At the moment, a vacation may feel like a faraway dream. With strict quarantine procedures in place for 2020, the chance of jetting off is slim at the moment. However, this does not mean you cannot start planning ahead for 2021. One place that you should definitely tick off your Travel Bucket List is London. 

When planning to visit the UK, the first place that probably comes to mind is London. However, there are plenty of other great places, and a visit to Brighton is one of them.

When planning to visit the UK, the 1st place that probably comes to mind is London. However, there's plenty of other great places & a visit to Brighton is one of them. #brighton #uk #brightonbeach #england #visitbrighton
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There is nowhere more vibrant and full of personality than Brighton. The city is filled to the brim with energy and color. If you are looking to feel alive during the summer then Brighton is assured to give you the revitalization you are seeking. There are lots of fantastic holiday homes in Brighton and they provide you with the ideal base to enjoy all that the city has to offer. You can soak in the jovial atmosphere whilst taking a trip to the beautiful beach, indulging in the vintage stores, letting your mind wander in the quaint second-hand bookshops, enjoying the electric nightlife, and taking a trip along the famous Brighton Pier. Read on to discover more about what a visit to Brighton’s popular seaside city has to offer…

“Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside. Oh, I do like to be beside the sea…”

The sun and the sea aren’t words you often associated with Britain. Nevertheless, don’t be fooled into think it rains and it storms 365 days of the year. Throughout spring and summer, there are days of warm weather and sun throughout the country. And when this does happen, there is no better place to visit than Brighton. Who would have thought you would need sunglasses to visit the UK? I’d recommend checking out https://www.eyeglasses.com for a great selection. The beach is stunning and the sea is delightful. There is nothing more magical than lying on the golden sands and watching the world go by. Nonetheless, if you have been unlucky enough to finish Brighton when the clouds are grey, don’t overlook the beauty you can experience and the fun you can enjoy by having a nice walk along the beach.

Life is one big party; well it certainly is in Brighton…

If you are looking to let your hair down and enjoy a fun night out, you won’t be short of options in Brighton. The city plays host to an array of popular nightclubs. But if dancing the night away to all of the latest tunes isn’t your scene, then why not enjoy live music from local bands? Brighton has attained a great reputation for its musicality. From large concert halls to small pubs; the music scene is vast and caters to all tastes. Furthermore, if you want a few laughs and giggles, then enjoy an evening at one of the popular comedy clubs in the area.

Shop until you drop!

When visiting Brighton you will note that there are lanes upon lanes of fantastic independent boutiques and stores. You can indulge in an array of vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry, and other fashion pieces. Aside from this, old-school music stores are extremely popular too. And if this wasn’t enough, you have the popular street markets and the quaint little second-hand book stores. 

Stunning and exciting holiday homes to visit in Brighton

Aside from what Brighton has to offer in terms of places to see and things to do, the city also plays home to an array of great holiday homes too. The holiday homes in Brighton are perfectly located with stunning views of the beach widely available. It is well worth considering staying in one of these rather than booking with a hotel. Simply take a look on the internet in order to discover all of the available vacation properties in the city. 

Brighton has art running through its veins…

If you are someone who is in tune with their creative side and has an appreciation for art you will love it when you visit Brighton. The city is well-known for having a collective passion for art. From the yearly festivals to the intriguing galleries; you won’t be short of exciting and contemporary pieces to marvel over. Furthermore, you can witness art from some well-known painters and artists, yet you can also delve into the up and coming talent in the area. If you are reading this and you are not someone who is a particular fan of art, don’t disregard it. At least visit one gallery whilst you are in the city – you may actually find that you change your mind about it. 

If you are looking to visit a city that will give you revitalization and a boost of life, Brighton is just the place. There are some fantastic holiday homes in Brighton and if you have liked what you have heard in this article then you should definitely look into booking a vacation there. 

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The UK is a well-known literary paradise and as a self-proclaimed “book nerd,” I was excited to explore the stomping grounds of C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll, William Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Michael Bond and Charles Dickens to name a few. However, one of my favorite moments of the trip came with a more modern literary connection when my love of Harry Potter and affinity for trains combined for a perfect afternoon on the Real Hogwarts Express.

