uk places to visit in july

23 Best Places To Visit In The UK In July (2024 Review)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

The United Kingdom is a wonderful place for a summer holiday. The sun is shining and lovely warm temperatures await you on most days. Of course, it is England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and there is no such thing as guaranteed good weather in any month of the year! Nevertheless, July is a lovely time to visit Great Britain and beyond. Better yet, pretty towns, exciting cities, breathtaking beaches and stunning national parks are there to discover on a summer vacation. Whether you love to explore sophisticated cities, stumble upon hidden treasures tucked into quaint villages, or tread off-the-beaten path in parks and countrysides, the United Kingdom offers it all. Here are the 23 best places to visit in the UK in July.

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Other Options

Europe offers many fantastic holiday options in summer. If you are curious about what those are, please check out the following.

For other amazing destinations to visit in the United Kingdom, please see:

• 28 Best Places To Visit In The UK In June ;
• 22 Best Places To Visit In The UK in August ;
• 20 Best Places To Visit In The UK In September ; and
• 26 Best Places To Visit In The UK In Summer .

For great weather, the best time to visit the United Kingdom is June, July, August, and September. Accordingly, all three articles, in addition to this article, would be helpful for choosing the best vacations for any of these months.

If you are keen to travel to Europe in summer, but want to make sure that the destination won’t be too hot or humid, please see 24 Best Places To Visit In Europe For Mild Summer Weather . Overall, most places in the United Kingdom avoid extreme heat and humidity in summertime.

If you are looking for beach options for the United Kingdom and Europe, check out 27 Best Beaches To Visit In Europe In June and 25 Best Beach Holidays in Europe In September .

For those interested in the best vacation spots in Europe in July, please see 24 Best Places To Visit In Europe In July .

Europe offers many inexpensive destinations even in summer. For an in depth review of where to go, consider reading 28 Best Cheap Places In Europe For A Summer Vacation .

If you only have a few days to spare, then spend a few moments reviewing 26 Amazing Summer Weekend Getaways In Europe for some inspiration.

Best Places To Visit In The UK In July

Here are 23 of the best places to visit in July in the United Kingdom. Each destination highlights the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and expected weather for a summer getaway.

Castle Combe, England

By Jessie from Pocket Wanderings

Castle Combe  is a small village in the Cotswolds, nestled in the county of Wiltshire. It’s often considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in the United Kingdom, with its quaint, chocolate-box appeal. With no overhead cables or aerials, it’s a place that feels frozen in time. It is one of the best places for a summer trip in the UK.

The summer is the perfect time to go for a gentle amble through the village, soaking up the atmosphere while listening to the chirping of the birds and the trickle of the stream. Pick up some homemade delicacies from The Little Picnic Shop and enjoy some alfresco dining in this picture-perfect setting. For something more active, play a round of golf at The Manor House course or join one of the nearby walking routes.

The circular walk from Castle Combe to Ford and back is a beautiful 7km walk through pretty woodland and open grassland. Part of the walk takes you through Danks Down – an area of Special Scientific Interest. It’s great for spotting different species of bird, from buzzards and woodpeckers to marsh tits and owls. Once back in Castle Combe, treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea at The Manor House as a reward for your hiking efforts.  

The month of July offers the best chance of warm weather and sunshine, making it an ideal time to explore this village – which has little in the way of indoor facilities. Average highs are around 69 o F with the likelihood of some rain around 7 days. Being the UK, sunshine is never guaranteed, so bring an umbrella and packable raincoat just in case!

Best Way To Reach The Destination

The most convenient international airport for visiting Castle Combe is London Heathrow. It is a 90 minute drive away along the M4. For those flying from within the UK, Bristol airport is nearby. You can’t park directly within the village – which is part of its old-world charm – but there is a free car park just a 10 minute walk outside of the village.

Hotel Recommendation

Jessie says, “There are two hotel options within Castle Combe. For a luxury option, stay at the iconic Manor House hotel – a 14th century manor house with exceptional hospitality and elegant interiors. Or for a more budget-friendly option, try The Castle Inn for a cosy and comfortable place to stay. It’s also worth checking Airbnb for self-catering options, as some of the cottages in the village are available as holiday lets.”

Peak District National Park, England

By Jenny from Peak District Kids

The Peak District, nestled between the big cities of Manchester, Sheffield, and Derby, is the oldest national park in Great Britain. It is one of the best places for a July vacation in the United Kingdom for outdoor lovers.

There are an abundance of walks through winding valleys (such as the Dovedale or Lathkill Dale) to epic view points (such as the  Thorpe Cloud walk ), or along dramatic escarpments (such as Baslow Edge or Stanage Edge).

In addition, there are also lots of disused railway tracks that have been transformed into traffic-free cycle paths that criss-cross the National Park. These are relatively flat and wide, so perfect for families (such as the Monsal Trail and High Peak Trail).

From Castleton (one of the main villages in the Peak District), there are fantastic hikes up to Mam Tor and Lose Hill view points, or you can venture underground to explore the limestone caverns. Plus there are lots of pubs to treat yourself after a long day adventuring in the great outdoors.

The weather in the Peak District is notoriously interchangeable. Average high is 65 degrees Fahrenheit with the possibility of some rain around 8 days in July. In summer, it’s often warm enough for a wild swim.

However, you are more likely to experience four seasons in one day, so dress in layers and be prepared with good hiking shoes and a map. The temperature is always a couple of degrees cooler on the escarpment edges, and more if there’s a strong wind.

Manchester Airport is the nearest international airport, and from there you can be in Castleton within 45 minutes.

Jenny says, “ You won’t find any big hotel chains here in the Peak District. The best way to experience the National Park is by renting a self-catering holiday cottage on a farm (check out Peak Cottages). Or if you are visiting on a budget, look at the YHAs or campsites.”

Isle of Skye, Scotland

By Paulina from UK Everyday

One of the best places for a July holiday in Great Britain is the Isle of Skye. The largest and most northerly of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland attracts many tourists every year. Due to its unspoilt landscape, it is also a great destination for professional or budding amateur photographers.

The Old Man of Storr , pinnacles of rock set against the backdrop of rolling green hills and the coastline, is the most photographed place on the island. It is also possible to hike it. A relatively easy walk at just 3 hours, you will be awarded with impressive views such as the Scottish Islands Raasay, Rona and Harris.

There are also amazing waterfalls in this part of the UK such as Kilt Rock or Mealt Falls. For wild swimming, visit Fairy Pools which are also a great place for families.

Keep in mind that it rains a lot in Scotland. In July, expect around 12 days with some rain. Summer highs are around 60 o F, unless there is a heatwave in the UK. Then you can expect sunny warm weather even in the Isle of Skye.

Good news for the rest of the time as the island looks the most magical when it is gloomy. It is known as the mist island!

The best airports to fly to visit the Isle of Skye are in Glasgow or Edinburgh. It takes over 4 hours to drive there. However, with so many amazing places to stop along the way, you will not notice the July road trip. You can access the island via a free bridge.

Paulina says, “I f you are looking for a good hotel check out the beautiful town Portree. You can also choose Broadford and stay in the Hebridean Inn or book a room in one of the cottages in the northern part of the island. Hilltop House bed and breakfast is a good place to stop for a night while exploring  Isle of Skye.”

Bath, England

By Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city  and the largest city located in the county of Somerset. It offers a gorgeous old town feel and summer events making it one of the best destinations to travel in the UK for a July getaway.

Bath is famous for its geothermal springs. In addition, it has incredible Roman Baths, a site that dates all the way back to the 5 th  century.

Make sure you visit the Royal Crescent – a curved street of townhouses that re-defines the word picturesque. The writer Jane Austen spent time in Bath and the town’s influence found its way into her novels. If you are an admirer of her work, then the Jane Austen centre in Bath is definitely worth a visit.

Have you even visited Bath if you haven’t sampled the town’s hot springs firsthand? Luckily in July, the weather doesn’t get ridiculously hot, so a soak in a geothermal spring is still very pleasant. Try the Thermae Bath Spa for all your wellness needs.  

Visiting Bath at any time of year is a great idea, but in the summer peak in July this town really comes to life. The Bath Carnival completely transforms the town’s old-world charm into a vibrant and modern party atmosphere.

Bath is also quite close to the mystical Stonehenge region, so try to make a day trip to see these magical stones.

Bath’s weather in July is usually balmy with highs in the low 20s Celsius (69 Fahrenheit). Expect around 7 days with some rain.

Bristol International Airport is the closest airport to Bath, but it is also very easy to fly into London and then take the train out to the Somerset region.

Emma says, “ Bath is full of excellent accommodation options, but for a real treat, consider the Gainsborough Bath Spa or the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa – both are beautiful, high-end options.

Pembrokeshire National Park, Wales

By Rachel from Average Lives

Pembrokeshire National Park is one of the best destination for a July trip in the United Kingdom. The area is full of beautiful beaches, colourful towns, and a slow-paced way of life. 

In the north, you should make time to visit Great Britain’s smallest city – St Davids, which has a beautiful cathedral, shops, pubs and an excellent fish and chip shop. Nearby is the beautiful Blue Lagoon , which is an old quarry that has been transformed into an adventure playground. You can go coasteering, kayaking, swimming in the lagoon, or hiking above to discover hidden beaches.

In the south, you will be welcomed into the lively town of Tenby, which is a popular home base to explore the surrounding area. Although there’s plenty to do in the town itself, the natural beauty lies around its coastline.

It would be best if you headed to Barafundle Bay to see the most transparent water in Wales. Alternatively, catch a ferry to the nearby Skomer Island to see some of the 10,000 pairs of puffins. The puffins are there from April to August. However, the best time to see them is in the middle of June to the middle of July. During this time, they are looking for sand eels to feed their young. It is a beautiful sight to see.  

July has an average high temperature of around 65 °F (16°C) and is the fewest rainy days in the year (just 8). July can be cloudy, but it is one of the warmer months to visit.

To reach Pembrokeshire, the nearest airport is Cardiff (CWL) Airport, 75 miles away. From here, it would be best to hire a car and make stops along the way. 

Rachel says, “ A great place to stay would be at Beachcomber B&B in Tenby or in St David’s at Twr y Felin Hotel or Caerfai Farm, campsite closeby.”

Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

By Bridget from The Flashpacker

With its charming historic Georgian core, a thriving cultural agenda and foodie scene, rejuvenated quayside and suburban sandy beaches, this is one of the most attractive and vibrant cities in the UK for vacations in July.

Explore the city’s elegant Georgian streets, iconic bridges and waterfront on a walking tour. If you are a culture vulture, one of the  best things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne  is to visit the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Housed in one of the flour mills that lined the River Tyne, this landmark building is the setting for a changing programme of art exhibitions and events.

If it’s open spaces that you are after, fill your lungs with sea air by walking along the sensational beach from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay.

Furthermore, it is an excellent base for day trips to the historic city of Durham, Hadrian’s Wall or forays into the wild Northumberland countryside.

The weather in July is perfect. It’s one of the sunniest, driest and warmest months of the year with daytime temperature nudging 66 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius).

Most travellers arrive in Newcastle’s centrally located train station that has frequent direct train services to London King’s Cross station and to Edinburgh.

If you are flying from overseas, the closest international airport is Edinburgh, a two and half drive to the north. There is also a regional airport, located just six miles north-west of the city centre.

Bridget says, “ Newcastle upon Tyne has no shortage of good places to stay. Book a self-catering suite at the Staybridge Suites, an aparthotel one block from the quayside. The facilities at this affordable mid-range option include a well-equipped kitchenette, free in-house laundry and complimentary breakfast and tea and coffee.”

Exmouth, England

By Claire from Go South West England

Exmouth is on the southeast coast of Devon where the river Exe meets the sea. In July, the holiday town of Exmouth booms. It’s most famous for its vast beach which stretches for two miles, starting at the Exe Estuary and finishing at the red rock cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. It is one of the best beach destinations in Great Britain for holidays in July.

Some of the best things to do in Exmouth is rent paddle boards or kayaks from the prestigious watersports centre or visit the fascinating National Trust property A La Ronde. This is a 16 sided house where two spinsters lived. They filled the house with a collection of items from their world travels. 

You can hike the Exmouth part of the South West Coast Path, or trek inland to the moors, visiting charming villages like Otterton and East Budleigh on the way. In addition, the Exe Estuary Trail connects Exmouth with Exeter and takes in some fantastic riverside scenery and birdlife. 

Being on the south coast of the country, Exmouth has one of the best climates in England. However, it can be a bit cooler in the summer months than places like London, as it has a lovely coastal breeze. Expect average highs of 69 Fahrenheit and around 7 days of rain.

To get to Exmouth, you can fly into either Exeter Airport (a 20 minute drive) or Bristol Airport (a 1.5 hour drive). There are public buses from Exeter Airport and a coach service that connects Bristol with Exeter. 

Claire says, “ The seaside town is full of hotels and wonderful places to stay. The Devon Cliffs Caravan Park is a popular Haven resort. It sits midway between Exmouth and its neighbouring town Budleigh Salterton, sitting high on the cliffs of the oldest part of the Jurassic Coast. The Dolphin Hotel is also a recommended hotel in the town centre.”

Orkney Islands, Scotland

By Suzanne from Meandering Wild

The  Orkney Islands  are a small group of islands located off the north coast of Scotland. They are beautiful and would be one of the best places to visit in the UK in July.

The main island is known as Mainland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Neolithic past that is slowly being uncovered.

Skara Brae is a Neolithic village, older than Stonehenge and has been excavated fully with an interesting visitors centre. Nearby is the Ring of Brodgar, a large circle of standing stones and Maes Howe, a burial chamber.

On the far north tip of Mainland is the Brough of Birsay. The island is home to puffins in July who nest in the cliffs close to the lighthouse. This makes for a lovely walk across the causeway and around the island.

The main city on Orkney is Kirkwall. The centre of the town is built around the red sandstone cathedral and the adjacent Bishops Palaces. There is a small and interesting museum that tells the story of the islands tucked away opposite the cathedral.

Orkney weather is unpredictable.  Even in the summer, there can be storms but these are calmer than the winter storms. 

Average high temperature in July is 60 degree Fahrenheit although there is always a cooling breeze. 

Rainfall is unpredictable but happens around 8 days during the month. However, any rain that does arrive is short lived and passes through quickly.

To get to Orkney, it is best to fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh. From there you will need a second flight to Kirkwall. 

If you would prefer to drive, then it is 6 hours from Edinburgh or Glasgow to the ferry terminal at Thurso. You will need to take a 90 minute ferry to the second main town of Stromness.

Suzanne says, “ Hotels on Orkney are limited but the Standing Stones Hotel in Stenness makes a good base. This hotel is located on the side of a loch with views to the Ring of Brodgar.”

Brighton, England

By Erica from Travels With Erica

Brighton is located on the south coast of England and is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the UK. It is also one of the most popular and best beach destinations for getaways in July in the United Kingdom amongst locals and tourists. 

With the beautiful weather, most people head outside to the famous Brighton seafront and Palace Pier. You can walk along the seafront, play arcade games on the pier, and even ride a rollercoaster. 

When it is time to take a break from the midday heat, consider visiting the Royal Pavilion. It was King George IV’s favorite royal residence. He had extravagant taste, and a lot of the original decor is still displayed in the Pavilion. 

The Lanes are another must-visit attraction in Brighton. They’re a series of small, winding streets in the heart of the city. They feature small boutique clothing stores, tourist shops, and some excellent restaurants. It is the best places in Brighton to go if you’re looking for a good meal. 

July is one of the hottest and least rainiest months of the year. You can expect highs of 67 Fahrenheit with just 6 days of light rain on average. 

It is less than 2 hours away  from central London by train  and only 45 minutes from Gatwick Airport. By car, it takes 40 minutes to drive to Brighton from Gatwick. 

Erica says, “ You’ll be spending most of your time in Brighton in the southern part of the city near the seafront, The Lanes, and Royal Pavilion, so you should stay as close to the seafront as possible. The Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront is one of the best hotels near the seafront. It sells out quickly so be sure to book early.”

Belfast, Northern Ireland

By Sinead from Map Made Memories

The  city of Belfast  is the capital of Northern Ireland and is a vibrant city offering visitors a range of attractions. It is also a great base to start or finish a July road trip in Northern Ireland to see such places as Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge .

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city is Titanic Belfast, the museum dedicated to the tragic story of the Titanic. As the RMS Titanic was built in Belfast, there is an equal emphasis on how the ship was designed and constructed as well as on the disaster itself. There is incredible and moving footage of the wreck of the Titanic in the museum’s auditorium. Don’t miss the SS Nomadic next door to the museum, one of Titanic’s tender boats that you can climb on board and explore.

Another Belfast must see is the Ulster Museum situated in the 26-acre Belfast Botanic Gardens. Exhibits range from Egyptian mummies to jewellery but “the Troubles” exhibit is worth a special visit. The “Troubles” refers to the three decades of civil unrest (that only ended in 1998) between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland where over 3600 people died.

If you are in Belfast over a weekend, browse the stalls at St Georges Market. The market has been operating since the 1890s and was voted the UK’s best indoor market in 2019. Tourists can purchase locally sourced fruit and vegetables, antiques, specialty foods or locally made crafts or just enjoy soaking up the lively atmosphere.

If you are traveling with teens, Belfast is an ideal destination.

Belfast weather is seasonal with cool, wet days even in summer so be prepared for all weathers when visiting the city. Summer high temperatures average around 65 o F (18 degrees Celsius) with around 2″ of rain.

Belfast International Airport is the closest airport is 18 miles north west of the city centre. Belfast is accessible in 30 minutes by car or public bus.

Sinead says, “ Stay as central as you can to the sights you wish to visit as Belfast traffic is notoriously congested. The budget-friendly Premier Inn or upscale Titanic Belfast are good choices as both are located in the Titanic Quarter near the Titanic museum. From here, it will take only 25 minutes to walk to St George’s market and the city centre.”

Newquay, England

By Kirsty from Lost In Cornwall

Newquay is a town on the North Coast of Cornwall right down in the South West of England. With its hippy and surfing communities it is very different from some of the more up market towns nearby. It is one of the best destinations for July trips in Great Britain.

The spectacular coastline and beaches are what draws people to Cornwall. Newquay has 8 beaches  in the town itself and there are at least a dozen more within easy reach by car or local bus. 

Each beach has a different vibe. Some are busy with families and some are more suited to long walks with your dog. Almost all have a gorgeous blue colour that you just don’t get anywhere else in the UK!

You can try your hand at a lot of watersports near Newquay but what many people come for is the surfing. You can hire gear or get beginner’s lessons with a variety of surfing schools. Most of the beaches have a lifeguard presence in July. 

Bedruthan Steps is a short drive from Newquay and will provide you with some peace and tranquillity.  It’s a stunning stretch of coastline with sea stacks that get battered by the sea. You can walk the coastal path here and really get away from the crowds.    

Cornwall is warm and sunny in the summer months although it can be prone to having days of rain as well. This part of the country sees slightly warmer weather than the rest of the United Kingdom due to its southerly position. In July, expect average highs of 65 degree Fahrenheit with 7 days of some rain.

Being in the southwest of the country, it can be a long journey by car from elsewhere in the UK. Thankfully, Newquay has its own small international airport which connects Cornwall to London, some other British airports and some European countries too. From the airport, it’s a 15 minute drive to town.

Kirsty says, “ When looking for a hotel, why not consider the iconic Headland hotel which was featured in the 90s classic film The Witches. It has a great position looking out on the sea. Yet, it is still walking distance to all the wonderful beaches. “

Jersey , British Isles

By Coralie from Grey Globetrotters

It’s hard to think of a better place to visit in July than the British Channel Island of Jersey. It is not actually a part of Great Britain or the United Kingdom but a beautiful destination in the British Isles.

From the stunning 50 miles of coastline crammed with beaches, coves and cute little harbours, to thousands of years of history, there’s plenty to explore by day, and really good restaurants and a lively nightlife too.

One of the most unique things to do in Jersey is to take a  RIB trip to Les Ecrehous  – an offshore island reef. You’ll probably see seals at the reef and be accompanied by a pod of dolphins on your way back!

If you love water sports, head for the glorious golden sands of St Brelade’s Bay to try paddle boarding or kayaking, or head further west to St Ouen’s Bay to try out the Atlantic breakers as the huge tide rolls in. Then tuck into something to eat at El Tico, but make sure to grab a window seat, so you can watch the surf.

Alternatively, Jersey has two must-see castles. Medieval Mont Orgeuil Castle dominates the harbour at Gorey and is full of nooks and crannies to explore. Elizabeth Castle sits in the bay of St Aubin, guarding the entrance to St Helier harbour. The latter is an island castle, so when the tide is in, the only way to visit is by amphibious vehicle. Both castles are packed with history and offer guided tours.

Expect warm, sunny days in July, with temperatures in the mid 20s Celsius (high 60s Fahrenheit), although it can rain or be warmer.

Less than an hour from London’s Gatwick Airport, Jersey is perfect for a quick weekend break or a longer stay.

Coralie says, “ For a touch of luxury, stay at the Longueville Manor Hotel, or the Atlantic Hotel, and dine in at least once, as both have superb restaurants.”

York, England

By Natasha from Planes, Trains and Karcz

While a visit to York is idyllic at any time of year, it’s a great places to visit in the UK in July when the city really comes to life. With summer bringing lots of sunshine in this otherwise moody English hotspot, it allows for locals and travelers alike to get outside and breathe in the beauty, history and vibrancy of the city. 

Begin your time here with a walk upon York’s signature medieval stone walls, as doing so serves as a great way to orient yourself and get a sense of the city’s layout. There’s nearly 3.5km of preserved circuit to cover, so you can anticipate spending close to two hours on the route. 

From there, venture through a real-life Diagon Alley (for all those Harry Potter fans out there!). This was named the most picturesque street in all of Britain, with its slouching timber-framed builds dating as far back as the 1300’s.

Consider popping into one of the many pubs along the way – there’s more pubs in York than there are days in a year – so there’ll be no shortage of ones to choose from. Alternatively, stop at the infamous Betty’s Cafe for a traditional high tea, if that’s more up your alley. 

Of course, no trip to York would be complete without exploring York Minster, otherwise known as one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world. The cathedral towers over the remainder of the city. It is well worth climbing if you’re interested in what can only be described as the best view around. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Scotland.

Average high temperatures in July are 68 degrees Fahrenheit with 7 days of rain on average.

You’ll first need to fly into Leeds Bradford Airport and make the approximate 50 minute drive – or the one and a half hour train ride – to York.

Natasha says, “ While there’s virtually an endless list of things to do during your trip to York, opt to stay in one of its equally stunning accommodations such as the chic downtown Hotel Indigo or the rustically styled North Star Club glamping facility nearby.”

Camber Sands, England

By Shobha from Epic England Travel

Camber Sands is a wide stretch of sandy beach in East Sussex located on the southeast corner of England. It is a fantastic beach destination to enjoy in July in the UK.

There are plenty of things to do in Camber Sands for beach lovers. The sand is super soft and great for sand castle building. You can also explore the rock pools and the sand dune system. There is a circular walk from Camber Sands to Rye which is 4 miles away.

Rye, itself, is a picture-perfect town of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. There are great pubs, antique stores and little boutiques scattered around the little side streets. These side streets and the town’s location near the sea means that there is a rich history of smuggling in the area. You can visit the  Rye Castle Museum  and a National Trust property where the famous American writer, Henry James lived.

According to weather experts, Sussex is the sunniest county in the United Kingdom! So visiting Camber Sands in July is a good bet for sunshine. Average highs in July are 68 degree Fahrenheit with 6 days of rain. The water is pretty cold and you would be most comfortable in a wet suit if you are planning on swimming.

The nearest international airport would be Gatwick International Airport. You can actually take a train from Gatwick to Camber Sands which passes through Eastbourne and Rye. The trip takes about an hour and a half by train and by car.

Shobha says, “There is a Parkdean Resorts holiday park which is about a half mile from Camber Sands. Accommodation is in caravans or in cottages of various standards of comfort.

In nearby Rye, more upscale accommodation would be at Mermaid Inn, a fantastic 15th century hotel set over a popular pub.

We, ourselves, rented one of the former Coastguards Cottages at the Jurys Gap section of Camber Sands. These cottages are now privately owned and the views are fantastic. The vacation house was a charming place to stay within a few minutes walk to the beach and perfect for families. It had lots of character but with all the modern amenities and beautifully furnished.”

Isle of Angelsey

By Shireen Ahmed from The Happy Days Travels

Just off the coast of North Wales, in the Irish Sea, is a place you must visit in the UK called the Isle of Anglesey. Connected only by the Menai Strait Suspension Bridge, this island is for adventurers, historians, cuisine-seekers and nature-enthusiast alike with stunning sunsets , medieval castles, unique wildlife and delicious seafood restaurants. It is one of the best summer vacations in the United Kingdom when the weather is at its best.

Some of the best things to do on the island include boat trips for spotting seals, hiking to the many enchanting lighthouses at various points around the peninsula, and visiting Llanfairpwll (shortened version) train station for a picture with the longest town name in the UK –  find out how to find the town here  and see if you can pronounce the 52 letter word!

Summer is the best time to visit to catch gorgeous sunsets and visiting towns like Holyhead are great for views and beaches. Even if it rains, there are lots of things to do including finding a cosy restaurant to warm up with a locally-sourced seafood chowder.

Average highs in July is 67 degree Fahrenheit with 7 days of rain on average.

Anglesey has a domestic airport where you can fly from other UK airports or alternatively, it is just an hour’s drive from the city of Liverpool. It is around 4 hours from Wales’s capital city, Cardiff.

Shireen says, “ Find accommodation in a hotspot such as Beaumaris. There is lots to explore nearby such as crabbing at the pier, the castle and shopping on old shopping streets. It also works well as a base for exploring the rest of Anglesey. I stayed at Castle Court and can recommend it for location, cleanliness and free breakfast!”

London, England

By Katja from Globetotting

It goes without saying that one of the best cities for summer holidays in the United Kingdom is London. Britain’s capital city is jam-packed with history, colour, culture, food and so much more. It’s a guaranteed highlight on any British itinerary.

