HOW to remember the epic summer of ’26? Burnham tattoo? Binface tattoo? Or with a visit to the UK’s most desirable locations:
The Broughton interchange off the M180 near Scawby
Motorway junctions saw a massive surge in patriotic tourism recently when cheeky red-faced scamps shimmied up lampposts to hang England flags out of sheer love of country, and not any hatred of anyone. See hundreds here a stone’s throw from a highly-regarded truckers’ caff. What are you waiting for?
Essington, off the M6
Colloquially known as ‘the jewel in north-east Wolverhampton’s crown’, Essington is so close to the motorway that you’ll feel like you’re actually walking on it. Put aside a whole afternoon for the breathtaking sight of its famous disused water tower. Expect to queue for a photo.
The Silvertown tunnel
The crowds will rush to its more glamorous sister the Blackwall tunnel, running under the glitzy O2, but this Thames crossing has depth, charm, a toll, exhaust-stained tiling and no provision for cyclists. You’ll have seen the real London.
Swindon railway station
Sweeping through the streets in your rail replacement bus, you’d be hard pressed to find a more welcome sight than the office block-style façade of Swindon’s most famous and indeed only train station. Electrified in 2022, it’s now electrifying to visitors who find themselves unable to leave due to signalling issues at Wooton Basset Junction.
The currency exchange in Moto services at Dover Port
Lost your passport? You don’t need to cross the channel for that continental je ne sais pas pourquoi this season. Pop to the bureau de change located at the service station right on the docks at Dover for some of the highest rates in the country. Change back to pounds straight afterward and marvel at how much you’ve lost.
The Mountain Warehouse outlet at Gretna Green
For decades, young couples would flee together to Gretna, sometimes to wed, sometimes to buy gaiters and zip-off trousers without their parents’ consent. With the A74(M) breathing down your neck, you’ll feel something of the same frisson they did, grope a few water bottles and buy a collapsible stool you didn’t even need. Ooh la la!
