When you say Great Britain it almost sounds intimidating. The island consisting of Most of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland definitely sounds like one of those places on your bucket list of places to visit though.
Due to the longer daylight hours, and the warmer weather throughout the period of summer, it is easier to have outdoor experience this time of year, making it one of the best times to visit the region.
I am about to point out some of the things that you can easily do when you’re visiting the region in the summer season.
Though not the most convenient of options, visiting Scotland first can be a very tempting option. Due to the natural construction of the islands, it is a perfect spot for island hopping. The Isle of Skye, Jura, and the Outer Hebrides—just to name a few—are some of the most beautiful places you can explore this summer.
On the other hand, England and Wales are great places if you are really into sports and want to catch a live sporting event. Visit the ostentatious Edinburgh in the bright and comfy sunlight of the summer months. And if you visit it a little late during August, you can also experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe which holds comedy shows, exhibitions, street parties as well as live music.
All of these regions in Great Britain, especially, in areas like Scotland and Ireland the winters are terribly bitter so during the comparatively nicer weather of the summer months, there are several activities to enjoy outdoors including soaking in the sun and not getting uncomfortable in the process.
Spending a whole afternoon at a poolside in England, or finding a beach to relax in at Wales, or simply enjoying a picnic at one of the beautiful parks in Edinburgh or burn a few calories with a hike in Scotland are some of the more brilliant options when it comes to spending summers in Great Britain.
During the evenings also there are numerous festivals going on at different periods of the summer season, in different regions night away at festivals. If you’re a party person, you will surely like the unique experience, of the rooftops of the Bussey Building, Roof East or Queen of Hoxton for an outdoor cinema experience.
If you want to make a proper tour of Britain and Ireland (as we have already covered the best islands to visit in Scotland and Wales) you will easily need a good more half of a month. I’ll provide an initial tip of what you should be looking for while creating your itinerary; the rest is, of course, on you.
- On your first day after settling in London, you should make a trip to the iconic Oxford University traversing through the green hedges of the Chiltern Hills. Go to the Ashmolean Museum and visit local nearby markets to get the feel of the locality. When you reach the Stratford-upon-Avon after moving through the pretty Cotswolds villages you get to experience the half-timbered mansion of William Shakespeare and finish the day with a quiet dinner with wine.
- The next day should be attributed to the historic side of the city. The York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe.
- This day 3 is for another scholarly exploration. Travel across the Yorkshire Dales and the wild Pennines to the picturesque Lake District. These natural plains will make you understand where the inspiration for all the world-class poetry came from with poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson, and Shelley. The famous spot along this line is the anvil at the blacksmith’s shop. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a vibrant combination of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
- The Loch Ness Cruise is one of my favorites on the trip. Soak up the scenery and the notable monuments and terrifying tales of ‘Nessie’.
- Another day at the mainland may bring you some more scholarly visits. Eilean Donan Castle, the the WWII Commando Memorial for a chance to view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, the Valley of Glencoe and stopping at the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, known as the ‘Queen of Scottish Lakes’ according to Sir Walter Scott, before arriving at the final destination of the day in Glasgow can be put together as one day’s worth of trip.
- When you cross the Irish Sea you come across the Island of Arran along the way. The various parts of Northern Ireland have one thing in common – breathtaking beauty. The sandy beaches beneath the towering basalt cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway, and the ancient walled city of ‘derry’ will make you realize why the raw beauty of Ireland is an integral part of visiting Great Britain.
- You can’t miss Dublin if you’re trying to experience the core of Ireland. First experience Ireland’s national and globally-known drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. The fascinating learning process of pouring a perfect pint is something you should try. Also visit Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Remember, that your Great Britain tour is incomplete without a trip to the historic and iconic Stonehenge in England.
