After a long and rainy winter, spring is finally on the horizon here in the UK. As flowers begin to bloom and the sun starts peeking through the clouds, it’s time to start thinking about the summer holidays. Though the thought of jetting off to an exotic location abroad certainly is tempting, don’t overlook the UK.
Bathed in the warm glow of the summer sun, the UK’s diverse landscapes can certainly rival major holiday hotspots around the world. To get your holiday planning gears in motion, here’s a guide to some of the top summer destinations in the UK.
Beach Holidays
With 5 prestigious Blue Flag beaches, Cornwall is the UK’s premier beach destination. North Cornwall in particular is ideal for a fun-filled summer holiday. The beaches at Polzeath and Porthtowan both hold Blue Flag status and are major hubs for surfing and water sports.
North Cornwall
Those keen to get in the water will find loads of surf shops offering equipment rentals and lessons. Both villages boast a laid-back atmosphere with loads of casual cafes and pubs, and a good selection of accommodation ranging from self-catering apartment rentals to chic luxury hotels that wouldn’t look out of place on Miami Beach.
Warmest months: July and August (19°C)
Average hotel rate: Under £100/night
English Riviera
Cornwall, of course, isn’t your only option when it comes to beaches. Torquay in Devon is part of the English Riviera and offers a delightful mix of culture and beaches. The English Riviera in general is a good place to take families, as there are a variety of activities and attractions in the area, as well as a wide selection of holiday accommodations.
Warmest months: July and August (21°C)
Average hotel rate: Around £75/night
For a beach destination in the UK that is truly like no other, head to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The string of islands may be remote, but the journey is more than worth it. With their soft white sand and crystal clear blue waters, you could easily mistake the beaches up here for the Greek Isles or Phuket. Though it’s hard to pick, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris is probably the most photogenic of all the beaches.
Warmest month: July (16°C)
Average hotel rate: Around £120/night
Outdoor Adventure Holidays
Summer marks the best time to explore the Scottish Highlands. Long days lead into short chilly nights that are perfect for settling in to a cosy hotel and planning the next day’s adventures. Fort William and Inverness both make excellent bases to explore the rugged beauty of the Highlands, and each offers its own unique brand of Highlands culture. Top highlights in the region include the West Highland Museum, Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle, Inverness Castle, and (of course) Loch Ness.
Warmest month: July (19°C)
Average hotel rate: Around £120/night
Further south, the Lake District is another attraction destination for outdoor adventurers. On a sunny day you’d be hard pressed to find a place more stunning than Lake Windermere. Take a boat or simply enjoy the scenery from the miles upon miles of trails that traverse the landscape. The Lake District is also a popular spot for golfing, horse riding, rowing, and outdoor swimming.
Warmest month: July (19°C)
Average hotel rate: Under £75/night
Of all the national parks in the UK, Snowdonia has the most diverse terrain. The 823 square mile park runs from the sea to the mountains. Though it’s a joy to visit any time of the year, Snowdonia really shines in the summer. The warmer months are an excellent time to go camping and Snowdonia has some breathtaking clifftop campsites with endless views of the Irish Sea. A heaven for walking, fishing, cycling, and watersports, Snowdonia is one of the UK’s best outdoor playgrounds.
Warmest months: July and August (20°C)
Average hotel rate: Under £75/night
Culture
For culture vultures, summer is the perfect excuse to head into the city. London is naturally a popular destination thanks to its long list of attractions and even longer list of summertime festivals and events. The Notting Hill Carnival (August), Wimbledon, along with a host of open-air theatre and music events means that as a visitor you’ll never get bored in the UK capital.
Warmest month: July and August (23°C)
Average hotel rate: Around £140/night
If the hotel prices in London are giving you sticker shock, then you might want to consider Brighton instead. London-by-the-Sea, as it’s affectionately known, is building its own reputation as a capital for culture. The seaside town still retains its Victorian appeal with its famous pier and Pavilion, but also has a thriving arts, coffee, and nightlife scene. A decent beach, loads of great restaurants and independent shops, and affordable hotel prices make it a popular summertime holiday choice.
Warmest months: July and August (19°C)
Average hotel rate: Around £80/night
Like London, Edinburgh is popular year round but really comes alive in the summer. The city is roughly split into two halves – old town and new town. Dividing the two halves is Edinburgh Castle and a beautiful park that appears tailor made for soaking up the sun on a summer afternoon. There’s also a lot to do here in the summer months, as Edinburgh hosts film, jazz and blues, art, and fringe festivals from June to August.
Warmest months: July and August (19°C)
Average hotel rate: Around £100/night