From bike hire to spa escapes and lodge stays, this Center Parcs review shares everything families need to know about the popular UK break
Pool time for the kids, while the grown-ups loved the tree-top spa(Image: Centre Parcs)
Center Parcs had been on our radar for some time; a getaway promising relaxation without the hassle of airports. However, I hadn’t anticipated just how much the experience would focus on unwinding and quality family time.
The absolute highlight for the children was cycling everywhere. We collected our bikes on site (though, if you have room you can also bring your own) and it quickly became our primary mode of transport – and some of the most unforgettable moments of our stay.
Not a mobile phone or tablet in sight. Without even trying, we slipped into a slower pace, chatting as we pedalled, pausing for snacks and savouring our time together.
Center Parcs is designed with families in mind, but it’s easy to carve out some adult time. I managed to escape to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the village.
The treetop sauna was my standout spot, and a full body massage was the reset I didn’t realise I needed.
But what I adored was the balance. There’s an endless array of activities to keep children entertained – including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with indoor and outdoor pools, and rapids.
But there are also tranquil spaces to unwind without missing out on family time. In the Sports Cafe, for example, we could sneak in the Arsenal game, whilst the kids amused themselves on arcades.
Where we stayed
The lodge played a significant role in how relaxed the break felt. Luxuriating in one of the newly refurbished Grand Forest lodges, it’s clear they’re designed with families in mind.
In the kitchen, everything was designed to make cooking a breeze, with ample worktop space and storage. I realise it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (and there are plenty of other options on site if you’d rather not cook at all) but we relish cooking as a family, so having a clear, user-friendly space to do it in made a world of difference – instead of one of us being cooped up in the kitchen whilst the rest of the clan were enjoying themselves.
After action-packed days, it was lovely to cook together and settle down for an evening of board games or a film, whilst ducks would come and tap on the patio doors, much to my daughter’s sheer joy.
All the best things to eat
We stayed for three nights and cooked twice in the lodge, keeping evenings chilled and costs low (Stock up on supermarket essentials before you arrive; there’s a shop on site for extras, but it’s a bit steep).
For our dining out experience, we booked The Dozing Duck – an absolute treat. It boasts shuffleboard tables so the four of us divided into teams for some friendly rivalry.
Book ahead on the app where you plan your stay.
How to book a Centre Parcs break
Two-bedroom Grand Forest Lodge from £799 for a Mon-to-Fri stay. Three-bedroom Woodland Premium Lodge also from £799 – ideal for larger families who need a bit more space.
A hidden gem on the UK’s coast boasts sparkling waters, golden sands and a breathtaking landscape, as well as a section popular with naturists
(Image: by Andrea Pucci via Getty Images)
A beautiful beach with glistening waters that wouldn’t look out of place on a travel brochure for the Mediterranean has been named the best in the country.
As the warmer months draw near, there’s no better moment to pencil in a ‘beach day’ in your diary. And if you are, one magnificent location that is well worth a visit is Botany Bay.
The Kent beach consistently receives Blue Flag status, which is a recognised national mark of cleanliness and upkeep. But it’s not just a tidy, sewage-free spot. Botany Bay was recently crowned the best beach in the UK by Conde Nast
“Kent’s beaches make for a perfect day trip for down-from-Londoners, but many sunseekers opt for the likes of Margate’s Main Sands and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay as they’re close to lots of family-friendly amenities. Stray off the beaten track slightly and be rewarded with Botany Bay’s gorgeous sands and clear, shallow waters. Head down the main path and take a right to the buzzier side where in-the-know families set up base with cooler boxes and chunky picnic blankets, or stroll left for a more peaceful afternoon—things take a nudist turn at the far end,” the travel publication wrote.
When the tide retreats, Botany Bay unveils vast stretches of sand and offers the chance to explore its fascinating rock pools. The landscape is utterly captivating, with the bay bordered by iconic white cliffs and chalk formations.
The wide beach and amazing scenery have made it a favourite with casting directors. In recent years, it has been used by productions such as BBC’s D-Day: The Last Heroes, Tamil action drama Thaandavam, Sky Atlantic comedy Hunderby, BBC drama True Love, as well as music videos for Bat for Lashes, Bebe Black and Shawn Mendes.
Land Rover, Sainsbury’s and NatWest have also borrowed its good looks for adverts.
