UK Summer Travel Bucket List

The summer holidays are slowly creeping in, we’ve been treated to a spell of beautiful weather here in the UK and it’s actually starting to feel like summer. What with the recent heatwave, it does make you wonder whether you in fact need to head abroad to enjoy your time off! We often go straight to the travel agents in search of a fortnight in the likes of Greece, Spain and Portugal, but the UK has plenty to offer and it’s worth considering a summer jam packed with smaller trips and long weekends instead of your usual jaunts to Europe and further afield. You’ll save money, help the local economy, avoid hassle-filled trips to the airport and be able to discover new parts of your own country that you’re perhaps yet to explore!

So where to head to first? There’s tonnes of options, from the stunning beaches of Cornwall, to hiking in the Lake District and spending a weekend of bliss at a countryside spa. We’ve rounded up our favourite ways to spend a long weekend in the UK to help you along the way!

Enjoy Music History in Liverpool

Liverpool offers a fantastic weekend away, especially if you’re a music fan, and if you’re a Beatles fan then even better! Liverpool is bursting with museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and is of course home to arguably the biggest band to have ever existed. The Beatles Story is well worth a visit, even if you’re not a diehard fan, their story is extremely interesting and the attraction offers an interactive walk around style setup. Spend an afternoon wandering around one of the city’s museums, Cathedrals and galleries, there’s plenty of culture in Liverpool and you’re always just a stone’s throw away from some fantastic live music! It really is a city not to be missed.

Get Your Hiking Boots on in the Lake District

The Lake District has just been awarded World Heritage Site status, putting it up there with the likes of the Grand Canyon, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. If you’re yet to visit, then what are you waiting for? Dust off those hiking boots and head out for plenty of adventure, fresh air and country pubs. You’ve just walked five miles, you deserve a beer! There are plenty of accommodation options, whether you opt for a luxury hotel, cosy guest house or campsite. This district is truly beautiful, and is worth a few nights of your summer to explore the many walks on offer, and is also a perfect option for those with four-legged friends!

Relax and Recharge in the Suffolk Countryside

If you need a little TLC and time out, then why not head to the countryside for a stay at a beautiful Four Red Star Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa? Newmarket’s The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel offers the perfect getaway with everything you may need for a peaceful weekend. The spa itself offers a haven of tranquillity with features such as a rooftop hot tub, hydrotherapy pool and private mud rasul. Could you think of a better way to unwind? Once you’ve finally pulled yourself away from the spa, enjoy a meal in the hotel’s 2AA Rosette winning restaurant, there are plenty of delicious options to select from! Then it’s time to kick back in one of the contemporary yet comfortable hotel rooms, offering all of life’s modern amenities. Be sure to pack your current read, fresh pyjamas and just r.e.l.a.x.

Explore the Cornwall Coast

Yes, we do in fact have beaches here in the UK! We just don’t always have the weather to enjoy them, but with this fantastic spell of sunshine it’s time to pack your bucket and spade and head down to Cornwall to experience some of our finest beaches. Whether it’s Penzance, Newquay or Marazion, there’s so many areas to explore so why not make a road trip out of it? Spend a week cruising along the coast, sampling delicious local food and feeling the sand between your toes. This is a great option for both families and couples!

Ride a Horse in the Highlands

Spend your summer doing activities you thought you’d never do! Explore Scotland’s wild and take a trip up to the highlands for a fun weekend break. Why not embark on a horse ride? It’s a fantastic way to discover the area and spend time with these intelligent, majestic animals. Led by friendly and qualified guides, you can take a leisurely trek at your own pace and enjoy all the highlands has to offer. It’s the perfect escape from everyday life, and chance to spend a little time with nature and away from the daily commute, emails and never-ending WhatsApp notifications!

These are just a handful of the many amazing options on offer in the UK, don’t overlook it for your next summer break! You don’t have to get on a plane to feel like you’re having a break, plus you’ll save a lot of time, not have to worry about any language barriers and help to give local businesses a boost. The only struggle you’ll find yourself having, is deciding where to head to first! Happy travels.

Avery Parker