22 April, 2019
The summer months of July and August are the UK’s warmest, and the perfect time to pack up your belongings into an overstuffed suitcase or backpack and set off on a wonderful British holiday.
In London you’re surrounded by historic sights, which is why most tourists gravitate towards the capital. Yet other areas of the UK offer just as much, if not more, if you know what to look for.
Need some inspiration for your next trip? Here are four reasons to book a summer holiday in the UK.
1. There’s So Much To See Across The UK
Stood on top of the Old Man of Coniston, a famous fell in the Lake District National Park, there are views of green forests and mountains, while the bright sunlight reflects off a scattering of lakes that stretch to the horizon.
Around three hundred miles to the south, along the Jurassic Coastline, Durdle Door arches over the calm blue waters of Dorset’s south coast. Hikers stroll past along the southwest coast path, on their way to a pretty harbour, where they’ll sit down for a traditional English pub lunch.
Two hundred and fifty miles to the north, in Lincoln with its Roman history stretching back to 300 BC, there are medieval buildings scattered along narrow cobbled streets. History is everywhere; between old inns and local butchers, cafes and coffee shops that stretch back generations.
Manchester, around seventy miles to the east, is different altogether. A former industrial powerhouse, the rainy city is a cultural and sporting epicentre, and the gateway to the north.
Across the Irish Sea, in Northern Ireland, there are dozens of locations used in the HBO Game of Thrones series. The forests, mountains and moors were used as backdrops for George R.R. Martin’s fantasy land of Westeros.
What do these locations have in common? Of course, they’re all worth visiting, but for completely different reasons. A holiday in the UK can be whatever you want it to be, especially with such short distances between must-visit towns, cities, museums, national parks, galleries, museums and attractions.
2. The Unrivalled History And Heritage
Travel writer Bill Bryson was in awe of Britain’s parish churches and grandiose cathedrals. “To me they are the physical embodiment of all that is best and most enduring in Britain,” he said. From historic churches, castles and country manors, to derelict monasteries and spellbinding tudor houses, the UK is awash with heritage sites, whether you want to learn about their pasts, or grab those all-important holiday snaps.
3. The Abundance of Museums And Sporting Culture
In Britain national museums are free to visit. If you’re in London there’s the British Museum, National History Museum, National Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum. Liverpool, Oxford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol, are unique and interesting cities, and also have museums ideal for a rainy day.
There’s also the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, situated near Watford, where you can walk down Diagon Alley or sample Butterbeer. Outdoor concerts take place in parks across Britain each summer, while visitors can look at online listings to watch a theatre production or attend the recording of a television show.
If you don’t mind getting muddy, British music festivals attract the world’s biggest stars, with the most iconic, Glastonbury, held at Worthy farm in Pilton, Somerset over the last weekend in June.
Cricket is about as British as it comes, so try to squeeze in an afternoon watching an ICC World Cup fixture in England or Wales. Why not attend an Ashes test match between England and Australia? Both events are being held on dates scheduled between June and September, but will sell out in advance.
If you enjoy watching live sports and your visit coincides with the football season towards the tail-end of the summer, you should experience one of Britain’s most-loved cultural pastimes, and attend a Premier League or English Football League match. The atmosphere will be unrivalled!
4. The Thrill-Seeking Activities
The UK has enough to keep all holiday makers happy, including families, couples and solo travellers.
From days out at theme parks or museums, to hiking in the Lake District or sightseeing in Wales or the idyllic Cotswolds, you’ll easily find the perfect British summer holiday for you.
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