Another group with many big fans of the beach is the naturist community. The Foreness area at the western end of the beach is popular with those who enjoy getting their kit off, although the area does not have an official designation as a naturist beach. Thanet District Council has considered putting up signs to inform or warn non-nudists of the possibility of encountering naturists, but that hasn’t happened yet.
Those keen to take a dip should know that there’s lifeguard supervision between May 24 and September 7, from 10am until 6pm. And pet owners will be delighted to learn their four-legged companions are welcome on the beach beyond these hours, from May 1 through to September 30.
Getting to the bay, which was crowned the UK’s most photographed beach last February, is straightforward, thanks to the well-established route from the cliff top, or the concrete walkway near the water station at the seaward end.
The bay’s water quality has received an ‘excellent’ rating for swimming in 2024, maintaining the impressive standards recorded in recent years.
If you do visit, make sure you plan the time of your arrival well. Low tide exposes fascinating rock pools and enables access to **Kingsgate Bay**. The local authority has shared advice for beachgoers and adventurers: “When the tide is out, Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay’s shape the ends are cut off at high tide.”
If all of this wasn’t reason enough to visit, then the fact Botany Bay is in one of the best seaside towns in the country: Broadstairs. You can read about our recent visit to the town here.
DREAMING of swapping British grey skies for year-round sunshine?
Good news: moving abroad to a place by the beach may be easier than you’d think, plus you can even save hundreds of pounds on rent every month and cut the cost of food, beer, and tax.
Polly made the move to Barbados after the pandemic wiped out her travel business back in the UKCredit: Supplied
From European coastal cities to Caribbean islands, these expat hotspots provide year-round sun, and your money can stretch much further.
Here’s our pick of sunshine spots with affordable rent, cheap drinks and laid-back lifestyles – plus how to actually go about moving there in 2026.
Portugal
With 300 days of sun a year, world-class cuisine and a laid-back vibe – why would you not want to move to Portugal?
It turns out many Brits have been asking themselves this question. In fact, the country is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British expats.
And it’s no surprise this European hotspot is becoming so popular to relocate to, with plenty of postcard-perfect towns to explore and an extensive, stunning coastline.
From the cobbled streets and grand cathedral of Faro Old Town, to kayaking through Benagil Cave, there’s plenty to explore here that feels worlds away from the UK grind.
The Algarve has long been a popular choice for Brits to settle down in, with its golden coves, affordable bars and a sizeable expat community.
And with around 3000 hours of sun a year, and beaches like Praia da Marinha on your doorstep, the southernmost tip of Portugal is pretty hard to beat.
Plus, one of the best parts about this region is its affordability.
A bottle of local beer will only cost you €0.95 (83p), and a meal at a restaurant averages just €13.68 (£11.97) according to data from Wise.
Those looking for a younger crowd and a trendy feel can opt for the country’s capital, Lisbon.
Hop on the vintage yellow tram and spend your days stopping off at magnificent castles, strolling the city’s lively, narrow streets and finding treasures at flea markets.
In the evenings, the capital glows orange with dramatic sunsets. These views are best enjoyed outdoors at a tapas bar, with a glass of local wine and some affordable petiscos (small plates) to snack on.
Expat Lauren Clark relocated from busy London to laid-back Lisbon, and reflected on just how much cheaper her day-to-day has been.
And rent in this region is inexpensive, too. We found charming, traditional apartments from just €400 (£350) per month on the “Rightmove of Portugal” site, Idealista.
Expat Lauren relocated from busy London to laid-back LisbonCredit: SuppliedPraia da Marinha in the Algarve could become your local beachCredit: GettyLisbon’s pretty pastel streets are best explored by its eléctricos, or tramsCredit: Alamy
“I have been amazed how my money has been able to go further compared to back home.
“At many bars, restaurants and quiosques, you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.
“A ride on a regional train service – such as from the 40 minutes from Lisbon to Caiscais – will set you back only a couple of euros.
“Meanwhile, the monthly ‘Navegante’ travel pass gives you unlimited use of publictransport– including the famous trams – in the capital area for less than £30 per month”.
Barbados
Ever wished you could ditch the work desk to sip from coconuts on the white sandy beach of a tropical island?
It’s safe to say that the views working from Barbados beat those of back home.
Plus, relocating to Barbados may be easier than you think – especially if you already work remotely.
With the Welcome Stamp visa, you can spend a year on the island as a non-national working remotely for businesses based elsewhere in the world.
Mullins Beach in Western Barbados is known for green sea and leatherback turtle-spottingCredit: Getty
You must receive an income of at least £36,000 per year to receive this renewable visa, plus individuals must make an initial payment of £1,500.
