Scotland embraces the dark
As the evenings get darker and the days get colder, Scotland is encouraging visitors to embrace the winter with a series of reminders that December needn’t be dull.
Head out for some stargazing at Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, as well as the Isle of Coll, a Dark Sky Island, or one of the country’s other Dark Sky Discovery Sites such as Tomintoul and Glenlivit within the Cairngorms, where you could spot planets along with the stars.
Or try a black-out bridge bungee jump, Europe’s first and only version, at Highland Fling Bungee in Killiecrankie, Perthshire, while Go Ape Aberfoyle has night time sessions at the treetop course.
And there’s snow to enjoy in the country’s five ski resorts, as well as a sled dog safari at Aviemore or snowshoeing.
There will also be a special fire and light spectacle at Helix Park in Falkirk, the Home of the Kelpies, on January 1 and 2, with installations, projections and fire performances.
Follow the Great West Way
A new touring route stretching from London to Bristol has officially opened, with 500 miles of routes to discover across six counties, including the Thames, Kennet & Avon Canal, plus walking and cycling trails.
The Great West Way is designed to be explored by bike, road, rail, canal or on foot, and is the first of its kind in the country, visiting three Unesco Heritage Sites, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and iconic attractions including Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman Baths and Windsor Castle.
But the route also intends to show off England’s picturesque villages, traditional sites, pubs, vineyards and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Visitors can create their own itinerary at GreatWestWay.co.uk, with an interactive map, insider tips, events calendar and a tool to generate bespoke tours, plus bookable itineraries.
Hull celebrates freedom
William Wilberforce is heading back to the city of his birth next year – in portrait form, at least.
With 2019 marking the 260th anniversary of his birth in Hull, the anti-slavery campaigner’s portrait will be on display in the city’s Ferens Art Gallery, as part of a new National Portrait Gallery initiative to send important works to places associated with their subjects.
Visitors can also follow the Wilberforce Way, a 60-mile walking route from Hull to York, which also passes through Beverley and the village of Pocklington where he went to school.
