Getting out of London for the Olympics: where to go

This summer, when London plays host to the Olympic Games, the whole world will arrive in the city and make itself at home. As the preparations continue apace, there is a palpable sense of excitement; billboards and adverts everywhere you look exhort us to get behind Team GB, British Airways suggests we ‘don’t fly’ and rather stay at home for the (hashtag) Home Advantage. But, on the other hand, what if you have no interest in competitive sport? London will be jam packed, the tubes will be a nightmare and what’s more, the rest of the country, if not the world, will be empty! There has never been a better time- if you have no interest in The Games- to get out of London. Here are eight great places to go for an alternative to this summer of sport:

1. Avoid Stratford, go to Stratford! The Olympic Village in East London will be simply teeming with sporty, energised competition. For a complete change of scene, visit the birthplace of the Bard, Stratford….Upon Avon, in Warwickshire; a pretty market town, full of historic buildings dating back to the time of Shakespeare himself. Home of the RSC, Stratford on Avon is a great place to see wonderful theatre. Top tip: plan your route to avoid nearby Coventry whose stadium is hosting some Olympic events.
2. Devon and Cornwall: leave the big smoke behind and head to the south west to explore these gorgeous counties. Find peace and quiet in a cottage on Dartmoor, bag some bargain antiques at Totnes market, build sandcastles at Woolacombe Bay and search for dragons at St Ives and pirates at Penzance. Whether camping or staying in B&Bs or hotels, there is plenty of choice as well as lots of great food especially fresh seafood not to mention world famous cream teas.
3. Bath: for relaxation and romance, spend some time in the golden stone city of Bath Spa. Perfect for walking and sightseeing, it boasts fabulous architecture including the Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent, great shopping and the historic Roman Baths. A range of walking tours includes an exploration of Jane Austen’s Bath and a night time Ghost Walk, taking in all the haunted spots in the city. For a real treat, visit Thermae Bath Spa: wallow in the mineral rich warm waters or melt in the infused steam rooms.
4. Edinburgh Festival: from 3^rd to 27^th August, Scotland’s beautiful capital opens its doors to thousands or performers from all over the globe, a thoroughly arty alternative to the London Games. From cabaret, variety and burlesque, to stand up, sketch shows and satire, there’s something for everyone at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
5. Wales: The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff is an Olympic venue but the rest of ‘God’s own country’ is mercifully free from the clutches of London 2012. Head to Snowdonia National Park for lakes, peaks, wildlife and great hiking. In central Wales are the Brecon Beacons, full of rolling hills and peaceful valleys and to the west lies the Pembrokeshire coast with rugged and sandy beaches and pretty seaside towns.
6. Isle of Skye: to really and truly get away from it all, venture north to the Scottish island of Skye, home to breathtaking highland terrain including Cuillin Ridge, sleepy fishing villages and soft sand bays boasting amazing seafood. A visit to the island’s own whiskey distillery is a must.
7. Dublin: leave Team GB behind altogether and hop across the Irish Sea to the capital city of the republic of Ireland. Experience the unrivalled Dubliner hospitality and the Celtic flavours from Riverdance to Guinness whose factory and storehouses are open for tours. Explore the literary history of the city through its famous resident writers including George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce whose seminal work, Ulysses is set in the city.
8. Europe: while the world’s eyes are firmly set on London, escape the scrutiny by heading abroad. Hop on a ferry or Eurostar for France and explore the gorgeous Normandy coast, head south to camp on the Dordogne or live it up in glamorous Nice. Organise your own (more relaxed) Olympic style events such as cycling in Amsterdam, rowing in Venice or climbing to the top of Barcelona’s Catedral de La Sagrada Familia. Europe has lots to offer refugees of The Games, from outstanding architecture, fabulous cuisine, festivals, fiestas and parties, not to mention golden beaches and clear blue seas.

About the author: Ashley Auckle works with B+B Belgravia, a boutique 4-star bed and breakfast in London.