Soon it will be Summer, yea! I know you are happy like I am because it’s high time to start initiating preparations for your upcoming vacation. Since the pandemic is gradually abating, many individuals are eager to discover novel destinations and relish the sunny weather. So if you are outside of the UK or you’re living in the UK, you may be pondering on the precise date when summer commences in the UK and the finest places to tour for an unforgettable summer escapade.
Our blog post will supply you with a comprehensive answer to “When does Summer begin in the UK in 2023?” and present an extensive list of 30 splendid locations to explore during summer. So, Be it a serene beach retreat, an exhilarating outdoor experience, or a cultural city exploration, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to grab your sunblock, pack your luggage, and embark on a thrilling summer journey through the best of what the UK has to offer!
What is the History of Summer?
Summer is a season known for its warm climate, longer daylight hours, and shorter periods of darkness. It has a history that reaches back to ancient times when people would use the position of the stars and the sun to measure the shift of the seasons. In several cultures, the summer season is a season of abundance, fertility, and growth.
The Greeks and Romans held festivals and feasts to celebrate the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, during ancient times.
Furthermore, Individuals prefer summer for vacations, outdoor sports, and seaside visits because schools have a summer break. Meanwhile, it is also a festival period that honours gods that relate to heat and sunlight eg. Apollo in ancient Egypt, so, during summer people now relax by participating in activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, attending outdoor concerts, and celebrating festivals.
When does Summer begin in the UK in 2023?
In the UK, summer usually begins on June 21st or 22nd, which is the summer solstice. This year 2023 summer will start on Wednesday, June 21st, in the UK. Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that the climate in the UK can be erratic, and summer temperatures may not necessarily be hot and sunny all the time.
How many months is summer in the UK?
Summer in the UK typically spans about three months, which are June, July, and August. However, the precise duration of summer could change according to different sources and definitions. While some include May and September as part of the summer season, others view only July and August as the core summer months. In conclusion, the length of summer in the UK is a subjective matter influenced by various factors such as weather variations, cultural norms, and individual preferences.
Is the Uk a good destination for a Summer holiday?
7. Many local specialties and regional cuisines await you in the UK’s rich culinary tradition, along with a thriving craft beer and wine scene.
30 best places to visit for a summer vacation
1. London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom is a 21st-century city with a history stretching back to Roman times. At its center stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, and Westminster Abbey, the site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city. the capital city with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace.
What is the tourist attraction in London?
- The British Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- The Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- Churchill War Rooms
- Hyde Park
- The London Eye
- The Tate Modern
- The National Gallery
- The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
- Westminster Abbey
- The British Library
- The Natural History Museum
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
2. Edinburgh
- Royal Mile
-
The Royal Yacht Britannia
-
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- National Museum of Scotland
-
The Scotch Whisky Experience
- Arthur’s Seat, St Giles’ Cathedral
- Edinburgh Zoo
3. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England so here are the top sights you must not miss
- National Trust – Stonehenge Landscape
- Woodhenge – Historical landmark
- Durrington Walls Stonehenge – Historical place
4. Bath
Bath is in Somerset, England, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Roman-built baths and stunning Georgian architecture so here are some popular tourist attractions in Bath:
- Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- The Royal Crescent
- The Circus
- Pulteney Bridge
- The Jane Austen Centre
- Thermae Bath Spa
5. Lake District National Park
The District National Park in England is known for its stunning natural beauty and offers a wide range of tourist attractions. Here are some popular attractions in the Lake District National Park:
- Lake Windermere
- Scafell Pike
- Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Derwentwater
- Honister Slate Mine
6. New York
- Central Park and Garden
- Statue of Liberty
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal
- American Museum of Natural History
- The Museum of Modern Art
- Bryant Park
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
-
Rockefeller Center
7. Oxford
Oxford, a town located in the central part of southern England, centers its focus on its renowned university, founded in the 12th century. The structural design of its 38 educational institutions situated within the medieval core of the city prompted poet Matthew Arnold to affectionately refer to it as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. University College and Magdalen College reside away from the bustling High Street, stretching from Carfax Tower, offering scenic vistas of the city, to the Botanic Garden situated along the banks of the River Cherwell.
