Rabbies Tours head South

Fancy exploring new turf with an established tour company? Then Rabbie’s Small Group Tours should be right up your street. Having run tours in Scotland since 1993, this company have gained a reputation for getting you out of the bus and off the beaten track. Building on their success, they are now offering a selection of English tours too. I’m thinking William Wallace marching south, without the war paint, and definitely not led by Mel Gibson and his very dodgy Scottish accent.

The new tours kick off in May 2012 and all depart from London, making them convenient and affordable for anyone passing through the capital at some point on their travels. Whether you have two days to fill or five, if you dig sandcastles or medieval castles, you should find something here to suit you. An eclectic mix of tours are on offer and all are taken on Mercedes mini buses with a maximum of 16 people. You will be led by a local guide and driver, so any questions you might have, about the legendary beast of Bodmin, or whether Shakespeare really did write all those plays himself, will be properly answered.

You can combine the wilds of the Cornish coast and Dartmoor with Arthurian legends at Tintagel castle on the five day ‘Magical Lands and Legends’ tour. Or if dreamy spires and Roman baths are more your thing there is a two day option taking in Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds. Southern England is full of really ancient history. A trip to Stone Henge or the massive stone circle at Avebury will make you realise that the Romans’ escapades in bath houses are just the tip of the iceberg…..

Of course, it's not only the English whose history calls... the Welsh have got more than their share of delights. Rabbie’s give you the option to scale heady heights of mountains in Snowdonia National Park, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.

This is a company with a conscience and it has won several green tourism awards. You don't need to lose any sleep over your carbon footprint on these tours! Rabbie’s also take an active interest in the communities you visit with them. This definitely works in your favour as it creates real links to real people: the best way to get under the skin of a place and explore.

 by Emma Wright

Date added: 13/03/12

Be a Merry Peddaller

What better way to experience England’s stunning countryside than on two wheels? The Merry Pedaller organises fun and affordable bike rides just outside of London, along the River Thames, through Richmond Park and past Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. Bikes are provided and then collected afterwards. Your only task is enjoying yourself! And this couldn’t be easier – you’ll be whizzing through breath-taking scenery, as well as passing by many historic locations like Hampton Court (the former home of King Henry VIII) and Windsor Castle.

Special seasonal tours are also up for grabs, which include stop-offs to enjoy rugby and polo sporting events, horse racing and live music. You’ll even be treated to a picnic afternoon tea at the day’s end. This quintessentially English snack involves tea and cakes… sure to go down well after building up a healthy appetite biking!

No Merry Pedaller tour is complete without popping into some traditional pubs and taverns along your way. What a fabulous way to sample English culture – pubs are, after all, a cherished and unique speciality of ours. Relax in front of a roaring log fire and sample some traditional ‘pub grub’ – foods such as fish and chips, toad-in-the-hole, and of course the classic Sunday roast dinner. Ale tasting is a must with an impressive selection of country brews begging to be sipped.

For the eco-minded, rest assured you’ll be treading lightly on the planet as cycling is a carbon-neutral mode of travel. As you zip along the Thames or meander through quaint villages, you’ll know you’re helping to conserve these special places for future generations by not polluting.

As well as being a proactive way to experience the country first-hand and on your own terms, cycling also has well-known health benefits. Lose weight, improve your cardiovascular fitness and live longer... all by hopping on your bike. So reach for those pedals and hit the open road!

Prices start from £20 (if you bring your own bike) and if you can’t wait to get merry and pedalling, give them a call on 07795 977644 or check out their website: www.merrypedallerbiketours.co.uk

 by Tegan Tallullah

Date added: 06/03/12

Backpax Magazine is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year! As a small, hard-working team, we’re passionate about expanding your horizons whilst you explore the UK. Printed 3 times a year, in March, June and September, our goal is to introduce you to the many fabulous places the UK has to offer – from the bright lights of big cities to the wonders of the countryside, from hip hang-outs to quirky off-track discoveries. Get going and explore it for yourself!