In fact, your only trouble will be choosing what to see while you’re there. Some of London’s most famous sights include Buckingham Palace, home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. For true pomp and ceremony, time your visit to the palace so that you can watch the Changing of the Guard.

Continuing with the Royal theme, make time to visit the Tower of London, the 900-year-old castle that once held many famous (and infamous) prisoners. It is now home to the Crown Jewels. Of London’s many, many museums you should visit, make sure set aside some time for the fabulous Natural History Museum, one of the many  free things to do in London .

The UK is famous for its ever-changing, unreliable weather and London is no different. Pack layers and always carry a raincoat and umbrella. However, in July, you can expect average highs in the 70s Fahrenheit with the possibility of reaching the low 80s.

London is home to six airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton, City, and Southend, all of which offer some form of public transportation to the center. If you have a choice, try to coordinate it with the location of your accommodation. Make sure you review other important London travel tips before you arrive.

If you are looking for reasonably priced accommodation with a fantastic location near shopping on Oxford Street, with free afternoon hors d’oeuvres, dessert, beer and wine, then consider the Z Hotel At Gloucester Place.

Whitby, England

By Lavina from Continent Hop

Most people tend to visit Cornwall , Dorset and London on a trip to England. However, places like Whitby in the north of England are quite special as the accent is slightly different, and the culture and tradition varies as well. Whitby possibly has the best fish and chips in the country as it is surrounded by fresh seafood. However, its’ claim to fame is Count Dracula as Bram Stoker wrote most of his novel there.

In addition to enjoying a walk at the beach, there’s quite a few things that you can do in July at this beautiful seaside town in Great Britain. Whitby Abbey, once a Christian monastery converted into a Benedictine abbey, is the most popular. It is quite well preserved and sits perched on a cliff overlooking the city.

Consider trying the 199 Whitby Abbey steps. Originally built in wood in 1340, these steps are thought to have been used as a test of Christian faith to those who wished to worship in St Mary’s Church, found at the top. The climber also gets fabulous views of the harbour below.

Weather tends to be bright and sunny, however sometimes it can be cloudy with a few spells of rain. Average highs in July are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Teesside international airport (previously Durham) is the closest airport however the town is also well connected by trains.

Lavina says, “ The Resolution hotel is one of the top recommended hotels to stay in Whitby.”

Isle of Islay, Scotland

Ela & Beata from Stunning Outdoors

Isle of Islay , the southern-most island of Inner Hebrides in Scotland, is one of the best spots in the UK for summer getaways. When many places across Great Britain become busy with summer holidays , Islay does not as it is a bit off the radar. It doesn’t have the hype of Isle of Skye and is more difficult to reach than Isle of Arran.

Islay is known as “whisky island”. Start at Port Ellen for a whisky themed tour and head to one of the nine world class Islay distilleries. Each distillery offers something unique, starting with the taste of its whisky and then, touring its facilities.

If you love nature, there are many beautiful beaches (like Machir Bay), stunning coastal trails and lovely rural roads for cyclists. In addition, it is a paradise for wildlife, in particular seals, wild geese and other migrating birds. Visit Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, home to almost fifty thousand wild geese, to observe the wildlife.

Like many Scottish islands, Islay enjoys temperature around 61F or 16C in July, with almost 17hrs of daylight (daylight, not sunshine!). July is relatively dry, with around 3″ or 77.5mm of rain.

To get to Islay, it is best to fly to Glasgow, and either take a domestic flight to Islay or a bus to Kennacraig, followed by a 2 hrs ferry journey. Alternatively drive from Glasgow to Kennacraig, which in summer could take up to 3hrs.

Ela & Beata say, “Both Glenegedale House, located between Port Ellen or Bowmore, and Port Charlotte Hotel, located in Port Charlotte, are good options.”

Liverpool, England

By Dan from Urban Abroad

Liverpool is not usually the first city that comes to mind when deciding on the best summer trips in the United Kingdom, but there any many reasons why it is worth checking out.

Liverpool is not only the home to the legendary music band, the Beatles, but it’s also where you can visit the ‘Beatles story’, a museum located in the city centre. At this permanent exhibition, you walk through lifelike sets that are designed to take you on the Beatle’s musical journey.

From there, you can see the Liver building which is an iconic landmark known for its appearance in the film, Batman. It stands at over 320 feet tall (98.2 m) and has two fabled Liver Birds that watch over the city and the docks.

No trip to Liverpool would be complete without a trip to Royal Albert Docks, one of the best  free things to do in Liverpool . These historical dockyards have been transformed into the social center of the city with fantastic restaurants like Smugglers Cove and the famous Tate Liverpool art gallery.

The summer season is by far the best time to visit Liverpool for walking around the city centre and making the most of the outdoors. Average highs are 67F but can reach mid 70s on a warm day. There are 8 days with some rain.

You can fly into Liverpool (John Lennon Airport) and easily get the train to the city centre. If you are travelling from the airport by car, it takes around 30 minutes.

Dan says, “ Hotel Pullman is a great place to stay for sea views and to get easy access to the city center.”

Durdle Door, England

By Theo from Waffles And Lamingtons

When British summers are in full swing, it’s time to act as a local and flock to one of the countries many coastlines. If you’re lucky enough to be in the south of England, where the weather tends to be at the countries best, then you’re in for a treat. Well-noted as a true area of natural beauty, Durdle Door, the poster image of the Jurassic Coast , is without doubt one of the best places in Great Britain in July.

While the main thing to do at Durdle Door is to marvel at the natural arch from the comfort of your towel, there are fortunately a bunch of other activities to keep you busy.

Take a short walk over the hill to Lulworth Cove to enjoy its fascinating shape and bright blue water. Afterwards, head over to the town which offers a wonderful selection of pubs to settle in for a traditional British lunch. After settling your hunger, try a bit more activity.

Consider hiking along the coastal cliffs ticking off the several peaks that provide splendid views over the famous white limestone cliffs. Alternatively, hire a paddle board and view these cliffs from a different perspective. Either way, you’re in for magnificent views.

The average high temperature at Durdle Door is 69 degree Fahrenheit. There is approximately 7 days of rain during the month, but the rainfall tends to be short.

Bournemouth is the closest international airport with only a 45 minute drive to Durdle Door. Alternatively, fly into any airport in London and drive 3 hours.

Theo says, “ For a truly local spot looking right onto the picturesque Durdle Door, then stay at the ‘Water Sky at Durdle Door’. It’ll be hard to beat the views anywhere along the Jurassic Coast in the counties of Dorset and Devon.” 

Holy Island of Lindisfarne, England

By Tracy from Travels In Time

There are some wonderful places to visit and  stay on the Northumberland Coast  including many seaside towns and fishing villages but one of the most special is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (or Holy Island as it is simply called by locals).

Lindisfarne is recognised as one of the earliest Christian sites in England. Between 710 and 725, monks on the island produced the Lindisfarne Gospels, which are considered to be among the most important medieval works of art.

Although Holy Island is only three miles long, one and a half miles wide and has a population of less than three hundred, it welcomes over five hundred thousand visitors annually.

Holy Island is a tidal island which means it can only be reached during times of low tide. It is therefore important to check the tides before planning a visit.

There are a number of attractions to visit on the island. At Lindisfarne Priory and Museum learn the history of the priory and St Cuthbert before heading into the Priory Museum. There are examples of Anglo Saxon stonework on show.

Another must see on the island is Lindisfarne Castle which was built in 1550. The castle offers stunning views over the Northumberland Coast towards Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. Although converted into a private holiday home in the early 20th century the castle now belongs to the National Trust.

Located on the north east coast does mean that the island gets its fair share of wind and rain. In July average temperatures are around 17 degrees (low 60s F) but it can also be rainy (with an average 24 days of rain) so it pays to prepare ahead. On hot summer days a cool sea fret can also affect the coastline which can drop temperatures quite considerably too.

Holy Island can be reached from either Newcastle or Edinburgh International Airports. Drive time from Newcastle is around 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes from Edinburgh.

Tracy says, “ If you plan to stay on Holy Island for a night or two to relax and enjoy the island there are limited options – The Manor House or the Crown and Anchor Inn – so do book in advance.

Haworth Village, England

By Tammy from Travelling Tam

Haworth is a romantic stone village near Bradford in West Yorkshire, most famous for being home to the literary siblings the Bronte Sisters. They took much inspiration for their novels from the surrounding wild landscape.

One of the most popular things to do in  Haworth during a day trip  (or longer) is to uncover the lives of the fascinating sisters at the Bronte Parsonage Museum where the family lived and penned many of their works. The museum houses many personal belongings, first edition books and even the desk where many of their novels were written. Next door is the St Michael and All Angels Church where the Bronte family is buried.

Aside from wandering the cobbled streets and fantastic cute shops in Haworth, you can also get some fresh air by walking to the Bronte Waterfalls. You can do this in around 2 hours. You can also take a longer circular route encompassing other nearby landmarks such as Bronte Bridge and Little Laithe Reservoir.

In winter, the wind-swept moorland scenery and stone houses are atmospheric. However, it’s in the summer when the green leafiness of the trees and bright sunshine really show off Haworth at its best.

The area is exposed and often chilly but July is the best time for great weather. You’ll get a lower chance of rain (only 10 days) and highs in the low 70s.

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford about 40 minutes away. You will need to hire a car and drive to Haworth village.

Tamara says, “Haworth can get busy with families during the school holidays, so it is best to go at the beginning of July if possible.

There are an abundance of cute B&B’s and hotels in Haworth. It is well worth staying for at least a weekend to absorb the charming nature of the town. Every building is historic but Ashmont Country House, with its stunning English country gardens, will truly make you feel like you’re living in the pages of a Wuthering Heights novel.”

Cromer, England

By Izzy & Phil from The Gap Decaders

Cromer is a traditional seaside town on the beautiful  North Norfolk Coast . Surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty and enjoying a long sandy stretch of beach, Cromer is a great family holiday destination. It is only one of the best beach vacation destinations to visit in the UK in July.

One of the best things to do in Cromer is hang out at the blue flag beach. Safe for kids, the beach is popular for swimming and surfing, and there’s always lots going on along the sands. Kids will love beach cricket or volleyball, building sand-castles and even rock pooling when the tide is out. If the sunshine lets you down, it’s a the perfect spot for flying a kite! 

The beach is dominated by the Cromer Pier, a beautiful Victorian wrought iron structure. You can catch a show at the pier end theatre, visit the fascinating RNLI lifeboat station, and my favourite, go crabbing. The Cromer Crab (it’s actually a brown crab!) is abundant in the waters of the coast here. With a locally bought line, a bit of bait (they like bacon, who knew?) and a bucket, you’ll have a whole crab menagerie in just a few hours!

Once you’ve caught your crabs (and thrown back, of course), you can head into town for a taste of the sweet fleshy meat. It is dressed in local cafes and restaurants and traditionally served with a simple salad. 

Afterwards, take a wander along the promenade to enjoy Cromer’s collection of colourful wooden beach huts on the east side of the beach. They can be rented on a weekly basis. At the far end of the huts, you’ll find on the far side of the sea wall Banksy’s art called “Cromer Crabs”. Look carefully though, it’s really quite small! 

If you enjoy a longer walk, keep heading east until you reach the lighthouse up on the cliffs of Cromer Ridge. You can take a wander around before heading back into town for a Norfolk cream tea. 

Norfolk is one of the driest counties in England, so the chances are you’ll see quite a bit of sunshine if you visit Norfolk in summer. Average highs are 68 degrees Fahrenheit but temperatures can reach mid 70s.

London Stansted or Norwich airports serve Norfolk, with the drive time being two hours from Stansted and just 30 minutes from Norwich.

Izzy & Phil say, “ One there, it’s a wonderful place for camping, with back to nature Cromer Camping making a great place to pitch your tent.”

The United Kingdom offers an amazing selection of towns, cities, beaches and national parks that are wonderful vacation destinations in July. Whether you prefer the quiet solitude of small towns and hard to reach islands, or you would rather feel the energy of a large city, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have something for everyone. With some of the best weather all year round, July is the perfect time to plan your next holiday.

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10 Best Places to Visit in the UK in July

July and August remain the most popular times to go on holiday. This is largely the result of school holidays and jobs that provide this time off, but also due to the increased likelihood of gorgeous weather. 

When you go on holiday in July in the UK, you’re guaranteed at least a few days of gorgeous sunshine. But given that many people think this way, choosing the best places to visit in the UK in July can be difficult, as you don’t want to spend your days queueing everywhere. 

1. Gwynedd, Wales

When we think of northwest Wales, we usually only consider Eryri National Park. While we definitely recommend a road trip through Snowdonia , there is so much else in this historic county. Gwynedd has a coastline to rival Pembrokeshire and is filled with sandy beaches, crumbling castles, and a sense of magic in the air. The area is home to some of the best things to do in July in the UK, so let’s get right into them.

Things to do in Gwynedd:

-There’s no official tour yet, but you can make your own! Gwynedd was featured as one of the season two filming locations for House of the Dragon , namely as the exterior for Dragonstone. Head to Trefor Quarry to feel like you’re right there with the Targaryens as they battle for the throne.

-You’re in Wales, of course, so we’re going to recommend castles to visit! Caernarfon Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of visitors annually. This classic motte-and-bailey castle is in incredible condition, considering it was built in the 11th century. For a Norman-style castle, head to Penrhyn Castle, which features luxurious interiors, a walled garden, a Railway Museum and acres of parkland.

2. Inverness, Scotland

People often travel to Inverness as the starting point of a road trip, but not enough take the time to explore this great city. Known as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness attracts visitors from across the globe, who come to see its natural landscapes, quaint towns, medieval ruins, and prehistoric sites.

You could also visit Inverness as part of a larger road trip, such as the North Coast 500 or Argyll Coastal Route . We’ve also created our own road trip from Edinburgh to Inverness , which allows you to get the most out of these incredible cities.

Things to do in Inverness:

-Bicycles are a popular method of transportation in the city, so we recommend renting them for a day to explore Inverness on two wheels. It’s the best way to see more of the city and live like a local.

-Head to the Victorian Market, a must-visit destination for shoppers. You’ll find food, drinks and all the knickknacks you could wish for. It’s become quite the social hub for friends and family to gather on weekends. You’ll spot the famous clock hanging above it, which hasn’t stopped ticking since 1890. 

3. North York Moors National Park, England

Instead of visiting the popular Lake District, which will be crowded and expensive this time of year, head to the nearby North York Moors National Park for your fill of nature. 

It was designated a national park in 1952 and has become known as a haven for ground-nesting birds. But that’s not the only wildlife you’ll find here, as roe, deer, badgers, and more call this gorgeous place home. It also features the most northerly colony of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly in Britain and the southernmost place for the dwarf cornel. 

Pack your walking boots and lose yourself in one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK — but make sure you don’t actually get lost, as this place is massive!

Things to do in the North York Moors National Park:

-Let’s start with some hillwalking! If you’re in for a challenge, try the 5-mile Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke route along the clifftop Cleveland Way National Trail. Or, if you’re looking for something short and sweet, follow the 3-mile White Horse Walk, which takes you from Sutton Bank National Park Centre to the famous turf-cut hillside landmark, the White Horse of Kilburn.

-You’ll find plenty of lovely villages to visit in the North York Moors National Park. Robin Hood’s Bay features one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the UK , as well as picturesque cottages and freshly caught seafood. Don’t panic at Hutton-le-Hole, where you’ll see sheep roaming the streets at will! Be warned, little ones will likely want to take one home as company for the family dog. 

4. Portrush and Portstewart, Northern Ireland

We love combining two of the best places to visit in the UK in July into one trip. This is one of our favourite weekend breaks from Belfast , or wherever you are in Northern Ireland. Nothing beats heading to the beach in summer, and you’ll find Northern Ireland’s best beaches right here in Portrush and Portstewart. These towns are home to picturesque cottages, stunning coastal paths, and sandy dunes for miles.

Things to do in Portrush and Portstewart:

-It seems like just about everywhere in Northern Ireland made an appearance in the popular HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones . They can’t help it that their country is just so unbelievably beautiful that it feels like mythology. This time, the dunes of Portstewart Strand served as a backdrop for the scene where Jaime Lannister and Bronn fought Dornish guards. If you’re curious to see more filming locations, you’ll find plenty of tours departing nearby.

-These two towns are primarily known for their incredible beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flag status. West Strand is popular among those looking to relax and swim, while East Strand is renowned for its water sports and surfing opportunities. 

5. Isle of Benbecula, Scotland

We pride ourselves on recommending roads less travelled as well as popular destinations, and this list of the best places to visit in the UK in July is no different. 

We want to turn your attention to the Isle of Benbecula. Scotland is a popular destination in the summer, but the popular roads can get rather crowded. The Isle of Benbecula is often overlooked, and you’ll soon realise how foolish this is! It lies between North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, dotted with lochs and lochans.

Things to do on the Isle of Benbecula:

-How does a morning of spotting otters sound? These furry little creatures are often spotted at Loch a 'Chinn Uacraich in Griminsh. You’ll see them catching their own breakfast or sunning themselves on the shore.

-The last weekend in July features the family-friendly annual Eilean Dorcha Music Festival . It features local talent as well as headliners and includes a mixture of traditional, Rock, and Country music.

6. Aberystwyth, Wales

The charming town of Aberystwyth will provide you with a postcard-worthy summer holiday. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, quaint streets, picturesque beaches, historic sights and more. For a peaceful seaside holiday in the UK in July, head to this little town tucked away in West Wales. You can easily combine it with a longer trip around this coast, or settle for the perfect weekend away in this quaint town.

Things to do in Aberystwyth:

-You’ve guessed it: another Welsh castle! This time you’re visiting the majestic remains of Aberystwyth Castle, the first true castle built in Aberystwyth. Over the centuries, it changed hands numerous times, including when the Normans warred with the native Welsh.

-You can never be assured of good weather in the UK, but it’s highly likely in July, so head to one of the great beaches in the area. Aberystwyth North Beach is a dark sand and shingle beach close to town. It features a Victorian Pier and bandstand entertainment, making it a delight for the whole family.

7. Manchester, England

If you’re looking for a weekend break from London this summer, or just a city trip to explore somewhere new, we recommend heading to Manchester. This is a city that truly comes alive in the summer, filled with people on terraces, live music, and amazing foodie trails. You’ll find festivals, markets, and plenty of chances to immerse yourself in something new. Head to Manchester for a weekend getaway, and discover why this is one of the most beloved cities in the UK.

Things to do in Manchester:

-Just because you’re exploring a city, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on nature! Plenty of greenery is built into the urban jungle of Manchester, so take advantage of a sunny day by heading to one of the city’s best parks . We recommend checking out Chorlton Water Park, Heaton Park, or Peel Park.

-It might not be New York, but Manchester’s sprawling skyline is also one to behold. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of Manchester’s rooftop bars, best timed for the sunset. Locals love to visit 20 Stories , El Gato Negro and BrickHouse Social .

8. Exmoor National Park, England

While the north of England is home to many great national parks, you’ll also find your fair share of natural beauty down south. For example, Exmoor National Park is one of our favourite places to take a holiday in the UK in July. Filled with moors, woodland, valleys and farmland, this unique landscape has been shaped by nature, time, and people.

Exmoor is home to an array of wildlife, including red deer, rare butterflies, and bats. It’s filled with some of the best things to do in the UK in July, including kayaking the Exmoor coastline or taking a wildlife safari. There’s never a dull moment!

Things to do in Exmoor National Park:

-Did you know that Exmoor National Park is one of the best places to see the stars in Europe ? The night sky truly comes alive in this International Dark Sky Reserve, thanks to a lack of light pollution. Pitch your motorhome under the canopy of stars, and you might even be able to spot the Milky Way with the naked eye. Perhaps roast up some marshmallows while you star gaze? 

-Exmoor is home to numerous National Trust sites. For example, Dunster Castle and Watermill offers dramatic views over the Bristol Channel and allows you to explore a historic working watermill. The terraced garden features many varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants.

9. Clwydian Range & Dee Valley, Wales

Many opt for the popular national parks of Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog thinking they’re the only places to go hillwalking in Wales, but these can become extremely crowded in the summer months. That’s negating the other great destinations around Wales, one of which is the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. What can you expect here? Heather-clad hills, historic towns and villages, dramatic summits, sprawling woodland and ancient forts are things you’ll see in this gorgeous region.

Things to do in the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley:

-Let’s talk about hiking! You could challenge yourself to hike to Moel Fammau, which means ‘Mother Mountain’ in Welsh and is the highest summit in the range at 1818ft. Or, for something a little less adventurous, the Castell Dinas Bran Circular takes you past the ruins of a castle and is popular for both dog walkers and bird watchers.

-At the southeast end of the Clwydian Range, you’ll find Coed Llandegla, a privately owned forest park that attracts around 200,000 keen cyclists each year. It features swooping trails for riders of all abilities, and a skills area to perfect your techniques on jumps, berms and timber bridges. 

10. Isles of Scilly, England

Can’t make it to the Caribbean this summer? You’re not the only one, but with a trip to the Isles of Scilly, you won’t even notice the difference. This is one of those places in the UK that will make you feel like you’re abroad , despite being only a few miles off the coast of Cornwall. 

White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and gorgeous weather await you at the Isles of Scilly. We can’t explain why the climate here is so different to the rest of the UK, it must be some kind of reserve Narnia situation, but don’t try to understand it. Just enjoy this tropical holiday in the UK in July.

Things to do on the Isles of Scilly:

-You’ve ticked the Caribbean off your must-visit list for the summer, how about doing the same for France and Italy? The Isles of Scilly are home to incredible vineyards that rival those in southern Europe. Treat yourself to a tour and wine tasting, all under the glorious July sunshine. 

-It’s July, and you’ve likely got a great thriller tucked away in your bag and a need for a long snooze, so take it easy at one of the many great beaches on the Isles of Scilly. We recommend parking yourself at Appletree Bay, Porthmellon Beach or Rushy Bay.

-It’ll be warm, so instead of exploring everything on foot, why not do it on horseback instead? You can rent a noble steed at St Mary’s Riding Centre and cover more land this way. 

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 11 Places to Visit in the UK in Summer

Today I want to bring you A Lady in London’s guide to the best places to visit in the UK in summer. Whether you go this summer or in a future year, these British destinations are perfect spots to soak up the season in the warmer months.

Visiting the UK in Summer

One of the best things about visiting the UK in summer is that the weather is at its best. The prospect of warm weather (or as warm as it gets in Britain) and long daylight hours is a big draw.

That said, the British weather is unpredictable at the best of times, so make sure to come prepared. If you have the right clothes, you’ll be set, rain or shine. My summer packing list can help.

Places to Visit in the UK in Summer

I’ve drawn up my list of places to visit in the UK in summer from my personal experiences. I’ve traveled to all these places in the warmer months and can personally attest to how much I enjoyed them.

If you go to any or all of them, I hope you’ll love them as much as I have.

1. Scottish Hebrides

First on my list is the Scottish Hebrides. These islands off the west coast of Scotland are not only some of the most beautiful places in the UK , but also some of the best for getting away from the summer crowds.

I’ve taken two sailing trips in the Inner Hebrides, and both took me to islands that most visitors don’t get to. That means that even in peak summer season you can feel like you have the islands all to yourself.

My week sailing in the Scottish Hebrides took me everywhere from Mull to Iona, Lunga, Coll, and Ulva. It was magical to see all the puffins and other wildlife with nobody else around.

My 7 days sailing in the Scottish Hebrides took me to Rum, Muck, Canna, and a secluded loch on the Isle of Skye. It even brought me to Inverie on the Knoydart Peninsula, which is often considered the most remote place in the UK .

If you want more inspiration, you can watch my Scottish Hebrides video to see all the places I went on my first trip.

2. Isles of Scilly

Next on my list of places to visit in the UK in summer are the Isles of Scilly . These islands off the southwest coast of Cornwall are some of the most beautiful places in England .

This archipelago is a treasure trove of natural and human-made wonders alike. From stunning beaches to colorful harbors, it’s a great place to get into nature.

From the Tresco Abbey Garden with its plant species from five continents and enchanted ruined arches to the coastal walking paths and great local seafood, there’s a lot to love about this part of England.

Summer is the perfect time to visit the Isles of Scilly to enjoy the long days, beautiful light, and outdoor activities the islands offer.

Sark is another of the best places to visit in the UK in summer. Located in the Channel Islands off the coast of Normandy in France, it feels like another world.

With no cars on the island and a feudal past that reached well into the modern era, visiting Sark feels like stepping back in time.

Renting bicycles and cycling to beaches, gardens, and other local highlights is one of the top things to do in Sark .

As is eating. The seafood on the island is some of the best I’ve had on my travels, and eating fresh lobster and scallops here is a must.

Summer is a great time to visit Sark because the days are long and the weather fine for cycling, walking, and water activities. It’s also great because it’s easy to take a day trip to Guernsey to see more of the Channel Islands.

4. North Berwick

Back up in Scotland, North Berwick is one of my favorite places to visit in the UK in summer. This coastal gem near Edinburgh has a great mix of beach and town, not to mention a hill with spectacular views.

North Berwick is home to wide sandy stretches that run up and down the coast. Behind them are pretty streets packed with great shops, cafes, and restaurants. Colorful houses round out the scene, and it’s a photographer’s dream.

Berwick Law sits above the town and is a great hill for a hike. The views from the top reveal everything from the Isle of May to the Firth of Forth in the distance.

North Berwick is a great place to visit in summer because it comes alive with seaside fun.

Getting fish and chips from a beachfront vendor and enjoying an al fresco lunch on the water is the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon in the warmer months.

5. Northumberland Coast

Just over the border in the north of England, Northumberland is one of the most underrated places in Britain and one of the best places to visit in the UK in summer.

The coast in Northumberland is littered with castles, packed with beaches, and full of great seafood restaurants.

From Bamburgh Castle to Dunstanburgh Castle, there are fortresses to delight any history lover. And just inland is Alnwick, home to one of the most famous castles in England .

Craster is renowned for its kippers, Berwick-upon-Tweed for its bridges, the Farne Islands for their wildlife, and Holy Island for its hilltop Lindisfarne Castle.

If you want to explore this area, you can follow my Northumberland itinerary to see the highlights.

