Holiday in the UK – Enjoying Dartmoor

It’s that time of year once again where you may be thinking about you plans throughout the year, especially when it comes to holidays. Many people choose to soak up the summer sun by exploring the delights of France, Spain and Greece – but what about holidaying in the UK? With so much culture and history, you would be hard-pressed to not enjoy a week or two exploring the countryside.

When traveling in the UK, travel insurance may be the last thing on your mind! However, it’s important to remember that travel insurance covers much more than medical issues; for example, any luggage that you take or protection should your trip be cancelled. Also your age shouldn’t be a factor when wanting to go on holiday, with some companies able to provide travel insurance for over 70 years of age… leaving you with peace of mind to explore to British countryside.

Devon has some of the most stunning areas of natural beauty within England and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether it’s an action-packed water sports holiday you are seeking, leisurely walks through the heather-clad moorland or just to immerse yourself in the history and culture, Devon does have something for everyone.

One of the most famous areas in Devon has to be Dartmoor, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the home of Dartmoor National Park: a 368 square mile area of open countryside that is abundant in wildlife. Ideal for walkers and cyclists alike, Dartmoor National Park offers a truly amazing experience for active visitors as well as those who are interested in the heritage of the park. For example, Dartmoor is one of the largest archaeological sites in Western Europe! It has been farmed since prehistoric times, with evidence of Neolithic remains and the largest collection of Bronze Age structures in the UK. For those wanting to find out more, the Dartmoor Life Museum contains a wealth of information about the heritage of the area as well as exploring Dartmoor through the ages. Visitors can enjoy the story of the 1963 Civil War Battle at Sourton Down, learn about the different trade industries and explore the Bronze Age hut.

For those interested in the darker side of history a visit to the Dartmoor Prison Museum is a must. Built in 1809 as a place to detain French and American prisoners of war, Dartmoor Prison became a criminal prison in 1850. It had a fierce reputation and was recognised as one of the most inescapable prisons in the UK. Nowadays the actual prison houses low-risk criminals, however the museum is an ideal place to learn about the prison’s past – as well as browse the souvenir shop. As stated in this contact form, Dartmoor Prison is also the starting point for an annual charity jailbreak, which raises money for children with cerebral palsy & all children with physical difficulties. In the event participants have to “escape” the prison and get as far away as possible without spending any money; in the past, contestants have ended up in the USA, Australia and Hong Kong. You may not be able to fit this in to your holiday plans, but the option is there if you are feeling carefree and want to help a good cause!

When you think about your next holiday you may decide that Devon is the place for you, so all that is left to arrange is the accommodation. There are numerous independent and chain hotels, as well as the option of renting out lovely cottages to enjoy a home away from home. For those wanting UK travel insurance there may be some stipulations; for example, over 50s insurance company Staysure state that to be covered you need to spend at least 3 nights in pre-paid accommodation. At least this gives the option to make the most of all the beautiful accommodation on offer!