5 UK waterside breaks you should take this summer
The UK may be well-known for its hit-and-miss weather, but there’s no denying the high temperatures of this week’s heatwave. And with oh-so many beautiful destinations on offer, why not give Spain’s sun, sea and sand a miss in favour of an array of affordable adventures closer to home?
Today, we’re taking a cooling dip into the world of waterside breaks – with a handful of the UK’s top staycation destinations for summer 2016. From surfing on the Cornish coast to lazing on the lakeside in Windermere, we’re bringing you five of Britain’s best places to cool off.
1. Catch a wave on the Cornish coast
At the most westerly point of this country, a visit to the Land’s End region of the Cornish coast should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Sea-side towns and award-winning coves are everywhere you look in this area of outstanding beauty, making for an idyllic beach holiday. Learn how to catch the Atlantic waves with surf lessons in Sennen Cove, or watch a performance at the Minack Theatre – this amphitheatre is built into the Porthcurno cliffside, boasting an ocean-view backdrop like no other.
2. Go freshwater fishing in Loch Tay
This Highland holiday destination has to be one Scotland’s most beautiful hidden gems. The freshwater loch is an ideal fishing spot, boasting stunning scenery, wildlife and historic castles. Imposing mountain ranges overlook the loch – with the highest local peak, Ben Lawers, standing tall at 1,214 metres high. Whether you’re fly fishing for rainbow trout or travelling an hour down the road to Glencoe, make sure your home from home is a superb waterside wigwam.
3. Skipper a sailboat on Lake Windermere
What could be better than setting sail on the largest natural lake in England? The serene setting of Lake Windermere is the perfect spot for sailing, and thanks to its speed restrictions, it’s an ideal place for beginners to learn. With marine finance options on offer, you might even find yourself buying a boat of your own! And don’t forget to consider adding hydrofoil outboard motors to enhance your boating experience. For those wishing to stay shore-side, there’s an abundance of activities on dry land too: take a hike to Hawkshead or catch some culture at Wray Castle. The Lake District has it all!
4. Explore Ulster’s Giant’s Causeway
Take a trip across the water to the Emerald Isle to explore Northern Ireland’s history, culture and abundance of natural beauty. Ulster’s most renowned hotspot, The Giant’s Causeway, is situated just 60 miles north of Belfast – and is well worth the journey from the capital. Geographers may say that the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are a result of an ancient volcanic eruption, but the locals will tell you a very different story. According to legend, the polygonal causeway was built by a giant – we’ll let you decide which tale to believe! It’s no surprise that these amazing stones won the UK’s Best Heritage Attraction in 2015.
5. Ascend the locks of the Avon Ring
With a circuit of 109 miles of canals and rivers, boasting 131 locks, there’s an abundance of English shoreline explore on the Avon Ring. A long weekend spent cruising down the waterways on a narrowboat couldn’t be more relaxing, and where better than in this cultural haven? Moor up beside the Swan Theatre in Stratford upon Avon, or cruise along England’s longest aqueduct – the Edstone. Whether you’re a dab hand at narrowboating or just dream of skippering your own barge, the freedom of travelling UK’s waterways makes for the ultimate relaxing break.
So what are you waiting for? Make the most of the weather (while it lasts!) with a Great British staycation. From beach to canal holidays, there’s something for everyone.
By: Chantel Stevenson