6. Llandudno

On the Welsh coast, Llandudno is another of the great places to visit in the UK in summer. This seaside town in North Wales has everything from a historic pier to fish and chips and beaches galore.

Llandudno is famous for its Victorian architecture, which graces the town with eye-catching architectural details and the longest pleasure pier in Wales.

It’s also home to the Great Orme, a hill packed with hiking trails and activities for adventure enthusiasts. There are great views of the town and coast from the top, too.

And speaking of the coast, Llandudno is the ideal place to visit in the summer because it has beaches on multiple sides. From north to west, there’s beautiful coastline to enjoy. Some of it comes complete with views of Anglesey , too.

7. Isle of Wight

Down south, the Isle of Wight is one of the best places to visit in the UK in summer for a number of reasons. Not only is it a great place for sailing and sunbathing, but also full of royal residences and a coastal path.

The Isle of Wight is famous for being home to Osborne House, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s family home. Not only is the house impressive to see, but the gardens, grounds, and beach are also perfect for exploring in the summer months.

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is also great for country walks on long, warm days. This circular long-distance footpath runs for 70 miles (113 kilometers) around the perimeter and is a great way to see one of the best islands in the UK on foot.

If you like a good regatta, you can visit during Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight . This regatta takes place over eight days in August and is a great reason to visit the island in summer.

8. Brighton

Down on the south coast, Brighton is one of the best places to visit in the UK in summer. This city is famous for its history as a center of hedonism, its pebble beaches, and its pleasure pier.

Given its reputation as a seaside resort, Brighton comes into its own in the warmer months. The beaches are perfect on sunny afternoons, and it’s fun to walk out on the pier and take in the views from the end.

But it’s not just seaside in Brighton. The Lanes and North Laine are great areas for shopping. They have lots of independent shops and are colorful places to wander in their own right.

Not far from them, my favorite place in Brighton is the Royal Pavilion. This pleasure palace was built by King George IV when he was Prince Regent.

Its opulence and over-the-top grandeur are awe-inspiring both inside and out, and it’s a fun place to visit to see royal Brighton .

9. Cornwall

For those that want less opulence and more coast, Cornwall is the perfect place to go in the UK in summer. Jutting out into the sea, this is just the part of England to indulge your inner water lover, walker, or foodie.

From St Ives with its artistic scene to Newquay with its surfing, there are a lot of great places to stay in Cornwall.

History lovers will adore St Michael’s Mount, the tidal island with a castle on top. Those who are passionate about the environment will enjoy visiting the Eden Project, which features huge biomes filled with plants from all over the world.

And that’s to say nothing of walkers, who will have no shortage of options for coastal walks and inland rambles.

One of the best is The South West Coast Path, England’s longest long-distance footpath. Running for 630 miles (1,014 kilometers) from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset , it hugs the entire coast of Cornwall.

With all the outdoor activities on offer, summer is the perfect time to travel to Cornwall.

10. Scottish Borders

Back up in Scotland, the Scottish Borders are great places to visit in the UK in summer.

This underrated area just south of Edinburgh is the perfect place to escape the summer crowds and take in a part of Britain most visitors (and Brits, for that matter) never see.

The Borders are packed with stately homes, castles, abbey ruins, seaside towns, walking paths, and other attractions. There are days out in the Scottish Borders for every taste and interest.

From Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House to Melrose Abbey and Floors Castle, there’s no shortage of historic landmarks and stunning homes to get excited about.

For lovers of the outdoors, the Borders have everything from the coastal walking path to the lighthouse at St Abb’s Head to some of the best places to see heather in Scotland in summer.

And that’s to say nothing of pretty towns and villages. Kelso is a gem with its stunning abbey ruins and pretty shops.

St Boswells is a favorite for the Mainstreet Trading Company, which has everything from a bookshop to a deli and home goods store. And St Abbs is beautiful with its colorful fishing boats and delicious seafood.

As much as the Scottish Borders make for a great summer getaway, it’s also convenient that they’re close to Edinburgh.

When the Edinburgh August festivals heat up in the Scottish capital, it’s easy to take a day trip to Edinburgh to see a show and take in the scene.

I couldn’t make a list of the best places to visit in the UK in summer without including London.

The UK capital is one of my favorite places to be in the warmer months, not least because the city comes alive when the weather warms up and the daylight goes on forever.

Summer in London is packed with activities, events, festivals, and fun. Everything from riverside pubs to rooftop bars livens up the city, and the parks and summer gardens are great picnic spots .

Sure, there are crowds. But there are plenty of places to escape them if you know where to go. From summer walks in local neighborhoods to big green spaces like Hampstead Heath , there are places to find peace in the city in summer.

Best Places to Visit in the UK in Summer

I hope my list of the best places to visit in the UK in summer has inspired you to get out and see more of the country in the warmer months.

I’ve enjoyed my visits to every place on this list, and I’m guessing you will as well. Happy travels!

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Visiting the UK in Summer [Everything you need to know]

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 1, 2023

Are you thinking of visiting the UK in Summer? Then this comprehensive guide to the best places to visit and the best festivals, sporting events and festivals to attend in the UK in Summer is perfect for you. 

Summer is a lively and vibrant time in the UK. The country comes alive with festivals and outdoor events and both UK cities and countryside locations are busy with vacationing families. 

The UK will undoubtedly be busy at this time but dealing with crowds will be offset by warm, sunny days with daylight late into balmy summer evenings.

Advantages of visiting UK in Summer

Disadvantages of visiting uk in summer, places to visit in summer, events in summer, sports events in summer, festivals in summer, when is the best time to visit in summer, what is the weather like in summer , how many daylight hours are there in summer, what should i pack for visiting the uk in summer.

The main advantage of visiting the UK in summer is the weather. You will have long, warm light days to maximise your sightseeing. All attractions will be open and many will have extended opening hours. 

You have the chance to attend outdoor events such as sporting fixtures, concerts, theatre plays and festivals. The UK comes alive in summer with locals and tourists alike enjoying al fresco dining and beer gardens in country pubs. 

The main disadvantage of visiting the UK in Summer is the crowds. This is the peak tourist season for international and domestic tourists. 

UK schools will be on their summer break. Schools in Scotland break up in mid-June returning to school in mid-August. Schools in the rest of the UK finish in late July and return at the beginning of September. 

Wherever you visit and whichever form of transport you use, you can expect everywhere and everything to be busy! 

Things to do in the UK in Summer

As so many Scottish attractions are outdoors, the summer is the best time to visit Scotland. You can travel all over Scotland by train visiting iconic outdoor landmarks such as Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye . 

Enjoy a hiking trail in the Scottish Highlands , see The Kelpies , take a boat trip on a Scottish Loch, go whisky tasting in a distillery or explore one of Scotland’s 500 castles . 

Derbyshire is an often overlooked destination in the UK but it offers charming market towns, pretty villages, impressive stately homes and fantastic hiking in the Peak District . 

Base yourself in Bakewell and spend your summer days exploring Chatsworth House, cycling the Monsal Trail, hiking to the top of Mam Tor or along Stanage Edge or going underground in Blue John Cavern in Castleton. 

The Cotswolds

A trip to the Cotswolds is all about getting out of your car and wandering around the picture perfect villages of this area, so summer is an ideal time to visit the Cotswolds. 

Make a stop at Bibury, Upper or Lower Slaughter or the idyllic Bourton on the Water. Enjoy a cream tea in a pub garden, walk the Cotswolds Way or explore Warwick or Sudeley Castles. 

Summer in the UK is a busy time and you will be spoilt for choice as to which event or festival to attend. 

Trooping of the Colour

• Where – London
• When – Saturday in mid-June (17th June 2023)

The Trooping of the Colour marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign. It is usually held on a Saturday in mid-June and has been held annually for over 260 years. If you are visiting the UK in the hope of seeing some pomp and pageantry, this is the event to watch. 

The Trooping of the Colour consists of a parade of around 1400 uniformed soldiers, 400 marching musicians and 200 horses. The parade slowly proceeds from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. Among the parade are members of the Royal Family riding horses, marching or travelling in cars.

The grand procession is free to watch but you will need to arrive at The Mall early if you want to secure a good viewing spot. After the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, the procession returns along The Mall to Buckingham Palace where the Royal Family usually come out onto the famous palace balcony to watch a fly past by RAF aircraft.

If you are lucky enough to be in London for the Trooping of the Colour, this historic ceremonial event is not to be missed.

Jane Austen Regency Week

• Where – Alton and Chawton, Hampshire
• When – June

This nine day festival celebrates all things Austen. It takes place in Alton and Chawton in Hampshire where Jane Austen lived and wrote her novels. 

The festival includes book readings, dramatic performances, guided walks, costumed parades, fan picnics and book discussion groups. It is a must for any Jane Austen fan. 

Tickets for Jane Austen Regency Week can be bought online in advance of your visit. 

Stonehenge Summer Solstice

• Where – Stonehenge
• When – June 21st

At sunrise on the 21st June each year, crowds gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. 

On this day, the sun rises directly behind the Heel Stone of Stonehenge, the entrance to the stone circle and demonstrates how Stonehenge was designed to align with the summer and winter solstices. 

You do not need a ticket to the solstice, just turn up and join the thousands of other people who trudge to Stonehenge from various car parks in the area. 

Note that the summer solstice is a significant ceremony for some people so there are rules on noise to keep the atmosphere as peaceful as possible. 

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

• Where – Edinburgh
• When – August

This rousing, military themed outdoor show takes place in Edinburgh Castle esplanade with Edinburgh Castle as a spectacular backdrop.

The Tattoo is performed every night for three weeks and consists of marching bands, bagpipers, dancers, military parades from the UK and from around the Commonwealth. The two hour show ends with a fireworks display. It is a hugely enjoyable event which sells out every year. 

Tickets are available in advance online from the Tattoo website. Note that this is an outdoor event with no protection from the weather so make sure you check the weather forecast before you go. 

• When – July

The Wimbledon Tennis Championships are known simply as ‘Wimbledon’ due to its location in the south west London suburb of the same name.

It is the world’s oldest tennis tournament and takes place in the first two weeks of July each year. Wimbledon is a fixture in the British summer calendar when even non tennis fans tune in to watch the action. 

Tickets for Wimbledon are allocated to UK tennis clubs via a lottery system. However, a number of tickets are held back each year for on the day sales. 

To get one of these tickets you must arrive at Wimbledon early in the day and be prepared to queue. In fact, the Wimbledon ticket queue is known as The Queue with some people camping out overnight to secure the best tickets. 

Royal Ascot

• Where – Ascot, Berkshire

Royal Ascot is the most famous event in the UK horseracing calendar. It is held over four days and is as famous for its fashion as it is for its horse racing.

Tickets can be bought online in advance from the Royal Ascot website and vary in price according to where on the racecourse you wish to access. Note that some Royal Ascot days have a strict dress code!  

If you want to see horse racing in a less formal atmosphere, race courses throughout the UK hold race meets during the summer. Many racecourses have a festival-like atmosphere with fun fair rides and music concerts in the evening after the racing has finished. 

• Where – all over the UK
• When – all summer

Cricket is known as the quintessential British summer sport and you will see it played in parks and on village greens throughout the summer. 

International matches (known as Test Cricket) take place each summer in large stadiums around the country so wherever you are you will not be far from a cricket match. 

Cricket stadiums in the UK include Old Trafford in Manchester, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Headingley in Leeds and Trent Bridge in Nottingham as well as the famous home of cricket, The Oval and Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. 

Summer is the season for festivals in the UK. There will be outdoor music festivals up and down the country, plus science, theatre, international themed and ‘green’ festivals.

Well dressing festivals

• Where – Derbyshire
• When – May to September

Well dressing is the tradition of decorating wells and natural springs in towns and villages throughout Derbyshire. 

Large elaborate pictorial scenes are created using only natural materials such as flowers, petals, seeds, beans and moss on a bed of clay. Each well dressing takes a group of volunteers around one week to complete. 

The erection of the well dressing art starts with a blessing ceremony which is usually followed by a village festival or fun fair. 

You can find a list of upcoming well-dressing events on the Peak District website. 

Highland Games

• Where – Scotland
• When – July and August

The Highland Games are a sporting and cultural event held in towns all over Scotland between May and September each year. The majority of the festivals take place in July and August.

The Highland Games showcase a variety of feats of strength games such as tossing the caber, the sheaf toss and the hammer throw. The all day event also includes food, drink and craft stalls plus drumming, Scottish dancing and piping displays and craft and food competitions. 

The largest Highland Games in Scotland are the Cowal Games which are held each August in Dunoon with over 3,500 competitors taking part. Many Highland games finish with an evening music concert or a traditional ceilidh dance. 

Tickets to Highlands Games are very affordable considering the range of attractions on offer and can be purchased from individual town and village games websites, details of which can be found here . 

The Edinburgh Fringe

This music, drama and comedy festival attracts big names and new artists from all over the world as well as tens of thousands of spectators. It is the world’s largest performance arts festival and lasts for three weeks each August. 

Thousands of performance events take place in hundreds of venues across Edinburgh. There is something for all ages and tastes from spoken word performances to stand up comedy to musical theatre to opera. 

Tickets can be bought in advance from the Fringe website . Any spare tickets for shows are sold from the Half Price Hut in Edinburgh city centre  on the day of performances. 

You can expect Edinburgh to be very busy during this time with high accommodation prices but it will have a fantastic festival atmosphere. 

FAQs about the UK in Summer

If you have to choose between June, July or August, choose June before UK schools break up for the summer.  June is a great time to visit England because it is warm but while busy not as crowded as it can be during July and August.

The average daily temperature in June is 18 degrees C / 64 degrees F with an average rainfall of 77 mm. 

July sees an average temperature of 20 degrees C or 67 F with a rainfall of 82 mm. 

August has a pleasant average temperature of 19 degrees C or 67 degrees F with an average rainfall of 94 mm.

There are an average of 17 hours of daylight per day in June and July and just under 16 daylight hours per day in August. 

Most days should have pleasantly warm summer temperatures so you should pack T-shirts, light tops and trousers and open-toed sandals. 

However, due to the unpredictable nature of the UK weather, it would be worth packing a lightweight jumper, a raincoat and a pair of closed-toe shoes or trainers – just in case! 

For more ideas and help planning your perfect UK summer trip, check out our essential step-by-step planning guide here.

• UK in spring
• UK in winter
• UK in autumn
• Scotland in winter
• London in Fall

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The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024

From charming seaside spots to bustling cities, we’ve got all the staycation inspo you need right here

For all the bucket list places around the world, it can be easy to forget that we actually have some pretty amazing places to explore right here on our doorstep. Sure, the British weather can have a mind of its own and train travel can leave a lot to be desired, but if you’re willing to put up with all of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what there is to discover. 

From quaint coastal towns with trailblazing restaurants and bustling cities with an edge of their own, to gorgeous islands that feel nothing like the UK , these are the parts of the country that should hands-down be on your staycation wishlist for next year. These places have thriving food, drink and arts scenes, they’re home to exciting new openings and they have plenty of big events for you to scribble into your calendar, pronto. 

Thinking of planning a holiday a little closer to home next year? By sifting through all of the hottest launches for next year and using our expert knowledge of cultural scenes around the country,  Time Out’s UK team has curated the very best British destinations for you to plan a trip to in 2024. And the best part? Y ou can visit most of them easily, cheaply and without having to catch a flight. Time to get booking!

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best  things to do in the UK 🏖️ The best  seaside towns in the UK 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in the UK

An email you’ll actually love

Where to visit in the UK in 2024

1.  Bristol

Should we really be surprised that (apparently) everyone is moving to Bristol ? Its cultural scene is just as exciting as London ’s, but it’s still only a short coach journey away; it has picture-perfect streets and bustling, diverse nightlife. And i n 2024, its arts offering is only getting better. A musical adaptation of the 2006 film ‘ Starter for Ten ’ is coming to the renowned Old Vic theatre from February 29 to March 30, while   DIASPORA! , a brand new festival showcasing BIPOC global ethnic majority artists – across theatre, dance, music, visual and digital arts, as well as poetry and spoken word – is launching in May.   Undershed , a new immersive gallery, is on track to launch in Spring, and   Boxhall   – a street food, beer and events space by the same people who behind London’s   Boxpark   – will also open its doors.   

The perfect day Start with grabbing a coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters  before pottering around Gloucester Road and perusing the many shops (it’s the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe). Then, hop on a Bristol Ferry water bus tour  to see the city from the water . Finally, feast on a dinner of Spanish small plates at Bravas (or check out one of the city’s other excellent restaurants ), before heading out to rave the night away at one of the many DIY-style clubs . 

Plan your trip The 2024 edition of Bristol’s newest music festival, Forwards , takes place on August 31 and September 1. 2023 headliners included Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu and Raye .

📍 The best things to do in Bristol 🍴 The   best  restaurants in Bristol

2.  Hull

Hull became a surprising capital for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community in 2023. From  Monroe’s   to Unit 49 and Cherry’s – named after the late ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ star Cherry Valentine – an influx of new gay bars and clubs means Hull’s new Freedom Quarter is slowly growing its ecosystem of queer-friendly spaces. As well as its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, in 2017 the East Yorkshire city was also named the city of culture. It’s got The Deep , an enormous aquarium with 3000 species, a picturesque old town which survived the city’s relentless WWII bombings, and lots of up and coming indie art galleries like Ground and Artlink . Don’t sleep on Hull.

The perfect day  Get your caffeine fix at Still. by Two Gingers Coffee before having a wonder around Hull’s charming old town or pottering in the shops at Hepworth’s Arcade . After that, head to indie events space Ground to check out whatever arty happenings they have on. Finally, stop for a pint at Ye Olde White Hart before heading to one of the infamous 13-hour parties (yes, really) at Gate No. 5 .

Plan your visit Pride in Hull will take place on July 29, 2024. 

📍 The best things to do in Hull

3.  Isles of Scilly

A lot of people say that the Isles of Scilly are the British version of the Caribbean – and you know what? We’d totally agree. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is largely unspoilt, with white stretches of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities to go island hopping and dolphin spotting. But there’s more, too: head to the local museum to immerse yourself in the islanders’ deep sense of culture and tradition, sink yourself silly on local ales at seaside pubs or indulge your sense of adventure by snorkelling over the many under-the-sea shipwrecks. Bliss. 

The perfect day Travel to the islands by Skybus from Land’s End – it only takes 20 minutes, and there’s a gorgeous view. Once you arrive, make your way over to St Mary’s Riding Centre to take in the stunning scenery on horse-back. If that’s not your thing, hire bikes and explore the coastal trails of St. Mary’s islands before taking a transfer boat to St. Agnes to visit the Turks Head for a hearty pub lunch made using local ingredients. Once your food goes down? It has to be time for a swim.

Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours.

📍 The best places to visit in Cornwall

4.  London

Ah, good old London . No matter how many times you’ve visited or how long you’ve lived there, you’ll always find new things to discover in the capital. There are a tonne of new restaurants to feast at, all sorts of gorgeous hotel openings and plenty of fresh cultural things to do. Most notably, in 2024, you can dance at Drumsheds , the mammoth warehouse club housed in a former IKEA, catch a blockbuster exhibition – like Yoko Ono at the Tate Modern or The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum – and see epic new West End performances ( Mean Girls , anyone?).

The perfect day  For lunch, grab a delicious loaded sandwich at Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road for (or treat yourself to a boujee meal out at Morito ), before perusing the cute independent shops on Columbia Road and gawking over the even cuter animals at Hackney City Farm . Head over to Soho for a late-afternoon pint at the iconic French House , then round off your day with a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the newly opened Forza Wine at the National Theatre , before catching a play. 

Plan your trip Book tickets to see the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘ Spirited Away ’, taking place at the London Coliseum from April 30 until August 24.

📍 The best things to do in London 🍴 The best restaurants in London

5.  Belfast

The Norn Iron capital is criminally underrated. If you’re yet to discover its welcoming warmth and cultural vibrance, 2024 is the year to change that. Over the next twelve months Belfast has mega ambitions to deliver its biggest ever cultural celebration via a project dubbed ‘ Belfast 2024 ’. Set around the theme of ‘People, Place and Planet’, the whopping programme of 24 large-scale commissions and over 200 events, workshops and activities includes a collaboration with the Eden Project, a guerilla gardening scheme aimed at rewilding the peace walls in the west of the city and an immersive music showcase celebrating Belfast’s contemporary Black culture.

The perfect day Begin with a wholesome morning stroll through the Botanic Gardens , followed by a hefty brunch at Output . Then wander through the parliament buildings at Stormont and the monumental Titanic Belfast museum. In the evening, find your way to The Muddlers Club hidden within the historic back streets of the Cathedral Quarter, or if you’d rather eat in, order from cult favourite Mexican place Boojums . Round off the evening by grabbing a pint accompanied by some banging live music at the Dirty Onion .

Plan your trip  The cultural celebrations kick off from March and will run through to November. Make sure to be in the city on March 17 for an ‘enhanced’ edition of St Patrick’s Day shindigs.

📍 The best things to do in Belfast

6.  St Andrews

Forgive us for including two Scottish seaside towns in this list (see: number 14), but it’s a good excuse to plan a road trip, right? A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else. But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s also close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum . St Andrews has also been tipped to be a hit set-jetting destination for 2024 with the town featuring heavily in the final season of ‘ The Crown ’, thanks to it to being where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university. Fans, come this way.

The perfect day Line your stomach with a delicious fry up from Northpoint (which claims, like many places in town, to be where ‘Will met Kate’). Then, you’ll probably want to go for a lofty beach walk on West Sands, where ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, before returning to town for some fresh fish and chips from Cromar’s (if the weather allows, eat them on another nearby beach: Castle Sands). In the evening, catch a local show at The Byre Theatre  or sink some pints at one of the town’s many pubs: Aikman’s and Brew Co. are very good choices.

Plan your trip  V isit in July: most of the students will have left for the summer and you might actually get to enjoy the beach with some sun.

📍 The essential guide to Scotland

7.  Lewes

‘Like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England’: so said William Morris about Lewes in the 1800s. The sloping Sussex town has been a favoured haunt of artsy progressives, not least Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and the rest of the bohemian Bloomsbury set. In 2023, it gained a brand new cultural space in the form of Charleston in Lewes (head here in the new year to catch the ‘Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion’ exhibition, closing March 3). There’s more, too: as you wonder Lewes’ charming wonky streets you’ll stumble past the former home of Anne of Cleves, Lewes Castle , a hodgepodge of artisan stores and delicious foodie spots – as well as the most bonkers pub in the UK, the Lewes Arms.

The perfect day  Take the brand new Sussex Art Shuttle and travel a short distance outside of town to see Charleston Farmhouse , before heading back for a veggie burger at Bun and Bean and a pastry dessert from Flint Owl Bakery . Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the castle and Lewes Priory , then browse the independent shops in The Needlemakers . Finish with a meal and a movie at Depot .

Plan your trip  The stunning Glyndebourne Opera House is hosting a festival of world class opera from May 16 to August 25, while the incredible extravaganza that is Lewes Bonfire Night is taking place around November 5.

📍 The best things to do in Lewes

8.  Newcastle

There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn  and new brunch spot Cafeteria :  a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now. Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens. 

The perfect day  Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage , before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge. Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city. Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn . If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon. 

Plan your trip  The Newcastle Fringe 2024 will run from July 18 to  29. Catch shows at the very cool Northern Stage as well as a number of pubs. 

📍 The best things to do in Newcastle

9.  Falmouth

Falmouth has always been Cornwall’s cooler town. Home to Exeter and Falmouth university campuses, student life here has brought a bit of vibrancy and edge to the quiet cobbled streets – but there’s always been a glaring gap when it came to the question of nightlife. Recently, though – thanks to new music venue  The Cornish Bank  –  its late night credentials have shot up. From Klub Nos Lowen, a cult folk music night, to up and coming indie bands, this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.

The perfect day  Start with a paddle at Gyllyngvase Beach, then warm yourself up with a coffee at Gylly beach cafe . Then check out the independent boutiques and galleries on the high street. (Shout out to Mirri Damer jewellery and Wild Pony vintage.) After grabbing some grub from Harbour Lights fish and chips, head to Chain Locker for a harbourside pint before moseying on to a gig at The Cornish Bank. If you have time, pop in to Beerwolf too, a charming pub/bookshop.

Plan your visit  T he annual worm charming championship  (you read that right)  takes place in late May every year. The Sea Shanty Festival  takes place on June  14 to 16  2024, and Falmouth Week , an extravaganza of music, sailing and local culture, takes place on August  9 to 18 .

📍 The best things to do in Falmouth

10.  Manchester

Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet. After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug , and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum , 2024 is set to be another big one. The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live  which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform. And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof , in the Noma district in spring.

The perfect day  Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre). Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In , for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES .

Plan your trip  Head up some time between October 23 and 27 to catch the Worldwide Music Expo , which is set to attract over 2,600 big guns from the global music industry.

📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍴 The best  restaurants in Manchester

11.  Ramsgate

Last year it was all about Margate , but now, another neighbour has joined Kent’s roster of cosy, culture-filled seaside towns that everyone’s getting obsessed with. Enter: Ramsgate , a walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character. Check out one of its locally-run galleries and studios (including Level 11 , specialising in dog pics), and don’t miss filling up at one of its new food offerings: this year, bar/restaurant Seabird  arrived on the scene , as well as new monthly pop-up Catch at the Camden Arms , serving up a delightful seafood set menu. Oh, and the world’s biggest Wetherspoons is here. You heard us. 

The perfect day  Pull up at Ramsgate Station and stroll towards the seafront, stopping at The Modern Boulangerie on Harbour Street for brunch and a ridiculously good cinnamon roll. Take a coffee to go and spend time checking out Ramsgate’s indie shops, from the records at Vinyl Head to the pottery, books and glass at Island Vintage . Head to the harbour and head out on a seal-spotting boat trip , before grabbing a sunset pint at the Royal Harbour Brasserie . Finally, warm up with pub grub at The Bedford Inn  (top tip: you can rent a room at their brand-new hotel too). 

Plan your trip  Go when it’s sunny and try to catch the town’s  International Film Festival in June or the Festival of Sound in August. 

