Can’t wait for summer to enjoy the sun? Look no further for the best things to do and places to visit in the UK during the summer season. Taken from our guide to British and Irish hotels, we have gathered the best seasonal stays from all corners of the country…
Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Nervous about the tides? How about going half-wild swimming? There are many tidal pools scattered around the coast, from the 91m pool in Bude to the lido-sized rock pool at Treyarnon. The most impressive is the recently restored Art Deco Jubilee pool in Penzance.
Related reading : What to do during the summer?
Prepare a Roskilly ice cream near Helston, made with Jersey milk from the farm’s 125 cows. They make everything from wild cherry with chocolate swirls to homemade caramel flavors, but vanilla is always the best.
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The West Country
When Stourhead Garden opened its doors in the 1740s, it was considered “a living work of art.” Wander down paths that lead to classical temples, across a Palladian bridge, and around the stunning lake.
Camp Bestival, the family-friendly sister of Bestival held at Lulworth Castle, likes to call itself a “festival holiday.” There are DJ entertainment and a whole range of fun activities for all ages.
The Home Counties
Tour Bekonscot in Beaconsfield, the world’s oldest model village and a riot of color during the summer.
Bekonscot Model Village
Party like Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire. Every June, foodies flock to the majestic house for the feast, a celebration of artisan food and drink.
Discover Margate and admire the beach, sea, and sky that inspired over 100 works by JMW Turner from the seafront gallery sharing the same name.
London
The brand new Renegade London Wine vineyard in Bethnal Green features London’s first “tap room,” open on Fridays and Saturdays. Toast to the good weather with London’s Sauvignon Blanc, Bacchus, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Catch some smooth jazz in Soho. While the headline concert at Ronnie Scott’s might cost you a few bob, late-night shows are under ten quid. Pizza Express on Dean Street is another cheap way to dip your toe into the scene.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
For more ideas, check out our tour of the best jazz clubs in London.
The Cotswolds
It must be an outdoor affair. There are endless trails to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for pottery or serious hiking. To find the ones that suit you, click here.
If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss one of the most beautiful attractions in the Cotswolds, Giffords Circus, an old-fashioned green affair that moves from site to site. No tricks in sight.
The Midlands
The prettiest stone town in England – 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stamford Award as Britain’s first urban conservation area. New city trails, lectures, and events will take place this summer in and around the town, along with the creation of a themed beer.
Wax lyrical at Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire, the ancestral home of Lord Byron. The grounds of this historic house make for a perfect picnic spot in the summer, don’t forget the peacocks.
Newstead Abbey
Plan for the Also festival in June, which sparks debate about Capability Brown-designed gardens at Park Farm, Compton Verney, an 18th-century mansion in Warwickshire.
East Anglia
Don’t let appearances be deceiving; while the picturesque village of Snape may be small, it packs a powerful cultural punch. Thanks especially to Snape Maltings, the creative arts campus that hosts the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Music program and one of the most unique concert halls in the country. It’s at its best in June during the Aldeburgh Festival.
The view from Aldeburgh Music, c. Philip Vile
You can’t beat a soft roll stuffed with fresh crab that morning off the same shore where you eat it. The crab shack at Brancaster Staithe Harbour will certainly satisfy on that front. Open from April to October, it’s brought to you by the same folks behind Letzers Smokehouse, which supplies most local restaurants.
The North
Staithes
Grab an ice cream and stroll around the harbor and the picturesque coastal village of Staithes, North Yorkshire, which was one of the largest fishing ports in northeast England.
Go birdwatching at Bempton Cliffs while the seabird breeding season is underway. Visit between April and July to spot the famous puffins.
The Manchester International Festival, an unparalleled cultural event that showcases artists from various art forms and has previously featured artists like The XX and Marina Abramović.
c. Richard Tymon
Wales and the Borders
Whovians (that’s Dr Who fans to the uninitiated), listen up. Head to Porth Teigr in Cardiff Bay and immerse yourself in the world of one of television’s most famous creations. Book now. 2017 will be its final year.
For something quirky, take a spectator seat (or even participate!) in a curious range of events such as the Man vs Horse race over 25 miles. The horse has only been beaten twice. Or why not try stone skimming, bog snorkeling, or a cider cycle? Calm now. More information here.
Scotland
In Sutherland, a four-mile walk through the unruly heather takes you to Sandwood Bay and a remote beach miles long. Bring a cricket bat and a ball, or your swimsuit if you’re brave.
The Callanish stones on the Isle of Lewis were placed there in the Neolithic era where they were the site of Bronze Age rituals. In folklore, the stones were petrified giants who resisted conversion to Christianity.
Admire the Queen’s former yacht, The Royal Yacht Britannia, moored in Edinburgh. Book for a private tour to enjoy a glass of champagne on deck and avoid the crowds.
Looking for the perfect hotel to accompany your trip this summer? Our new guide to British and Irish hotels has them all, handpicked and arranged by region. Available for purchase in print here.
MORE SEASONAL GUIDES: Spring | Autumn | Winter
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