Top 10 Places in the UK to Visit in Summer

Still uncertain about your summer plans for 2021? How about a plan B for Majorca or Antalya? Most Brits flee the country the second they get some downtime to travel, but there are lots of great places in the UK to visit in summer.

As holiday plans continue to hang by a thread, we'd like to give travellers hope with some alternatives for their summer holiday.

St Ives, Cornwall

The picturesque St Ives is perfect for those missing the coast, fresh seafood and sanded beaches. Families and young people alike can find fun activities from surfing, beach yoga to horse riding, playing beach ball and cycling.
Cornish pasty truly tastes incredible in this part of England, and eating scones with Cornish cream is a different kind of experience everyone must have. If you’re a foodie; load up on ice cream, cider, oysters, and more… Art enthusiasts must visit the seafront Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden nearby.

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Isles of Scilly

Drive down to Penzance or go to Newquay to take the ferry to The Isles of Scilly for an unforgettable experience. Isles of Scilly are an archipelago off the Cornish coast, and it feels like an untouched part of the world where the nuisance of the modern world (such as noise and air pollution and crowds) doesn’t exist. You can spend the day walking on the beach while listening to the waves and birds. If you want to learn more about the islands, visit the Valhalla Museum and the tower of 17th-century Cromwell’s Castle. If you do end up on these magical islands over summer, handle them with care.

Torquay, Devon

Torquay is “the heart of the English Riviera”, a traditional Victorian seaside resort town on the English Channel in Devon. The famous writer Agatha Christie literary trail starts here and it comprises the important locations that inspired the writer’s life and her books. It’s also known for beaches such as Babbacombe and cliffside Oddicombe. Torquay is also a great destination for foodies who can enjoy fine dining in many of the restaurants that serve Modern British, Seafood and Traditional Pub food.

Skye, Scotland

The beautiful and popular Scottish island Skye is known for its fishing village, breathtaking landscapes and pre and post-17th century castles. For those who live in Scotland, Skye is a no-brainer as a summer destination (especially if you like nature and hiking). From the colourful town to its crystal clear waters and views over the ocean from cliffs, there are lots of great moments to take in on a trip to Skye.

Inverness, Scotland

Inverness is a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, overlooking the River Ness (which flows from nearby Loch Ness). Not only is it the largest city of the Highlands, but it’s also the cultural capital there. So those who would like to mix up city life with nature should head to Inverness for a change. You can visit the food, art, crafts and clothing markets in the city, discover the Inverness Castle and visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. And if you want to be in nature, take a cruise on the River Ness and be on the lookout for the Loch Ness Monster!

Lake District, Cumbria

You’ve probably heard it lots of times, but it's time to hear it from us as well. Lake District is one of the most incredible places in the UK. This popular national park is visited by millions of people each year (yes, that’s right!) and it’s been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2017. Whether you love outdoor sports or are a literary fan on the hunt for some inspiration, you can head to Lake District for new discoveries.

Gloucester, Cotswolds

The city of Gloucester is located close to the Cotswolds rural area and it’s known for adorable English cottages, the Gloucester Cathedral which has Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Victorian warehouses and more. When you are in Gloucester, you can stay at a boutique hotel or a bed and breakfast, walk the cobbled streets and discover the Anglo-Saxon architecture of townhouses and head to Cotswolds when you have taken it all in.

Bath

Bath, a World Heritage site since 1987, is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Boasting unspoiled Roman architecture, it’s a young city because of two popular universities; Bath Spa University and University of Bath and its closeness to the city of Bristol. With a vibrant cultural scene and lots of cute cafés, it’s a great place to visit over summer.

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Brighton

Brighton is the closest seaside spot from London, and over summer it unsurprisingly gets busy with day-trippers. Since it’s a growing city full of artists, comedians and a powerful LGBT scene, it’s moving away from being a small bohemian coastal town to an urban port attracting visitors throughout the year. When in Brighton, enjoy sunbathing and partying on the coast, eat at as many hipster restaurants as you can and make sure to enjoy everything that its art scene has to offer.

London

No list about the UK would be complete without London. The metropolitan city is amongst the best in the whole world; whether you are a culture vulture, foodie, art enthusiast, music fan or even a wildlife photographer (okay, maybe Zoos are not your thing). You can head to London with a group of friends to make the most of it. You might want to book a pub crawl, discover London’s best beer gardens, see Hamilton for the fifth time and eat at a few great restaurants!

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