Stung by recession? Fed up with chaos at airports? Are airport tax increases the last straw? Never fear, there’s so much to do right on your doorstep. Here are our Magnificent 7 websites for travellers who want to explore closer to home

Cool Places

CoolPlaces.co.uk showcases the best places to sleep, eat, drink and shop in Britain. Find out where you can snorkel with seals or munch treats in a traditional sweet shop. The site explores 35 main destinations across the country through reviews, expert local knowledge, and tips for a great UK day out

The reviews are written by professional travel writers, based locally and with expert knowledge. They provide a fresh and contemporary take on places they know well – with users and locals able to add further reviews and comments. In addition users can check out deals and special offers, some of them exclusive to the site, with easy links to book hotels, restaurants, train and coach tickets.

Cool Places destinations are also available as Apps for use on iPhones and iPads

Guardian Travel

In NMTBP’s humble opinion, by far and away the best newspaper based website about our islands. Guardian Travel is always amusing and eclectic and is currently featuring Britain’s best Budget Eats, Britain’s Best Views and The Iron War Horse

Countryfile

Countryfile.com is the official website of Countryfile magazine and, as the name implies, deals with all things pertaining to our beautiful countryside. There’s a very handy feature on the home page called Days Out Planner that suggests walks, places to visit and holidays all over the country. Current suggestions include visiting the Usk Valley by hot air balloon and a feature on Britain’s best spring drives

Great Inns of Britain

Great Inns of Britain is a collection of independent, historic, stylish inns, all of them renowned for their warm welcome, attentive service and fine food and wine

Many of the  Inns host special events, from gourmet dining to discovering fine antiques, and cookery master classes to a spot of wine tasting. Throughout the year the Great Inns menus celebrate the seasons and champion the very best of local produce, whilst the frequent special offers make a stay even more tempting

Walking Britain

With over 13,000 pages of  walking information, including many walk descriptions, Walking Britain is dedicated to the footpaths that cross the landscape. The National Parks feature strongly in the lists of walks including the Lake District, the Peak District and Snowdonia, and the Yorkshire Dales. Although the natural world is the theme, man-made elements such as villages, bridges, mines and churches are also included in the many walking routes

Good Food Guide

If you’re on you travels use the Good Food Guide to find the very best  restaurants near you. But don’t stop there – become a member and check out their treausre trove of articles and award listings which  can help you plan your next trip!

Heritage Britain

Possibly the best guide on the internet to Britain’s Historic House, Castles and Gardens, Heritage Britain will help you find suitable accommodation in British Hotels, B&Bs, Pubs, Inns and and luxurious Country House Hotels. It will help you discover the history and heritage of Great Britain with it’s wealth of Stately Homes, Castles and Cathedrals, plus sections on Antiques, Museums and Art Galleries. You can find out about Haunted Britain and best places for Weddings. If you go to the Ancestry section, you can even trace your Family Tree