As we’re finally heading into warmer climates, and summer is just around the corner it’s time to dust off that bikini, dig out the beach towel and start planning fun weekends and trips to make it the best summer yet! You don’t want to end the year looking back at all the things you didn’t do. And there are plenty of ways you can make this the most memorable summer yet.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant exotic holidays that break the bank, there are plenty of fun breaks you can plan that won’t cause you to return with a maxed out credit card and post-holiday guilt! Whilst a weekend of binging on Netflix is perfectly acceptable over the winter months, it’s time to minimise the TV watching (EVEN if Prison Break is returning) and get up and enjoy the great outdoors.
For a little inspiration, here are some amazing breaks that you should start planning for this year! It’s time to stop dreaming and start doing…
A Camping Trip
Now, if you’re not the camping type there are plenty of other more ‘glamorous’ options available. Glamping became a big trend a few years back and is still enjoyed by many that want to experience the great outdoors, but in style. Quite often these glamping experiences don’t even require you to bring a sleeping bag!
If you opt to stay in a Yurt then you’ll often find you will be greeted with a bed, small area for cooking and other basic amenities. You just need to bring yourself, plenty of waterproof clothes (just in case!), a pair of Wellington boots and plenty of food to keep your energy levels up. Cornwall offers some amazing glamping locations, so be sure to check these out.
A Forest Adventure
The UK is full of truly stunning locations that should not be ignored for further away destinations, one of which includes the beautiful New Forest in Dorset. An ideal location for all ages, the New Forest has something for everybody. With plenty of activities including cycling, horse-riding, water sports and golf you definitely won’t ever be bored!
As well as breath-taking scenery and a true experience up close with nature, the New Forest also has a great dining scene with plenty of restaurants, pubs and a variety of cuisine including Italian and Asian. You can opt to go for a camping experience, or there are plenty of hotels and B&B’s that surround the forest, offering a luxury stay for your break.
A Relaxing Spa Break
If you fancy a weekend of pure pampering and bliss, then there’s only one destination for it. The spa! For relaxing massages, a peaceful environment and kicking back with your best friend or partner, there’s no place better to unwind. For a truly tranquil experience try a real countryside retreat. Set in three acres of secluded gardens, this location will truly sweep you off your feet!
Enjoy the hotel’s chic, luxury rooms complete with high-end toiletries, room service and fitness club. And then head to the spa for a relaxing afternoon in the rooftop hot tub. Sounds just heavenly, doesn’t it?
Stay in a Cottage
Why not gather a group of friends together, chip in and hire out a cottage for a long weekend? Or head away for a romantic retreat with a partner? A beach cottage is a perfect option for those who still want to feel some sand between their toes, and hopefully some sunshine too! The great thing about these is that most are dog-friendly, too, so you can bring your four-legged friends along for the ride.
Look for coastal cottages with stunning views, a hot tub, contemporary décor and plenty of opportunities to catch a few waves for any keen surfers out there! Just imagine those balmy summer evenings with a BBQ whilst watching the sun go down. Heavenly.
A Treehouse Holiday
How about re-living your youth and staying in a unique tree house?! Now these aren’t the ‘thrown together with old bits of wood’ tree houses you might have previously had fun in as a kid, these are the height of luxury! Many of the treehouses can home up to groups of six and they’re seriously fun.
This beautiful Devon based treehouse overlooks a stunning view of the lake accompanied with a hot tub, balcony, and even free Wi-Fi. Yes, you can even get Wi-Fi in a treehouse in the middle of a forest! Welcome to 2016. As well as all this you can also enjoy the 3D home cinema, underfloor heating, and log burner. We told you there was more to this treehouse than meets the eye!
Hopefully, these top tips and suggestions will help to give you some inspiration to start planning the summer of a lifetime! It’s true that you don’t have to leave your own home country (wherever that may be!) to have a great time, and too often we’re guilty of overlooking it in favour of jumping on an airplane. With the upcoming bank holidays, now is a good time to start planning, researching and booking some fun weekends available close to you, before it’s too late! So, where will it be first?