Save cash and enjoy stress-free days out at top spots, picked by Jo Davies
BUSES, TRAMS, EVEN FERRIES, can open up your options on a touring holiday. With the freedom to let the day unfold, you don’t need to gaze wistfully at that inviting pub on your way back to the car – enjoy a pint (or two) and catch the bus back! Leaving your car at the site can take the stress out of day trips, especially if you’re heading somewhere with narrow roads or daunting city centres. Public transport will also save you money on fuel and parking. If you’re travelling with children, family tickets are the way to go, and if you have a bus pass, that’s a bonus. All-day tickets let you enjoy your day without having to rush back, too!
SOUTH LYTCHETT MANOR, POOLE
If you’re looking for a good base to explore Dorset without relying on driving, this dog-friendly park is perfect. Two bus stops just outside the site entrance are serviced by the 40 Breezer and the X54 Jurassic Coaster. From here, you can get to Poole’s sandy beaches or the pretty towns of Swanage and Wool. To go further afield, catch the number 9 bus into town to bring you to Hamworthy train station. From there, you can reach Poole (five minutes, £3.50 day return), Weymouth (40 minutes, £14.90 day return) and Bournemouth (20 minutes, £5.60 day return).
southlytchettmanor.co.uk Timetables firstbus.co.uk/wessex-dorset-south-somerset
BROOK LODGE FARM, BRISTOL
On the doorstep of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Brook Lodge Farm is surrounded by rolling fields and mature woodland, with a bus stop just outside the entrance.
Catch a U2 or FAL bus to Bristol’s vibrant centre and while away a day in the parks, cafés and museums. To venture further afield, head to Temple Meads station, where you can get to Cardiff, Bath or Weston-super-Mare in under an hour. If you fancy something a little more serene, the 672 bus will take you in the opposite direction to Blagdon, where you can explore the beautiful Yeo Valley and Blagdon Lake.
brooklodgefarm.com Timetables traveline.info
FRESHWATER EAST CAMC SITE, PEMBROKESHIRE
Pembrokeshire has endless opportunities for coastal adventures. A six-minute walk from this picturesque site is the bus stop for the 388 to Angle. In 36 minutes, you can be at Stackpole Quay, a historic harbour popular with kayakers and wild swimmers. Stretches of golden sand can be found nearby and if you get off the bus at Trefalen Car Park, you can reach Broad Haven South Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, the route will take you to Freshwater West Car Park, where you can alight to explore the bea
