Whether you live in the UK or you’re travelling from overseas, you have to admit there’s plenty on offer to keep you busy during the summer. Home to some of the most incredible festivals, amazing theme parks, stunning landscapes, cosy retreats, and fantastic cities, there’s something to suit everyone. If you need a little inspiration for planning the perfect UK summer trip, continue reading below.
Attend a Festival
The UK has an incredible music scene, and you only need to look at the range of festivals that take place during summer. Attending a festival is about so much more than the music; it’s about coming together for a truly magnificent experience. Whether you enjoy mainstream pop or heavy metal, you will find a festival in the UK. For example, the notorious Download Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, is perfect for alternative music lovers, whereas Glastonbury captures everything from rock to dance to indie to everything else on the musical spectrum.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to festivals in the UK, and we highly recommend camping to capture the true experience. Even if the idea of traditional camping doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, you can have a slice of luxury by festival glamping.
Visit the Lake District
If you’d rather have a quieter experience, there’s nothing quite like the peaceful tranquillity of the Lake District. Situated in the Northwest of England, the Lake District offers gorgeous mountainous vistas, dense forests, and a range of stunning lakes. As well as the views to be enjoyed, the Lake District is steeped in history, with links to famous Lake Poets Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Climb the Three Peaks
For those of you feeling adventurous, why not embark on a trying journey and tackle the National Three Peak Challenge?This will see you climbing the Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. You will need to put some time into preparation for the Three Peak Challenge, and you’ll likely need to have a driver to transfer you between each mountain. People typically attempt to complete the challenge within 24 hours, but there’s nothing to stop you from spreading it out for a more pleasant experience.
Head to London
London is a unique and versatile city with enough going on to keep anyone entertained, whether it’s their first time in London or their 20th. If you don’t spend some time planning for a trip to London, you’ll soon find that you’re out of pocket – it is the fourth most expensive city in the world. By planning early and setting a budget, you can pack more than enough into your trip without breaking the bank. For example, if you’re visiting in a large group, consider staying in a hostel to cut the price considerably.
A Theme Park Escape
The UK’s theme parks are almost as versatile as its festivals, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste: Alton Towers is arguably the most immersive; Thorpe Park offers an incredible experience close to London; Blackpool Pleasure Beach is perfect for beach-goers; LEGOLAND® is simply magnificent; and Flamingo Land Resort is the go-to for any animal lover.
There are many more theme parks than those mentioned above, but by now you get the picture. For a more thorough breakdown of UK theme parks, visit this link.
Explore the Southern Coast
The south coast of England stretches for around 300 miles and is the sunniest part of the UK, making it the perfect destination for a summer escape. Along the coastline, you will see stunning cliffs, beautiful beaches, tucked-away coves, and more Insta-worthy spots than you can count. Whether you’re looking for calming walks or beach-side action, you’ll find it on the southern coast. Choosing one location to visit can be overwhelming, which is why we recommend having a read of this blog post.
Head Over to Belfast
We can’t discuss the best summer trip destinations in the UK without mentioning Northern Ireland. If you’re willing to hop on the ferry or fly across the short stretch of ocean, a visit to Belfast will be more than worth your time. The capital of Northern Ireland is brimming with historical landmarks, family-friendly attractions and a bustling nightlife to top it all off.
If you’re ready for a summer trip, you will find plenty on offer in the UK. Whether you like action-packed or chilled-out vibes, you’ll never tire of things to do.