📍 The best things to do in Ramsgate

12.  Norwich

Hugged by the marshes and woodlands of Broads National Park, Norwich brings the ancient to the contemporary — from its cobbled alleyways and two dazzling cathedrals to the modern exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre and its Michelin-star prowess. In summer 2024,  Norwich Castle (which was apparently one of Europe’s most important mediaeval fortresses) is set to reveal the results of a mighty £15m revamp, due to include redecorated rooms and the restoration of its 12th century Norman keep. As the self-proclaimed ‘City of Stories’ and England’s first UNESCO City of LIterature, you’ll be enchanted by Norwich’s tale.

The perfect day  Order your morning drink of choice at Strangers Coffee then stop by the city’s 900-year old market on Gentleman’s Walk to check out the organic produce and food stalls. Save room for dessert so that you can enjoy elevenses at Figbar then take in the magnificent architecture of Norwich Cathedral and check out the curiosities hiding within the antique shops on Elm Hill. Round it all off with dinner from Grosvenor Fish Bar .

Plan your trip A c elebration of queer art and ideas, Queerfest Norwich is happening February 8 to 24.

📍 The best things to do in Norwich

13.  Alnmouth

For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet. Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet. Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.

The perfect day Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s. Then stop by the Ferry Hut , a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear. Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House .

Plan your trip Alnmouth Arts Festival  is happening on June 15 and 16, with more than 50 designers and craftspeople exhibiting their work in venues throughout the village.

14.  Ullapool

A tiny village and port around 45 miles from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides. But there’s more to this place than just hiking boots and anoraks. Ullapool also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland’s most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant  The Dipping Lugger  attracting foodies from far and near. The town was recently chosen as one of Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in Europe, so get down soon.

The perfect day Wrap up warm and drive over to the foot of Stac Pollaidh mountain, with its spectacular peak of Torridonian sandstone. Reward yourself with a packed lunch on the top after a two-hour climb, before heading home and warming up in The Ferry Boat Inn  where you can enjoy a slap-up dinner with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat.

Plan your trip The next Baile/Baile club nights take place on February 3 and March 2, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting DJ talent.

15.  Wrexham

Who’d have thought a small Welsh city would have been taken over by Hollywood celebs and become the subject of an extremely popular Disney+ documentary? Wrexham, home to the formerly flailing football club Wrexham AFC, became one of the UK’s hottest tourist destinations after A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. The city is also home to St Giles’s, one of the most stunning churches in Wales. Then there’s the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a huge 18-arched stone and cast iron structure carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee – and two National Trust properties, Erddig Parkland and Chirk Castle . In 2024, the national Football Museum for Wales is also expected to open, with exhibitions on Welsh language communities, fan culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The perfect day Start the day at Aussi brunch spot Lot 11 . After fueling yourself, you’re obviously going to want to check out The Racecourse, the stadium that’s home to Wrexham AFC. Then you’ll need to grab a pint at The Turf , the football team’s pub of choice. For the afternoon, hop in the car for a 20 minute drive to check out the gorgeous views from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and surrounding World Heritage Site.

Plan your trip Wrexham Feast , an annual food and drink festival, takes place in late September.

📍 The best things to do in Wrexham

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Scotland in July: Our Complete Guide

Bask underneath the summer sun, see the breathtaking Scottish Highlands , explore Scotland’s summer festivals — all this and more are at your fingertips when you visit Scotland in July. As the middle of the summer, July offers the warmest weather you can enjoy in Scotland and is considered the height of the tourist season. If you want to visit Scotland at its most lively, teeming with a magical atmosphere, then July is the season for you!

If you plan to visit Scotland during its July season, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve outlined all the essential details you need to know right here. From how to pack, where to go, and what to see, read our complete guide to Scotland in July right here.

In This Post

Weather in Scotland in July

July sits right in the middle of Scotland’s summer season and offers incredible weather for you to take advantage of. You can expect average temperatures that hover between 13℃ – 17℃ (59℉ – 63℉), although this can change based on where you are in the country. Scotland’s coast and northern regions tend to be colder on average.

And since it’s the height of summer, Scotland also has long daylight hours in July! You can enjoy sightseeing and attending festivals for up to 17 hours each day during the height of July, making it the perfect month to make the most of each day.

One caveat of the Scottish summer is that it can be quite temperamental, with cloudy and rainy days bearing down as much as the sunny ones. On average, July experiences around 62 millimetres of rain (bring an umbrella) and around five hours of sunshine each day.

How to Pack for Scotland in July

With such temperamental weather, packing can be tricky when planning your trip to Scotland in July. Here are some essentials that everyone should bring on their trip!

Sunhat and Sunscreen

When the sun bears down during the Scottish summer, you’ll regret not bringing a hat to protect your face and head. While temperatures may not reach the staggering heights of other European countries during summer, the sun’s rays can still be quite intense.

Sunscreen is also an essential item to bring along, especially if you plan to have a beach day out. Avoid ruining your holiday by getting a sunburn, and bring a bottle or two with you.

Scotland’s west coast and Isles are home to stunning beaches just waiting for a beach day. Many of the country’s beaches look like they’ve been dropped from the Maldives, including Calgary Beach, Saddell Bay, Coral Beach, and many more.

Pack your essential swimwear and umbrella, your beach holiday in Scotland awaits.

Long-Sleeved T-shirt

Visiting Scotland in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt should suffice for most of your visit, but it’s recommended that you bring a pair of long-sleeves with you as well. Evenings can get chilly, but long pants and shirts save you from the worst of midge bites.

Watch Out for Midges

Midges are nasty little bugs found in Scotland during summer, although they are also seen in Europe and America. These flying insects feed off your blood, much like a mosquito, and can be a right nuisance when exploring Scotland in July. As they feed, they leave an itchy and swollen bite that can irritate them for hours.

If you want to avoid being a midge buffet, it’s recommended you wear clothes that obscure your skin, use anti-midge creams and sprays, and avoid activity during the early morning and evenings. Similarly, don’t leave any windows or doors open during these hours, as midges will enter and pester you throughout the night.

Things to Do in Scotland in July

With your bags packed and flight booked, you may wonder what to put on your to-do list when visiting Scotland in July. We’ve compiled some of the most popular things to do and see during your holiday. Who knows, you may even add some to your holiday agenda.

Have a Beach Day

July presents the perfect time to let loose and enjoy a beach day with your friends and family. Scotland’s west coast and isles offer the ideal chance to find a remote beach and soak in the sun while the kids play in the waters. Island hopping in the Outer Hebrides is trendy for finding the perfect beach, with locations like the Isle of Skye , Shetland Isles, and Isle of Lewis being summer hot spots.

Once you’ve found the ideal beach, enjoy activities like sea kayaking, boat tours, or horse riding to complement your coastal adventure. But we won’t blame you for taking things at your own pace and relaxing the day away, either.

Explore Scotland’s Gorgeous Landscapes

The long days of the Scottish summer give ample time to explore much of Scotland’s great outdoors. From the rolling moorlands of the Lowlands to the towering mountains of the Scottish Highlands, there’s no place where you can’t have a fantastic time on a hike or walk in the country.

Some destinations, like the Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park , have stunning traditional events and attractions to see during your visit. There are so many hidden gems within these natural havens that you can fill an entire holiday with wildlife watching and participating in various outdoor activities.

Outside of the national parks, along the rugged coastlines and beyond lie beautiful and windy lighthouses which offer views of the North Sea and Atlantic—perfect for a picture or two if the wind doesn’t mess up your hair. During the Scotland summer, ensure that you explore its breathtaking landscapes and escape from the city for a day or two.

See Scottish Wildlife

Scottish wildlife is teeming during the summer months, no matter where you go. You can expect several opportunities to enjoy the diverse ecology of Scotland, from red deer, golden eagles, orcas, puffins, and more.

July is the ideal time to go birdwatching, not only for Scotland’s coastal birds that often require a boat tour to reach but also for the gorgeous swans and pheasants that populate lochs and rivers all over the country. Seals, dolphins, orcas, and whales can also be seen swimming in the waters around Scotland during July, sometimes even more on the shoreline!

See Historic Monuments

One of the major attractions that visitors come for is Scotland’s historic monuments. Castles, palaces, standing stones, and burial cairns do the landscape and offer the chance to learn the rich history here. Places like Balmoral Castle , Linlithgow Palace , the Calanais Standing Stones, and Bishop and Earl’s Cathedral should be on every visitor’s list.

July is often the busiest time to see many of these famed attractions, so be sure to plan appropriately to avoid the worst of the crowds. But don’t leave without learning a little of Scottish history first.

Go on a Road Trip Around Scotland

Scotland is a relatively small country, and many tourists drive around the Scottish coastline as part of their vacation. The most famous of these routes is the North Coast 500, which encompasses 500 miles of gorgeous Scottish coastline and takes you from Inverness , around past Tarbet in Western Scotland, to John o’Groats and back down along the eastern coastline to Inverness.

The route is well documented, making it easy to see what attractions lie ahead for you to see. Popular stops include Loch Ness, John o’Groats, the Stoer Lighthouse, and Dunrobin Castle .

You’re not stuck to the route either, so if a place or attraction tickles your fancy, like Fort William , then you’re more than welcome to visit it before hopping back onto the route.

Enjoy Scotland’s Range of Summer Sports

Scotland in July is the perfect time to try a new sport or hobby. During peak tourist season, you can try many popular activities like horse riding, waterskiing, golf, and mountain climbing without changing your schedule too drastically.

Golf is a beloved pastime in Scotland, where the sport started. Towns like St Andrews have world-famous golf courses, often in the flat links style that Scotland is known for. If you’ve never tried or are an experienced golfer, why not tee off during your next July holiday?

Visit a Proper Scottish Distillery

When you think of Scotland, whisky is often the next word that pops into your mind. Often called the ‘Water of Life’, you’ll regret not adding at least one of the fantastic whisky distilleries in Scotland to your to-do list when visiting in July.

Ben Nevis Distillery, Glenfiddich Distillery, Talisker Distillery, and many more can be found all over Scotland, and offer engaging distillery tours that take you through the intricate process of how each bottle of delicious whisky is made.

Events in Scotland in July

Complement your itinerary full of attractions with July’s extensive calendar of events! July has various unique cultural events focusing on great food and drink, live music, and art. While there are too many festivals to count, here are some that everyone should attend during their stay.

Stonehaven Folk Festival (11 – 14 July, Stonehaven)

The Stonehaven Folk Festival is an intimate look at the culture and history of Stonehaven , which lies a few miles south of Aberdeen. You can expect to hear traditional music from local artists, ceilidh dancing, workshops, and the famous Aqua Ceilidh.

If you’re in the area during Scotland’s summer, why not visit the Stonehaven Folk Festival?

Hebridean Celtic Festival (17 – 20 July, Isle of Lewis)

The Hebridean Celtic Festival, often shortened to HebCelt, is a traditional Scottish music and culture festival that celebrates the unique blend of Gaelic and Celtic culture present in the Outer Hebrides. You can expect Celtic music concerts, artistry, dancing, and so much more!

If you are interested in attending a festival while in historic Celtic country, try the Hebridean Celtic Festival on the Isle of Lewis .

Inverness Highland Games (13 July, Inverness)

Save the date! The Inverness Highland Games celebrate all the traditional Scottish games that have been played for centuries, including Highland Dancing, Open Piping, Hammer Throw, and the renowned Throwing the Caber. Amidst the fun activities, you can look forward to folk music, food markets, and tasting for food and drink in the local area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some burning questions about coming to Scotland in July? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions we’ve received and provided answers to them here.

Is July a Good Time to Visit Scotland?

July and the other summer months of Scotland attract many more visitors than the rest of the year, thanks to the gorgeous summer weather, thriving events and festivals, and abundance of attractions. July is a fairly busy time on the Scottish calendar, but visitors will find plenty of things to do during their stay.

How Bad Are Midges in July?

Midges are a nuisance between May and August, so if you’re coming in July, you should protect yourself against these pesky insects. There are creams, sprays, and nets that you can purchase during your visit to deter, but there are plenty of other tips and tricks you can do to help.

What is the Best Time of Year to Travel to Scotland?

The best time to visit Scotland is between May and October, as these months offer the most things to do, the most pleasant weather, and the most unique events you can’t experience at any time of year. July is considered the height of summer, making it the best option if you want to take advantage of Scotland’s best weather.

Graham Grieve

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19 Best Places to Visit in the UK

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jun 8, 2023

Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom (UK) has long been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. For most travelers, like me, the country's appeal has as much to do with its diverse scenery as it does its rich cultural heritage. In fact, the best places to visit in the UK include everything from beautifully preserved country estates and picturesque castles to its many big city art galleries and museums.

You'll find one of the greatest pleasures of a UK vacation, however, is just how easy it is for you to explore this fascinating, diverse, and relatively small country. The UK could easily fit into the state of Texas with room to spare, so you can base yourself in a couple of cities and simply take a train, bus, or ferry to explore other areas.

One of my favorite day trips from London , for example, is to take the 90-minute train ride to beautiful Salisbury . Once there, you're only a short bus ride or tour away from one of the country's most recognizable attractions, Stonehenge. Want to hop between the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow ? A one-hour train ride will deposit you in the heart of either city.

Sure, the UK can seem like a very busy travel destination. But plan your sightseeing adventures carefully with my list of the best places to visit in the UK and you'll have no problem making the most of your time.

1. London: The UK's All-in-One Destination

2. edinburgh: scotland's capital, 3. roman-era bath, 4. ancient stonehenge and medieval salisbury, 5. royal windsor, 6. idyllic england: the cotswolds, 7. the magical lake district, 8. medieval york and its minster, 9. the university towns of cambridge & oxford, 10. england's pilgrimage city: canterbury, 11. loch ness and inverness, 12. northern ireland's giant's causeway, 13. liverpool: home of the beatles, 14. manchester: england's football mad city, 15. cardiff: the capital of wales, 16. the channel islands, 17. glasgow & loch lomond, 18. snowdonia: wales' biggest mountains, 19. belfast.

While it's possible to plan a trip to the UK without actually visiting London, it's certainly not a recommendation I'd make. I typically begin my UK visits by spending a few days in the nation's sprawling capital while getting over my jet lag before venturing out to my planned final destination (or destinations).

There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Want to learn more about the UK's rich history? You're literally spoiled for choice here as London boasts more than 200 world-class museums and art galleries to explore.

In the City of London, the heart of the old Roman city, you'll find evidence of pretty much every period in history ever since. Some of the top attractions in London are located here, including the Tower of London .

Located beside the spectacular Tower Bridge on the banks of the River Thames , this former palace and prison includes highlights such as the iconic 1,000-year-old White Tower, with its fascinating displays of armor and weaponry, and the Jewel House, home to the Crown Jewels. I always make a return visit at sunrise or sunset to grab an iconic photo of the Tower of London framed by Tower Bridge.

If you're a fan of Britain's Royal Family, you'll want to head to Buckingham Palace , London's Royal home since Queen Victoria's reign. Here, you can enjoy the colorful pomp of the Changing of the Guard or even take a tour of the Palace's State Rooms. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book in advance as they're only open for a few weeks each year.

From here you can wander along the Thames to the city's Whitehall Road area. Here you'll find Big Ben and the Parliament Buildings , as well as Westminster Abbey, the scene of many a royal wedding.

Another area to visit in London is South Kensington, home to the city's best museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum , as well as the famous Harrods department store. Also check out Trafalgar Square , home to the iconic Nelson's Column and the National Portrait Gallery.

And be sure to make the most of London's excellent transport system. Whether you go by bus or by underground, the system's now so good that you can simply use a debit or credit card to tap in and out as you go. It really is very easy, and once you've mastered that famous map of the city's "Tube" network you'll be traveling like a Londoner.

One of the UK's most attractive cities, the capital city of Edinburgh is also one of the UK's most visited destinations. Popular for its many well-preserved historic buildings, Edinburgh is perhaps best known as the home of the majestic Edinburgh Castle .

Perched high above the old city on a rocky promontory, this 13th-century royal fortress includes highlights such as the famous One O'Clock Salute, held daily at Half Moon Battery, as well as the Scottish Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace . Also worth seeing are the Scottish National War Memorial and the famous Stone of Destiny , the Stone of Scone, which only returned to Scotland after being held for 700 years in London.

From the castle, I always find it easy to explore the other most important historic sites in the city. Follow your nose downhill from the castle to the Old Town via the famous Royal Mile , a delightful medieval cobbled street that's immensely fun to walk. Sure, there are plenty of the usual tacky tourist and souvenir shops, but skip these and look out for the area's fine old architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as trendy art galleries and studios.

Edinburgh Old Town is also where you'll find the splendid old Palace of Holyroodhouse . From here, I usually make my way to Princes Street and New Town before looping back around to the castle. This broad, more modern avenue was planned in the late 18th century and is extremely popular for its shopping and dining opportunities. It's also where you'll find attractions such as the Royal Botanical Garden and the National Gallery of Scotland.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Edinburgh

Although one of the UK's smaller cities, Bath more than makes up for its diminutive size with a multitude of things to see and do . Named after its famous Roman Baths, this beautiful city has been luring visitors like you and me to its healing waters for more than 2,000 years.

Gushing from three hot springs, the water-known to consist of 43 different minerals, hence its curative properties-travels upwards some 3,048 meters at a rate of 275,000 gallons per day, before spilling out at a consistent 46.5 degrees Celsius. It's a truly awesome sight, and also a little eerie to think that you're standing just feet away from the very hot springs that Romans and early Britons enjoyed some 2,000 years before you got here.

While it's not possible to bathe in the original Roman Baths (try it and you'll be arrested!), a number of nearby spas, most notably the modern Thermae Bath Spa , offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the city's famous waters. This must-do experience features a stunning rooftop pool using the same waters as the Roman Baths, and all with incredible views of city landmarks such as Bath Abbey .

In addition to its ancient history, Bath is also famous for its lovely Georgian architecture. The best examples can be seen along the magnificent, curved Royal Crescent, with its palatial townhomes. One of them, No.1 Royal Crescent , is now a museum that offers a fascinating peek into life during Georgian times.

While Bath is served by the same London rail service as the neighboring port city of Bristol , it's one of those increasingly forward-thinking cities that makes it easy for car drivers, too. My most recent visit in the summer of 2022 was via car, and I avoided traffic and hassle by parking at the extremely affordable Landsdowne Park and Ride facility on the outskirts of the city. Not only is it inexpensive with plenty of availability, but regular bus services will also whisk you away to the heart of the city in just 10 minutes.

Read More: From London to Bath: Best Ways to Get There

One of the planet's oldest World Heritage Sites , Stonehenge has been a place of pilgrimage for more than 4,500 years. It was believed to have been erected as a place of worship, but these days, the crowds consist of tourists drawn by the sheer scale of this magnificent monument to mankind's ingenuity.

It's a sprawling site, covering an area of more than 20 square kilometers and boasting a state-of-the-art visitor center. Here, you can catch a fascinating glimpse not only into the construction of Stonehenge but also its history since then.

But it does get busy, so be sure to plan well ahead and purchase a timed ticket for the day of your visit. Better still, splurge a little on one of the attraction's new VIP admission packages . This unforgettable experience guarantees your spot on a fun "Stone Circle Experience" that includes free time to wander the site on your own. The verdict? It's a must-do.

Be sure to also spend time exploring the nearby medieval city of Salisbury , located just 16 kilometers south of Stonehenge. You'll be rewarded with a chance to visit one of the country's most famous cathedrals, dating back to 1220 and home to an original Magna Carta .

Afterward, spend time wandering the old city center with its many fine churches and historic medieval architecture. Not only are there a number of first-rate places to stay here (I'm partial to the Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel for its central location and 4-star quality and cleanliness), but great little intimate eateries like the Cosy Club on Crane Street. The food here is home-cooked, locally sourced, tasty... and served in an extremely patriotic British setting.

Read More: From London to Stonehenge: Best Ways to Get There

The historic town of Windsor, conveniently located a short train ride west of Central London, offers plenty of fun attractions for tourists . In addition to its lovely Thames-side setting and the many medieval half-timbered buildings along its quaint old cobblestone laneways, it's also home to spectacular Windsor Castle , the most famous of the UK's royal castles.

This grand old castle has served as the summer residence of British royalty for more than a millennium. It was started by William the Conqueror in 1078 and is the world's largest inhabited castle. Highlights include the splendid State Apartments containing the Queen's Gallery and dining hall, each with magnificently painted ceilings and woodcarvings, and St. George's Chapel, famous as the home of the Knights and Ladies of the ancient Order of the Garter.

When you've had your fill of these historic buildings, be sure to also spend time exploring the castle's large and beautiful grounds, almost 10 kilometers long. You'll enjoy some truly memorable panoramic views over Windsor and its castle, and a number of picnic areas, some with barbecue grills, are available if you want to stop awhile.

Traveling with kids? Another area attraction worth visiting is Legoland Windsor . This fun family resort, set on 150 acres of parkland and just a short bus ride from Windsor town center, even boats a modern Lego-themed hotel if you're looking to make a weekend of it.

Also worth seeing is Royal Ascot , the UK's most famous horse-racing venue. While you might want to try to time your trip to coincide with the Royal Meeting held each June, you'll find yourself fighting often huge crowds, all dressed to the nines, here for what is after all one of the most important events on the country's social calendar.

Read More: From London to Windsor: Best Ways to Get There

Covering almost 1,287 square kilometers of charming countryside, the beautiful Cotswolds is undoubtedly one of the most photographed corners of England. Its unrivaled pastoral scenery has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful places in the UK, ranking highly on many a traveler's bucket list.

Easy to get to from London and close to the popular tourist attractions of Bath and Bristol , the Cotswolds includes some of the best parts of the counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

Why visit? Well, if you're anything like me, you're here to experience a true taste of rural English life and explore its many quaint villages . You'll want to include the idyllic village of Bourton-on-the-Water on your Cotswolds itinerary. Nicknamed the "Venice of the Cotswolds," this popular vacation spot boasts a charming river setting and countless well-preserved cottages, some dating back to the 15th century, and all just begging to be photographed.

One of the most popular ways to do this is via the area's extensive trail network, including the excellent 164-kilometer-long Cotswold Way. Other fun things to do include horseback riding and biking, or simply soaking up the history of popular market towns such as Castle Combe or Tetbury.

Located in the northeast of England not far from the border with Scotland , the spectacular Lake District in Cumbria covers an area of 1,448 square kilometers. Not only is it considered one of the most magical places to visit in the UK for its beautiful scenery, its reputation as a place of romance and great culture will forever be associated with its most famous former resident, Beatrix Potter.

It was Potter who in fact led the way with the conservation efforts that have preserved so much of the Lake District when she bequeathed her estate to the National Trust. Her one-time home near Sawrey, Hill Top , can and should be visited for its exhibits and artifacts.

Her legacy also set the stage for the establishment of Lake District National Park . Encompassing 12 of the country's largest lakes including Windermere and Ullswater, the two biggest and best known, this beautiful region is another famous place in the UK that's great to explore on foot. All told the park boasts more than 3,218 kilometers of hiking and walking trails, so be sure to pack your hiking boots.

Other things to do in the Lake District include visiting Scafell Pike , at 978 meters the highest mountain in England. And, of course, there is no end of picturesque towns and villages to explore, including Grasmere .

Read More: From London to the Lake District: Best Ways to Get There

One of northern England's most popular tourist destinations, the medieval city of York, long the ecclesiastical capital of the Church of England, boasts one of the country's most magnificent cathedrals. The country's largest medieval church, York Minster can trace its roots back to the spread of Christianity in the 3rd century, although the splendid present Gothic structure was built almost 1,000 years later.

One of the best ways to get to see this historic landmark is via an official guided tour . I recommend you book in advance, and spend a little time reviewing the available choices to find one best suited to your interests. I opted for the fascinating "Tower Trip" option, a little more expensive but well worth the cost for the magnificent city views.

Other highlights of a visit to York Minster include seeing its spectacular 14th-century stained glass windows, plus the richly decorated interiors of the choir and north transept. You'll also want to visit the crypt, which contains parts of the original 11th-century church the cathedral now stands on.

Another York landmark worth exploring is the historic City Walls . I make a point of strolling this nearly five-kilometer-long structure each and every time I visit the city. Not only is it good exercise, but it's also a fun way to circle around the old medieval city center without the crowds.

Along the way, you'll enjoy excellent views over The Shambles , a narrow 14th-century roadway that's famous for its fine old timber-framed buildings, many of which hang over the street below. It's also an area known for its many restaurants and tearooms, as well as its many boutique shops and galleries.

York also boasts a number of major museums, the most popular being the National Railway Museum . Highlights of this museum's vast collection include many fine old steam engines dating as far back as 1820, plus a unique collection of Royal Trains. The museum also offers an excellent afternoon tea experience in the historic Countess of York railway carriage, bookable in advance.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in York, England
• From London to York: Best Ways to Get There

The UK has long been a center of learning, with two of its most famous university towns also ranking highly as tourist destinations. An easy commute north of London and just 128 kilometers apart, Cambridge and Oxford have for centuries been rivals for the title of the country's top academic establishment, a rivalry celebrated during the famous rowing event, The Boat Race , which takes place each spring on the River Thames .

Despite this generally good-spirited rivalry, each location offers plenty of attractions to make them worthwhile additions to your UK travel itinerary. Highlights of a visit to Cambridge include the chance to wander the UK's largest collection of preserved historic buildings, many of them located within an easy walk of Cambridge University ' s 31 colleges, the oldest of which was founded in 1284.

In addition to touring the stunning college grounds (only a handful of the university's buildings offer tours), you should also take a punt along the River Cam. This must-do activity is something of a Cambridge ritual, and chances are you'll even be "punted" along by a university student willing to share a little of their college experiences.

As with most popular tourist destinations, however, a little advance planning will ensure you find a reputable company for your punting tour. Licensed operators to consider include Cambridge Punt Company , which also offers a private romantic evening tour; and Scholars Punting , which features a fun picnic hamper package worth considering. In both cases, you can keep the cost down by joining a shared tour.

Oxford University's 38 colleges are equally fun to explore. These historic old places of learning are each set around a quadrangle and several inner courtyards along with chapels, dining halls, libraries, and student residences, some of which offer unique tourist accommodation packages, too. Like most UK tourist sites, they do get extremely busy in summer so be sure to book your visit in advance if you can to avoid disappointment.

