Blog

Johnsons Destinations We LOVE!

Date Added 14/02/2024

Happy Valentines Day!

We have put together a few of our staff's favourite Johnsons' destinations. 

Lauren Davies - Head of Business

"One of my favourite places to visit is Belfast! I've been a couple of times before (my first time with Johnsons on one of their city breaks) and this beautiful location really has it all, from spectacular scenery to pubs, bars and restaurants there is something for everyone. It has a captivating blend of history, culture and modernity that makes it a great place to visit. Steeped in rich heritage there are fantastic attractions to visit such as the Titanic Museum, Crumlin Road Gaol (the tour guides are fantastic and very knowledgeable) or wander through the cathedral quarter. There are also lots of cosy pubs with traditional Irish live music - a couple of my favourites are Kelly's Cellar and The Crown Liquor Saloon! Johnsons have a fantastic tour called 'Ireland's Norther Jaunt which visits Westport, Achill Island, Giants Causeway and Belfast for 7 nights departing Saturday 11^th May and I would highly recommend this as the tour includes a guided tour of Belfast!"

Barry Cobb - Tours Manager 

"Three immediately spring to mind…

A Scottish Highlands Mountain Pass I first discovered in the early 1980’s with the wonderful name of ‘Rest & Be Thankful’, located on the road from Arrochar to Inveraray. The narrow track at the bottom of the valley was first built by the troops of General Wade in the 1700’s and was used to move troops through the remote Highlands as the British Army sought to quell the Scot’s in the Jacobite rebellion. On a clear day the views are simply breathtaking. We visit this location on many of our tours to the Winnock Hotel in Drymen including the Scottish ‘All Inclusive’ tour in April.

I have fond memories of the sand dunes at Bamburgh! The coastline of the North East is glorious with miles and miles of golden sand dunes located between Bamburgh & Seahouses being a particular favourite spot of mine. The history and scenery of the region is the one of the reasons I am drawn regularly to return time and time again. No doubt many of our customers agree, which is one of the main reasons our ‘Kingdom of Northumbria’ tours is so popular.

In more recent times I discovered the wonderful Thurlestone Hotel, near Kingsbridge in South Devon…. Possibly my favourite of all the hotels we feature!! Although located slightly off the beaten track, I’m sure that many of our customers experience the same feelings as I did when I first visited the Hotel.  A very welcoming, high quality hotel with exceptional levels of service... Oh, and those views are pretty exceptional too. You can find this hotel on Page 33 of our Summer 2024 brochure, when we visit Thurlestone on the 21^st April & the 7^th October."

Bethany Morgan - Marketing Manager 

"My favourite destination has got to be Bath, Johnsons has regular Express Excursions there and it is always great to visit such a beautiful city. With such a variety of activities from relaxing in the spa after shopping to exploring the beautiful cities' buildings and streets."

Kyran Flynn – General Manager

"Saunton Sands has got to be my favourite location that we visit on our tours. It’s one of our 4 Star Hotel overlooking the beach, offering excellent food and the staff are friendly and welcoming. It also has amazing views from its spa facilities, if you go, hopefully the weather is good as it is a stunning place!"

Nolwenn Sheppard - Own Products Manager

 "For me, it has to be ….My beloved native Brittany!

Picture beautiful sandy beaches stretching for miles, unspoilt coastlines and a very rich Celtic heritage which all Bretons like me are very proud of and keen to pass down to the next generations. Brittany is very distinctive, with its own language and Celtic cultural tradition that sets it apart from the rest of France. The Breton language was still spoken in rural Brittany 40 years ago (some of my grandma’s friends barely even spoke French when I was little!), has made a comeback in recent years , and is taught in a lot of schools. I am such a proud celt and so glad that we feature a tour on page 107 to most of the areas I spent my childhood. Book and experience some of my Celtic heritage like Crêpes, Kouign-Amann and cider …to name a few!"