5 Things to Tick Off The Bucket List in 2024

Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but never had the opportunity? Here at The QHotels Collection, we’re here to help you tick as many items off your bucket list as possible.

So what are you waiting for?

A SPOT OF STARGAZING

Everyone likes to look up at the night sky, but have you ever actually been stargazing? If the answer is no, don’t worry, you don’t need any fancy equipment for this – just your eyes.

The Lyrids meteor shower, emanating from the constellation Lyra, is most visible in the second half of April every year. All you need is a clear night with minimal light pollution, and the perseverance to stay up past midnight. It’s best to be in as dark a place as you can manage to stand more chance of seeing them – and that’s where we come in.

Slaley Hall is only a 10-minute drive from Derwent Reservoir, one of the country’s Dark Sky Discovery sites. Just 15 minutes from Farthing Common, a stargazing site, Ashford International is the perfect place to stay for your stargazing trip.

<strong><span lang="EN-US">A SPOT OF STARGAZING</span></strong>

HAVE A GO AT WINTER SPORTS

Why not try your hand at skiing in 2023? Without having to head to the Alps. Manchester’s Chill Factore boasts the UK’s longest indoor ski slope and offers lessons to people of all abilities. They also have events such as terrain challenges for those looking to really test themselves. Party bookings are also available if you want to make it a group activity. And the best part is it’s only half an hour away from The Park Royal Hotel.

A DAY AT THE RACES

Do you and your friends want to dress up and have a classy day out? Why not try the races?

Royal Ascot, which takes place during the final week of June, provides the perfect opportunity to have a flutter. With a fun atmosphere and plenty to see and do, a sunny day out at Ascot is definitely something to tick off your bucket list. And after the final race, it’s just a 15-minute drive to Hampshire Court Hotel.

If Ascot isn’t for you, you could always check out Cheltenham or Market Rasen for something a little more low key but equally fun. Cheltenham Festival spans the middle week of March, so make sure you wrap up warm if you decide to go, stay at Cheltenham Chase Hotel. Market Rasen is a lot smaller but holds events throughout the summer and into autumn. Book a stay at Belton Woods Hotel to visit Market Rasen.

VISIT AN UNUSUAL MUSEUM

The UK is full of wacky and wonderful museums, so why not explore somewhere out of the ordinary?

Cuckooland in Cheshire is a museum dedicated entirely to the 300-year history of cuckoo clocks – complete with what’s regarded as the most important cuckoo clock collection in the world. While there, you can also see the vintage motorcycles the owners have collected over the years. If you’re staying at The Park Royal Hotel and need something to add to your itinerary, Cuckooland is only 15 minutes away.

<strong>VISIT AN UNUSUAL MUSEUM</strong>

GO TO A FESTIVAL

Maybe this is the year. The year you go to a festival. There’s plenty up and down the country – and not just music festivals either.

There are some smaller music festivals too – you don’t have to brave Glastonbury as your very first one! Try Sundown Festival, held every year on the first weekend of September. It’s an excellent way to round off the summer and enjoy the sun one last time before autumn and winter set in. Dunston Hall Hotel is the perfect place to stay – it’s only a 10-minute drive from the festival grounds.

Consider yourself a fan of the bard? Head to Cambridge for the month-long Shakespeare Festival – an extravagant display of acting talent and drinks a-plenty make it the perfect atmosphere to meet like-minded people. You never know, you could even give it a go yourself. After all – all the world’s a stage. If Shakespeare is your calling, Cambridge Belfry Hotel has everything you need for an enjoyable stay.