When summer – and by that I mean anything more than 16 degrees – arrives, Britain is truly at its best. Memories of the long evenings when it’s light till late, back-garden barbecues and sunny days spent lounging in the park have kept us going through the long, hard winter. Now that spring is upon us, it’s time to start planning the perfect British summer break!
There are loads of fab places to go to in Britain, whether you want a to lie on the beach, head for the night life in some top cities or spend some quality time with nature amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It has long been one of the top international tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of people from every corner of the globe. Yet, when it comes to our own holidays, most of us hop on the nearest plane and get out of here as quickly as possible. This summer, why not make a change?
While it’s true that going abroad is a great and enriching experience, unfortunately it can be a somewhat expensive endeavour. This year, however, do not despair if your budget is looking a bit bleak – simply pack a bag, grab some mates and start exploring Britain.
To give you some ideas and prove to you that Britain is a great place to spend your summer, here are some of the best places to visit:
1.London
To kick off, where else other than the capital? London is a fascinating place to visit all year round, but it truly comes to life under the sun. There are countless museums, monuments and interesting sights to keep you busy, and if you’re looking to keep it cheap then there are plenty of low-costs hostels and homestays to keep you happy. If looking at artefacts isn’t really your thing then London also provides insanely good shopping, thousands of great restaurants serving every cuisine you could think of, amazing theatres, a thriving nightlife, loads of one-off events and some awesome festivals. It is the ultimate city break.
2.Stonehenge
One of the classic sights of Britain, Stonehenge is perfect if you’re up for a spiritual experience. Also, on the summer solstice it truly comes into its own. Thousands flock to the sacred sight to celebrate the longest day of the year, with music and drumming making for a peaceful and magical atmosphere. This is something everyone should do once if they get the chance, and the best part is it’s completely free!
3.The Yorkshire Dales
As Leeds students, it would be a crime for us to live so close to the Dales and never visit! It’s really easy to get to for a day trip or for a few days in the country with loads of cheap campsites and hostels to choose from. Entertainment is free too; whether you hike, bike, canoe, climb, kayak or ride, there are loads of beautiful places to pass the time in the great outdoors. Ilkley, Ingleborough and Malham are particularly popular destinations for students seeking a break from the city.
4.Brighton
Sun, sand and sea – if you’re looking for the beach, look no further than Brighton. Summer trips here won’t cost much as there are several cheap options for accommodation, and there are plenty of things going on all summer to keep you busy. For heritage hunters there’s the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Manor House, while for the musically minded there are several small, community festivals showcasing British talent. There’s also one of the biggest and best Pride festivals in the country to bear in mind, and that’s before you’ve even hit the beach.
5.Bristol
Bristol might seem a slightly unusual choice for a trip, but it has some really quirky summer events that make it a great choice for a few days in the sun! Not only is it home to the biggest hot air balloon competition in Europe, but it also boasts the festival of nature, the international kite festival and the Shakespeare festival this summer if you’re up for an alternative adventure.
6.North Wales – Barmouth/Llanberis/Llandudno/Betws-Y-Coed
North Wales is often overlooked as a holiday destination. For lovers of the outdoors, however, it’s an absolute haven. Almost every outdoor sport imaginable has a community here, which helps explain the friendly atmosphere that welcomes you as soon as you arrive. From Llandudno to Llanberis, Barmouth to Betws-Y-Coed and Anglesey to Aberystwyth, there are enough medieval castles, breathtaking views, isolated trails and wild beaches to keep you happy whatever your interests.
7.Devon/Cornwall
Devon and Cornwall are pretty standard British holiday destinations, and for good reason too. Not only home to a naturally beautiful coastline, they are blessed with some of the best summer weather in the country. A vibrant watersports community, loads of scenic gardens and the famous Eden Project biospheres also attract many holidaymakers to the region. Oh, and let’s not forget the countless tea rooms, wineries and gourmet restaurants also on offer. While this may be a slightly more expensive option, it’s a guarantee for a classic British summer holiday.
8.Edinburgh
Edinburgh is another place that attracts visitors all year round, but in August the famous Edinburgh Fringe festival brings up and comers in all elements of the arts to one place,showcasing the stars of tomorrow. When not attending the largest arts festival in the world, visitors to Edinburgh can also spend time checking out the many, many historical monuments, art galleries, museums and shops.
So, what are you waiting for?
Natalie Cherry
ImagesImage 1 – http://www.flooringhunt.com/summer-holiday-destinations/
Image 3 – http://beacon-pr-travel.co.uk/2013/07/12/summer-savings-on-uk-guided-walking-holidays/
Image 4 – http://www.theguardian.com/uk/gallery/2009/jul/29/weather#img-8
Image 5 – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/7898858/Bristol-summer-in-the-city.html
Image 7 – http://www.emlii.com/a743cabb/35-Unusually-Bizarre-Buildings-That-Will-Make-You-Say-WTF