Simon Reeve’s UK highlights

The ‘happiest explorer on TV’ (according to The Independent) has visited more than 130 countries over two decades, making epic and thought-provoking travel series including Holidays in the Danger Zone, Equator and, most recently, Wilderness. His inspirational travel tales and life story (including a turbulent childhood) are the basis for his one-man-show, To The Ends of the Earth, which continues at venues throughout the UK in May – you can find dates here.

We tracked him down between expeditions to discover what fuels his thirst for adventure, his favourite spot in the UK, and more…

What’s your secret to staying adventurous?

"Adventures have to be meaningful, and I try to make sure mine have some light and shade – a bit of challenge, a bit of adversity, as well as cosy comfort food. You need that spread. I’m always quite wide-eyed. But I don’t think I would have it any other way, because each time I go somewhere interesting, I’m surprised and enthused by it."

You’ve got a free weekend at home, how do you spend it?

“It would be happily spent with my lad, watching him play football – there are a few better things than watching him score a goal (or even struggle to score one). Or having a group of friends round to eat, drink and stay. For breakfast I cook a huge amount of scrambled eggs and tomatoes. Then probably a dog walk and a riverside pub. I can thoroughly recommend the Fingle Bridge Inn on Dartmoor – a gorgeous little place nestling in a valley, next to a beautiful stone bridge over the river.”

What’s a favourite spot you love to visit?

“Wistman’s Wood on Dartmoor. It’s a Tolkien-esque temperate rainforest, a magical place where you’re transported into the pages of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Sometimes you’ll literally see somebody dressed up as an ork or a knight, having their photo taken there for some bizarre reason, which just adds to the surreal nature of the place.”

What were your most memorable days out as a kid? 

“We didn’t travel much, but we did go on some British Rail Awaydays. A memorable one was going to York with my brother and my dad. Not so much just being there, but the train journey itself. Trains are still massively my preferred way to travel.”

What’s your perfect day out?

“Somewhere properly wild and remote. But if you can’t get to the wilderness, then just find somewhere a little bit out of your comfort zone; where you feel like you’re properly exploring a new place. It can be close. Get a map of your local area, upturn a glass on it and centre it on your home. Then draw around the edge and make sure you’ve explored everything in that circle.”

For inspiration, browse our pick of the top 20 walks in the UK. 

Where and when are you happiest? 

“At the top of a mountain, or even a small hill. What’s really important is having people I love with me. But even when I’ve done it on my own, I’ve still found a real connection with nature that makes it feel very special. I always prefer to walk towards a specific place rather than just do a circuit.”

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue. 

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