The English summer is often regarded as a picturesque season, celebrated for its blend of long, sunlit days, pleasant temperatures, and the opportunity to indulge in outdoor activities. This time of year showcases lush green landscapes, stunning coastal vistas, and an array of summer festivals and events. To truly savour the beauty of an English summer, consider exploring some offbeat destinations in United Kingdom that offer unique experiences.
Glastonbury is one of the most spiritual sites in England, steeped in history and myth. Often regarded as the birthplace of Christianity in England, it is also believed to be the location where Joseph of Arimathea returned with a vessel containing the blood of the dying Christ, famously known as the Holy Grail, which he buried in the Abbey he established.
Indeed, it is in this particular locale that the ancient pagan traditions, the Christian faith, and the New Age philosophy coexist with remarkable synthesis. The cobbled, quaint streets are adorned with herbal and potion stores, jewellery shops, and an abundance of vegan and raw food cafes, making it the perfect 80’s hippy town to host the Glastonbury Festival.
Glastonbury Tor is another quiet location, particularly for the vistas. From St. Michael’s Tower atop, you’ll have beautiful, far-reaching vistas across the countryside. There are also the remains of the 8th-century Glastonbury Abbey, which was left in disarray due to Henry VIII’s attempt to abolish the Catholic Church. Rich in myths and legends, this town is best known for King Arthur's Tomb, which is located here.
By Train: Take a train to Castle Cary (from London or Bristol), then a bus or taxi to Glastonbury (about 30 minutes).
By Bus: Long-distance buses (e.g., National Express) run directly to Glastonbury from London or Bristol.
By Car: Drive via the A361 from London (three-four hours) or Bristol (one hour).
By Air: Fly into Bristol Airport or London Heathrow, then take a train or bus.
Legends and folklore abound in the enigmatic location that is Dartmoor. Locals narrate retellings of legends of witches, headless horsemen, pixies, ghostly hounds, occult happenings, and a huge black dog that appears to wander the moors at night. Renowned for being the inspiration behind Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle’s works, this moorland makes up 365 sq m of Devon's Dartmoor National Park.
The tors of Dartmoor are a defining characteristic of this locale. These enormous granite mounds that rise above the surrounding terrain offer some of the most amazing vistas from the summit of these torsos. Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor, Great Links Tor, Steeperton Tor, and Great Staple Tor are a few of the most beautiful and greatest tors to climb. A vast system of bike routes, bridleways, and walkways crisscrosses the area, acting as catalysts to explore the stunning wilderness. Dartmoor offers a variety of activities that will captivate your mind, such as visiting old ruins and camping in the woods under the stars.
By Train: Take a train to Plymouth or Exeter from London or Bristol, then a bus or taxi to Dartmoor (about 30-45 minutes).
By Bus: National Express or local buses connect Plymouth, Exeter, or Tavistock to Dartmoor.
By Car: Drive to Dartmoor from Exeter (30 minutes) or Plymouth (40 minutes).
In the summer, head to Sussex for wine-tasting tours. It starts with paying a visit to a larger vineyard to discover more about the produce and the winemaking process after attending a private tasting at a smaller estate, which is sure to convert one to English sparkling wine. A chauffeur service operates between Ridgeview and Bolney Wine Estate, two unique wineries that provide guided tastings. Ridgeview is known for its beautiful setting, perfect for enjoying sparkling wine, while Bolney offers guests a chance to savour delicious late lunches before concluding their experience. Together, these wineries create a memorable outing for wine enthusiasts.
By Train: Take a train to Brighton, Chichester, or Eastbourne from London (about 1-1.5 hours).
By Bus: National Express or local buses connect London to various towns in Sussex.
By Car: Drive from London to Sussex (about one or two hours depending on your destination).
On the outskirts of Exmoor National Park lies the charming village of Dunster. This picturesque village features several quaint old-fashioned shops, bars, restaurants, and tea rooms. Located between the sea and the moors, Dunster offers a scenic atmosphere with cobblestone streets, historic buildings with thatched roofs, and a timeless, old-world charm. Dominating the landscape is the impressive Dunster Castle, built in the 12th century, which serves as a reminder of the village's rich history as a trade port. Additionally, St. George's Church contains remnants of a 900-year-old monastery. The area also boasts several beautiful walking trails that meander through meadows, woodlands, and along the shores of the Bristol Channel. Visitors can also explore nearby beaches, such as Porlock, Bossington, Minehead, and Blue Anchor Beach.
By Train: Take a train to Minehead (via Taunton), then a short bus or taxi to Dunster (about 10 minutes).
By Car: Drive directly to Dunster from Taunton (about 30 minutes).
Ludlow is one of the greatest hubs in England for gastronomical delights. This old market town in Shropshire is renowned for its superb cuisine and drinks, making it a true culinary centre. Ludlow boasts a number of excellent restaurants that have earned honours, including Forelles, Mortimers, and Old Downton Lodge. In addition to a monthly farmers market and a local vegetable market every other Thursday, the town offers a bustling outdoor market multiple times a week.
For almost 700 years, Ludlow's centre square has hosted these marketplaces. The town brims with traditional bakeries, delis, fishmongers, butchers, cheesemongers, and greengrocers. Ludlow is also incredibly picturesque. The town, which is perched on a hill above the River Teme, is home to many Georgian, Tudor, and half-timbered houses. It boasts a magnificent Norman castle, winding, cobbled alleyways, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
By Train: Take a train to Ludlow from Birmingham (about 1.5 hours) or London (via Shrewsbury, about three hours).
By Car: Drive directly to Ludlow from Birmingham (about 1.5 hours) or London (about 3-3.5 hours).
Llanddwyn Island is a tiny islet located off the coast of Anglesey. It is an idyllic destination offering panoramic views of the bay and Snowdonia, along with sweeping dunes and a charming lighthouse. This beautiful setting makes it perfect for a romantic summer evening. The island is steeped in myth and history and is named after Dwynwen, a fifth-century Welsh saint.
By Train: Take a train to Bangor or Holyhead, then a bus or taxi to Newborough (about 30 minutes).
By Car: Drive to Newborough on Anglesey (about 1.5 hours from Bangor or Holyhead). From the Newborough Forest car park, it's a short walk to Llanddwyn Island (about 30 minutes).
