Explore the UK with a summer weekend break

The British summer, though sometimes brief and unpredictable, is truly a spectacular thing when it finally arrives. Many parts of the United Kingdom are at their best in high summer, making it an ideal time to visit. Although many people jet off to the foreign climes between May and August, it is not unknown for temperatures in areas like the south of England to soar beyond those of many Mediterranean resorts. Summer is also an excellent time to visit the remote, mountainous parts of Wales and Scotland that are often inhospitable in other seasons, and take in all of their rugged majesty.



Those seeking the sun in the UK this summer should definitely consider exploring the south and south west of England. Counties like Cornwall and Devon are amongst the sunniest in Britain and are home to dozens of beaches and secluded coves that are ideal for a spot of sunbathing. Cornwall has retained the caravan and camping sites so often associated with holidays in Britain but is now also home to chic seaside hotels, upmarket bed and breakfasts and other high quality establishments keen to cash in on the boom in holidaymakers coming to the area.

Summer in Scotland is often closely identified with the twin menaces of midges and rain but it is the best time of year to visit the country’s more remote regions, including the Highlands and Islands. Calmer summer seas make for a more pleasant ferry crossing to islands like Mull and Skye while longer evenings leave extra time to explore the fantastic landscape and rugged coastline. The summer is also a chance to see the Highlands in full bloom, the peaks and valleys of this remote area highlighted in the purples and oranges of heather and other plants.



Visitors to Wales, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice with the opportunity to catch the sun on the beaches of the south and west coasts or the option to head into Snowdonia at its most accessible. Although it may not seem it at first, Wales is an excellent place to spend the summer learning to surf, with top quality surfing spots around the Gower Peninsula and Swansea. Although not as warm as other surfing hotspots around the world, the waters of the Irish Sea are quite pleasant in summer, making it ideal for watersports.



Northern Ireland too can enjoy some very pleasant weather during the summer and it’s a great time to visit the towns along the north coast, like Coleraine and Portrush, which really seem alive at this time of year and offer excellent eating, drinking and accommodation. They also act as an ideal base for exploring the wonders of the Northern Irish coast, including the famous Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim.



Summer weekend breaks are the ideal way to escape for a few days and enjoy the best that the UK has to offer. With so much choice available, you will surely be hard pressed to choose where to go.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.