Nathalie Martin
As England is experiencing the best Summer we've had in decades with soaring temperatures and consistent sunny days, there's little point in going further afield so why not enjoy a staycation! From gorgeous Cotswold holiday cottage getaways to stunning beachy hotel retreats, here are my top five UK locations for your Summer vacay.
The Cotswolds encapsulates all the romantic imagery of the English countryside in one place. It is famous for picturesque towns and villages of golden stone cottages set amongst gentle hills with sheep grazing in peaceful pastures. The Cotswolds are also filled with historical resonance, as the region was of great strategic importance to rulers of the past. Castles and ancient battle grounds provide the opportunity for fascinating tours and walks. Whether you are looking for a relaxing rest or an education adventure, the Cotswolds will not disappoint visitors.
As this breathtaking video shows, North Northumberland is full of unexpected surprises with an incredible array of wildlife and stunning scenery. Home to a host of impressive castles including Bamburgh and Howarts castle Alnwick not to mention Hadrian's Wall and muliple gorgeous beaches, this part of the UK has tons to offer visitors who like to explore. Animal-lovers will also adore this location, boasting basking sharks, mountain hares, pink-footed geese and fluffy baby seals!
Only a short boat trip away from Portsmouth Harbour is the scenic and relaxing Isle of White. Aside from the obvious attraction of its gorgeous sandy beaches, this secluded islet has cute hotels and fine restaurants aplenty. For the more active traveller you can scale trees, make your own pottery, mountain board and bike amongst tons of other exciting activities. There are lots of accommodation options as well with equipped camp sites, airbnbs, and hotels to choose from.
With some of the finest water in the UK, Dorset is the veritable water sport mecca of the UK. If you are a surf junkie this is the place for you and the best part is that unlike Cornwall and North Devon, Dorset's beaches are relatively peaceful. You don't even have to enjoy the sea to be susceptible to this area's un-spoilt rural charms, with panoramic views of high chalk ridges, cliffs and vales. That's without even mentioning the Jurassic Coast, which provides curious adventurers with rich hunting grounds filled with fossils ready to be discovered.
Though Dorset's beaches are quiet, if you are prepared to face the crowds, Cornwall's beaches are well worth the morning rush to get set up in the sand. The area has 400 picture-perfect beaches to which the Atlantic swell brings some of the UK's best surfing conditions. Top this off with ship wrecks and tin mines to be explored and Cornish pasties and clotted cream teas to keep you going and you really can't go wrong with a trip the tippy toe of our country!
"Nathalie Martin is a young woman from Brighton who has a strong interest in education, family, shopping and childcare after growing up as a part of a large family on the South Coast. When she's no...
