Now that the summer months are finally upon us and the bashful British sun has finally crawled out of hiding, it’s time to start planning our time away with family and friends.
With the changeability of British weather, one of the best ways to enjoy our occasional fleeting moments of heat and sunshine is to take a last-minute trip to one of this nation’s beautiful cities. On a Saturday morning, if the birds are chirping and the sky is blue, why not take a chance and book a weekend away?
Here are my 3 favourite summer city breaks in the UK:
Brighton
This quaint yet vibrant city really has it all. Stroll down the magical city streets amid the hustle and bustle of seasoned shoppers enjoying the unequalled variety of boutiques and stores, before settling down in one of the many oddball coffee houses. The city offers an impressive array of museums, galleries and theatres as well as one of the country’s most abundant nightlife and music scenes.
Nestled in between the lulling blue waters of the English Channel and the rolling green hills of the South Downs, Brighton is in the perfect position for summer exploration. Try kite flying on the breezy, Sussex hills or take a walk along the wide promenade, ice cream in hand as excitable roller bladers whizz past yelling.
Brighton seaside is packed to the hilt with accommodation, as well as plenty of ambient cafes and bars; it has to be my favourite place in the country for weekend hotel breaks.
The beautiful seafront architecture, highlighted in the summer sun, will send a shiver down your spine, and along with the salty sea breeze, will guarantee your stay in Brighton to be a summer break to remember.
Bath
For something a little different, why not visit one of England’s most ancient and iconic cities? Amble down the same cobbled streets as the Romans did two thousand years before you. The striking, colourful architecture, constructed almost solely from beautiful Bath Stone, oozes antiquity and atmosphere.
Taking a relaxing dip in the Roman baths is essential when visiting the city to which they gave their name. The steamy waters come straight from the nearby natural hot springs, bubbling and brewing at an impressive 117 degrees F.
There is plenty more in the way of history here. The beautiful city was inscribed as a World heritage Site in 1987 and has many other sights and stories to offer. The striking Abbey was first founded in the 7th Century, and has undergone much renewal and refurbishment over the following centuries, retaining a little of every epoch it has endured. Pulteney Bridge has been designated a Grade I site of historical importance and is one of the very few bridges in the world lined with interesting and traditional boutiques, cafes and stalls. Bath really is a city like no other!
Edinburgh
The capital of our northern neighbour is surely one of the world’s prettiest cities. As an ancient centre for trade and commerce, the archaic settlement is steeped in history and stories. Taking a stroll through the enchanting streets and back alleys while viewing the magnificent architecture is simply breath taking, the view from the top of Calton Hill on the East side of the city at sunset is a truly unforgettable experience.
In terms of things to do, Scotland’s capital will have you spoilt for choice. There is a wide spectrum of shops and stores with enough variation in style and price tag to suit everyone.
The National Museum of Scotland has been recently refurbished and now holds a remarkable collection of exhibits, spanning millions of years and representing a diverse collection of cultures and continents from whale skeletons to Egyptian coffins, from medieval jewellery to a Concorde.
During the summer, the world-famous Edinburgh festival takes place showcasing all sorts of up-and-coming talent in all areas of the performing arts. Laughing at the hilarious routines of an international comedy troupe while in the shadow of the impressive Edinburgh Castle is an amazing feeling – life doesn’t get much better!
So this summer, instead of going abroad, stay in Britain and take advantage of the wealth of culture and fun that this historic country has to offer. A trip to any one of these great locations promises to be a memorable experience, but why not try and visit all three for a truly spectacular summer!
Lifecruiser Love UK Destinations
It’s a common dilemma. While a Caribbean cruise is a popular choice for a holiday, with so many luxurious options to choose from it’s hard to know which is right for you. Luckily the Disney Cruise Line® offers something for everybody. With a little research before you set off, you can make sure your Disney cruise is the best vacation experience imaginable.
If you’ve never cruised before and aren’t sure how your sea legs will fair, try the 3 or 4-night cruise. If you decide you like cruising Disney-style you can opt for the week long cruise next time. With a Walt Disney World Holiday experience you can guarantee there will always be a next time!
Don’t forget to pack your glad-rags on for the sail away party. Held on deck you’ll see great views of the partying, set against the shore and the open ocean. Look out for the Cast Members in the Port building waving goodbye to you with their giant Mickey hands.
Families or groups with five members or more can save money by booking two connecting staterooms, rather than several smaller cabins. Just make sure you request connecting staterooms when booking.
On your first day, don’t worry if you don’t make it to the disembarkation talk. Although everyone is told to attend, the staff rebroadcast it continually on the stateroom televisions for the rest of the day. Do something else while everyone is packed in the theatre, and then watch it later, at your convenience.
As well as great food available at the ship’s restaurants, spa sessions, varied shopping opportunities and more activities to choose from than you can ever imagine, on a Disney Caribbean cruise you’ll even get to wade through the waters to Disney’s privately owned island, Castaway Cay on one of the daily stops.
Snorkelling, souvenir shopping and sunbathing on the island are highly recommended. Indulge in a cabana massage, which is very popular with the island’s residents (so it must be good!). Dive down to the depths along one of the many beaches where you’ll come across an old plane wreckage where thousands of
colorful fish congregate.
Despite common misconceptions Disney’s not just for kids and the fun continues long after they go to bed. For example, there are noticeably less children at the late seating for dinner and in the audience during the late show. Whatever you do, don’t leave “Disney Dreams” early: this is a must-see show.
Disney cruise tickets are not yet available through the brand’s site so you will need to call to book; however tickets to the numerous theme parks for your Walt Disney World Holiday can be booked online.
Things constantly change on-board but these tips will hold you in good stead and prepare you to embrace the enchantment of Disney’s high seas.
Lifecruiser Love Cruises
To take a Dominican Republic vacation is to take a vacation into one of the most laid-back and vibrant countries in the Caribbean.
You can let life simply drift by as you lay on the beach sipping a cocktail with the sun on your face and white sand between your toes, or you can get active and explore some of the wondrous sights and sounds it has to offer.
If you choose to pick up the pace, a great way to do it is with dance lessons. Who knows, they may come in handy if you are visiting in February during carnival season!
Music is inescapable in the Dominican Republic, as you would expect from a country with strong Latin and reggae roots. Like a soundtrack, it is there wherever you go and it is as much woven into the fabric and the identity of the country as it is into the history of the neighbouring Caribbean islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico.
But if you’ve got two left feet and want to make use of them then mountain-biking is the best way to take advantage of the country’s natural geographical diversity. For something slower, dramatic ocean backdrops mean the Dominican Republic has some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean.
No trip would be complete with a visit to Santo Domingo, specifically the Zona Colonial. You will not need a translator to understand what this area is all about. The architectural wonders of the place that Christopher Columbus’ son once called home tell a thousand tales.
Music, dancing, history, culture, water sports and more can all be found in this idyllic country. It’s a country whose charm will stay with you. It’s the quintessential Caribbean destination and can be reached through most popular tour operators, such as Thomas Cook package holidays.
Lifecruiser Love Caribbean
