast off on a stunning 3D SIM journey to the ice moon Europa.
In the country
Last year, trips to the countryside were up 12% and camping trips were up 7% - and following Danny Boyle’s incredible Isles of Wonder opening ceremony at the Olympic Games, this fondness for our green and pleasant land looks set to continue. Whether it’s a walking tour of the Peak District or a camping trip in the New Forest, there’s plenty to see and do in the English great outdoors.
Visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s natural gallery space, featuring over 60 sculptures set in 500 acres of 18th century parkland, or one of England’s polar National Parks of Northumberland and Exmoor, both ideal spots for star-gazing, and rather than stay in a hotel, opt for a glampsite. Featuring wooden floors, wood burning stoves and sheepskin rugs, properties offered by Jollydays in Yorkshire greet guests with fairy lights and chandeliers. For something a little less decadent, try Big Sky tipi holidays, which provide beds, bean bags, a gas fire, a full set of cooking utensils and a full crockery set.
Last, but not least…Olympic-inspired breaks
Just as Wimbledon sees us hitting the tennis courts in our droves, so the Olympic Games will inspire us to get out and embrace our inner athlete. Set sail in Weymouth, hometo the best sailing waters in Northern Europe and the London 2012 sailing events or show your canoe do attitude at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Newly built for the Olympic canoe slalom competition, the Hertfordshire centre will be open to the public after the games to allow us amateurs to experience the thrills of Olympic-standard wild rapids, drops, holes, eddies and boils.
For a spot of cycling, head to the Isle of Wight. Votedby Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 cycling destinations in the world, thanks to its varied terrain, over half of the island is designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and there are nearly 30 miles of Heritage Coast, so cycling is the perfect way to go slow and savour the scenery.
Tell us where you're going next year in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM