South Africa is off the UK red list – these are the best places to go

SA is finally off the UK red list – which means you don’t have to spend R30,000 quarantining in a hotel for 10 days!

The UK government recently announced that as of Monday, 11 October, South Africans can enter the United Kingdom without quarantining if they have an approved proof of vaccination.

So that means if you have gotten either the Pfizer or J&J jab, all you need is your vaccination certificate and to book a travel test (that happens within the first two days of your arrival), and you won’t have to quarantine!

With the UK opening its doors, we thought it would be a good time to show you four of the best places to visit the UK for autumn or winter.

1. Cornwall, England

This part of the English countryside, on the southwestern coast, is a well-known summertime destination, but Cornwall has a lot to offer in autumn too.

If you’ve ever watched Doc Martin you know what you’re in for – houses stacked on clifftops, long-stretches of white sand, green countryside and loads of English pubs.

Tourists tend to flock to Cornwall during the summer months (July and August), but you can still enjoy the beaches and the countryside in autumn – with the added benefit of missing the tourists.

The top towns to visit in Cornwall are: St Ives, Lizard Point, Port Isaac (where Doc Martin was filmed!), Mousehole and Polperro.

Eat the best fish and chips in Padstow, go for a bike ride through iconic English country, enjoy some Cornish scones and tea in a bakery, take a stroll along the southwest coastal path, and – if you’re brave enough – take a dip in the sea! 

According to the locals, surfing is popular in autumn and winter because there’s more waves. 

2. Lake District, England

After visiting the South, take a trip up North to the Lake District, a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest England.

From its name you can guess that the Lake District is home to many beautiful lakes - namely Lake Windermere in the historic village of Windermere where you can sail, swim and walk around the body of water.

Most people go hiking here in summer, but if you go during winter, you’ll get to experience snow-capped peaks.

Hike up Scafell Pike, the highest and most prominent mountain in England, or one of Britain’s most popular hiking locations, Helvellyn mountain, which offers multiple walking or hiking routines with different levels of difficulty. You can access the routes via the surrounding villages of Grasmere, Glenridding or Patterdale. 

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the scenery of this World Heritage Site from the comfort of your B&B or a street side café in one of the charming villages.

3. Glencoe, Scotland

At this village located in Western Scotland, enjoy some of the world’s best mountaineering or take a trip to the 18^th century and submerge yourself highlander history.

4. Brecon Beacons, Wales 

Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in the South of Wales, and from its highest peak, Pen y Fan, you can see all the way to the coast of wales!

Brecon Beacons National Park has a very unique landscape of vibrant green and grassy hills and its surrounding villages are filled with the friendliest welsh farmers who offer the best home-cooked meals!