Other Oxford highlights include the Carfax Tower, with its fine views over the city center, and the many fine old buildings of the town's High Street .

Pay a visit to historic Canterbury in Kent, and you'll soon discover why this beautiful city continues to be such a draw for visitors to the UK.

An easy hour's train ride from central London, Canterbury has been a draw for visitors for centuries. The first visitors were religious pilgrims who have in fact been visiting for more than 1,500 years, ever since St. Augustine first started converting pagan Anglo-Saxons to Christianity here in AD 597.

The city's most famous attraction is Canterbury Cathedral , the home church of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning cathedral offers plenty to see, from the intricately carved masonry of its exterior to its magnificent interior, a highlight of which is the beautiful choir with its statues of six English kings. Also of note are the exquisite Miracle Windows, dating from the 12th century and depicting scenes from the life of murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket .

Afterward, be sure to spend time wandering the pedestrianized area of Old City Canterbury with its many preserved, historic timber-framed buildings, particularly along Mercery Lane. Be sure to include the excellent Canterbury Roman Museum on your itinerary. It was built around the remains of an original Roman townhouse and its unique mosaic.

Read More: From London to Canterbury: Best Ways to Get There

Despite the fact that the legends of mythical monsters have largely been debunked (just don't tell the locals), spectacular Loch Ness remains an extremely popular tourist attraction for travelers heading to Scotland. While it's unlikely you'll encounter any monsters, you will, however, be rewarded with seeing some of the UK's most beautiful scenery.

Highlights of Loch Ness include the ruins of Urquhart Castle . Set overlooking the loch, it's one of Scotland's largest fortifications, with the current structure dating from the 14th century. For those wanting to learn more about the area's many legends, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition recounts its history, along with that of its monster, including details of ongoing searches for the elusive creature.

A little farther north is Inverness. This lovely city boasts numerous excellent attractions, including Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the late 19th-century St. Andrew's Cathedral.

History buffs should also check out the Culloden Battlefield and Visitors Centre . It was in Culloden in 1746 that the English and Scots fought their last battle and where the fate of Scotland as a British dominion was determined. Also of interest are the gravestones of warriors from the Scottish clans, as well as the six-meter-high Memorial Cairn erected in 1881 to commemorate the battle.

• From Glasgow to Loch Ness: Best Way to Get There
• From Edinburgh to Loch Ness: Best Ways to Get There

It's sometimes a little too easy to forget that the UK includes a tiny little piece of Ireland . Northern Ireland, consisting of the northeast corner of the "Emerald Isle," can easily be included on a trip to either country and is well worth taking the time to explore.

My favorite among the many Northern Ireland attractions worth visiting is the magnificent Giant's Causeway, a stunningly beautiful natural feature that looks anything but natural. Just a short drive from the capital of Belfast , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of unusual columns of layered basalt that jut upwards out of the sea and shoreline like some giant's staircase, hence their name.

All told, there are some 4,000 of these polygonal-shaped steps to see and clamber over. Formed over 60 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity, it's a truly impressive sight, and easy to see how local legends of giants could so easily have sprung up as a result.

A modern visitor center has been opened here and provides fascinating details about the reality and the myths behind this bucket-list attraction. Guided tours can be arranged, and be sure to make use of the audio guides that are provided with admission. Tickets can be booked online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim, Northern Ireland

Read More: From Dublin to Giant's Causeway: Best Ways to Get There

Liverpool , under three hours away from London by rail, offers plenty of cultural excitement for the curious traveler. It's also well-known for its role in giving rise to the English music legacy, not least because of its association with the Beatles .

Music fans are drawn here first and foremost for "Fab Four"-related attractions, such as The Beatles Story located in the renovated Albert Docks area. Also worth seeing are the famous Cavern Club, where the band made its debut in 1961, as well as the former homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Numerous walking tours and bus tours of Beatles sites are also readily available.

Other great reasons to visit Liverpool include its many historic buildings, lovely gardens, and parks, as well as great museums such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum , the Museum of Liverpool , and world-class art galleries like the Walker Art Gallery and the Tate Gallery . These are all located in the city's revitalized Royal Albert Dock area, an historic area enjoyed exploring on foot.

Thanks to its international airport, Manchester is often the first stop for many visitors from North America planning to explore northern England, Scotland, or Wales. It's especially popular for fans of the sport of football (that's soccer to those from the US, including Ted Lasso!).

Manchester is, in fact, home to two top football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City. Both are well represented in the must-visit National Football Museum , as are other popular teams from around the UK. Along with displays of memorabilia, trophies, and clothing, fun short movies explain the history of the sport and capture many of its defining moments.

Be sure to also visit at least one Manchester club's stadium, too. The best known is Manchester United's Old Trafford grounds, though Manchester City's Etihad Stadium is also worth seeing. Both offer fascinating tours and behind-the-scenes access. Better still, try to visit when there's a game on!

Other notable places to visit in Manchester include Castlefield , popular for its well-preserved Victorian houses, canals, and Roman ruins. It's also popular to explore on foot for its many old warehouses now serving as trendy shops, hotels, and restaurants.

If you've got time left in your Manchester itinerary, be sure to include Manchester Cathedral and the historic Town Hall. There's also a rich cultural scene that includes museums (Museum of Science and Industry), galleries (Manchester Art Gallery), and entertainment (Chinatown).

Despite being much smaller than both Scotland and England, Wales is home to some of the UK's top attractions. Interesting things to do here range from exploring the breathtaking scenery and enjoying outdoor adventures in its national parks to visiting its historic castles.

One of the best places to sample a little of everything that Wales has to offer is the country's capital, Cardiff , with most travelers beginning their visit at Cardiff Castle . Located in the middle of the city and built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fort, parts of the current structure date as far back as 1090, with much of it restored in the 1800s. Highlights include the State Apartments, the Clock Tower, the Chapel, and a spectacular Banqueting Hall with its fine murals.

Afterward, be sure to spend time wandering the city's many old Victorian shopping arcades, the best of which can be found around The Hayes. You'll find everything from second-hand record stores to boutique clothing shops and custom jewelers to browse.

Also worth checking out is Cardiff Bay. One of the UK's largest redevelopment projects, this vast area is now home to numerous fine restaurants, theaters, galleries, and shopping opportunities, many of them housed in former warehouses on lovely Mermaid Quay.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

Although just 14 miles away from mainland France , the Channel Islands have been a British territory since 1066. One of the most picture-perfect destinations in the country, these attractive small islands not only boast a milder climate but offer great places to visit that don't get the large crowds like other parts of the country.

The Channel Islands comprise Jersey (the largest island), Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm (the smallest), along with numerous even tinier islands. The intrepid traveler will also be rewarded with everything from quaint seaside towns and villages to explore, historic castles and ruins (sometimes one and the same), as well as outdoor adventures and wildlife spotting.

As for getting here, the Channel Islands are well served by ferries from mainland England, as well as short flights from most major British airports.

Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Channel Islands

The Scottish city of Glasgow is a great place to visit for those who enjoy a mix of cultural attractions and the great outdoors. Once you've had your fix of historic sites such as Glasgow Cathedral and the museums of the University of Glasgow, among others, head out to explore nearby Loch Lomond .

Loch Lomond was dubbed "The Queen of Scottish Lakes" by famed writer Walter Scott, and it's here you'll see Ben Lomond and the beautiful Trossachs countryside. Trossachs National Park now includes Loch Lomond itself and covers some 720 square miles of prime hiking and biking country.

It's also popular for its fishing and boating, including sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. For true outdoor enthusiasts, Loch Lomond is the perfect spot for a "wild camping" adventure. Not only is it safe, you're never too far away from people if you need them. And, of course, you'll agree that the scenery here is even more beautiful when you have it all to yourself.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Glasgow

Not only does the Snowdonia region of Wales boast some of the country's most remarkable scenery — and that's saying something, as it really is a beautiful country — it's also home to the UK's second largest national park: Snowdonia National Park. Spread across nearly 830 square miles, the park is as big a draw for adventurers as it is for those seeking a pleasant and not-too-exhausting day trip.

If you're a hiker you can choose from a variety of trails that wind their way up (and down) Mount Snowdon itself, spending a full day tackling as difficult a route to the top as you desire. And those like me who want to see the spectacular views from the top without all the hard work can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway .

Considered one of the world's top scenic railways, the journey starts in Llanberis before tackling steep inclines up to the "Eryri" visitor center at the top of Snowdon.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Snowdonia

Once omitted from the itineraries of most travelers to the UK, Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, has in recent years become something of a must-see destination. Not only are there numerous historic attractions and cultural experiences to enjoy, but the city's people have the same welcoming attitude that the European nation of Ireland to the south is known for.

One of the city's top claims to fame was its role in the building of the ill-fated ocean liner, RMS Titanic . This connection is celebrated and memorialized in the city's Titanic Quarter , home to the impressive Titanic Belfast attraction. Here, you can explore interactive exhibits that deal not only with the vessel, but the thousands of people involved in its construction and, ultimately, its sinking.

More on England

59 Bum-Jigglingly Brilliant Things To Do In London In July 2023

We've made it to the halfway point of the year. You know what that means, summer is well and truly here and London is full of loads of fab things to do this July.

With summer’s grip firmly wrapped around us, the long sunny days and (patches of) glorious weather have us raring to get out and about and actually  do  things! Whether you’re sipping pints, trying out world-class restaurants, or heading off to the beach, there’s something to keep you entertained. So without further ado, get a load of these amazing things to do in London in July 2023 !

1. Celebrate love and show your Pride

As Pride month draws to a close, it can hardly be said to be fizzling out or winding down. Instead, the month caps itself off with plenty more celebration, in particular with several Pride parades . London Pride Parade takes to the streets on July 1 , before the  London Trans+ Pride Parade  makes its way through London on  July 8 .

The parades are celebrations of identity and, obviously, pride – but they’re also protests, as the LGBTQIA+ community continue to fight for their rights. Join in, make your voice heard, and remember to love each other.

2. Attend Europe’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ classical concert from a major orchestra (July 7)

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and an LGBTQ+ chorus have partnered up for a very special celebration of queer composers in classical music, at London’s Barbican Centre. Classical Pride with ViiV Healthcare and GAY TIMES , will encompass work from composers such as Tchaikovsky, Bernstein, and Poulenc, all of whom were gay . The works will also include music by Caroline Shaw, a living composer who, at the age of 30, was the youngest composer ever to win a Pulitzer Prize. There will also be a brand new piece from composer Julian Anderson CBE. The event will be presented by Nick Grimshaw , with Oliver Zeffman, who created the event, conducting the pieces.

As well as being a gorgeous celebration of queer history, and the enduring impact of the LGBTQ+ community on musical history, proceeds from the event will go to LGBTQ+ charities . All proceeds will be split amongst the Terrence Higgins Trust , Amplifund , and the Rainbow Railroad .

Be sure not to miss out, and book your ticket at the Barbican website .

3. Enter an immersive world of music and dance at Elrow Town 2023

Elrow Town is a gargantuan, worldwide festival that brings incredible music and performances across nine themed stages with more than 50 world-class DJs and 200 live acts and performers keeping the good vibes pumping. As well as over ten hours of music throughout the day festival, guests can expect games, theatrical shows, creative collectives, incredible inflatable creatures, and oodles of sheer unadulterated joy . It’s an absolute international blast, with other Elrow Town festivals also taking place in Holland and Spain.

Grab your tickets here so you don’t miss out !

4. Explore a completely new world (drink in hand)

Over in Shoreditch, a portal to a whole new world awaits you. Extra special drinks are waiting to be drunk, and the secrets of another place, unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before, are waiting to be unravelled. Don your jumpsuits and step through into Avora , where you’ll be treated to a cocktail experience unlike any other. Over the course of the experience, you’ll interact with the local inhabitants of the planet, the Avorians, and explore the lush ecosystem as you forage for cocktail ingredients. As day turns to night, though, secrets will unravel and you’ll have to make a choice that decides the fate of the world.

Alternatively, a family-friendly version of the experience is also available. The cocktails are swapped out for drinks that the whole family can enjoy (making use of some special ingredients found in the new world). The experience itself also changes, with more of a focus on exploring the unique new world, and finding out what makes the world of Avora so special . See how the planet’s ecosystem changes as it transitions from day to night, and gain the trust of locals to learn all of Avora’s secrets.

Grab your tickets to the Avora: New World Cocktail Experience here . Or grab tickets to the Avora Family Immersive Adventure here .

5. See all the public art on display for Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (June 22 – July 2)

The London borough celebrates culture and art by filling the area with a host of public art installations, events, and exhibitions. Over 4oo venues are participating, and you’ve still got a few days left to catch it! If, however, you do miss the special events taking place, you can still enjoy The Kensington + Chelsea Public Art Trail , which will run all through the summer until August 31 . The trail takes visitors through “some of West London’s most beautiful and iconic sites, including Napoleon Garden in Holland Park, Duke of York Square, Earl’s Court, Notting Hill Gate, North Kensington, Sloane Street, South Kensington, the King’s Road and Knightsbridge”. Along the way, take in works from the likes of Ai Weiwei , Misha Milovanovich, Malgorzata Lisiecka, Baker & Borowski, and plenty more.

Find out more here .

6. Catch The Fans Strike Back before it leaves London

The last chance to catch this enormous Star Wars exhibition, it is. Run, you should, so miss out, you do not . Okay, painful Yoda impression aside, time is actually ticking for those who still (somehow) have yet to check out the Star Wars memorabilia exhibition, The Fans Strike Back . With hundreds of collectables to gaze upon, official limited-edition merch to snag, and immersive photo opportunities, it’s a must-visit for the biggest Star Wars enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The exhibition’s final day is July 16 , so act fast and secure your ticket – otherwise, bummed to have missed out, you will be.

Grab your ticket here .

7. Head to the beach

If this warm weather keeps up – which we’re hoping it does, since that’s what’s supposed to happen in the summer – you’ll definitely want to track down a sandy beach . Whether you’re happy to trek all over the UK in search of the most beautiful beaches the country has to offer , or want a beach a little closer to London , we’ve got you covered. Grab your swimmers and some towels, and go for a dip! Or just lounge on the sand and enjoy the sunshine and the summer days.

Psst, in keeping with our  secretive nature, we’ve also got a list of some hidden beaches near London , where you can avoid the crowds. Just don’t tell anyone else about them, agreed?

8. Marvel at a stunning immersive light show

In London’s Swiss Church, an absolutely awe-inspiring light show awaits. Genesis depicts the story of Earth through an immersive light display that completely consumes the room and everyone in it. Focusing on the elements of light, water, earth, and plants, across a 30-minute show, the performance drops visitors right into the middle of “the first three days of creation in ‘Genesis.'” The show recently show huge success across Europe, and is now landing in London for us to get a taste!

Find out more, here .

9. Celebrate Summer at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (July 4-9)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The RHS (@the_rhs)

Summer is in full bloom in July, and so are the idyllic surrounds of Hampton Court Palace. Head on down to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival for a gorgeous celebration of gardens, floral displays, and more. It’s perfect for the green-fingered and flower-eyed among you. With food and drink available, plenty of shopping opportunities, talks and workshops, and gorgeous Show Gardens to wander through, it’s a blooming lovely way to spend the day.

More on their website .

10. Join the ‘Muricans and ring in the 4th of July

July 4th is just about the most American of celebrations there is – perhaps even more than Thanksgiving (but that probably depends on who you ask). So, why are we including it in the Secret London guide of things to do? Well, there are plenty of Americans living in London, too, and there are also plenty of places celebrating the day with special menus and events! Here are just a few of the ways you can commemorate the ocassion in London – regardless of whether or not you’re American:

🥃 The Blues Kitchen brings a little taste of the American deep South to London with the launch of their A Taste of Texas events. Head on down to their Shoreditch , Brixton, or Camden venues and you’ll feel like you’ve suddenly been transported across the Atlantic and touched down on US soil.

🤠 Or, for a more weekend-friendly (and slightly delayed) celebration head to The Country Bottomless Brunch  at The Anthologist by Drake & Morgan. Guests will be treated to live country music, a DJ, a rodeo bull, Southern BBQ food, and bottomless drinks. Grab your tickets here !

🥃 Wild Turkey is taking over the esteemed Islington bar, Homeboy on July 4, with a bourbon tasting and masterclass. You’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before trying a variety of tipples from Wild Turkey, ending with a masterclass on making the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail. Find out more and grab your tickets to the event here .

11. Give yourself a dopamine boost

Did you know there’s an interactive museum that’s specifically designed to boost your dopamine levels? That’s right, Dopamine Land is more than just an uber-Instagrammable destination, it literally makes you happier. 11 rooms offer up different experiences, designed to thrill, excite, and generally allow you to let out your inner child and return to the boundless imagination of your younger years. It’s great for a day out with the kids, or for the kids inside all of us at the late-night adults-only sessions, and is a perfect way to take a break from the day-to-day life.

Grab your tickets here .

12. Head to a brilliant London festival

With summer in full swing, festival season has taken hold of London, with musical celebrations taking place all over the city. Some of the biggest names in the industry will be taking to the stage across London, from music legends to hot new acts. Here are some of the truly impressive festivals on the cards for July:

🎭 The National Theatre’s free annual festival River Stage returns for its fourth and final weekend in 2023 with the Hackney Empire’s Young Producers showcase. Performances range across hip-hop dance, interactive movement workshops, live musical performances, poetry, and more. Running from June 30 – July 2, don’t miss out on this weekend-long celebration of the young talent of London. Find out more here .

🎉 BST Hyde Park closes out its run of weekend festivals on July 8 with a suitably legendary roster of acts. July sees chart-topping, world-famous acts like BLACKPINK and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band headlining.

🎥 Meanwhile, BST Hyde Park Presents Open House offers up 8 days of activities and free entry (alongside some ticketed events) for revellers. With dates running through to July 5 , guests can check out orchestral performances, outdoor cinema screenings, yoga sessions, street food markets , and more. Find out more here .

🎶 Over in Greenwich is the brand new Greenwich Summer Sounds festival (July 4–8), which has kicked off with a bang. Across four nights there are incredible headlining acts (from Nile Rodgers & CHIC to Tom Jones, and more) and street food and drink galore – all in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🎉 Wireless is bringing the best of the best from the worlds of hip-hop, rap, and grime from July 7-9 . We’re talking 50 Cent, Travis Scott, Latto, Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice, and much more.

🤣 Banana Cabaret’s Balham Comedy Festival 2023  will see the likes of Ed Byrne, Richard Herring, Tiffany Stevenson, Janey Godley, and many more taking to the stage from July 7 – 15 . It’s the eleventh iteration of the comedy festival, from one of the UK’s oldest comedy clubs, with 28 comedians to keep you howling with laughter over the course of the festival. Find out more here .

🎧 Junction 2 returns to its original home at Boston Manor Park this summer, from July 21-22 , with the most stacked bill in the festival’s history. Bringing together names from all corners of the house, bass, and techno scenes, it’s set to be an incredible two days of live performances and DJ sets. Don’t come if you aren’t ready to dance the day away! Grab your tickets here .

🎶 Over in Canary Wharf they’ve brought back their free arts, theatre, and comedy festival, Festival 14 (July 26-30) . Among the things to keep an eye out for are the DJs and live acts at Canada Square Park, the outdoor theatre performances at Westferry Circus, and even a children’s disco. Head on down and spend the day (or days) exploring all that the festival, and the area, has to offer.

🎉 Body Movements is back again on July 30 with their celebration of “queer bodies in electronic music”. Taking place across 16 venues in Hackney Wick, visitors are in for a hell of a good time as they dance through the day and into the night.

Read our full guide to London’s music festivals here .

13. Grab a drink on the roof

Because when the sun comes out we want to get as close to it as possible to enjoy its rays! London is full of rooftops (duh) and as a result, is also bursting with rooftop bars . There are beer-oriented offerings , with tank-fresh brews on tap, and even rooftops with simply unparalleled views of St Paul’s . So, what are you waiting for? Head to the skies and grab a drink or two. Check out our guide to London’s rooftop bars here .

14. Spend your weekends at the beach (in the middle of the city)

London City Beach is keeping the good vibes flowing on the weekends in July at their private beach oasis in Southbank. With daytime brunches and summer night partying sessions, guests can indulge in bottomless drinks and delicious cocktails while kicking back in the vibrant atmosphere. Create some sun-kissed, beach-side memories without heading to the coast!

Grab a ticket to the session of your choice here .

15. Hit up a Hip Hop brunch (July 1)

South London’s favourite rooftop bar , Skylight Peckham , is partnering up with Hennessy for a hip-hop-happening rooftop brunch . On the first Saturday of every month, you can head to the skies for BBQ food, bottomless Hennessy cocktails, and the best hip hop, R&B, Afro Beats, and Dancehall tracks. If you just want to join the party, you can also grab a ticket to the party without the food, with a welcome cocktail.

16. Catch an orchestral performance in a car park

Multi-Story Orchestra’s Young Creatives bring their groundbreaking approach to live music and orchestral performance to Bold Tendencies in Peckham for several shows this summer. July 6 and 7 will see the group perform ‘Routes’, a spoken word and music piece that uses the question “So, where are you from?” as its jumping-off point for a story about a first date.

17. Sip on Cocktails in the City (July 6-8)

Okay, I know the title is a bit vague – where in the city? What cocktails? Haven’t I been doing that already? But I’m in fact talking about the cocktail celebration event taking place in early July that brings together some of London’s best bars in one place, for you to drink special creations from the city’s best mixologists . With live music playing, and a choice of Mexican, Italian, and Greek street food to nosh on, you’ll simply spend the day drinking Cocktails in the City . July’s roundup of bars includes the likes of Florattica , TT Liquor , Nightjar , Hacha, and many, many more. Further editions of Cocktails In The City will then take place on August 17-19, and September 7-9 , each focused on a different cocktail theme.

Fancy a drink? Secure your ticket here .

18. Immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh’s art

Vincent Van Gogh has to be one of the most famous painters of all time, with some of the world’s most immediately recognisable artworks. And over in East London, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Spitalfields Market, is a glorious experience that allows you to step inside his iconic paintings. Van Gogh The Immersive Experience  drops visitors right into the middle of a light and sound spectacular, where two-storey projections surround you with the artist’s brush strokes. Visitors can also use VR to walk alongside Van Gogh himself and explore some of the landscapes that inspired his most famous pieces.

Make sure to secure your ticket now and head along for the experience before it ends !

19. Head to the newly re-opened Young V&A

Previously known as The Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A reopens to the public on July 1 . The museum’s opening and rebranding come in the wake of a longer-than-expected closure and £13 million redevelopment. Key to the museum are three permanent galleries, themed around Imagine, Play, and Design. These will feature plenty of interactive and hands-on experiences, supplemented by over 2,000 works from the V&A’s art, design, and performance collections .

20. Purchase a piece of the English National Opera’s history

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Now here’s a bit of a weird one for you. The English National Opera is opening up its costume and props archive for the first time in over a decade , and allowing you the chance to browse (and purchase) the wares. Each item has played an integral part in the ENO’s operas, and each has stories and emotions attached to them. Objects range from wedding dresses to vintage furniture, giant lizards, and much, much more! Head on down and net yourself a piece of decor with a story, or an over-the-top outfit with theatrical pedigree .

The English National Opera costume sale will take place on July 6-8, from 10-4pm, at Stonelake Industrial Park.

21. Let the champagne flow as you sample this hotel terrace’s new summer menu

Especially for the summer, The Royal Horseguards Hotel has launched an all-new menu of seasonal, British delights, to be enjoyed at their hidden gem, The Terrace . Surrounded by blooming gorgeous florals, and tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle, guests can enjoy a celebration of summer in an elevated dining space with unique views over the River Thames and the London Eye. The new menu (available until September 1) has found The Terrace partnering with Lanson Champagne on a selection of British classics that perfectly complement the champagne tipples.

Drinks range from the Lanson Le Rosé, a lightly fruity, salmon-tinted, rosé with a fresh finish, to the more complex Lanson Père et Fils with its honey and cinnamon notes. Each champagne also comes with complimentary strawberries and cream à la Wimbledon. The drinks list is further enhanced by cocktails such as the French Garden (Lanson Père et Fils, Absolut Citron, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and sugar syrup) and the Dark Empress ( Lanson Père et Fils with Sipsmith London sloe gin). Naturally, you’ll need a bite to eat, too, and they’ve got you more than sorted. Munch on the likes of Salt & Pepper Squid with chive & garlic mayo , before cutting into a main of freshly battered Fish and Chips or Smoked Duck Salad (among other choices). Round it off with a classic British favourite for dessert, such as Eton Mess or Earl Grey Panna Cotta .  The Terrace is the ultimate destination for relaxed summer days.

Find out more, and book your seat, at the website .

22. Go food-crazy at the National Geographic Food Festival (July 15-16)

The National Geographic Food Festival , which comes to London’s Business Design Centre this July, brings together the best of the travel and food worlds under one roof. Hear from Masterchef judges and the current Masterchef: The Professionals champion Nikita Pathakji, as well as the most exciting voices in food today – from cookbook authors to restaurateurs, and more. You can also watch live cooking demonstrations in the huge Masterclass Theatres, and even sample a variety of drinks, from Californian wines to Kentucky bourbons, and more in the Wines & Spirits theatre.

All that is without even mention the star attraction that holds the whole festival together: The Main Hall. Exhibitors will range from producers to tourist boards, with plenty of samples, stories, and demonstrations to experience. It’s the ultimate day out for the food-obsessed!

See the full line-up and grab your ticket here .

23. Fill your belly with a never-ending supply of wings

Much-beloved Camden Market pub, The Farrier , is looking to sate those summer hunger cravings. It’s far too hot to cook for yourself, after all! To fill your gaping stomach, they’ve got a hot new addition to their menu with bottomless wings every Wednesday . Chow down on a 90 minute never-ending supply of wings (chicken or cauliflower) that have been marinated in seven different sauces that go from ‘a lil kick’ to ‘holy shh…’. Priced at just £20pp, how many wings do you reckon you could take down in an hour and a half?

Find out more, and book your space, here .