But once you’ve bagged your Welcome Stamp, you can enjoy your lunch breaks on the beach and spend weekends exploring the island.
Some of the very best beaches include the lively Mullins Beach, as well as Paynes Bay, popular among sun-seekers and green sea turtles alike.
Top-quality rum cocktails can be found at beach bars dotted around the island, whilst local Bajan food can be enjoyed at affordable spots like Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown.
And with a beer averaging BDS $5 (£1.83) and the average meal costing you BDS $40 (£14.67), you can laze on the sands without stressing about spending too much money.
“Once you know where to go, you can get a fish cutter sandwich for around 18 Barbadian dollars” (£7) says expat Polly Gould.
Post-work drinks could look like rum cocktails on the beach in BarbadosCredit: AlamyPolly Gould says she feels ‘extremely blessed’ every day to live on the island of BarbadosCredit: Supplied
“In the evening, you can pop to Oistins (Barbados’ smallest town known for its Friday night Fish Fry) for fish, salad and sides for $35 BDS (£12.87).”
“The island is small and easy to get around, and people are really friendly and welcoming,” agrees fellow expat Nicola.
“The weather is a constant 30°C or thereabouts all year round, the white sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine seas are stunning, and it’s still possible to get off the beaten track, which we love.”
We found apartments overlooking the sea of Silver Sands beach from £684 a month on rental site Terra Caribbean.
Cyprus
Cyprus sees hot summers with highs of 30°C and mild winters reaching 14°C, making it a year-round winner for sun seekers.
Top beaches include the turquoise crescent of Coral Bay frequented by families, as well as Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, which is popular among party-goers.
Pair this with beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of historical sites to explore, and you won’t be short of things to do in this slice of Mediterranean paradise.
“In the summer it’s a hive of activity – boat trips along the coastline, buggy and jeep safaris in the Akamas, amazing fresh food in the family-owned restaurants” says expat Anna Warburton.
“In the winter it’s a select group of locals and expats – it’s like living in a real life soap, like Emmerdale but much warmer and with less murder.”
Areas such as Paphos are popular for brilliant beaches and great value for money when it comes to property, whilst Limassol has lots of job opportunities and a luxury-feel marina.
The Blue Lagoon of the Akamas Peninsula is reachable by boat from Latchi Harbor in PaphosCredit: GettyBrit expat Anna Warburton swapped life in the UK for the holiday hotspot – where she enjoys year-round sunshine with her cat RichardCredit: Supplied
Plus, apart from the change in surroundings and warmer temperatures, a move here won’t feel like too much of a change.
Cyprus uses the same plug socket style as the UK, and cars drive on the left hand side of the road.
In fact the country has lots of familiar favourites from the UK, including M&S supermarkets and even a Wagamamas restaurant. So you won’t be missing your home comforts!
In fact, Brits enjoy Cyprus so much that they make up the second-largest population of non-national residents after Greek expats.
According to Wise, the average restaurant meal costs just €15.00 (£13.12) whilst a bottle of local beer will set you back just €3.00 (£2.60).
Plus you can find apartments to rent from as little as €390 (£341) per month on popular Cyprus marketplace site Bazaraki.
Australia
You may have seen old friends and colleagues cropping up all over Australia on your Instagram feed recently, and there’s a reason everyone seems to be flocking out there.
The ‘Aussie effect’ is certainly real – and may leave you more relaxed, upbeat and with more sun-kissed skin than ever before.
It’s no surprise that days spent surfing, sunbathing and exercising can leave you looking and feeling more youthful.
And with influencers and celebs like Love Island star Patsy Field ditching the UK for a life down under, it seems a lot of Brits have followed suit.
Sunny Perth has the highest population of English residents in Australia, with almost one in ten Perth residents being born in England.
Nearly one in ten Perth residents were born in EnglandCredit: GettyA post-work surf session isn’t a rare occurence in sunny SydneyCredit: Getty
Perth blends sugar-white beaches such as Cottesloe with street art and sculptures, giving the city a relaxed and artsy feel. Plus, trips to Rottnest Island to spot quokkas are an adorable perk of being based here.
Sydney is another popular choice. Here you can enjoy an equally exciting and healthy lifestyle in a major city where the beach is your backyard.
5am run clubs rule the mornings, whilst post-work routines can look like a dip in the Bondi Icebergs before debriefing the day with your mates on the beach. Is there any better way to fast-track that sun-kissed glow?
