Skip to main content

Discover England Like Never Before: A Journey Through Hidden Gems with Zixty’s Temporary Car Insurance

As English Tourism Week (15-24 March 2024) begins it’s an exciting reminder of the adventures and escapes our wonderful country has to offer. Celebrating the diversity and vitality of English tourism, this coming week is a celebration of our country’s splendour, not to mention an invitation to explore England’s green and pleasant lands! Sold on the idea? Great. Now there’s just the small matter of getting there.

Whether it’s because of transport disruption (that never happens) or your chosen retreat being a no-go for public transport, you might find getting to out-of-the-way  places is a challenge. No problem, just embrace the sharing economy and borrow a car from your mate, your mum, or your favourite neighbour. After that, the only thing left to do is get yourself some short term car insurance. For temporary car insurance, Zixty is your go-to. Get your chosen wheels insured for anything from 1 hour to 28 days.

By the way, if you want to consider destinations across the whole of the UK, check out our other guide. 

Now, let’s dive in and take a look at seven of the best rural retreats England has to offer.

1. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Dare to venture deeper into England’s natural grandeur at Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. With its dramatic cliffs rising over 450 feet, this limestone gorge boasts the highest inland cliffs in the country, making it a spectacle of natural history. For those inclined to adventure, the Gorge offers caving opportunities, rock climbing, and breathtaking clifftop walks. 

Highly rated places to stay according to Booking.com:

Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa

Burcott Mill Guesthouse

Bath Arms Hotel

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor:

Zen Thai Restaurant

Rasoi Indian Restaurant 

The Olive Tree

2. Rye, East Sussex

Rye is a mediaeval gem on the East Sussex coast, a town suspended in time with cobbled streets, quaint tea rooms, and a rich history that envelops you as you walk its narrow passageways. It’s a photographer’s dream, with ancient buildings and picturesque views around every corner. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to Camber Sands, a short drive away, with its stunning dunes and expansive beaches. 

Highly rated places to stay according to Booking.com:

Hare and Hounds B&B 

The George in Rye

Waterside

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor:

Yaaz Bistro Cafe and Mezze Bar

Fletchers House

The Fig

3. Wistman's Wood, Dartmoor

Venture into the mystical Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor, a surreal fairytale come to life. This ancient woodland, with its gnarled, moss-covered oaks and a floor carpeted with ferns and boulders, creates a near fantastical atmosphere. So much so, you could be forgiven for expecting to see Gandalf and the gang around the next corner. The woodland is not only a visual marvel but also a haven of tranquillity, offering a serene escape.  

Highly rated places to stay according to TripAdvisor

The Bedford Hotel

The Moorland Hotel

Millend Hotel

 

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor

The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

Gidleigh Park restaurant

Horn of Plenty Restaurant

4. Minack Theatre, Cornwall

The Minack Theatre is a jaw-droppingly incongruous open-air theatre etched into granite cliffs, offering dramatic performances against the backdrop of the roaring Atlantic. Watch a play in the fresh air, whilst listening to  the melodic sound of the ocean in the background. 

Highly rated places to stay according to Booking.com

Penthouse Apartment near Porthcurno Beach and Minack Theatre

Smugglers Hide

Old Success Inn

 

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor

Kastraki – Meteoro

Porthgwarra Cove Cafe

The Logan Rock Inn

Why temporary car insurance?

Short term car insurance, otherwise known as day cover or temporary car insurance covers you for driving a car in the short term. That could be for just one hour or it could be for up to 28 days. It’s fast, it’s flexible and it’s a bit fantastic.

Why would you want temporary car insurance? The short answer is because you need to drive a car (or a van) for a short period. Maybe you just need cover for a weekend road trip? or perhaps you’ve bought a nearly-new fridge on Gumtree and need to get it home, temporary car insurance cover could be the one for you. 

Get a quote for your temporary insurance by going to the quote page of this website, or by downloading the app from the Apple AppStore or Google Play.

Now, onwards, let’s review three more amazing English destinations!

5. Grasmere, Lake District

Grasmere, a charming village nestled in the Lake District, is where poetry is brought to life. Amble through the lush, green valleys and beside tranquil lakes that inspired Wordsworth’s poems. Relish the serene beauty of Dove Cottage, or simply unwind by the lakeside, feeding ducks and basking in the peaceful ambiance of this idyllic hamlet. Feeling sporty, take your paddleboard and visit the island, or just bring your trunks and a towel and take a dip (maybe not in March!)

Highly rated places to stay according to Booking.com

Heidi’s Grasmere Lodge

Bridge House Hotel & Silver Howe View Cottage

Rothay Garden Hotel & Riverside Spa

 

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor

Boardwalk Bar and Grill 

Tacos Del Sol Ltd

The Old Stamp House restaurant

6. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Castle Combe, often referred to as ‘the prettiest village in England’, offers a quintessentially English experience with its picturesque streets, traditional Cotswold stone cottages, and tranquil atmosphere. This idyllic village, nestled in the Cotswolds with its enchanting scenery and timeless charm is perfect for a day trip. The fantastic city of Bath is just down the road too, so after a day in the ‘chocolate box’ beauty of Castle Combe you can retreat to the beautiful streets of Bath to find a great restaurant and a bar or two. 

 

Highly rated places to stay according to Booking.com

The Delkin Shepherds Huts

Lucknam Park Hotel 

The White Heart

 

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor

Mantra Progressive Indian

Crescent Restaurant and Bar

Cappadocia Mediterranean Restaurant

7. St Nectan's Glen, Cornwall

St Nectan’s Glen offers an enchanting escape. The wooded valley, with its moss covered rocks and cascading waterfall is a place of tranquillity and beauty. Surrounded by lush woodland, it’s a magical setting for any adventure. Follow the meandering paths through this mystical glen, and let the enchantment of nature and the sound of rushing water soothe your soul. Ahhh, I’m feeling more relaxed just writing about it!

Highly rated places to stay according to Booking.com

The Old Malthouse

Tregatherall Lodge

Bosayne Guest House

 

Highly reviewed eateries according to Trip Advisor

Outlaw’s new Road

The Olde Malthouse Inn

Chapel Cafe

Temporary car Insurance done? Then you're road trip ready

So there you have it, seven fantastic destinations to visit in England. We hope that’s conjured up some inspiration for you? As English Tourism Week kicks off, why not take a moment to plan your trip to places that have inspired poets, painters, and dreamers. And let Zixty be your trusted companion, ensuring that wherever the road takes you, you’re covered every step of the way!

Eco-friendly and community-oriented

If you’re concerned about how driving impacts your carbon footprint, we hear you. Where possible we recommend travelling by public transport, or if you really want to experience a place then use a bike or walk. However, when that’s not practical, by borrowing a vehicle rather than having your own, you are at least reducing your carbon footprint in one way. And here’s a little extra bonus for you; we plant a tree for every policy you take out with Zixty. If you sign-up to our Zixty Miles programme in the App we plant enough trees to carbon offset up to 100 miles of your journey each day you’re insured with us. Find out more about our partnership with Eden Reforestation by reading this article all about Eden. Or visit Eden’s own website

Get a quote for your temporary insurance by going to the quote page of this website, or by downloading the app from the Apple AppStore or Google Play.