24. Grab a round at this free pop-up pub (July 8)

Inch’s Cider has partnered up with MOB for a super limited pop-up pub to line your stomach and wet your whistle, completely free of charge ! At this pop-up pub in Shoreditch , The Local, food will be made with ingredients sourced within 40 miles of the venue, in keeping with how Inch’s sources its apples from within 40 miles of where they make the cider. Guests can enjoy free pints of Inch’s Cider and food from Ben Lippett of MOB popularity.

Find The Local pop-up at Iron Bloom, 46 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP on July 8, from 12:30pm onwards. Act fast, because it will only be open for one day!

25. Catch all of the hottest sporting action in July

As the weather starts heating up, so too do some of the world’s most exciting sporting events. July plays host to a plethora of tournaments and match-ups that get the whole world whipped up into a frenzy. Here’s the run-down of the can’t-miss face-offs this month.

🚲 Tour De France (July 1-23)

Across 21 stages, each one covering around 225 kilometres, this sure ain’t your daily commute to work. This is some proper beast-mode cycling. To catch the action, head to Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens , or find a local cycling-obsessed venue such as Putney’s The Dynamo – which excels at cycling, coffee, and food.

🎾 Wimbledon (July 3-16)

Is there a sporting event that’s more famous than this prestigious leg of the Grand Slam championship? You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the vaulted tennis tournament. As with all of the summer’s hottest sporting events, Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens will keep you up to date with each serve and backhand if you can’t make it into the stadium itself. There are also screens outside Wimbledon itself each year, as well as a whole host of pop-up viewing experiences around London.

⛳ U.S. Women’s Open (July 6-9)

The U.S. Women’s Open golf championship will hit Pebble Beach in California from July 6-9 . Your best bet to catch this, without sitting at home on the couch, is to find your nearest sports bar to get the drinks in and watch the action play out.

🏎️ 2023 F1 British Grand Prix (July 7-9)

Drivers will have to endure a gruelling 52 laps of the almost 6-kilometre Silverstone Circuit as they battle it out for glory. In the days leading up to the race itself, on July 9 at 3pm , practice circuits and qualifying runs will keep motorheads glued to their screens.

🏏 The Ashes (ends July 31)

The historic match-ups between England and Australia return for 2023, with the first two tests taking place in late June and early July. The final three date ranges are J uly 6-10, 19-23, and 27-31 , at which point one country will take home the trophy until the next competition. Can England narrow the gap between themselves and Australia, who currently lead the series total with 34 series wins to England’s 32? Find out by tuning in!

🏏 Women’s Ashes

The Ashes action carries on with the women also battling it out for the glory in a multi-format series of face-offs. Continuing the historic rivalry between England and Australia, the teams will hit Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 8 for the T20 International portion of the competition. And tickets start at just £15 for adults. Last year saw the same match drawing record-breaking numbers of fans, and they’re expecting more of the same this year! Find out more and grab your tickets here .

⚽ FIFA Women’s World Cup (first match, July 20)

Taking place in Australia and New Zealand this year, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will kick off on July 20 , with New Zealand facing off against Norway and Australia challenging the Republic of Ireland. And with it all coming to a close on August 20, you’re sure to hear plenty about local pubs and bars screening every kick across their screens.

On July 20, to commemorate the start of the cup, M Canary Wharf is hosting a Women’s World Cup Preview Dinner with Kelly Smith MBE . She’ll share stories about her storied football career, and provide an insight into what we can expect from the Lionesses this year – all while guests enjoy a drinks reception and three-course dinner. The dinner is part of M’s Summer of Sport Series . Head to their website to find out more.

26. Forget Wimbledon, check out the Aldi Swing Ball Championships

The supermarket brand is looking to compete with the most vaunted of sporting competitions with its Swing Ball Championships . Opening on the same day that Wimbledon itself kicks off (July 3) , at Cannizaro Park next to Wimbledon Common, visitors can make use of free swingball courts and challenge friends to the ultimate face-off . After a hectic match-up against your pal, you can then enjoy Aldi’s Austin’s Classic Summer Punch and portions of strawberries and cream. And in another daring cut-down of the tennis tournament, refreshments are a paltry 78p for the summer punch and 89p for strawberries and cream . A far cry from the outrageous prices demanded within the walls of the All England Club!

27. Design and drink your perfect cocktail (July 8)

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Ever been to a cocktail bar without a menu? (If not, check out Hackney’s incredible Behind This Wall ) Typically, they’ll ask you a few questions or get an idea of what you’re after, or if you know exactly what you want they’ll often just go ahead and whip it up for you. But rarely do you get the chance to completely make up your own drink from scratch. OFF THE CUFF is London’s first off-menu cocktail club – where you call the  shots on what you’re drinking . You can base your drink around an existing cocktail, or go completely rogue – it’s all up to you! Experience bartenders will then shake up your drink and deliver your very own cocktail creations.

Find out more, and grab your tickets to their first session, here .

28. Mosey on down to some of London’s newest openings

🍸 For drinks with a side of culture, head on down to Tate Modern’s new riverside bar and café Corner , which opens on July 7 . By day they’ll be serving up sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more, before transforming into a suave bar at night for craft beers, carefully curated wines, and art-inspired cocktails.

😋 Arcade , arguably London’s greatest food hall, is adding to its roster of venues by opening a second site in Battersea this July. Their existing Tottenham Court Road-adjacent venue has taken the idea of a food hall to a new level of choice, quality, and taste, and the Battersea Power Station venue is sure to keep up with Arcade’s reputation for incredible food and drinks.

🍽️ South London’s new Birch (Selsdon) hotel recently opened the doors to their new restaurant, Elodie , from award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Lee Westcott. Driven by nature, a seasonal tasting menu offers up “the best produce the British Isles has to offer.” Read more here .

🍹 East London hotel, The Gantry , has partnered with gin brand The Botanist to launch a new summer terrace with a super refreshing gin menu to be enjoyed amidst flowers and foliage galore. Don’t miss The Botanist garden swing , the ultimate place to while away the summer evenings, drink in hand. Best believe they’ll be serving up some incredible G&Ts alongside their cocktail menu.

🍴  Two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers is bringing his talents to the forthcoming 1 Hotel Mayfair  with the opening of his new restaurant, Dovetale , on July 13.  The menu, nodding to classic British fare, will include such indulgent delights as English olive fed Wagyu carpaccio and Grand marnier soufflé with tonka bean crème anglaise . Find out more and book your spot here .

🍕 South London pizza favourite, Four Hundred Rabbits , is bringing their beloved sourdough pizzas to a new venue in Battersea Rise. Set to open in mid-July , the new site will offer signature pizzas ( including a rhubarb-topped pie! ), craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails – don’t miss their famed frozen margaritas – and their very own ‘hutch-made’ seasonal gelato and sorbet.

🥗 Kaleido Rolls has launched its new flagship spot at 10 Kingly Street for the ultimate healthy lunch destination. Featuring the brand’s first on-site rolling station, customers can watch as their salad rolls are prepared in front of their eyes. Their 10 unique flavour combinations, half of which are veggie or vegan, come wrapped in rice paper and with a choice from four dips: peanut, tahini, sweet chilli, or lemon. Need a quick lunch that won’t weigh you down – Kaleido Rolls has you sorted.

29. Delight your senses at an enchanting candlelight concert

Have you ever been so enamoured with a piece of music that you’ve shut your eyes in bliss as you listened to it – or turned off all the lights and cranked the volume? Well, these gorgeous candlelight concerts take that experience to the extreme. Live musicians perform some of your favourite songs , from Beyoncé’s biggest tracks to Zelda’s most memorable tunes, and Queen’s smash hits, in gorgeous environs lit by candlelight . There’s sure to be one for you, no matter your musical tastes. Here are a few of the candlelight concerts we’re most excited about in July.

🕯️ Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at Central Hall Westminster (July 1)

✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (July 13)

🌟 Candlelight: The Best of Zelda (July 14)

🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen (July 21)

✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Rihanna (July 22)

🌟 Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks (July 22)

🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé (July 22)

✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele (July 22)

🌟 Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at Southwark Cathedral (July 25)

🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd at Southwark Cathedral (July 29)

30. “Make it work” at the Fashion District Festival (July 11-16)

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A six-day celebration and exploration of sustainable fashion will hit Spitalfields this July, with events designed for guests to WATCH, SHOP, MAKE, and GROW. 2023 is only the second iteration of the festival, but there is nonetheless plenty to see and do. Over 40 events, from pop-ups to masterclasses, are on offer , with support from the London College of Fashion, UAL.

Plan your visit and check out the full schedule for the festival here .

31. Try out A Taste Of Texas

From July 1 all the way through to August 31 , The Blues Kitchen is showcasing the food, music, and drinks from the state of Texas. Across eight weeks, A Taste Of Texas will feature special food and drink menus designed and curated by Texan chefs and mixologists. There will even be musicians flown in from Texas for one-off live shows . There will be an exclusive taco menu, created under the watchful eye of taco-masters from masters of Tex-Mex Beto & Sons, and a limited-edition burger from Dallas icons Nitro Burgers.

Check out the full schedule of events here .

32. Attend a special collaborative late-night museum session (July 14)

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The London Transport Museum is partnering up with The Making of Black Britain (MOBB) for a special Museum Lates full of talks, workshops, and screenings. Spotlighting the voices of the people, past and present, who have made Britain what it is today, the event will mark the 75th anniversary of the 1948 British Nationality Act and its influence on London. The programme will range across talks from speakers such as Diane Louise Jordan, the first Black TV presenter of the children’s television programme Blue Peter, African head wrapping tutorials, and beyond. And as with every Museum Lates, you also get to explore the London Transport Museum after-hours with music, food, and drinks. The Museum Lates session precedes a number of collaborative events planned between Making of Black Britain and the London Transport Museum.

Find our more and book your tickets here .

33. Celebrate Bastille Day (July 14)

Commemorate  La Fête Nationale (as the French would say, in place of our anglicized name for the occasion) with some French fun. Which mostly means wine and food – no complaints from me! Here are a few ways to truly French it up:

🐌 Maison François is commemorating Bastille Day with a grand Fête de l’Escargot . The day will start at the neighbouring Chequers where guests can gorge on freshly baked baguettes piled high with buttery, garlic snails while enjoying entertainment in the form of a snail race, a traditional accordion player, and a mime act. It’s then off to Frank’s, the bar below Maison François for a Gallic feast of crudites, confit duck, niçoise salad, and with salade niçoise and a classic French strawberry tart.

🧺 Enjoy the heat, and La Fête, by packing yourself a picnic of the French-est delights you can find in the city . There are many delis around London serving up properly authentic French fare, such as l’eau à La Bouche and Le Coq Epicier .

🗼 Check out London’s own  La Tour Eiffel,  which can be seen on a clear day from all around London. Admittedly, it’s not actually a replica of the Eiffel Tower, but in fact the Crystal Palace transmission mast . It doesn’t stop me from calling it the Eiffel Tower every time I see it (is that why I don’t have any friends anymore?).

34. Enjoy a gin-tastic day out at the Beefeater Gin Distillery

Did you know that every drop of Beefeater Gin around the world was distilled from the one and only Beefeater distillery  here in London? And it’s open to the public, offering a number of incredible tasting tours and seasonal events! One that we are particularly excited about this month is the Beefeater Summer Festival . Taking place on  July 15-16 , this joyful celebration of all-things-Beefeater will begin with an immersive distillery tour and a welcome cocktail. After sampling the goods in the still house, you’ll be taken to the terrace to soak up the sun with a Van Dough pizza and a delicious Beefeater cocktail in hand – sounds like bliss right? Tickets are £25, book your ticket  to the Beefeater Summer Festival today and use the exclusive Secret London code BEEFEATERSECRETLONDON at the checkout for 10% off.

35. Head to one of this Walthamstow pub’s many events

Over on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, the Big Penny Social is well and truly welcoming the summer with an absolutely packed month of things to do. Head to the UK’s biggest beer hall , where events see them collaborating with a whole host of London organizations and institutions.

In support of the nation’s independent food suppliers, Big Penny Social has partnered up with Nourished Communities for the first ever Nourished Communities Food Festival . July 2 will see the cavernous space filled to the brim with over 100 independent producers from around the country. There will be food to eat, cheese to taste, kefir to make (in a hands-on workshop) and plenty more to see, taste, eat, drink, and do. Tickets are just £3, and can be bought on the door or ahead of time, here .

Charity-shop-scourers and second-hand-fans will want to head down to the pub as they collaborate with Beyond Retro on a week-long bonanza and pop-up shop. Running from July 4-9 , the week will kick off with a launch party on July 4 where free tickets will net visitors a £5 voucher to go towards any purchase over £25 and the chance to participate in a retro-themed quiz. Throughout the week, other events include the WINE AND WEAN event (July 5), “offering a family-friendly atmosphere for parents and their little ones to enjoy a platter of wine and cheese before browsing the rails”, and an ultimate HAWAIIAN PARTY. Kicking off the weekend, guests will be treated to live music and DJ sets, as well as pop-ups from Glitterati Parties with face painting, temporary tattoos, and flower and hair braiding stations. Find out more and grab your tickets here .

36. Do some late-night charity shopping

Charity retailer TRAID is keeping their doors open late this summer for a series of special TRAID Lates. Guests can do some late-night browsing, and even participate in henna and screen-printing workshops. Different events will be held at different stores, with the first at TRAID Peckham on July 13 , and a subsequent event at TRAID Dalston on July 27 .

37. Grab a slice at this beer and pizza festival (July 15-16)

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Hot off the back of a taco festival back in May, the team is back with a pizzas and beer festival to celebrate the nation’s top pizza vendors. Slice-O-Mania is “the UK’s biggest pizza and beer festival”, and it’ll be touching down at the Blackhorse Beer Mile ‘s Signature Brew for a two-day celebration. Sponsored by Wild Bee Hot Honey & Jarritos the festival will run on July 15 and 16. Each day will offer up family-friendly day-time sessions, and raucous evening sessions with a proper party atmosphere. Expect slices from pizzerias that have come from Bedford to Bristol and beyond, and a great day out!

Head to Signature Brew’s site to find out more, see the rest of their events, and nab your ticket.

38. Jump around at a top London gig

July is absolutely PACKED with huge names performing live in London. Here is just a tiny look at the gigs that we’re most excited about in July :

🎸 Iggy Pop and Blondie (July 1): Crystal Palace Park –  punk legends descend upon London for a raucous night of music.

🪕 The Lumineers (July 8): Crystal Palace Park – the band is playing their biggest ever UK show with a stacked roster including Rag’n’Bone Man, Ella Henderson, and more. Read all about it here .

🎙️ Hak Baker (July 11): Strongroom Bar –  Baker brings his ‘G-folk’ sound to Strongroom with music inspired by his rebellious upbringing in London’s East End.

🎵 beabadoobee (July 12): Somerset House –  beloved by her legions of Gen-Z fans, beabadoobee is forging her own path in pop music.

🎸 Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard (July 15): Sebright Arms –  the gloriously vintage rock-n-roll-and-glam-inspired sounds of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard infuse rooms with joy and fervour.

📻 Blur (July 15): Wembley Stadium –  can we say Blur won the brit-pop battle after all, since Oasis still hasn’t reunited?

🎙️ Belle and Sebastian (July 17, 18) : The Roundhouse –  Scottish indie legends headline two nights at one of London’s best gig venues.

🎸  Hozier (July 21):  Alexandra Palace Park –  take me to church Alexandra Palace!

🎶 Claud (July 25):  The Lower Third –  the first to be signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ record label, Saddest Factory Records, Claud’s bedroom pop ranges from delightfully infectious, to devastating.

🎤  Bebe Rexha (July 28):  O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Rexha has gone from one of pop’s most in-demand songwriters to a performing force to be reckoned with.

🎹 Herbie Hancock (July 28, 29): Barbican Centre – one of jazz’s most influential performers descends upon London for his exclusive UK dates.

Read our handy monthly gig guide here .

39. See science come to life

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Society (@theroyalsociety)

The Summer Science Exhibition 2023 will land at the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace from July 4-9 . The completely free event will treat visitors to a whirlwind exhibition with some of the “UK’s most exciting research, lectures, and late-night events”. Topics will range from space exploration and robotics to gene research, and much more.

40. Act fast so you don’t miss out on these super special limited-time dining experiences

🔥  Gozney is bringing their international Secret Supper Club to London for one night only on July 20 . F.K.A.B.A.M’s Lee Tiernan and U.S. James Beard award-winning chef and author Danny Bowien will put their cheffy powers together for a one-time-only multi-course live fire dining experience. Find out more, and grab tickets when they become available, here .

🍻 Nepalese chef Rajiv KC , is bringing his eponymous ‘Rajiv’s Kitchen’ pop-up to The Crooked Well in Camberwell, until the end of August. The food will pay homage to the chef’s home country, and the pop-up is well worth a visit just for those MOMOS! There’s seriously no better accompaniment to an ice-cold beer than the fiery Chilli Momos, fried and cooked in Nepali ‘sweet & sour sauce’ with chillies, capsicum, red onions, and spices.

🥘 South East London institution, Babur , is celebrating its 38th anniversary (!) with a special menu celebrating the flavours of the forgotten region of Bihar. Running from July 20 – September 17 , diners can expect a unique insight into what is referred to as the “soul food of the country”. I’m particularly excited to try the Champaran Gosht, Sattu paratha – a “hot and spicy dish of kid goat on the bone, slow cooked into clay pot with rustic garam masala and whole garlic”.

🍷 New Zealand wine brand Cloudy Bay is taking over OXO Tower Restaurant’s al fresco terrace with a six-course tasting menu perfectly paired with Cloudy Bay wine and stunning views over London . Diners will get a glimpse of the New Zealand spirit and an escape from the hustle and bustle of London in tranquil environs of botanical greens. They’ll even have special Cloudy Bay cocktails to sip on in the sunshine. Book your spot here .

🍜 Shoryu Ramen is celebrating the Hakata Yamakasa Festival with a limited-edition set menu featuring some of their ramen-y delights. From June 27 – July 23 diners can enjoy mini donburi bowls with a host of toppings, a  Shoryu Ganso Tomkotsu (the signature ramen with rich pork broth, topped with char siu pork belly, and all the trimmings), and either a Strawberry Gin & Tonic  or a Strawberry Shochu Sour.

🔥 Dalston BBQ favourite, Acme Fire Cult , has teamed up with Jameson Black Barrel for an all-new menu of whiskey-paired delights . Available exclusively for the month of July , the menu features four special dishes and three whiskey-focused cocktails. We’re particularly excited for the 50-day-aged Beef Chop and Smoked Ox Cheek & Bone Marrow, with Malted-Whiskey Glaze, Roast Margherita Onions and Acme Pickles. And we’ll definitely be ordering a few Black Barrel Velvet s to sip alongside – Jameson Black Barrel whiskey shaken with 40ft Brewery stout reduction, Acme Fire Cult ‘spent coffee’ kombucha cordial, and demerara syrup. Book your spot here , and you’ll probably catch us there every night filling our bellies.

🌿 Outcrop is not just a limited menu offering, it’s a limited restaurant entirely! Popping up at 180 The Strand for three months, from July 7 , Outcrop will serve as an inner-city oasis and social space to connect guests with nature . Art installations will fill the space, up-and-coming DJs and performers will keep the music pumping, and AngloThai’s John Chantarasak will be cooking up his revered Thai dishes. Alongside all of that will be a menu of low-impact and sustainable drinks, including cocktails made from solely British ingredients and spirits. Basically, it’s exactly where you want to spend a lazy afternoon that becomes a spirited evening, then a wonderfully carefree night out. Find out more here .

🍷 Lifestyle hotel Sanderson London has partnered up with B Corp-certified canned wine brand, The Uncommon , for the first vine-to-can terrace experience in London. All the way through summer, guests can enjoy The Uncommon’s uncommonly good canned English sparkling wines. Alongside The Uncommon’s  Bubbly White Wine (Bacchus and Chardonnay) and  Bubbly Rose Wine , Sanderson London’s mixologists have whipped up a menu of seasonal spritzers and cocktails that make use of the wines. And if the Elderflower & Cucumber White Wine Spritzer doesn’t sound like the perfect tonic for hot summer days, we don’t know what does!

41. Then check out the newest offerings from some of London’s favourite eateries

🤤 Vori , one of London’s latest Greek restaurants, serves up soulful Greek food from its site in Holland Park. With the warmer weather finally hitting the capital, Vori is celebrating Greek island cooking with brand new summer menus for lunch and dinner. The sharing-focused menus feature the likes of  Spanakorizo  (a spinach-based risotto), Chtapodi ( freshly prepared, grilled octopus), and more. Be sure to make a booking so you don’t miss out!

🥘 Gunpowder founder, Harneet Baweja, and food journalist Richard Vines have joined forces to offer a cut-price new menu at Gunpowder Soho for one day only . The ‘Vines Pines’ offering is a “love letter to Kolkata” with three courses that range from begun bhaja (shallow fried disks of aubergine) to kati mutton roll , and sandesh , a dessert made from jaggery, paneer and condensed milk. The meal will be available from late morning to early afternoon on July 9 , priced at just £35. Head here to secure your spot.

🍰 Maître Choux has launched a brand new Pâtisserie Collection in their store: the ‘Miracles’ range. Comprised of a semi-spherical pastry on top of a pie crust, crowned with a baby choux pastry, inspired by the traditional “Religieuse” pastry, they’re available in limited numbers daily . Initially launching at the brand’s South Kensington store, they’ll roll out to other locations from September onwards.

🍣 Experience the luxurious delights of Nobu London for less this summer with its £50 4-course summer lunch menu. The iconic Japenese-Peruvian restaurant is offering up the likes of Yellowtail Jalapeño sashimi, a choice between  Beef Tenderloin Toban Yaki or  Seafood Toban Yaki , and more. And if the four courses aren’t enough, you can supplement the meal with a sushi platter made with the chef’s choice of fresh fish, for an extra £22. Available Monday to Friday, find out more and book your spot here .

🍹 Chino Latino has launched an exciting new menu of pan-Asian favourites. Choices range across sushi, dim sum, seafood, steaks, and even taquitos (yes, really!). Complement the whole affair with a tipple from their extensive drinks menu. Whether you’re after a tropical cocktail or sake to pair perfectly with sushi, they’ve got you sorted.

🍻 Hidden away in the back of a Camden pub, The Parakeet , ex-Brat chef Ben Allen (one of London’s most exciting culinary talents) is cooking up a veritable storm. The head chef recently launched the pub’s inaugural bar food menu, offering up an even more casual menu of the pub’s lauded offerings that find diners treated to world-class cuisine in casual environs. The pub, once the site of the landmark The Oxford Tavern, is stunningly presented but nonetheless belies the food offering. Among the bar snacks available to nosh on with a pint or a glass of wine are the Oyster Of The Day ,  Beef Tartare Miang , the restaurant’s signature Leeks, Smoked Mushroom, and Pecorino on skewers , and more. Run down and try the food before everyone finds out, and it becomes impossible to get a table!

42. Check out the newly re-opened National Portrait Gallery

After three years of closure, the National Portrait Gallery was announced to be re-opening on June 22. The closure saw the museum undergo its most extensive refurbishment and redevelopment since it first opened back in 1856 . There’s now an all-new entrance to the gallery, space for the entire collection of art to be displayed, and even a luxe new eating and drinking venue.

Read more here .

43. Absorb some culture at an art exhibition

EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN JULY

💛 Maria Prymachenko (July 14 – August 31): Saatchi Gallery – the work of the late Ukrainian artist is exhibited in the UK for the first time.

💜 Jenny B. Musungay: You. Me. You. (Opens July 14): Grand Union Community Hub, Wembley – paintings and a digital installation investigate human relationships and the way we interact with people and the world around us.

💙 Herzog & de Meuron: The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries (Opens July 14): Royal Academy of Arts –  explores the revered architecture firm’s approach to reimagining forms and buildings.

🧡 A World In Common: Contemporary African Photography (Opens July 22): Tate Modern – photography exhibition exploring how art and media have reimagined and redefined Africa’s cultural and historical narratives.

EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN JULY

💚 David Moli: Moli Icons(Ends July 5): Grove Gallery – the pro-footballer-turned-artist presents a show featuring portraits of his icons, and those who have most inspired him.

❤️ Saints and Sinners (Ends July 7): Guts Gallery – “a group show… exploring what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in an age where we increasingly see the physical closure of safe spaces.”

💛 Sahara Longe: New Shapes (Ends July 8): Timothy Taylor –  Sahara Longe’s first UK solo exhibition following her Frieze debut last year.

💜 Sophie-Yen Bretez: Powerful, Despite it All (Ends July 8):  JD Malat Gallery – a surreal exploration of femininity that blends poetry and painting.

💙 No Place Like Home (Ends July 11): Museum of the Home –  co-created exhibition by KV Duong and Hoa Dung Clerget, featuring work from a group of Vietnamese diasporic artists exploring the theme of Home.

🧡 The Angel in the House (Ends July 20) : STUDIO WEST – a group exhibition featuring seven emerging UK-based female painters that re-approaches the relationship between women and domestic space while revisiting age-old signifiers of femininity in a new light.

💚 Jan Sebastian Koch: Midsummer In Yves’ Garden (Ends July 22): BEERS London –  new, and newly completed works that were once abandoned, created in the solitude of nature in Northern Norway.

❤️  Ai Weiwei: Making Sense (Ends July 30) : Design Museum –  juxtaposing tensions including past & present, hand & machine, precious & worthless, and more. 

Here’s our guide to the best art exhibitions to see through 2023 .

44. Cool off in the Thames

Canary Wharf has once again re-opened its outdoor swimming space for Londoners to enjoy amidst the hotter weather. There’s no need to fear dirty water here, however, as the water is tested often to ensure it maintains extremely high levels of cleanliness. Instead, you can just take a dip and cool off, without having to head for the beach or fight for space in your local lido .

Read all about it here .

45. Explore Japan at the UK’s biggest Japanese food and culture festival (July 21-23)

Can’t afford a flight to Japan? Well, at least make sure not to miss out on this year’s HYPER Japan festival. It’s surely the next best thing, behind actually visiting Japan. Returning for its 13th year, the huge festival is bringing over 300 exhibitors to showcase the best of Japanese food, art, and culture . New for 2023 is the Sake Experience, where visitors can sample a whopping 21 types of sake from 8 different breweries. There will also be plenty of food, entertainment, photo opportunities, and more for revellers to fill their day.

