OK, it’s Father’s Day on Sunday in case you’d forgotten! Whilst I appreciate not everyone treats it as seriously as Mother’s Day, it’s still nice to have a couple of options hidden up your sleeve if it turns out he wants to do something special.
Whether you’re going to be in the UK or abroad, we’ve come up with some top gift ideas for Father’s Day this year.
Scottish Fishing Trip
It’s the archetypal activity that Dad’s and their son’s do together. What could be better than the two (or more) of you side by side on the shores of a river or lake relaxing and fishing? Head up to Scotland’s Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute for a taste of some of the best trout fishing in the country.
Famous for its wild brown trout, having broken the British rod-caught record 4 times over the last few years, Loch Awe offers a challenge for any level of angler. If you want to try your hand at a different species, you’ll find rainbow trout, char, and pike are all native to the Loch. You can even give fly fishing a go here.
If you’re both keen golfers too, you’ll find a number of good clubs nearby including Dalmally Golf Club.
Whisky/Brewery Tours*
If your Dad’s a whisky drinker, why not treat him to a distillery tour? You don’t even have to go to Scotland any more, with distilleries south of the border including Norfolk’s English Whisky Company at St George’s Distillery, the Penderyn Distillery in the Brecon Beacons, and Adnams in Suffolk.
Better known for their beers, Adnams are building an excellent reputation when it comes to spirits (especially their Longshore Vodka) so why not tie in a Brewery Tour alongside a Distillery Tour? Other brewery tours on offer in East Anglia include Greene King in Bury St. Edmunds, the Grain Brewery in Harleston, and Woodfordes at the Broadland Brewery near Norwich.
In Wales there are a number of breweries worth a visit including the Purple Moose Brewery in Porthmadog, the Gower Brewery in Swansea, and The Kite Brewery in Carmarthenshire.
*Please don’t drink & drive. Drink Aware.
Golfing in Portugal
I appreciate this one is a bit short notice but it’ll be great if you can squeeze it in, if not, there’s always next year. Fly to Faro Airport on the Algarve and you’ll discover a huge range of golf courses within a short distance of the airport including Jack Nicklaus’ Monte Rei and the excellent San Lorenzo.
Monte Rei: Considered perhaps the best course on the Algarve, Monte Rei opened in 2007 and offers fantastic views of the Atlantic and the Serra do Caldeirão Mountains. This is a truly striking course and is a must visit.
Maximum Handicap: Men 24. Women 32. Or subject to the discretion of the Director of Golf.
San Lorenzo: Less than half an hour from the airport in Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo is a great course to visit. A figure of 8 design with the clubhouse in the middle and 2 lakes within its grounds make this a stunning course that really is one of the best in Europe.
Maximum Handicap: Men 28. Women 36. Proof required.
You’ll also find a number of less extravagant course to visit including Pinheiros Altos, Vale do Lobo, and Benamor.
UK Road Trip
Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.
Head north from Leeds to Skipton and then into the Dales via the B6265. Continue to West Burton and then take the A684 over to Sedbergh. Follow the signs to Kendal and then carry on to Windemere on the A591. From Here you can continue to Ambleside and Grasmere and even take in Ullswater. Spread this out over a long weekend and you’ll see a huge amount of England’s most beautiful scenery. If you want a truly fantastic drive, take the little known road between Stair on the west side of Derwent Water to Buttermere.
Snowdonia
From Chester, take the A55 to Colwyn Bay and continue towards Bangor. Turn on to the A5 and follow this to Betws-y-Coed, from here take the A496 towards Harlech. Head down the coast to Barmouth before turning inland towards Dolgellau. From here, take the A494 to Bala along the shores of Llyn Tegid.
Over to You!
Well, that’s me out of ideas I’m afraid. If you’ve got any others, please feel free to comment below and help your fellow readers. If you are thinking of heading out on a road trip why not check our other posts on this topic? Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and sign up to our Newsletter for all the latest news.