8. Cambridge
Cambridge is known for its rich history, prestigious university, and beautiful architecture, below is the list of popular tourist attractions in Cambridge:
- King’s College and Chapel
- The University of Cambridge
- The Fitzwilliam Museum
- The Mathematical Bridge
- Punting on the River Cam
- The Botanic Garden
- Cambridge Market Square
9. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a lovely town that is located in Warwickshire, England, and it is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Popular tourist attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon:
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Royal Shakespeare Company
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
- Holy Trinity Church
- Stratford Butterfly Farm
- The MAD Museum
- The Canal Basin
10. Liverpool
Liverpool, situated in the northwest of England, is a coastal city where the River Mersey converges with the Irish Sea. This city held significant importance as a hub for trade and immigration from the 1700s until the beginning of the 1900s. Notably, it is renowned as the birthplace of the legendary music group, The Beatles. Along the waterfront, one can witness ferries gliding amidst the distinctive architectural marvels referred to as the “Three Graces” – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building. Other top-sight place includes Liverpool Cathedral, Anfield Stadium, Tate Liverpool Art Gallery, Walker Art Gallery, Cavern Club, The Beatles Story Exhibition/Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Goodison Park Stadium, Central Library
11. Brighton
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city which is found in East Sussex, England. It has a lovely atmosphere, a charming beach, and beautiful landmarks. Here are some popular tourist attractions :
A. Brighton Palace Pier, Beach, and Marina
B. The Royal Pavilion
C. The Lanes
D. British Airways i360
E. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
12. Cornwall
Cornwall is in the southwestern part of England, it has a stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich history. Popular tourist attractions in Cornwall:
A. St. Michael’s Mount
B. Eden Project
C. Land’s End
D. Tintagel Castle
E. Minack Theatre
F. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
13. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is in the northwest of Wales, it is a distinct area featuring the mountains and frozen natural structures of the vast Snowdonia National Park. The renowned Snowdon Mountain Railway within the park ascends to the pinnacle of Mount Snowdon, the tallest peak in Wales, providing panoramic vistas that extend towards Ireland. Moreover, the park encompasses a wide array of paths, more than 100 bodies of water, and rugged summits such as Cader Idris and Tryfan.
14. The Cotswolds
Cotswolds is in south-central England, it is a picturesque village, with rolling hills, and charming countryside. Popular tourist attractions in Cotswolds:
- Bourton-on-the-Water is often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.
- Bibury
- Blenheim Palace
- Sudeley Castle
- Broadway Tower
- Hidcote Manor Garden
- Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
15. Glasgow
Glasgow is in Scotland, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions. Here are some popular tourist attractions in Glasgow:
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- The Riverside Museum
- Glasgow Science Centre
- The Glasgow Necropolis
- The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
- The Glasgow Botanic Gardens
16. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is on the west coast of Scotland and is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque villages. Popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Skye:
- The Old Man of Storr
- Fairy Pools
- Dunvegan Castle
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- Talisker Distillery
- Quiraing
- Fairy Glen
17. The Peak District
The Peak District is in central England, it is a beautiful national park that has rolling hills, picturesque villages, and outdoor activities. Some popular tourist attractions in the Peak District:
- Chatsworth House
- Stanage Edge
- Mam Tor
- Castleton
- Dovedale
- Bakewell
- Tissington Village
18. The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is on the southern coast of England. This coast is known for its stunning cliffs, rock formations, and fossils that date back millions of years. Here are some popular top sights:
- Durdle Door:
- Lulworth Cove
- Old Harry Rocks
- Chesil Beach
- Lyme Regis
- Kimmeridge Bay
19. The Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is a beautiful national park in Norfolk, England. It has a unique landscape of rivers, lakes, and marshes, as well as abundant wildlife. So Top attractions in the Norfolk Broads:
- Wroxham is also known as the “Capital of the Broads.”
