Local Guides

The UK’s must-see summer destinations

Now that summer is here after a long year of restrictions on movement, you’re undoubtedly hankering to get out of the house and enjoy a well-deserved holiday. While international travel is still a little tricky, there’s no reason why you can’t make the most of the UK – and there’s a lot more to make the most of than you might think.

Below, we take a look at some of the UK’s best must-see summer destinations, from the Snowdonia National Park to Stonehenge.

Snowdonia, Wales

If you enjoy hiking, you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the great outdoors this summer, and Wales has plenty of gems to visit. Sure-footed climbers love ascending to the peak of Mount Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales. But even if mountaineering isn’t quite your thing, you’ll still love the natural landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park.

Extensive nature trails, countless craggy peaks and over 100 lakes make this national park a nature-lovers paradise. And, if you simply need to take in the views from the summit of Mount Snowdon, you can ascend the mountain by riding the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway instead of walking.

Lundy Island, Devon

Do you feel like a holiday isn’t truly a holiday unless you’ve crossed a body of water? Lundy Island might be the perfect destination for you. This remote island is home to puffins, spectacular nature and less than 30 people. Many historic buildings have been transformed into stunning holiday rentals. If a bit of peace and quiet is what you’re after, Lundy Island is hard to beat.

Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District’s beauty is undeniable. This picturesque region has inspired poets and authors, including Beatrix Potter (you can visit plenty of Potter attractions during your stay). This slice of paradise is England’s most mountainous region, and there’s no better time to visit than summer when everything’s in full bloom – take a look at our Lake District tour. On top of its natural vistas, the Lake District is home to quaint towns and villages such as Kendal, Ambleside and Windermere.

England Coastal Path

By the end of this year, the UK is set to have the world’s longest coastal walking route at 2,800 miles long. Some coastal routes are being improved while others are being linked together, and many are being created to give hikers the chance to make the most of the UK’s coastline without having to go too far off the beaten path.

West Highlands, Scotland

We can’t talk about the UK’s most spectacular natural hideaways without mentioning the Scottish Highlands. The famous North Coast 500 route often attracts droves of tourists over the summer, but you can find plenty of more secluded spots in the West Highlands, where wild camping is perfectly legal. If you want a week without any disturbance, consider a getaway to the Isle of Rona, which sits in between the mainland and Skye. Its population is a grand total of two.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Stonehenge almost needs no introduction. This world-famous prehistoric monument is believed to be at least 5,000 years old, and the fact that it’s shrouded in mystery only adds to its appeal. The average stone weighs a whopping 25 tonnes. How these hefty rocks were transported over a distance of 200 miles remains debated.

If you want to truly admire Stonehenge, you simply need to see it for yourself. Check out our range of Stonehenge tours. We even offer tours that include exclusive inner-circle access.