The UK is famous for many things: Buckingham Palace, Fish and Chips, cups of tea, Pubs, Ant and Dec, and decidedly grey and drizzly summers.
Whereas the weather in this country is, shall I say, temperamental at best, when the weather is pleasant in the UK during the summer, I would whole-heartedly recommend that you head outside and go exploring.
The UK is home to some truly special places, located up and down the British Isles, which is what I want to talk to you about today.
I love the UK and have holidayed here many times over the years, and I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. If you’re thinking of exploring the UK in the summer but aren’t sure where to begin, put up a chair, grab a brew, and pay close attention.
Here’s a look at se7en of the most awesome places to see in the UK during summer.
Glastonbury, Somerset
Glastonbury is, of course, synonymous with the business industry as each year it is home to arguably the biggest and best live music festival in the entire world.
If you’re a music lover and love live music, a trip to Glastonbury during the summer is very strongly recommended as the festival experience alone will be like no other you’ve ever experienced before.
If, however, you don’t like music festivals, then a trip to Glastonbury during the summer is still ideal, just not on the dates where the festival is taking place.
Glastonbury is located in spiritual Somerset, set amongst rolling hills, green farmland, trees, and beautiful countryside. It is a very spiritual place so there’s a distinct hippy vibe that I personally can’t get enough of.
Be sure to stock up on your healing crystals before you leave, and be sure to sample some of, arguably, the best cider in the UK.
Bodmin, Cornwall
Bodmin during the summer is a pleasure to visit, especially if you’re a nature lover like I am.
Bodmin is of course home to Bodmin Moor, which is dotted with thick grassland, heather, wild ponies, and granite tors that just ease calmness and tranquillity.
Cornwall is normally famous for its coastline, yet it is the moorland here that steals the show. Home to numerous species of bird, insect, and animal, nature lovers here will be in their element.
If you’re a fan of the supernatural, you’ll also love it down here. Bodmin Jail for example, is host to plenty of ghost walks, or alternatively you could go camping up on the moors with your friends and tell ghost stories around the campfire.
Just watch out for the ‘Beast of Bodmin Moor’, a phantom wildcat from Cornish folklore that is said to roam the moorland, slaughtering livestock at night.
Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia, Wales
Okay, if you’ve never been here before, the correct pronunciation of this gorgeous part of North Wales is ‘BET-uhss uh COYD’. Please do not pronounce it as ‘Betsy Co-ed’ unless you really want to tick off the locals.
Now that I’ve got the pronunciation issues out of the way, let’s talk about how stunning it is here?
Betws-Y-Coed translates in English to ‘Prayer House in the Wood’. It is a small village located in Snowdonia National Park that is a stone’s throw away from Gwydir Forest.
Located in a valley by the River Conwy, the village was formed around a monastery back in the sixth century.
It is a stunning little village complete with its own church, hotels, cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants, all located in a stunning mountainous backdrop of trees and greenery.
In the summer it is especially popular with holidaymakers and tourists alike, and you will find plenty to do and see on the village green during the warmer months, so keep your eyes peeled on what’s on and when.
Bakewell, Derbyshire
Up next, why don’t I take you to the picturesque village of Bakewell in the gorgeous Peak District National Park.
Bakewell is a stunning little village in Derbyshire’s Peak District that is instantly recognisable due to its dry stone walls, and gorgeous stone shops, houses, pubs, hotels, restaurants, and bakeries.
Bakewell in the summer is fantastic to visit as there’s plenty to do there, plus there’s the River Wye which flows through the village, that’s perfect for paddling in on the rare occasions when the sun makes an appearance.
Bakewell in the summer hosts plenty of crafts fairs, food festivals, and live entertainment.
Bakewell is also home to the famous Bakewell tart, so you simply must pick at least one up to take home with you before you leave.
Pickering, North Yorkshire
Pickering is a lovely little market village in North Yorkshire that is everything you’d expect to find from a market village in ‘God’s Own County’ and then more besides.
Pickering is the perfect day out for the entire family in the summer, as you can browse the shops, explore the lovely countryside on the outskirts, and perhaps even take a trip on the North York Moors Railway, by hopping on at Pickering station.
Pickering also has a lovely indoor market where you can purchase all manner of homemade items and crafts, plus there is are farmer’s markets where you can purchase all manner of fresh Yorkshire produce for very reasonable prices.
Saint Merryn, Cornwall
Saint Merryn is a small village located in North Cornwall that makes for an absolutely fantastic base for any Cornish summer holiday.
Saint Merryn is located within walking distance of numerous beaches, including the ‘7 Bays for 7 Days’ including beaches such as:
- Trevone Bay
- Harlyn Bay
- Constantine Bay
- Booby’s Bay
- And more…
Okay, who laughed at Booby’s Bay? Me too I must admit, but let’s be adults here.
This rural village is also home to the Cornish Arms pub, owned by celebrity chef Rick Stein. If you visit this pub in the summer, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you sit outside and take in the views of the gorgeous countryside whilst sipping on a pint of Rattler cider and tucking into a ‘half pint of prawns’. Delicious.
Sandsend, North Yorkshire
Na then, am tekkin thi back T’ Yorkshire.
Apologies for my attempt at a dodgy Yorkshire accent, but yay, back to stunning North Yorkshire, which I must admit, is one of my favourite parts of the UK.
This time, though, I’ll be taking you to the vastly underrated village of Sandsend.
Sandsend is a stone’s throw away from Whitby and is the perfect little seaside getaway in the summer months.
The beach lies on Yorkshire’s Heritage coastline and actually features a river that flows into and joins the sea.
There’s plenty of sand to relax and play in, as well as rock pools for the kids and fantastic views over to Whitby Abbey.
Sandsend in the summer is especially popular amongst fishermen and walkers, plus there’s an area of the beach that is sectioned off for swimming.
After playing in the sea, make sure to stop off for what many consider the finest crab sandwich in Yorkshire at the Sandside Café overlooking the beach, and a pint of Yorkshire ale at the Hart Inn.
I hope this article gave you a good reason to plan a staycation for this summer. Until you get to visit or revisit one of these great places, stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