- Hickling Broad
- Horsey Windpump
- How Hill Nature Reserve
20. The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is a region with stunning natural beauty in Scotland, it has rugged landscapes, majestic mountains, and picturesque lochs. So here are the top tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands:
- Loch Ness
- Isle of Skye
- Glen Coe
- Ben Nevis
- Eilean Donan Castle
- Cairngorms National Park
21. The Lake District
The Lake District is in northwest England that has stunning lakes, mountains, and charming villages. Popular tourist attractions in the Lake District:
- Lake Windermere
- Scafell Pike
- Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top
- Derwentwater
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Grasmere
22. The New Forest
The New Forest is a beautiful national park which is in Hampshire, England. It has ancient woodlands, heathlands, and diverse wildlife. So, here are the popular tourist attractions in the New Forest:
- Beaulieu
- Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
- Lyndhurst
- New Forest Wildlife Park
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
- Brockenhurst
23. The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful national park in northern England. It has rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming villages. So, here are the top popular tourist attractions in the Yorkshire Dales:
- Aysgarth Falls
- Malham Cove
- Bolton Abbey
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Hawes
- Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
24. The Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is a stunning, beautiful national park in South Wales, it has beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. Popular tourist attractions in the Brecon Beacons:
- Pen y Fan
- Waterfall Country
- Brecon Mountain Railway
- Brecon Beacons National Park Visitor Centre
- Tretower Court and Castle
- Llangorse Lake
25. The Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands is in the northernmost part of Scotland, they offer a beautiful, breathtaking, and stunning experience, see the popular tourist attractions in the Shetland Islands:
- Jarlshof
- Sumburgh Headland
- Lerwick town
- Mousa Broch
- St. Ninian’s Isle island
26. The Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands is off the northeastern coast of Scotland, it has rich history, ancient archaeological sites, and stunning natural beauty. Some popular tourist attractions in the Orkney Islands:
- Skara Brae
- Ring of Brodgar
- Maeshowe
- St. Magnus Cathedral
- Italian Chape
- Brough of Birsay
27. The Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides also called the Western Isles has a beautiful archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. See the tourist attractions in the Outer Hebrides:
- Callanish Standing Stones
- Luskentyre Beach
- St. Kilda
- The Butt of Lewis
- Barra Beaches
28. The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is off the south coast of England and has a stunning coastline, beautiful villages, and rich history. Top popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight:
- The Needles
- Osborne House
- Carisbrooke Castle
- The Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- Shanklin Chine
29. The Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland Coast is in the northeast of England and it has charming natural beauty, sandy beaches, and historic castles. See the popular tourist attractions along the Northumberland Coast:
- Bamburgh Castle
- Holy Island of Lindisfarne
- Farne Islands
- Alnwick Castle
- Seahouses fishing village
30. The South Downs
The South Downs is a beautiful national park in southern England, stretching across Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex. Here are some popular tourist attractions in the South Downs:
- Seven Sisters
- Winchester
- Arundel Castle
- Devil’s Dyke
- Lewes
- Ditchling Beacon
In conclusion
The UK boasts an array of captivating tourist attractions, each exuding its distinct allure. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery of Yorkshire Dales and Brecon Beacons, the historic archaeological sites of the Orkney Islands and the Outer Hebrides, or the picturesque coastal splendor of the Isle of Wight and Northumberland Coast, there is an abundance of discoveries and delights awaiting every adventurer.
Be it your desire to discover ancient fortresses, engage in the narratives of the past, indulge in picturesque strolls amidst rural landscapes, or purely unwind along exquisite coastlines, the tourist sites in the UK present a plethora of opportunities. The abundant experiences they offer stem from their cultural legacy, breathtaking surroundings, and welcoming demeanor, making them highly favored options.