The trendy bars of Melbourne, the South Bank of Brisbane, the burnt orange sunsets of the Gold Coast – the options are endless in this vast and varied country.
Expat Lewy (lewyp23 on TikTok) and his partner moved to Adelaide in South Australia, and has since raved about his relocation.
Lewy described leaving the UK to escape “miserableweatherand negative people”, and now enjoys sunny weather, a cheaper cost of living and a salary increase since relocating.
“It’s highly likely that we will never live in the UK again because it cannot offer us the life we’ve got now”, he said in one TikTok video.
There are multiple visa options when it comes to relocating to Australia, including a Work-stream permanent visa if you manage to land sponsored employment.
And with the Skills in Demand visa having launched in December of 2025, it has now become even easier for skilled workers to make the move.
If your profession makes the list of skilled occupation shortages, you may be able to land this four-year visa. Occupation shortages include midwives, electricians and headteachers.
We’ve found studio apartments to rent in Perth from as little as £460 per month on Australian rental site realestate.com.au.
Spain
Spain remains a solid choice for Brits relocating abroad for a spot of sun and an inexpensive lifestyle.
As the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the world, there’s no shortage of stunning shores to pick from if you want to live by the beach.
Benidorm‘s Playa de Levante has an unbeatable upbeat atmosphere, whilst the scenic Playa de la Caleta in Cádiz sits between two castles.
La Caleta in Cadiz is sandwiched between two impressive castlesCredit: GettyRelax in Spain at tapas bars, where great beers and wines can cost less than €3 (£2.60)Credit: Getty
But Spain’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches. The country offers a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent food, and a strong expat community – all whilst being just a short flight from the UK.
Whether you’re after a relaxed retirement or a vibrant city scene, there’s a corner of Spain to suit every type of expat.
The Costa del Sol remains one of the most popular areas, with destinations like Marbella, Estepona and Nerja offering sunshine for more than 300 days a year.
Think palm-lined promenades, bustling tapas bars and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new friends and fellow expats.
Costa Blanca is another solid choice thanks to its affordable lifestyle and charming seaside towns.
Places like Alicante and Torrevieja blend a beachy lifestyle with modern amenities, with many drawn to the relaxed pace and easy access to shops and transport links.
For those looking for city life, Barcelona and Madrid offer a completely different side of Spain.
Barcelona is buzzing with bold architecture, busy markets and a thriving cafe culture, whilst Madrid boasts elegant boulevards and classy late-night dining.
Food and drink across Spain is often far more affordable than in the UK.
Bright and colourful houses line up along the beach in the old town of Vila Joiosa, AlicanteCredit: GettyRelocating somewhere sunny doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult with these picksCredit: Getty
A glass of local wine at the neighbourhood bar is part of the daily rhythm rather than a special occasion, and costs between €2 – €5 (£1.75 – £4.40) on average.
And with a local beer averaging at €3 (£2.60) and a cappuccino costing just €1.90 (£1.66), there’s no need to worry about spending too much whilst you’re out socialising.
“On average, most retirees can live comfortably on around €30,490 (£26,500) per year, covering housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and leisure” says Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International.
“Those opting for coastal or rural areas typically find their money goes further than in major cities.
“Almería, Granada, Murcia, Lugo, and Torrevieja are some of the cheapest places to retire in Spain”.
Idealista is a popular site for properties to rent in Spain, and we’ve found apartments listed for as little as £447 per month in Costa Brava.
ONE of the most popular destinations in Brittany for holidaymakers was also once a thriving hub for pirates.
If you want to explore it now, you’ll find beautiful beaches, and a natural tidal pool that’s one of the best in the world.
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The walled city of Saint-Malo was a haven for pirates in the 12th centuryCredit: AlamyThe French destination is home to one of the world’s best natural lidosCredit: Alamy
Saint-Malo is a popular destinations in northern France with a walled city sitting on a natural harbour and some of the best beaches in the region.
One of them, called Bon Secours Beach, also has a natural tidal lido that’s one of the world’s best.
In 2022, the lido was named by Conde Nast as being one of the “14 prettiest ocean pools in the world”.
The publication said: “It’s a dream destination for water-sport enthusiasts with a sailing school nearby and diving boards to jump from.
“Those sunbathing can enjoy the spectacular views of boats calmly sailing over the bay of Saint-Malo and Dinard.”
Many years ago Saint-Malo was a popular spot for pirates – and not for the reason you might think.