46. Try out these all-new cocktail menus from London’s best bars

🍹 Lovely London speakeasy , Nightjar Carnaby , has launched their new cocktail and canape pairing menu for you to ‘Sip and Savour’ on your next visit to the bar. Find out more here .

🍸  Silverleaf’s new menu, the bar’s first new menu since opening in 2022, explores the fusion and connections between art and science while pushing the boundaries of cocktail making. Book your place and try the new menu here .

🍹 East London drinking den, The Sun Tavern , has given its house cocktail menu a revamp just in time for summer. The short-and-sweet selection of ten drinks runs the gamut of flavours and experiences, from the Ban Slippy – a tropical take on a gin sour that largely utilizes Australian ingredients – to the  Italia 90, a bright, crisp, and refreshing drink that’s perfect for the summer. Find out more here .

🍸 The opulent The Donovan Bar launches their new EVOKE menu in July, with cocktails carefully crafted to provoke responses based on guests’ emotions. Book your next visit here .

🍹 Oblix has just added two impressive new cocktails to their menu, both of which come served in an eye-catching giant glass bee! The Bee Sting makes use of honour liquor, while the Liquid Nectar is an alcohol-free alternative with honey water and Seedlip 42. Find out more and book your place here to try it before they leave the menu on August 20 .

🎭 Middle Eight’s ‘A Sip of Theatre’ menu is a brand-spanking-new cocktail selection that is perfect for pre- and post-theatre sipping (as the name might suggest…). Theatrical flavour combinations collide with Head Mixologist, Maurice Lawrence’s memories of childhood for a dazzling choice of drinks available both across the hotel bar and at the hotel’s restaurant, Sycamore Vino Cucina. Try the  Tropic Tommy which takes the classic margarita in a daring new direction inspired by Lawrence’s mother’s chicken recipe growing up.

🍸 Eve Bar  has launched a brand-new cocktail menu focusing on  Techniques . Three signature cocktails highlight the roles of Carbonation, Clarification, Distillation, Fermentation, and Freezing, through demonstration during the cocktail-making process, with a touch of theatrical flair. You HAVE to try the  Chicken Butter Old Fashioned  with Chicken butter washed truffle Michter’s Sour Mash, Metaxa 12 Stars, poppy seed Peychaud’s bitters, and Morveren Cornish absinthe. Each drink also contributes to cutting down waste by giving new life to a leftover ingredient from Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling, which sits above the bar.

🌎 TT Liquor is being taken over by a two-week-long series of events, The House of U.S. Spirits , which will showcase the best American spirits available to UK drinkers. From June 26 – July 9 , the bar will host masterclasses, tastings, and more across its unique spaces. Across the two weeks expect a special menu featuring American spirits, special bottles for sale through the Liquor Store that aren’t widely available to UK buyers, and screenings of classic and modern American films (July 3-6) with complementary cocktails from American spirits brands. Find out more here .

🥃 TOZI Victoria’s newly launched 10 Negroni Menu , from General Manager Stefano Meloni, is one of the most extensive Negroni collections in London . Complementing TOZI’s signature Barrel Aged Negroni is a variety of novel takes on the classic cocktail, from the  Wake Me Up , where the sweet vermouth is swapped out for Mancino-infused coffee, to the Just One More – a white Negroni made with Berto aperitivo, Tanqueray No. 10, and Cocchi Americano. Make a booking here so you can sample all the negronis (okay, maybe not all… 10 negronis is a lot…).

47. Celebrate Ichiba Japan Centre’s 5th birthday

Got a friend who celebrates their birthday all week long? Ichiba Japan Centre (Europe’s largest Japanese food hall) is going even bigger than that, celebrating their birthday all July long with a month of special free events. The traditional Japanese events and activities will include the likes of a calligraphy workshop, a vintage kimono pop-up, an origami workshop, sake and Japanese food tasting, and a mochi pounding demonstration. Head on down to the centre, at Westfield, London, White City, to join in the fun.

48. Put your Jenga skills to the test (July 23)

East London rooftop playground, Roof East , is bringing its massive Jenga competition back for the summer, and you could even net yourself an £800 holiday voucher! A number of different team-based Jenga match-ups are on offer, from Toppling Triva Jenga to Roulette Jenga . If you let the tiles fall, at least you can still enjoy all that the rooftop has to offer!

Sign up for the competition here .

49. Attend an after-hours session at The Courtauld Gallery (July 28)

Everyone dreams of wandering around a museum or art gallery late at night, and here’s your chance to do so at the Courtauld Lates . You’ll be treated to an evening of art, cocktails, music, and live performances as you explore the museum’s masterpieces. Among the gallery’s renowned pieces are Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear  and Manet’s  A Bar at the Folies-Bergère.  Stay tuned and act quickly when tickets are released on the website .

50. Head to the sky (garden) for an unforgettable party (July 28)

Sky Garden’s Summer Party is back for 2023, bringing Londoners the ultimate chance to dance the night away with perhaps the most spectacular backdrop in all of London. On July 28, to the soundtrack of ALR Music and the resident late-night DJ, guests can enjoy champagne, cocktails, fine food, and revelry as they gaze out at one of the best panoramic views of London .

Can’t make it on July 28? You’re not completely left out, because Sky Garden is also hosting regular Havana Music Nights in collaboration with Havana Club . Taking place every Tuesday, from July 11 until the end of August, the Havana Music Nights will bring the spice of Cuba’s exoticism to the Sly Gardens’ 35th-floor garden oasis.

Grab a ticket to the ultimate summer party before they’re gone, or grab a place at the Havana Music Nights, here .

51. Watch a movie in the great outdoors

One of the greatest joys of warmer weather in London is finding ways to take typically-indoor activities outside somehow. Dining becomes al fresco, pub-goers head to the beer gardens, and movie screenings take place in all sorts of locations. London’s outdoor cinema experiences  range from rooftop film-viewing to canal-side screenings. And some of them are even free! Check out our run-down of London’s brilliant outdoor cinemas here .

52. Spend your ‘Summer Nights in Vegas’ (in London)

100 Wardour Street has partnered up with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Cîroc Vodka to bring a taste of Sin City to The Big Smoke. Running from the end of June through to September, ‘Summer Nights in Vegas’ will see the venue transformed into a neon-lit haven. Guests can make use of casino-style games, while Cirque du Soleil contortionists and showgirls provide live entertainment. There’s also the Little Wardour Chapel with a marriage officiant for the perfect photo opportunity. All while you sip on special Cîroc Vodka cocktails and nosh on American bar bites.

Throughout the summer, thirsty Londoners can sip for cheap thanks to £8 cocktails on Monday – Thursday from 4pm – 7pm. There are also many events planned for the summer, from 4th of July celebrations to live performances and bottomless brunches. Is it true what they say – that what happens in Soho, stays in Soho ?

53. Watch professional Shakespearean actors deal with a drunk taking to the stage

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sh!t-faced Shakespeare® (@shitfacedshakespeare)

What do you get when a troupe of professional actors takes a classic Shakespeare script and throws a bucket-load of booze into the mix? The raucous, worldwide sell-out phenomenon that is Sh!t-faced Shakespeare®.  Each night’s performance is preceded by one designated actor consuming as much alcohol as they can in the four hours before the show – and then proceeding to take to the stage with the rest of the cast! It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before, and this year they’re bringing their antics to the stage with a production of the classic Shakspearean tale of mistaken identity, Much Ado About Nothing.  They’ll be performing at Leicester Square Theatre from July 5 – September 9.

Find out more, and grab tickets, here . And remember to “always ‘enjoy Shakespeare responsibly’.”

54. Take in some shows on the West End

NEW OPENINGS

💔 A Little Life (July 4 – August 5): Savoy Theatre –  the intensely emotional production of Hanya Yanagihara’s epic novel moves from the Harold Pinter Theatre to the Savoy.

👑   The Crown Jewels (July 7 – September 16): Garrick Theatre – a star-studded historical comedy set in 1671, where King Charles II faces off against someone trying to steal the crown jewels

🤖 Disruption (July 7 – August 5): Park Theatre –  a cautionary tale about AI and what happens if we stop thinking for ourselves.

✨ La Cage aux Folles (July 20 – September 16): Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre –  the play that inspired the hit comedy film, Birdcage, “brings glitz, glamour, and glee to Regent’s Park”.

🙊 Word-Play (July 20 – August 26) : Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs –  explores the power and long-lasting ripple effects of language as it disperses through society.

👑 Macbeth (July 21 – October 28): Globe Theatre – Shakespeare’s cursed Scottish play lands at the Globe in a thrilling new production.

🎩 Laurel & Chaplin – The Feud (July 24 – August 28): Cambridge Theatre – slapstick, burlesque, and cirque exploring the long-simmering feud between Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel

📺 The SpongeBob Musical (July 26 – August 27): Queen Elizabeth Hall – Southbank Centre –  the cult TV show takes to the stage as SpongeBob tries to save Bikini Bottom.

ENDING SOON

🪞 The Shape Of Things (Ends July 1):  Park Theatre –  how much would you change yourself for someone you love?

🎙️  42nd Street (Ends July 2):  Sadler’s Wells –  A Golden Age musical all about the joys and struggles of bringing a Broadway play to life.

🎭 Tambo & Bones (Ends July 15): Theatre Royal Stratford East – Tambo and Bones explore the commodification of Black culture and pain in the 21st century.

🕵️  The Motive and the Cue (Ends July 15) : National Theatre – Sam Mendes directed drama on the making of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s Hamlet.

🎨  Modest (Ends July 15): Kiln Theatre –  “the baddest, bitchin’ babe of art” fights for a seat at the table in the misogynistic art world of the 1870s.

🏹 Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written (Ends July 22): Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – Sherwood Forest comes to life in the outdoors, through a 21st-century lens.

🤭 The Comedy of Errors (Ends July 29): Globe Theatre – the Shakespearean comedy of mistaken identity and all-out chaos.

Here’s our guide to the best London theatre shows to catch in 2023 .

55. Paint a neon masterpiece at the limited-time Paint in the Dark sessions (July 28 – 30)

This ain’t your ordinary ‘painting with drinks’ style experience. Paint in the Dark takes the format and flips it on its head by turning out the lights . In a neon-lit setting tinged by retro-futuristic vibes, participants get the chance to create their own artwork with both classic and fluorescent paint. While you’re given carte blanche to paint whatever you want, an artist is on hand guiding you through your process. You’ll walk away from the session with a one-of-a-kind creation to proudly display in your home. With a paintbrush in one hand, and a drink in the other (alcoholic or not – it’s your choice!) settle in to Paint in the Dark!

56. Experience the Rotten Royals of the Tudor era

The London Dungeon has announced its newest show for the summer, taking guests back in time to the dark side of royal history, when King Henry VIII sat on the throne. In the depths of the dungeon, guests will have to plead with the “ruthless King’s Guard and unsympathetic Executioner before meeting their inevitable fates as punishment for their loyalty to the King’s ‘adulterous’ wife Anne Boleyn”. Does it matter that you’ve clearly come from the future, and there is no evidence of your wrongdoing? Not in the slightest, because who dares question the King’s orders? The new show will launch on July 22 and is included in the standard entry ticket for the London Dungeon.

Dare you descend into the dark, knowing what fate awaits you? Then book your ticket here .

57. Celebrate pay day with cut-price pints

With so many things to do in July, your pocket might be feeling the sting when payday rolls around. Instead of splurging immediately (as I’m wont to do), celebrate payday in a relatively responsible way at Signal Brewery’s Pay Day Parties . The cost-of-living crisis has hit many industries hard, in particular hospitality and production. And many breweries and bars around London have had to close due to monetary woes. In an effort to combat this, and also ingratiate future customers, the Croydon-bordering Signal Brewery is offering up cut-price pints at their brewery taproom. Taking place on the last Saturday of each month (ie. after payday), a Pay Day Parties ticket nets you a pint and a slice of pizza for just £5 – which is not a deal to be sniffed at! The Happy Hour (1pm-4pm) sees pints offered up at just £4, with a 25% discount on other drinks. Add to all that a live DJ, free beer tastings, and beer pong competitions, and you’ll wonder why you ever spent payday Saturdays any other way!

July’s Pay Day Party will take place on July 29 . Head to the website to find out more.

58. Grab a seat at the table of a touring Italian feast (July 31)

Italian beer-slingers Birrificio Angelo Poretti are bringing a taste of Italy to the UK with a touring feast that touches down in the most picturesque locations. Kicking off in Cornwall on July 20, La Grande Tavola  will then arrive in London on July 31 , bringing a menu of authentic Italian dishes designed to perfectly complement the flavour of Birrificio Angelo Poretti – the UK’s fastest-growing Italian beer. London’s sessions will see the beer brand partnering with MOB, with each seating offering up room for 100 diners at a time. Don’t miss out – find out more and grab your ticket here .

59. Keep exploring this charming city

😍 7 Quirky Places In London You Need To Visit This Summer

🌴 Barts: There’s A Hidden Negroni Forest Tucked Away Behind This Secret Speakeasy Bar

👨‍🎨 Sculpture In The City Returns This Summer For Their 12th Year Of Public Art Trails

😋 Hackney Bridge: A Canalside Dining And Drinking Venue Has Launched At Hackney Wick

🤩 Sabine: The Beautiful Rooftop Bar With Stunning Views Of St Paul’s Cathedral

🍨 Chin Chin Labs: This Wickedly Inventive Ice Cream Parlour Uses Liquid Nitrogen To Make Scoops

🤤 Humble Crumble: Cult Crumble Vendors Have Opened Up A Stunning New Permanent Location

🍸 OCTO: Amazonico Have Just Opened A Magical Hidden Bar That Invites You Into An Underwater World

⭐ The V&A Is Celebrating The World’s Most Iconic Performers In Their DIVA Exhibition

☕ OATIS: A Gorgeous New Oat-Centric Café Is Opening In Notting Hill This Summer

🍺 Kraft Dalston Rooftop: A Dalston Rooftop Bar With Cocktails, Ceviche, and Super-Fresh Beer

🚇 Explore The 100-Year-Old Underground Postal Railway Hidden Beneath The Postal Museum

🪴 The Nunhead Gardener: This Adorable House Of Plants Is Hiding Inside A South London Railway Arch

🍨 The Ice Cream Shop With Brain-Freezingly Terrifying Flavours Returns To London Today

📽️ This Limited-Time Wes Anderson Exhibition Immerses Visitors In The Director’s Newest Film

😇 Mercato Mayfair: There’s A Heavenly Food Hall To Be Found Inside This Restored Mayfair Church

🍸 The Brig: London’s Smallest Bar Is So Miniscule That It Only Has Room For Four Guests At A Time

🍕 This Luxe Italian Restaurant Has Launched A Bottomless Pizza And Pasta Brunch

🎉 Bongo’s Bingo A Raunchy Bingo Party That Is Absolute Chaos In The Best Way

📸 Have A Summer Of Queer Joy At King’s Cross’ New Photography Exhibition

🚂 Live Out Your ‘Steam Dreams’ On A Magical Day Trip Aboard A 1940’s Locomotive

🖼️ An Army Of Morph Sculptures Is Now Dotted Around London In A New Art Trail

🍹 This Margarita Showdown Will See London’s Top Bartenders Battle For The Margarita Crown

More things to do inspiration…

😁 200 Fantastic and FREE Things To Do In London

🚶‍♀️ 50 Of The Best Things To Do In London At Least Once In Your Life

🍽️ 50 Of The Best Restaurants In London To Wine And Dine At

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Visiting London in

What to expect, getting around.

• Things to do

People from all over the world travel to London to see this amazing, historically rich city and how it changed in the 21st Century. Visiting London is a dream for many. The pomp and pageantry of the Royal Family intrigues them along with the history and the many prominent London attractions. July, with its beautiful summer weather, is a perfect time to travel to London with exploring its outdoor attractions and open-air events, although there is a good chance that famous sights will be more crowded.

• Average Daytime Temperatures: 66 F (19C)
• Average Overnight Temperatures: 55 F (13C)
• Sunny or partly sunny days: 18
• Rainy days: 13

What to wear

• July is the hottest month in London, so pack light summer clothes with light jacket for layering when it gets colder in the evenings.
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – protect yourself from the sun.
• Wear comfortable shoes – you will be happy you did after a long day out.
• London is a rather formal city. Some of what you want to pack depends on where you intend to visit.
• Pack an umbrella, you will be happy to have it when it starts to rain.
• A picnic blanket is great if you want to enjoy one of many free July concerts or just relax in one of London's parks.

London Prices in July

London is a busy year-round destination. July is the peak of the tourist season, so it isn't the cheapest season for hotel accommodations, but you can find so many free things to do in London in July it really helps make up the difference. Book your flights and accommodation in advance for best prices and save up money by booking at the right times. Try to book your accommodation 4 to 6 months in advance.

Planning your trip is a key to a balanced budget, use free online resources like our maps & guide or the itinerary tool, if you are going to visit some iconic attractions, get a sightseeing pass, it will easily save you 50% on regular admission prices – see more

With roughly 30 million travellers per year, London easily ranks as one of the most visited cities on earth. London is easy to navigate, but if you can't walk to your destination there are plenty of options

London underground.

The quickest way to travel around, London's Underground metro system is the oldest and most famous in the world. In total, there are 11 lines on the Tube within nine zones. On most days the London Tube is open between 5AM and 12AM, but there is extended services for Friday and Saturday. Fares vary widely for the London Underground depending on when you're using the service and how far you're going. The easiest way navigate the Tube is to invest in what's known as an Oyster Card. These re-chargeable card can be purchased at any Tube station. Put as much money as you want on your Oyster Card and scan it at the entrance of the Tube station. It’s much cheaper to use than single tube tickets.

Black Cabs - Traditional London taxis

These cabs can easily be found all over central London as well as by major train stations, bus stops, and by Heathrow Airport. Please ensure the yellow "taxi" light in the front of the cab is on when you're trying to hail a vehicle. All taxicab services in London are metered and there's a £3 minimum charge. While you're not required to tip, it's always welcome, and most Londoners will round up their fare.

Hop on, Hop off Buses

These buses connect major attractions all over the city and provide many photo opportunities, it's also a good way to catch a break or eat your sandwich while still sightseeing one of the many special tours. Getting around London from the comfort of a bus is a great way to get a feel for the city without worrying about getting lost. Checkout the London Sightseeing Bus Routes with over 7 bus loops and more than 100 bus stops

Free Digital Guidebook

Hop-on hop-off bus map, london tourist map, things to do in july, check out the following list of ideas for fun things to do in london in july:, 1. changing the guard at buckingham palace.

One fascination that is not to be missed is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It takes place outside Buckingham Palace, begins at 10:45 AM and lasts around 45 minutes (handover takes place at 11:00 AM). You can join the Change of the Guard walking tour to learn much more about this ceremony.

2. BBC Proms – the world’s biggest classical music festival

The Proms is an orchestral classical music concert series that runs for eight weeks of the summer season. The annual event series was first held in 1895 and has since become a significant staple of British culture. Most of the concerts occur in Royal Albert Hall, with smaller concerts taking place in Cadogan Hall or outdoor venues. The concert series also features ballet and opera performances for kids and special events showcasing musical genres outside of the classical realm.

3. Masterpiece London at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Billed as the "Unmissable Art Fair", Masterpiece London takes place at the latter end of June. On exhibition are some of the most historically renown art pieces from across the globe. That said, it also represents many modern pieces from international artists. Among the many categories are, fine art, sculpture, antiquities, silver, and jewellery. In addition to the individual art pieces, artists and art experts give talks and presentations. The exhibit lasts for one week, overlapping into July.

4. Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park

Join this 10 summer days festival of live music full-filled with world-famous stars as well as with rising artists. Enjoy your July fun even more with the Open House festival with lots of attractions, such as live concerts, open-air cinema, street food and many other free entertainments.

5. Wimbledon Tennis Championships

Wimbledon is known as the oldest tennis tournament in the world and it is played on grass courts. Follow world-class players vie in this legendary 2-week tennis championship, one of 4 annual Grand Slam tournament.

Rainy Day Options in London

Tower of london.

Learn about the storied history of London with a trip to this epic tower. Visitors will delight in the exhibit of the Royal Family crown jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. The guards of the tower will regale visitors with tales of the bloody history of these times, enchanting everyone who walks through the gates. Visit to the Tower of London is free with the London Sightseeing Pass.

West End Theatre

Taking a West End show will chase away any rainy day blues during your visit to London. It might not be possible to get last minute tickets to every show, but you can find something a couple of hours before the show starts by visiting the Encore Box office. With every sightseeing pass purchased on this site we offer 55 GBP towards your theatre ticket.

London Museums

Your weather app says it’s going to be raining the whole day? Head over to one of the best London Museums or Galleries. Whether your interest is in art, science or history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. Pick from the British Museum, The National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Kensington Museums of Natural History or Science Museum – all offer free entry to the public.

PLANNING TO SEE SEVERAL ATTRACTIONS IN LONDON?

There are over 25 Attractions available for free to London Sightseeing Pass holders - see our attractions list and check how much you could save on entry fees

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July events

Take advantage of the summer weather and head outside for one of England’s many festivals and events this July, catering for all tastes and interests. Fix your eyes to the skies for thrilling displays at the Sunderland International Air show; celebrate the written word at the Penzance Literary Festival, head to Wiltshire’s Charlton Park for the best in world music and dance at WOMAD and fill your belly with fresh seafood at Scarborough Seafest.

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The 2024 festival guide

Find your perfect music festival this summer

July events: Henley Royal Regatta

Enjoy the excitement and action of a classic English pastime in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside.

Location: Henley, Oxfordshire

July events: Open Studios Isle of Wight

It’s a rare opportunity to be invited into an artist’s creative space, but in the Isle of Wight, they’re happy to fling open their doors every July for you to come and take a look.

Location: Newport, Isle of Wight

August festivals: Kendal Calling

Kendal Calling is the most fun you can have in the countryside with fields full of activities and attractions.

Location: Penrith, Cumbria

July events: Holmfirth Art Week

Over 400 artists combine art, music, comedy, theatre and literature for the UK's largest open art exhibition.

Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

July events: Sunderland International Airshow

Pack a picnic, head to the beach and lie back for dazzling aerial acrobatics, classic aircraft, live music, fireworks and traditional seaside fun.

Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

July events: Scarborough Cricket Festival

The annual festival is one of the most historic sporting events in the world and has played host to some great cricketers over the years.

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival

Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire

July events: WOMAD Festival

Grab your tent and learn more about cultures across the world at the long-running World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival.

Location: Malmesbury, Wiltshire

July events: Barbury International Horse Trials

Saddle up for this three-day event, which tests the strength and stamina of horses and their riders.

Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire

July events: Warwick Folk Festival

For four days each summer, Warwick is awash with the sights and sounds of folk music from across the world.

Location: Warwick, Warwickshire

July events: Cambridge Folk Festival

Join thousands in enjoying some of the finest folk music in Europe, at a gorgeous country hall in Cambridge.

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

July events: Penzance Literary Festival

A literary festival on the Cornish coast with a distinctly local flavour and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for book lovers.

Location: Penzance, Cornwall

July events: Whitstable Oyster Festival

One of the biggest events in Kent’s calendar, the annual oyster festival in trendy Whitstable is far more than a foodie’s fiesta.

Location: Whitstable, Kent

July events: Buxton International Festival

Take your seats and enjoy a summer celebration of music, art, opera and literature on the edge of the scenic Peak District.

Location: Buxton, Derbyshire

July festivals: Durham Brass

Brass is given a modern twist with art installations in the streets and a dose of contemporary hip hop at BRASS Durham International Festival.

Location: Durham

July Events: South Tyneside Festival

This fabulous summer festival brings three months of free entertainment to the vibrant seaside resort of South Shields.

Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear

July events: Alice's Day

Rediscover the charm of Wonderland with a fun-packed day of events on Oxford’s unique Alice’s Day.

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

July events: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

Originally one of the world’s biggest battle re-enactments, this event in the normally quiet village of Tewkesbury has grown into a festival recreating all aspects of medieval life.

Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

July events: Seafest

Celebrate Scarborough’s seafood heritage by filling your hamper with some of the best food from local suppliers and heading for the beach.

July events: Latitude Festival

Combine sing-your-heart-out music, wild swimming, theatre, comedy, great food and family-friendly activities and you have Latitude Festival, held in Henham Park, Suffolk.

Location: Suffolk

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The 27 best places to visit in July

Here are some of the world’s top destinations for immersing yourself in local nature, wildlife and culture in July, from Australia to the Azores…

July is usually one of the busiest months for travel. School’s out, and the weather in many parts of the world is at its warmest and sunniest. In the northern hemisphere, summer celebrations are in full swing, national parks are prime for exploring and the world’s best beaches burst into action.

Whatever you’re looking for from your July getaway – be it sunny and sweet, or packing in as many culture and natural highlights as several weeks allows – you’ll surely find something to suit you from our selections.

Skip ahead to your chosen travel type by clicking on one of the below, or keep scrolling for the full list:

• Where to go in July for sunny weather
• Where to go in July for wildlife experiences
• Where to go in July on a longer-term adventure
• Where to go in July for art and culture festivals

The best July destinations for nature and ideal weather

1. madeira and the azores, portugal.

Pride of Madeira (Shutterstock)

July is one of the hottest months of the year in Portugal , with average temperatures of 24°C during the day. The Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores in the North Atlantic are a few degrees cooler, but all three destinations are ideal if you’re seeking the sun.

Nicknamed the Floating Garden of the Atlantic, Madeira is in bloom all year round. As the name suggests, Pride of Madeira – a bush with purple cone blooms – is native to the island, but if you visit in July you’ll see magnolias, red hot poker trees and hydrangeas. Hydrangeas are also popular in the Azores, particularly around Sete Cidades near Lake Azul.

Festival goers might want to book a trip around Fiesa, an annual summer sand sculpture festival in Pêra on the mainland. As well as watching artists carving 12m high sculptures and seeing them illuminated at night, visitors can attend workshops. Meanwhile, over in Tomar, women parade through the town carrying bread on their heads during Festa dos Tabuleiros, which is held every four years. The next one takes place in July this year (2023).

