Explore launches new UK breaks with Covid bookings pledge

The programme launch follows the company’s survey of more than 2,400 UK travellers, which found that more than 75% of people would be considering a UK trip in 2020.

Managing director Joe Ponte said: “We’ve all spent several months getting to know, and being surprised by, what is on our doorstep.

“Living in the UK we’re so lucky to be surrounded by varied countryside, historic sites and beautiful beaches.

“Many people are desperate to get travelling overseas again as restrictions lift, but we also recognise that many aren’t and would like their adventures to be on home turf this year.

“This new range of small group trips are specifically designed for the domestic market, so our trade partners can offer their customers a range of trips seeing the UK in a new light, and in a way they couldn’t easily do on their own.

“We still aim to surprise and delight, just as we do on our international trips.’

The six new trips, which include a coast-to-coast cycling trip through Northumberland, following Hadrian’s Wall; a walking holiday in Snowdonia and a long weekend in the South Downs, have been designed to make the most of customers’ time away.

Trips are based in one single hotel, and the locations are all easily accessible by train or car, with car parking included.

The trips see small groups travelling with an expert local tour leader “who combines well-known sites with less-expected gems”.

Tours start from £499pp for a three-night walking holiday in the South Downs, while a six-night cultural tour of Northumberland costs from £770pp.

Explore’s UK trips will be operated under the same Safe Travel protocols as its worldwide trips. These have been developed and endorsed by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Explore said.

The company’s flexible booking policy enables travellers who book through travel agents to change their trips with no fee up to 10 days before they travel, while its Covid-19 refund promise pledges to refund anyone officially required to isolate as a result of the virus, rendering them unable to travel.