A memorable British escapade: one year on.
So, this travel feature was supposed to be released a year ago when we made our trip in December of 2023, but a rather unpleasant experience involving a stolen Range Rover meant that I decided to let things settle a bit before sharing my experience. Here goes…
The UK in winter isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for our family of five, it promised the allure of Christmas charm, football pilgrimages, and unforgettable experiences. We had everything meticulously planned: a tour of the iconic English Premier League stadiums, a loaned Range Rover Sport for our travels, and tickets to the much-anticipated Liverpool vs. Manchester United match at Anfield.
Little did we know, this trip was about to take a turn that none of our holiday checklists could have prepared us for.
First Impressions and a Rough Start
Upon landing at Heathrow, the chilly embrace of the British winter greeted us. It was coooold, but it’s what we came here for!
The journey began with excitement as we were lent a brand-new Range Rover Sport by Land Rover UK, a gesture that added a touch of luxury to our anticipated adventures.
Excited, we packed (luggage and bodies) into our sleek black Range Rover and headed straight to Liverpool, but not before making a stop at Birmingham for our first meal at Cherry Red’s cafe, and paying a quick visit to Villa Park, home to Aston Villa Football Club.
After spending our first night in our AirBNB at Anfield, our first stop was Wales, inspired by our love for the series Welcome to Wrexham. After some memorable burgers at The Turf, we toured the grounds near the stadium and did the touristy thing of buying loads of merch.
Discovering more of the Welsh air was on the cards, so we visited a zoo and had some fish and chips before heading back to Anfield to rest up and soak in more of the UK the next day.
However, our second day dawned with a twist straight out of a holidaymaker’s nightmare—our lovely Range Rover was stolen! Yup, right out of our Airbnb’s front porch. Burglars had broken in the home through the back door and stole the car keys from the table, and went off with the car.
The local police were sympathetic, hinting that such incidents weren’t rare. Fortunately, Land Rover’s exceptional service shone through the gloom, promptly replacing our lost vehicle with a Range Rover Velar. What was more painful was the fact that we had some personal belongings stashed in the boot (camera equipment, etc.).
It’s shocking, but it’s possible to wake up the next day to find your home broken into and your car missing, here in Anfield, Liverpool.
Football Dreams and Lakeside Serenity
Despite the unsettling incident, the holiday had to go on. While my wife and younger sons attended the Liverpool vs. Manchester United match at Anfield, Nathan and I stayed behind, not letting the disappointment shadow our spirits for too long.
We redirected our spirits towards the serene beauty of the Lake District. The drive there was hauntingly beautiful, with early sunsets and rising fog crafting a cinematic backdrop.
Our Lake District Airbnb was a warm haven. A grand Christmas tree and cozy interiors awaited us, almost as if they knew we needed cheering up. We spent our days cruising on Lake Windermere and exploring the Lakes Motor Museum, interspersing tourist visits with delightful meals at local spots like the Apple Pie Shop.
Manchester’s Football Heartbeat to the Quiet Charm of New Forest
Fully embracing the road trip spirit, we navigated the Velar through winding roads out of the Lakes, and onto the highways to Manchester.
Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium tours thrilled Jed (Man Utd fan) and me (City fan), respectively, showcasing the city’s rich football heritage. You could spend pretty much the whole day at these two venues that offer stadium tours for fans and visitors.
Our journey continued to the less-traveled New Forest. This enchanting locale, with its free-roaming ponies and rustic charm, was a highlight, offering peaceful respite from our earlier misadventures.
London Calling: A Whirlwind Finale
As all good things must, our trip too had to end, and what better place to wrap up than London? Our brief stay was packed with iconic sights and local experiences, from Harrods to hidden vinyl shops and quaint cafes. Traveling by bus and the Underground, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant city life.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Journey
This trip was more than a holiday; it was a testament to resilience, the warmth of human kindness, and the unscripted adventures that truly make travel memorable. Despite the setbacks, we returned richer in experiences and stories. After all, it’s often the unplanned moments that linger longest in our memories.
In the end, we managed to have our lost equipment (partly) compensated through insurance and ultimately, we look back in thankfulness that none of us were harmed. All’s well that ends well.
So, here’s to more adventures—may they be just as unforgettable, but perhaps a little less dramatic!
For those inspired to explore some of the wonderful places we visited, here are a few links:
Cherry Red’s Cafe Bar: https://cherryreds.com/
Apple Pie Ambleside: https://applepieambleside.co.uk/
Lake District National Park: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/
New Forest Official Guide: https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/
May your travels be filled with joy, a touch of adventure, and, hopefully, all your belongings safely intact!
Thank you once again to Land Rover Singapore and UK for the opportunity to drive both the Range Rover Sport and the Velar PHEV.
