Winter Days Out For Those With Cabin Fever
The shorter, darker days of winter are enough to make anybody want to hibernate until spring arrives. Staying in, huddled around a warm fire, and watching a good movie or getting lost in a book seems so appealing after the energy of the holiday season, but for many of us being stuck indoors can cause itchy feet. So here are some suggestions for the perfect winter days out to help cure any case of cabin fever.
To escape the crowds of shoppers looking for a bargain head for the historic St.Margaret’s Church in Canterbury, Kent for “The Canterbury Tales”, where you will be transported back in time to the days of medieval Britain to learn about everyday life told through the characters created by Geoffrey Chaucer. Open all year round, Chaucer’s pilgrims are on hand to take visitors on an interactive tour full of the sights and smells of 15th century Canterbury.
For a more tropical adventure, the Eden Project in Cornwall has an abundance of attractions to keep all ages amused. The huge bio domes, which were completed in 2001, house thousands of different species of plants with each dome having a different theme. The attraction, which is 3 miles from St. Austell, has one of the biggest cultivated rainforests in the world and through the winter months there is an ice skating rink.
The former palace of Tudor King Henry VIII is located in Surrey.Hampton Court Palace is open throughout the winter and has a maze set in acres of grounds. If it’s too cold outside, step inside the Palace to explore the Tudor King’s private apartments or one of the UK’s very few medieval halls. The large royal kitchens hold regular demonstrations to show visitors how the kitchen historically fed 600 people every day.
If you fancy a change of scenery but nothing too strenuous, Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland is a must see historical tour where visitors can learn about the ship’s construction and her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York through to her tragic end. Sit in the Titanic suite and enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by a replica of the Grand Staircase made famous by the film of the same name.
For the ultimate winter Harry Potter experience head to Warner Bros. Studios, where Hogwarts is covered in snow. Visitors can go behind the scenes of the making of the film, visit the Great Hall of Hogwarts and enjoy a tankard of Butterbeer. Costumes from the film series are on display and the special effects team has added its own magic to the tour.
The summer may be months away but by keeping your mind and body exercised you are sure to stave off any case of the winter blues, just don’t forget to wrap up warm.
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