On the Road, a Peak District Staycation

Sponsored by BP

Every summer, more and more holidaymakers seem to be jetting off to far-flung locations to get their perfect sun tan and picturesque social media snaps. The times when Brits would brave their notoriously unpredictable climate and flock to their own beaches in their droves is in danger of becoming ancient history.

ape_3505

However, with the stresses and complications of airline travel beginning to border on the ludicrous, and with holidaying abroad becoming more like a ritual than an aspirational goal for many, the British ‘Staycation’ – that is, taking your summer break in the comfort of your own country, is making somewhat of a revival.

ape_3498

With that in mind, when BP challenged a couple of members of the Ape Team to take our own staycation for a weekend of road-tripping and biking in the picturesque English setting of the Peak District, we jumped at the opportunity.

ape_3496-2

Ape’s Jack filling up with BP Ultimate unleaded- including ACTIVE technology; BP’s best ever fuel for cleaning petrol engines. It starts working from the first fill, helping to remove harmful dirt in your engine and to stop it coming back. With ongoing use, BP Ultimate Unleaded with ACTIVE technology helps keep your engine running smoothly and performing at its best, and helps reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance.

After filling up the fuel tank, we set off, and quickly found ourselves driving among some of the country’s most gorgeous scenery, and began the day’s cycling along some beautiful and quiet roads.

ape_3549

On the car journey, we couldn’t help but get a bit nostalgic about the  road trips that have been a rite of passage for so many of us in our childhood years. Packing the car for a long drive and a longer summer, endless rounds of the number plate game, filling up on sugar, and the excitement of finally reaching the destination after a million ‘are we there yet’s. As counterintuitive as it may sound, the staycation revitalises that childhood spirit of adventure and excitement you experience on your first few holidays.

ape_3553After a long, but fun, day’s cycling, we stopped for a bite to eat in The Greyhound Bar and Restaurant in Cromford, a place with a deep history, linking to Richard Arkwright’s family and business. The diverse range of food and drinks attracted plenty of fellow road trippers, cyclists and tourists to the area.

ape_3700

Over the weekend, we stayed at The Peacock Hotel in Rowsley. Originally a Manor House, the  15 bedroom Grade 2 listed building is a five minute drive from Bakewell or Chatsworth House, and provided an excellent base for exploring during our staycation.

ape_3486

Conclusion

ape_3533Overall, the weekend led us to the discovery that you don’t have to take a long-haul flight to hunt down adventure, and cruising along the Peak District’s lanes in the BMW was certainly preferable to being packed onto a cramped airliner for countless hours. We’re not saying you should never holiday abroad, of course, experiencing other climates, cultures, and cuisines can be just as fulfilling. But if you’re tired of the stress and chaos of jetting overseas every summer, then a holiday at home just might be the solution.

bp.com/keepingbritainmoving

Jack Lenton

Jack is Ape's Online Editorial Associate, with a passion for Men's Style, Cars, and Technology.