During the 12th century, Saint-Malo was declared a ‘sanctuary city’ where people were safe from all criminal prosecutions.
As a result, pirates flocked to the town until the 17th century – it’s said that as many as 50 pirate ships used the walled city as their base.
Inside the city walls now are lots of restaurants and shops, one of the most popular is Rue de l’Orme.
It’s known for having the popular dairy shop, La Maison du Beurre Bordier.
It’s famous for producing some of the best butter in the world – it is renowned for its traditional, hand-churned, and molded butter which is often used by top Michelin-starred chefs.
Around the corner from Bon Secours Beach is the popular stretch sand called Grande Plage du Sillon, one visitor said it’s “a real pleasure to explore it in any season.”
Grande Plage du Sillon is the longest beach in Saint-Malo and from there, visitors can explore nearby islands.
Both Le Grand Bé and Le Petit Bé can be reached on foot at low tide.
One of the most popular hotels in Saint-Malo is The Grand Hotel des ThermesCredit: TripAdvisor
The 5-star hotel has 177 rooms – some with spectacular views across the seafront.
It has three restaurants; Le Cap Horn which faces Saint-Malo bay, La Verrière for healthier meal options and La Passerelle which is a sea view bar and tea room.
On a hot day, head out to La Terrasse to enjoy mussels, oysters, langoustines, Lobster rolls, and seafood wrap.
OVER the past four years, I have lived in the ‘danger zone’ of Infernos nightclub in South London yet somehow managed to avoid visiting it.
But this past weekend, in the name of journalism (and perhaps self-sabotage) I finally crossed the threshold after Hollywood royalty, Margot Robbie, confessed her love for the venue.
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Infernos nightclub has hit recently for being Margot Robbie’s favourite clubCredit: Cyann FieldingThe Wuthering Heights actress used to live within walking distance of the clubCredit: Getty
In fact, the actress – who is currently celebrating the release of her latest film Wuthering Heights – admitted to signing the lease on a house just down the road from Infernos, because it was close to the club.
Infernos has welcomed partygoers since the 1980s, previously named Cinatra’s, before it became the famous Infernos in the 90s.
Since then, it has become somewhat of an institution for London newbies moving to Clapham, with other young celebs even including Lola Tung being spotted inside (as well as the lads from Inbetweeners after it doubled as Malia in the movie).
Despite only opening on Friday and Saturday nights, it has remained one of London’s most popular clubs – so what is it really like inside?
The Sun’s Travel team have spent their own time there – Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “I lived in South London for more than eight years, so that included a trip to the famous nightclub.
“It’s safe to say I only went a few times. Call it a ‘rite of passage’ if you will, it’s the kind of place where you go in with great intentions, and come out with a drained bank account, wet hair from thrown drinks, missing half your friends and a shoe, before passing out at one of the few kebab shops still open at 3am”.
Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski echoed this: “Infernos is like Disneyland for 20-somethings.
“I’m a terrible dancer, but here no one cares. The only rule is make sure you’ve fuelled well at pre-drinks and come with an anything-is-possible attitude.
“You don’t need to be cool to visit. And there are no hard rules. Want to let loose? Go for it. After a dancefloor snog? So is everyone else. Tight for cash? Brian, who you met just five minutes ago will probably buy you a drink – because that’s just the type of friendly and deliriously happy environment this club fosters.”
Now, myself – I hate clubbing. I don’t like the crowds, the cost of it or the conversations that feel more like talking to your deaf grandmother.
And one thing you should probably know about Infernos is that most nights, its queue snakes down Clapham High Street, as it tries to fit in as many as the 1,500 capacity allows.
And that’s before you fork out as much as £20 for entry.
My night started off pretty well – not only did the queue move pretty quickly even at 11pm, but I was left disappointed by the lack of sticky carpets I was so-warned about.
There are two rooms to choose from – the main club and the 70s vibe ‘Discotheque’.
I squeezed past finance bros chugging VKs to the massive dancefloor, where hundreds of mid-twenty-somethings danced to noughties throwbacks like Beautiful Girl by Sean Kingston and Black Eyed Peas’ I Gotta Feeling.
It has all the makings of a cheesy nightclub from the discoball DJ booth to the dancing podiums on either side.
The club features two floors and has carpet throughoutCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd across the two floors there are two ‘Kissing Corners’Credit: Cyann Fielding
Waiting my turn from the revolving wannabe-dancers of the podiums, I took to one myself.
