When talking about traveling for summer, destinations that come to mind include the Greek Islands, southern Italy, the French Riviera, the Southeast Asian paradises, and more. Very rarely does the UK pop up in this conversation. More often than not, people travel to the UK to either see the iconic sights or for work. It's become difficult to think of this country as a place to spend the summertime in. However, you have to remember that there's more to the UK than London and the big cities. Coastal towns, fishing villages, and the like in the English countryside are where it's at!
Bath
If you've ever read a Jane Austen book or any of their movie or TV series adaptations, you've probably read or heard of Bath. Around that time, during the UK's Regency era, Bath was a resort town where the most distinguished nobles went for a vacation. They had their summer homes here, held parties and balls, and just had a gay old time. And aren't those what summer is all about? Today, you can still see the ornate homes and nostalgic neighborhoods in this Somerset city. And, of course, if you're a huge Jane Austen fan, this is one place you shouldn't miss seeing!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is an electric place full of energy and
joie de vivre! There are a lot of reasons why it's such a great place to visit during summer! Firstly, it's cold here! Granted, UK summers aren't exactly up to par with those of Italy and Greece in regards to heat, it still gets insanely hot here every now and then. And during those times, you'll want to escape to somewhere cooler yet still full of sunshine. That's what Edinburgh is all about! Add to that the underground scene of parties, raves, and art that the Scottish capital is known for and you've got yourself quite the summer destination!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Isles of Scilly
Perhaps the last thing you probably expected to see in the UK is an archipelago. However, off the southwest coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly await those who want to escape the mundane city life and just get lost in natural wonders during the peak of the summer season! Get your dose of seaside fun from any of the practically uninhabited islands of this part of the country. You won't get disturbed and you can soak up as much sunshine and seawater as you can! Furthermore, you'll love seeing the exotic flora and fauna that make these isles even more enchanting!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Isle of Wight
From a couple of isles to just one, the Isle of Wight remains one of the UK's secret summer treasures. Located in the southern part of the country, it used to be the summer retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Their famous Osborne House still stands, welcoming tourists to see just how one of the country's most famous monarchs enjoyed her leisure time. Moreover, the island itself is a great place to walk around, seeing the natural wonders that often get overshadowed by the more flashy, urban spectacles like London,
Nottingham, Manchester,
Leeds, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Llandudno
When it comes to coastal towns, those in France, Italy, and Spain, admittedly, reign supreme. From the glamorous city of
Cannes to the ever so beautiful town of
Sardinia, these are the types of seaside cities that people often visit during summer. It's such a shame that Llandudno isn't nearly as famous as these, or is it? Although this coastal city in Wales pales in comparison to other similar places in terms of popularity, its beauty, old-world charm, and scenic views are second to none! Not to mention its famous fish & chips that can rival even
those in London!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Northumberland Coast
Not to be overlooked, the Northumberland Coast is also a great summertime escape in the English countryside. There are two types of places to expect here. The first is a myriad of castles and manors that takes you back to Medieval Britain. From their stone walls to the mighty fortresses, they give a peek of what the country was like during those times. The second part of the Northumberland Coast is the selection of beaches. White sandy shorelines are all for the taking for those who want to splash away and keep cool amidst the summer heat!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sark
Summer isn't just about going to the beach, seeing the sights, and whatnot. For many out there, it's also about stuffing your face with the most delicious food around! This is often a huge part of why many travelers visit Sark during summer. Located among the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy, this place is almost like a deserted island in terms of its shaky infrastructure and almost complete lack of urban areas. However, the seafood here is phenomenal! Fresh crustaceans, sumptuous fishes, and delicious scallops make this place almost rival those of
Mykonos and Crete in terms of seafood paradises!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You might not know it yet but the UK is actually a great place for a summer holiday! And no, don't just stick to the big cities like London and Nottingham! Go to the more exotic and rural areas of the countryside and see the natural wonders they offer!
Wherever you go in the UK for a summer holiday, you'll still find an excellent
luxury home to accommodate you!
