Rachel Recommends… Great British Gift Ideas

If like me you’re currently in the midst of the Christmas shopping season, it’s probably worth noting that once again researchers have been out in force to remind us that positive experiences are much more likely to bring happinesses than material goods. With so many fabulous cultural experiences to had in Britain, we’re spoilt for choice when it come to great gift ideas! Here are a few suggestions for those ‘difficult to buy for’ friends and family members…

For Thrill Seekers 

Hot Air Balloons in Bristol

You can buy gift vouchers for all kinds of exhilarating experiences in Britain, I can definitely recommend hot air ballooning, Bristol is a great location for this or how about bungee jumping? UK Bungee have venues across the country and will certainly test the bravery of even your most courageous friend or relative! For those adrenaline junkies that have already experienced balloons and bungees than perhaps a visit to the Bodyflight Centre in Bedford would be right up their street… it’s the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel with wind speeds of up to 180mph, allowing people of all ages, shapes and sizes to have an exhilarating ‘flying’ experience and you can get some rather ‘unique’ photos too!

Look I’m flying!

For Food Lovers

Afternoon Tea – Scrumptious!

It might seem a bit obvious but you can’t go wrong with vouchers for a nice restaurant and at this time of year you can get some great value packages from venues that are keen to encourage visitors in January. It’s also something to look forward to after all that cooking, not to mention washing up over the festive season. Show that you’ve put some thought in to your gift by tailoring the experience to suit the recipient, like afternoon tea for female relatives at a lovely country house hotel or a romantic meal for a couple at the restaurant where they got engaged.

For the Outdoorsy Type

Hadrians Wall at Housesteads, Northumberland

From the grand houses of Edwardian socialites to beautiful gardens and parks and not forgetting our stunning coasts and countryside, the National Trust protects some of Britain’s most loved attractions. So forget socks or selection boxes, membership to the National Trust is a much better gift idea for anyone who would love to get out there and explore  thousands of spectacular British places - and let’s face it, who wouldn’t?

Merry Christmas from me, I’ll be back in the new year with even more suggestions to help you uncover the best of British! 

All images by Rachel Kershaw.

Rachel Kershaw is 31 and lives in Newcastle upon Tyne but is originally from Rochdale. With parents who have never even owned passports, it was inevitable that Rachel would fall in love with holidays in Britain. It was her genuine passion that saw her win the opportunity to be VisitEngland’s Fan in a Van in summer 2012 – an adventure that involved ten weeks on the road in a vintage VW camper blogging about everything from bungee jumping, hot air ballooning and surfing to visiting museums, zoos and numerous British eateries! What a lucky lady!