Any embarrassment I thought I would feel from essentially dancing on a table top in front of the club was quickly gone.
For a few minutes, I scream-sing, becoming feral and questionably moving to the music.
I hopped off on a buzz, before being replaced by another woman wearing an outfit much more appropriate for the dancing occasion.
The debauchery continues over at the two ‘Kissing Corners’.
I watched clubbers linger as if they were auditioning to be on Love Island – just Clapham’s own version.
My courage did fail me here, having never aspired to become a Love Islander, although I may have yelled “I’ve got a text” just to get away from it all.
Not that anyone would have believed me – the lack of mobile phone service in Infernos means you have no hope of contacting any lost members of the group.
If you feel you have swayed too close to the dark side, then tucked away in another corner of the vast club is, bizarrely, a confessional booth.
I lined up to confess to the ‘priest’ although sadly my sin was not sin-worthy enough. If it had been, I’d have been rewarded my own sacramental wine in the form of a shot.
It’s here I spotted a Blue Plaque too – Margot’s very own shrine installed about six months ago.
My plans to leave the club by 1am had already been thwarted by this point, but there were more surprises in store.
If you manage to stay until 1:30am, you’ll be there for the balloon drop too, another nod to teenage nostalgia.
Each night at 1:30am there is even a balloon dropCredit: Cyann FieldingThere’s even a confessional booth inside tooCredit: Cyann Fielding
After venturing around every corner of this chaotic club, why Margot loves Infernos became clear.
In a world of nights out curated for Instagram, Infernos is unapologetically itself and invites everyone who visits to be the same.
It’s a fever dream experience where unseriousness is celebrated and you become just another member of the crowd.
Most people say Infernos is grotty, unhinged, sticky-floored and expensive (a double G&T is £12, while cloakrooms are £3.50 per item).
Though they all come to the same conclusion that it is a great night out.
Will I return soon? Let’s not be dramatic.
But if Margot Robbie felt even the slightest bit of liberation that came with being unashamedly yourself, then I finally understand the appeal.
Staggering out at 3am – I think I did Margot proud. Even I didn’t get thrown out like she did…
One of Britain’s most renowned deserted medieval villages, with a church and manor house, attracts walkers and history enthusiasts despite its challenging terrain with a steep walk
This medieval village lay deserted for centuries(Image: Getty Images)
Today, it’s considered the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village, attracting visitors from far and wide who want to marvel at its history. Yet it remained deserted for hundreds of years after its residents vacated the settlement.
Wharram Percy in NorthYorkshire is one of Britain’s largest deserted medieval villages and certainly its most famous. Visitors can wander through the atmospheric site, exploring the ruins of ancient dwellings, a church, and a manor house that once formed a community.
Throughout an extensive 60-year period, archaeologists have steadily uncovered fascinating insights into Wharram Percy’s past. Their discoveries have revealed why the settlement was deserted initially and how people lived there centuries ago.
Nestled on the edge of a Yorkshire valley, this remarkable village was inhabited for as long as six centuries before being abandoned sometime after the 1500s. Experts believe that even now, the footprints of former houses remain visible in the earth, complementing the more prominent ruins that draw inquisitive tourists.
The history is complex, but experts believe the earliest settlement dates back to around 50 BC. This land was later converted into farmland, fell into disuse in the 5th century, and eventually evolved into a Middle Saxon settlement.
Steeped in history, the medieval village has become a popular attraction, whether that’s dog walkers in the local area or those passing by. Perfectly positioned between the tourist hotspots of Scarborough Castle and Clifford’s Tower in York, it’s an ideal midway stop when travelling between these two landmarks.
While admission to the village itself is free, visitors pay a modest £2 parking fee. It’s worth noting that getting to the settlement involves a roughly 3/4-mile trek from the car park to the main site, often steep and muddy. The site’s rugged terrain can pose a challenge for some visitors and is generally not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
One visitor described the parking on TripAdvisor as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” journey unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as the path traverses fields. Another also warned: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”
Yet, it hasn’t put people off from making the journey, as one joyfully shared: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”
Another lauded their experience and said: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed. Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”
“Great walk with the dog. Parked in the free car park and walked downhill on the path to a cow field. Crossed over into the fields of Wharram Percy. Lovely walk around and interesting to imagine how it once was all those years ago. The walk back was uphill and quite a trek. We really enjoyed it. It’s a small historical site, sometimes people expect too much. We loved it. Nice walk out and then to the Stone Trough Inn for lunch,” another commented.
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