The Real Hogwarts Express Jacobite Steam Train 

The Jacobite Steam Train aka Hogwarts Express takes its riders on a magical journey through Scotland. Winding through the Highlands from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Railway Run, riders voyage along the same route that the real Hogwarts Express and the flying car travel in the films. The Glenfinnan Viaduct might be one of the most iconic locations in Scotland, especially since appearing as Harry Potter’s gateway to his education.

Ever wanted to have Adventures on the Real Hogwarts Express? Well you can! The Jacobite Steam Train aka Hogwarts Express takes its riders on a magical journey through Scotland. Learn all about the #Jacobite Steam Train in #Scotland.
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An afternoon of Magic

Luckily, our afternoon aboard the train offered majestic views and butterbeer hot cocoa, but no dementors. About half way through the journey to Mallaig, the train stops for a moment in Glenfinnan, offering riders the opportunity to stretch their legs, tour the small but informational West Highland Railway Museum (for an admission fee) and visit the dining car for a mid-trip snack.

Exploring the town of Mallaig

After the short stop, the adventure continues to the fishing port and charming town of Mallaig. Be sure to wander around, grab a bite to eat and explore the shops before the train heads back to Fort William. Also note that the ferry to the Isle of Skye departs out of Mallaig, so if you are adding that to your Scotland experience and are able to make the timetable work, you can take the Jacobite one way and hop on the ferry.

The Relaxing Return to Fort William

Of course, the trip back to Fort William is just as magical, but does not stop in Glenfinnan so grab a snack before the train departs. Or you can order one of the many treat packages offered by the Jacobite for an additional charge. Packages available include, High Tea, Champagne, Chocolates and Artisan Cheeses.

Once in Fort William, take the 5-minute walk into town and explore their brick laid streets, wonderful pubs, unique shops and lovely landscape – the town sits at the base of the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis and is surrounded by Loch Linnhe. While in this part of Scotland, we stayed at a beautiful Airbnb in Fort William and loved our weekend there.

How to book a ticket on the Hogwarts Express

Round trip tickets for the train range from £35-59 for adults and £20-32 for children depending on whether you choose first class or standard fares. You can also book a private table for two for £121. We had standard fare tickets and it was quite lovely. However, if you want the full Potter experience, the first-class cabins are nice and look similar to the private cars in which you see the characters ride in the film. Be sure to book in advance as we traveled in April and had to switch our travel plans around to accommodate the trip. We booked only two weeks ahead and the date we originally wanted was sold out. The train schedule changes depending on the season, so be sure to check that it is in service when you are making your plans.

The 84-mile round trip journey on the Jacobite Steam Train is not to be missed. While it will certainly spark the imagination of every Potterhead, it offers a spectacular adventure for mere muggles as well. Not only am I a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and films, but I have loved trains since I got a train set for Christmas when I was a kid. When we travel, I am constantly on the lookout for the chance to check another train adventure off my bucket list, steam engines preferred. The Hogwarts Express fulfilled a dream and was everything I had hoped for – if only I had boarded at Platform 9 and 3/4.

Is having adventures on the Real Hogwarts Express in Scotland on your Adventure Activities Bucket List? Have you ever ridden the Jacobite train to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

Find Other Adventures in Fort William

About Our Guest Poster:

Darcee Snider is a Wyoming native, who appreciates the work ethic and strong values that growing up in the Cowboy State afforded her. No matter where life takes her, she will always be a proud Wyomingite. New Orleans has been a part of Darcee for a long time and she is excited to now be a part of New Orleans. She believes there is truly nowhere else like the Big Easy and the experiences it affords its citizens; she can’t wait to share them with the family and friends that are sure to visit.  Passion for literature, food, history, adventure and music are reasons why living in New Orleans is such an important part of Darcee’s story. She writes each chapter by enjoying the wonders of the Carousel Bar, exploring the WWII Museum, walking the streets of Uptown, navigating the hidden gems of the French Quarter and eating a Po-Boy at Mahony’s.

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