Five Faves: Mat Welsh of While She Sleeps' English travel guide
This week, Mat Welsh, guitarist of WHILE SHE SLEEPS (one of AP’s 100 Bands You Need To Know In 2013), tells you what’s worth doing when you visit his home country of England.
1. Go to a castle.
If you haven't been to the U.K. before, you're probably not familiar with medieval buildings. They are super-interesting, and you can really put yourself in the shoes of people who lived hundreds of years ago.
2. Check out the English coast.
It may not be tropical, but it hosts some insane views and scenery. Depending on where you go, it's a good place to see some history, as many of the towns haven't changed at all during the last 50 years.
3. If you're in London, check out the Camden Market.
It’s the alternative culture capital of London. You can get everything there. Five markets make up the area known as Camden Market: Camden Lock Market, Camden Stables Market, Camden Canal Market, Inverness Street Market, and Camden (Buck Street) Market. It's an amazing place to go visit and see so many different styles and expressions in such a small area. Explore the markets and eat some crazy food!
4. Visit the Lake District National Park.
We may not have anything as breathtaking as the Alps or the Grand Canyon, but the Lake District is still a mind-blowing place—hills and mountains as far as you can see, with huge beautiful lakes spread in between. It holds very little civilization, and at night the sky is clearer than you've ever seen. A great place to visit if you need to get out the hustle and bustle of city life and explore somewhere tranquil.
5. If you're a skateboarder, check out a local English skate park.
There are some great indoor private skate parks where you will just pay a small entry fee. There are also concrete outdoor parks being built across the country at the moment. It's a good way to see some local talent and enjoy yourself, proving the weather’s all right. Head down early in the morning if you want the place to yourself.
