101 things to do before you go abroad

A new campaign to encourage families to enjoy the UK before they go abroad has launched, with 101 of the best ideas

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(Image credit: photolibrary.com)

VisitEngland has teamed up with Bill Oddie to focus on a new campaign entitled ‘101 Things to do before you go abroad'.

Designed in the hope of tempting holidaymakers to stick to English locations, the scheme consists of a list of quintessential English adventures, compiled from suggestions from the public through a Facebook app. The list currently includes top English experiences such as visiting the Farne Islands to admire baby seals and puffins, and enjoying scenery, along with some llamas, in Sidmouth, Devon.

Other popular suggestions are the underground Shakespeare performances in Kents Cavern, one of the most significant Stone Age cave sites in Europe, perusing the second hand gems of Barter Books where the original ‘Keep Calm & Carry On' poster was discovered, or attending a performance at The Minack Theatre, Cornwall's world famous open-air theatre.

The Minack Theatre, Cornwall

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Michael Palin has also contributed to the campaign, acknowledging a walk through Uffington as an opportunity to ‘enjoy the panoramic pleasures of rolling Downland mixed in with a fisson of England's most ancient history.'

The top 20 ideas were selected by Bill Oddie. To find out more visit the website www.101thingstodoinengland.co.uk.

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Katy Birchall is a journalist and the author of several young adult and teen novels, including The It Girl series and the Hotel Royale series. She has written a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma for the Awesomely Austen series and the Netflix spin-off novel Sex Education: The Road Trip. She is also the author of several romantic comedies for adults including The Secret Bridesmaid and The Wedding Season. She writes romantic fiction for young adults under the name Ivy Bailey, romantic-comedy under the name Katrina Logan, and romantic sports fiction for adults under Katherine Reilly. She lives in London with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.