Over on Madeira, visitors can attend a 24-hour folk dancing festival in Santana, a jazz festival in Funchal and a canoe regatta and games during Sea Week in Porto Moniz. The Azores meanwhile hosts a week-long party and regatta on Sao Jorge Island and Santa Maria Blues festival on the eponymous island. And while spring is best for whale-spotting in the Azores, sperm and minke whales do ply its waters year-round, so take a whale-watching trip or keep your eyes peeled from land.

2. Gibraltar

Gibraltar Botanic Gardens (Shutterstock)

Set on the southern tip of Spain, this peninsula hits highs of 28°C in July and benefits from 11 hours of sunshine a day. If you’re after beaches, visit the east side of Gibraltar and you will find the colourful, Italianesque Catalan Bay, and Sandy Bay, best suited for swimmers and water activities.

Visitors can explore the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens all year round, while the endemic Gibraltar sea lavender blossoms on rocks and cliffs around Europa Point and Camp Bay in July. Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to spot hundreds of dolphins when joining a boat tour that takes you out into Gibraltar Strait, offering fantastic views of the dominating Gibraltar Rock.

The height of summer is also the best time to experience festivals. Calentita Food Festival takes place in early July, while Gibraltar Regatta is usually held later in the month.

River Vjosa in Albania (Shutterstock)

Most of Europe benefits from sparkling weather in July, but along with August, it’s when you’ll find the beaches most crowded, and the cities packed with visitors.

Fortunately, it is possible to find a European hot spot that, even in peak season, is slightly less crowded than the others: the Balkan country of Albania. Temperatures here reach hot heights of 30°C to 35°C.

Spend a few days in Albania’s capital Tirana for an unusual city break, and discover that the resort town of Sarandë is a dreamy combination of beaches, history and hiking.

The River Vjosa flows through Albania and has recently received national park status, becoming the first wild river national park in Europe, so there’s no better time to explore this protected ecosystem.

And finally, don’t miss The Blue Eye natural spring in Muzinë. This UNESCO-listed site has bubbling blue waters that can reach up to 50 metres in depth.

4. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

Gordes is one of the medieval hillltop villages in Luberon (GranTotufo/Shutterstock)

Provence in July is often visited for its endless rows of lavender fields, but if you look beneath the surface, there’s so much more wilderness to explore across the region.

The steep terrain makes Alpes-de-Haute-Provence perfect for adventurers, with activities such as hiking, rafting and mountaineering all possible to experience. Head to Verdon Natural Regional Park for superb gorges, turquoise glacial river waters, and wildlife spotting, or UNESCO-listed Luberon Region Natural Park for its fields of vineyards, limestone mountains, and medieval villages that perch on rugged hilltops.

Beyond the blissful summer scenery, a July visit to Provence should also be well timed with France’s national day, La Fête Nationale, commonly known as Bastille Day. It’s an annual celebration in France taking place on 14 July, often marked with festivities, fireworks and the odd parade.

And if you’re determined to set your sights on lavender fields before you go, the spa town of Digne-les-Bains is the self-proclaimed lavender capital of France.

Read next: Where to see the world’s best floral spectacles

6. the seychelles.

The stunning island of St Pierre in The Seychelles (Shutterstock)

Expect glorious weather across the Indian Ocean archipelago to continue throughout July, reaching pleasant highs of around 28°C, usually averaging out around 25°C to 26°C.

And where better to enjoy such warm sunshine than on one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles ? Beach relaxation is a given, but you can certainly make an adventure trip out of the islands.

Seek the elusive giant Aldabra tortoise, snorkel and admire the natural beauty of St Pierre Island, or get your feet dirty hiking through the rich green forests of Morne Seychellois National Park.

A castle in the countryside of Ireland (Shutterstock)

There’s never a better-time weather wise to get in your car and road trip through Ireland (unless, maybe, you count March, for St Patrick’s Day). In July, you can expect 18 hours of daylight, and a cool temperature. There may be the odd surprise summer shower, but you can’t have it all…

Where you drive is up to you, but a stop in colourful Kilkenny can lead you straight to the capital, Dublin, via County Carlow’s wild countryside.

If you can, ensure you stop over in Galway, and pay a visit to Connemara National Park, soaking up the nature and hikes, and also the coves and bays along the coast. County Cork is also a must-visit… but we could go on.

Alternatively, the little-visited northwest tip is glorious in the summer. The Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal has enough to occupy you for days, with white-sand beaches without the crowds, numerous blustery coastal walks, and fantastic local pubs serving hearty meals.

Read next: Things you must do in Ireland

8. switzerland.

Harder Kulm lookout point, Interlaken (Shutterstock)

Many people associate Switzerland with the winter, as skiers and snowboarders flock to destinations such as Zermatt and St. Mortiz . But they’re really missing out on something special. In summer, the Swiss Alps transform into an adult playground for outdoor enthusiasts, without having to step into snow boots. July is an ideal time to visit, as temperatures range from 18 to 28 °C.

Head to the town Interlaken , known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Europe’. Located in the Bernese Oberland, you can enjoy everything from endless alpine hikes and guided kayak tours on turquoise lakes, to adrenaline-pumping activities such as white-water rafting, canyoning and paragliding. This region offers some wild fun in a beautiful setting.

Don’t miss taking the 100-year-old cogwheel train up to Schynige Platte, where you’ll be met with botanical gardens and unbeatable vistas. And before you go, make sure you tuck into a hot cheese fondue at one of the many restaurants serving traditional Swiss cuisine.

Colourful homes brighten the streets of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Shutterstock)

Sun-seekers can rejoice in Mexico’s July temps, reaching highs of a hot 28 °C. It does cool off in the evenings, so you won’t be sweltering all day. You may fancy a lightweight jacket, and even a brolly just in case there’s a touch of summer rainfall.

Mexico’s best-known beaches and hidden coves are often found on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Tulum and Cancun. But there are other benefits to the warmth beyond catching a few rays for yourself: July is peak sea turtle season in Mexico.

There’s also nature reserves and national parks aplenty, but to cool off from the heat, visit one of the many cenotes. These natural pools were once key water sources for the Mayans, and also believed to be portals to the underworld where Mayan gods would visit. Now, they offer incredible guided swimming, snorkelling and diving experiences for travellers.

The best July destinations for wildlife watching

10. whale watching and puffins in iceland.

Atlantic puffins (Shutterstock)

While you can see sheep, cows and Icelandic horses – a breed of intelligent, petite horses – all year round, in summer you can also spot herds of reindeer around Snaefell and colonies of Atlantic puffins breeding on cliffs around the isle. July is also peak season for whale watching. The best place to take a trip to see humpback, minke and blue whales is from Husavik, in the north of the island.

The days are long, the temperatures at their highest, and so this is the perfect month to really explore Iceland’s delights

Read next: The best things to do in Iceland

11. brown bear watching in sweden, finland and arctic norway.

A brown bear strolls through the bog (Shutterstock)

Early to mid July is often the best time to spot a brown bear in Finland, Sweden or Arctic Norway. Typically, brown bears arise from hibernation around April time, and tend to disappear for mating in June, before becoming visible again – often to feed.

Your best bet of a sighting is at night, often from a ‘bear hide’ hotel, and with the help of a specialist guide – a.k.a. a ‘bear safari’. You’ll have plenty of tours and locations to choose from.

The Lakeland region of Finland is covered in thick forests, and has approximately 2,000 bears in its midst. In central and northern Sweden, it’s even harder to catch a glimpse of the region’s reported 3,000 brown bears – though Hälsingland, Bollnäs and Sandviken are all popular choices.

Honestly, it’s much rarer to see a bear in Norway – if you do, it’ll be near the Swedish and Finnish border.

12. Birdwatching in Vanuatu

Two rainbow lorikeets, who often appear in Oceanic countries like Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea (Shutterstock)

The 80 islands making up the Pacific Ocean county of Vanuatu may not have the largest number of birds in history, but the ones it does call its own are rather special.

There are thought to be 30 rare species flying around, 11 of which are said to only appear in Vanuatu. The rainbow lorikeet, for example, might be native to Australia, but it frequents Vanuatu – and is quite the colourful sighting for a keen birder.

There’s also the coconut lorikeet, the weird and wonderful V anuatu megapode, and the super cute red-tailed tropicbird, to name a few… a must for fans of sensational birdlife.

13. Roos on Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroos spot the camera on Kangaroo Island, Australia (Shutterstock)

July is midwinter for Australians, though don’t expect minus temperatures and piles of snow. There may be a little rain, but temperatures rest around a palatable 14 °C.

Kangaroo Island is o ff South Australia and, despite the devastating fires of 2020, it’s back to being a must-visit for fans of marsupials. Kangaroos roam the island freely and can be spotted on farmland and along the verges. Wallabies are shyer but keep your eyes peeled at dusk and after dark.

Expect to see koalas, and a variety of beautiful birdlife too, including wedge-tailed eagles (Australia’s largest bird of prey) and very rare glossy black cockatoos. Head to Flinders Chase National Park for seals and bird life. Also worth a visit is Seal Bay Conservation Park, to see protected sea lions doing their thing.

14. The Great Migration, Tanzania and Kenya

The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra begins in Tanzania, Africa (Shutterstock)

One of the world’s biggest and boldest wildlife migrations is the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. It starts in northern Tanzania’s Serengeti, and over 1.5 million animals move towards the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya, as they thirst for water and fresh grass.

You can actually experience a part of the migration at almost any time of year, as our Great Migration calendar goes to show. In July, you can expect to see the herds “spread out from Grumeti Game Reserve and Ikorongo Game Controlled Area to the northern reaches of the Serengeti,” according to our expert William Gray.

The crossing over into Kenya really depends on rainfall in Tanzania, so you have to play it by ear. The migration could occur in mid-June, if the waters have run dry – or as late as September, if the zebra and wildebeest aren’t so thirsty. There’s often opportunity to spot the crossing in July, so choose your timings wisely.

Read next: The world’s most spectacular migrations

15. polar bear spotting in spitsbergen, norway.

A polar bear plays in the snow in the Svalbard/Spitsbergen region of Arctic Norway (Shutterstock)

A polar bear sighting in the wild is one of life’s great joys, whether you’re hardcore into wildlife watching, or find it makes up only part of your travel experience.

In the Svalbard archipelago, April to September is prime wildlife spotting season – including polar bears as they roam on a ceaseless search for food. This is when official tours take place, and is your best shot of getting an up-close glimpse of these deceptively gorgeous (and quite dangerous!) creatures in their homes. Sadly, you can’t really go off polar bear-seeking on your own.

The most popular way of exploring Svalbard is to take an expedition cruise up Spitsbergen’s west coast and around the archipelago. These last several days and mix shore excursions with wildlife spotting from deck. Polar bears are often seen on the cliffs and beaches as they look for any marine life that has been washed up. Alternatively, base yourself in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen and take tours from there. In July, you’ll have missed the deep snows of earlier in the season, and the ice won’t have quite melted, as it does by the end of the season. So, July’s often thought of as one of the best times, weather-wise, to explore.

The best July destinations for long-haul travel

16. belize (and its neighbours).

Belize, and its neighbours, are prime for visitors in July (Shutterstock)

We’ve talked plenty about the beauty of Belize on Wanderlust , and we reckon July’s a great time to take in all this Central American gem has to offer.

The weather, firstly, is at its best. Hot days are followed (often) by rainy nights, with a cooling breeze rolling in shortly after. Now’s your chance to dive the Belize Barrier Reef and Glover’s Reef, explore ancient Maya cities such as Lamanai, and marvel at the Blue Hole – a natural large sinkhole off the coast that is both mysterious and the largest of its kind.

You could spend weeks soaking up Belize, but make it a multi-country trip (if you’ve got the time to spare) and tick off the neighbouring Central American countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador while you’re at it.

17. Alaska, USA

Denali National Park looking mighty impressive, with clear blue July skies (Shutterstock)

There’s a small window for Alaska’s peak season: late May to July. There’ll be 17 to 18 hours of daylight each day during a July excursion, and it’s also the warmest time of year to visit – with highs of approximately 18 °C.

It may not be the cheapest time in-season to visit (that’s probably late May), but it is the best for exploring. The prime weather makes exploring the vast Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park a total joy. It’s a highlight for any nature lover.

Whalewatchers will also benefit from a July trip, as that’s when you’re most likely to spot humpback whales swimming in the sea. Anglers meanwhile will find it’s also the best month for fishing for Alaska king salmon.

18. Namibia

Namibia is famous for its sand dunes, Sossusvlei (Shutterstock)

It’s true that Namibia , in Southern Africa, is a country that has it all. Famous for its towering red sand dunes, it’s also a wildlife hot spot, with a sprawling sandy coast.

We’d say you’ll need the best part of two weeks, if not longer, to really take it all in. July’s just the time to do it. The weather is pretty sensational, for one thing. There’s low chance of rain, and the temp typically hovers around 20 °C – making exploring the Sossusvlei dunes and the desert expanse much cooler than you’d expect.

The lack of rain is perfect for wildlife lovers, too: Etosha National Park’s many animals will be gathering around the water holes to quench their thirst, so you’ve a good chance of spotting zebra, giraffes and elephants side by side.

Read next: Top things to do do in Namibia

19. indonesia.

The exterior of the Indonesia Museum in the capital, Jakarta (Shutterstock)

Where do we begin with Indonesia? T he island-hopping? The many moving and unusual religious festivals that take place? The melting pot of cultures, evident particularly in its cuisine? There’s so much to see and do – you could spend months here and never get bored.

It won’t be the quietest month in Indonesia, as temperatures reach up to a scorching 30°C and visitors do come to many of the 17,000+ islands that make up Indonesia for a dose of glorious sun. But as its dry season, you’ve got a good chance of ideal weather on all the islands.

Bali is a classic, as is Java – the most populous island in the country, where you’ll find the capital city, Jakarta.

We’d also suggest Sumatra, and Komodo Island for a unique glimpse at the Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat. Finally, Nusa Tenggara (the Lesser Sunda Islands) are all good places to start.

20. French Polynesia

Singing and dancing performances are part of French Polynesia’s Heiva Festival in July (agefotostock/Alamy Stock Photo)

French Polynesia is a long-haul destination worth every minute of the journey, with its largest island Tahiti and neighbouring island Bora Bora being the most sought-after. Nowhere is perfect, but this volcanic archipelago comes pretty close, with its crystal-clear ocean waters, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and some of the world’s most idyllic accommodation (you’ve undoubtedly seen the island’s overwater bungalows on your Instagram feed). Not to mention its weather, which hovers around 30 °C year-round, with July being the midst of its dry season.

But beyond its beauty and weather, July is when you can experience Heiva Festival. It’s one of the world’s oldest festivals, showcasing Polynesian heritage through a colourful, two-week-long celebration. Most of the islands participate in the festival in some form, with events including everything from song and dance performances, to sporting competitions (the canoe race is best known).

French Polynesia is perfect for adventurers. Follow walking trails on foot or horseback to breathtaking lookout points, or go diving or snorkelling to see the thriving wildlife in the island’s surrounding waters. As a bonus, July is also the beginning of whale-watching season in French Polynesia.

21. Thailand

A yacht around the island of Phuket Shutterstock)

July is rainy season in Thailand , but rainy season gets a bad rap. You have to expect downpours of course, but they rarely last all day and have the added bonus of creating incredible waterfalls. Accommodation tends to be cheaper, too.

Visit the north of Thailand in July to experience Phi Ta Khon, or Ghost Festival. The festival’s origins are partly based on one of Buddha’s past lives when he was a prince who was presumed dead after a long journey – but his safe return led to celebrations so huge they were said to wake the dead. As well as parades, music shows and pageants, you can watch l ocals dressed in ghostly masks compete in games.

Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival also takes place in the north this month. What began as a Buddhist tradition of donating candles to monks has morphed into spectacle of float-like candles parading to local temples.

The best July destinations for arts and culture

22. philadelphia, usa.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia (Shutterstock)

A sprawling, metropolitan city in the United States of America seems an obvious choice for July, right? San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Portland, Houston, or pretty much anywhere will be sure to offer you the full red-white-and-blue experience. There’ll be fireworks and parades galore in celebration of Independence Day, taking place annually on the fourth of the month.

We’ve picked Philadelphia due to being slightly more off the radar compared to other big-hitting US cities, but more so for its history. Philly is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, so we really couldn’t think of a better spot to honour the occasion. Expect a week full of concerts, parades and fun activities, with the city’s main event being the firework display above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

23. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s Gion Festival is one of Japan’s biggest (Shutterstock)

Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) is one of Japan’s most famous annual celebrations, taking place throughout July. It’s been going since the year 869, when the reigning emperor ordered worship at the Yakasa Shrine, in hopes that it would prevent the plague.

It’s part of the fabric of the city, with rituals, ceremonies and parades taking place throughout the month. On the 17 and 24 July, traditional parade floats glide through packed streets, and the festivities culminate on the last day of the month, resulting in another street celebration, known as the ‘purification’ closing ceremony.

It’s worth witnessing the magic, especially if you have a keen interest in Japanese tradition and culture. But if you want to experience Gion Matsuri among welcoming locals, you should book what needs booking well in advance.

What makes this year even more special? The event has been cancelled in the past three years due to coronavirus, so 2023 will be an exciting return.

24. Montreal, Canada

A float in Montreal’s July comedy festival, Just For Laughs (Shutterstock)

Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival does involve people in the streets and arty parade floats, but it’s all decidedly a bit less serious.

The comedy festival started in 1983, and has laughed its way to the top: it’s now said to be the largest comedy festival in the world. Typically, it takes place over two to three weeks in July, and offers locals and visitors a variety of stand-up shows, comedy nights and evening events – taking place in many different locations across the city.

Expect showcases for the biggest names in US and Canadian comedy, a few of British comedy’s biggest stars, as well as new talent and a bit of off-beat entertainment…

25. Mallorca, Spain

Valldemossa, Majorca (Shutterstock)

One of the four main Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca comes alive in mid July with the Virgin of Carmen Festival (also known as Día de la Virgen del Carmen fiesta) . The festival dates back to the 13th century, when a monk had a vision of the Virgin Mary with her baby son in her arms. Today, particularly in coastal areas, visitors can watch an effigy of the virgin guide a procession of floats carried by fishermen down to the sea, where the parade continues on illuminated boats as fireworks are set off to music.

Later in the month, on 28 July, you can also attend a festival dedicated to Saint Catalina Thomas, Mallorca’s only patron saint. A procession of carriages decorated with ribbons and flowers takes place in the saint’s former home town of Valldemossa.

July is the high season for tourists, but it’s possible to get off the beaten track after you’ve finished enjoying the festivities. Visit the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains that line the backbone of the island to follow scenic winding roads (beware, you’ll need a head for heights) and visit the traditional villages nestled into its valleys, such as Sóller and Deià.

26. Mongolia

The opening ceremony at Nadaam Festival (Lucy Brown/Shutterstock)

Every July, Mongolia celebrates the country’s culture and unique sports at Naadam Festival . Its name roughly translates to ‘Manly Festival’, and focusses on three main nomadic events: archery, horse racing and wrestling. Although women do not take part in the latter, young girls can now compete in the horse racing, and women in the archery.

As one of the biggest festivals in Mongolia’s cultural calendar, you’ll see participants and locals dressed in traditional clothing. Beyond the sports, there are concerts and parades to keep you entertained, plus plenty of opportunities to sample traditional cuisine, such as khuushuur (fried dumplings) and airag (fermented mare’s milk).

All the main events take place in Ulaanbaatar, but t he festival can be enjoyed across Mongolia . Those who want to have a more remote, intimate experience should head into the countryside: Khovd in the west or Khatgal in the north are known to also known to put on a show.

27. St Lucia

Parading the streets in St Lucia during Carnival (Angela N Perryman/Shutterstock)

St Lucia Carnival is the highlight of summer in the Caribbean. Celebrations are centred around the Castries, which comes to life with Soca, Calypso, and steel-pan performances by artists from St Lucia and neighbouring islands. If planning your visit, make sure to sign up to your favourite fetes (planned parties) before they sell out.

The event culminates on the final days during the National Parade, where thousands take to the streets as part of marching bands, wearing brightly-coloured costumes embellished with feathers and sequins. Visitors and locals can spectate, but can also join the bands as they take to the streets, if registered early enough.

St Lucia Carnival originated in 1947, when a small crowd first paraded the island . More than 75 years later, around 30,000 revellers join the party every year.

You may also like:

• The best places to visit in May
• The best places to visit in June
• The best places to visit in August

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Where to go in July: 22 top destinations

By Sarah James

Summer’s in full swing and Europe is buzzing: everywhere from big cities, where giddy crowds pack out patios, riversides, parks; to seaside towns, all ice creams and sand-speckled picnics. Elsewhere, there are rich pickings for gourmands, as the season’s bounty bursts forth: farmer’s markets overflow, foragers are out in force, and the world’s finest kitchens seem spoiled for choice. There’s also a chance to catch Canada in a rare moment of warmth. Or just crash out on the beach; we wouldn’t judge. The sun is strong and temperatures soar far and wide – Indonesia , Mexico , even Wales , for god’s sake. Enjoy.

Oslo, Norway

Temperature: 23°C high; 14°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 10 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Condé Nast Traveller called it ages ago – Oslo is the new capital of Scandi cool . Never is this more evident than during the summer months, when the city’s residents spill out onto the streets following the bitter, snow-dusted winter. While sub-zero temperatures attract adventure travellers to the Norwegian capital between October and March, July is for exploring, eating, and making new connections with some of the friendliest people in Europe. Expect 17 hours of sunlight a day thanks to the city’s northerly position, open-air concerts (including a summer of English stand-up comedy at Salt Langhuset) and kitsch bric-a-brac markets taking over green spaces.

Sustainable travel tip: Unless you have a few days to spare or are looking for an interrail adventure, there are no fuss-free ways to avoid flying to Oslo. However, Norway’s rail network is a great way to get around and the perfect excuse to extend a trip – as one lover of the rails recently discovered while travelling between Oslo and Bergen .

Where to stay: Villa Inkognito got the thumbs up from one of our resident Scandi explorers on an exclusive stay. The 18th-century townhouse has been transformed into a “home away from home” besides its bigger, louder sister hotel, the Sommerro.

Paris, France

Temperature: 26°C high; 16°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

All eyes are on the French capital this summer as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic games. There’s still hope for sports fans without tickets through resales and ballots until the tournament begins, but there’s also lots to enjoy beforehand. Visit during Bastille Day (14 July) to party in spectacular fashion – expect fireworks displays and parades as Parisians take over the streets for colourful celebrations. Similarly to London, no trip to the City of Light feels – or tastes – the same, thanks to a constant string of new restaurants , bars , hotels and attractions opening their doors. While we’re fans of enjoying the green spaces in July, no trip is complete without a historical adventure or exhibition – see our monthly round-up of the best exhibitions in Paris for inspiration.

Sustainable travel tip: What better way to start a French jolly than on the Eurostar? The high-speed train travels between London St Pancras and Gare du Nord in a little over two hours, and there’s no faffing about with stingy luggage restrictions and liquid limits.

Where to stay: Condé Nast Traveller’s ultimate guide to the best hotels in Paris is the perfect place to start. For something more cost-effective, check into an Airbnb to save on meals or see our guide to the cheapest nicest hotels in the city .

Temperature: 28°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 12 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+4

The Indian Ocean islands of the Seychelles , with their sweeping white beaches, clear blue waters and diverse wildlife, must be the most sought-after holiday spots in the world. North Island is sensational, a VIP destination, with everyone from George Clooney to honeymooning royals staying in the thatched tree houses suspended on a hillside between forest and ocean. On Frégate Island Private , guests share the space with aldabra giant tortoises and rare magpie robins. If you're visiting the World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, the Raffles Praslin hotel is a beautiful spot to stay nearby.

Sustainable travel tip: Happily, the Seychelles has a great track record of protecting its dreamy environment, from turning uninhabited islands into nature reserves to marine conservation. Pay a visit to carbon-neutral Cousin Island Special Reserve , where you’ll meet giant tortoises, hawksbill turtles and all manner of exotic birds, with park fees reinvested into the reserve.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Seychelles on Mahé, which opened in 2009, is still at the top of its game, with 67 villas secreted among 69 hectares of wonderfully landscaped grounds.

Provence, France

Temperature: 30°C high; 18°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours Time difference: GMT+1

Provence is the French fairytale. All lavish green vineyards, hand-churned cheeses and fertile earth, framed by cinematic cliff-top drives, Roman ruins and seductive seaside towns. And in July: lavender ! Great purple fields of painterly, scented beauty, much of which is, like most things in France , destined for the dinner table – popping up in delicious artisan honeys and sorbets. July is also when the markets are at their finest, flaunting Provence’s blessed abundance. Think basketfuls of fresh olives, tomatoes, garlic, orchard fruits. Prolong the magic long past bedtime with stays in centuries-old mansions and chateaus.

Sustainable travel tip: Take a leisurely train ride from London to Aix-en-Provence, via Paris. After disembarking the Eurostar in the French capital (two hours 15 minutes from London), catch a TGV Duplex to Aix (three hours).

Where to stay: La Bastide de Gordes is a chic antique-filled space with stunning views over one of France's prettiest towns. For a private stay, we love this charming 12th century Airbnb apartment in Saint-Paul-de-Vence or if you're travelling with the whole crew, this beautiful St Remy villa with room for ten guests.

Puglia, Italy

Temperature: 31°C high; 16°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

In the heel of Italy, Puglia moves to its own beat. It's slower, quieter, and more laidback than many parts of the country, much of it still waiting to be discovered by holiday-makers. And it also has some excellent sandy beaches: days are best spent hanging out in one of the rustic beach clubs dotted along the coast with a bottle of Prosecco. Puglia is starting to be known for its food scene, thanks to the wonderful local produce, olive oil and ice cream. Stay in a traditional masseria or trullo, and spend the evenings exploring the back streets of Puglia's beautiful old towns, Savelletri , Ostuni and baroque Lecce.

Sustainable travel tip: London to Lecce by train is perfectly doable. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris (two hours 15 minutes), followed by a Thello sleeper train to Milan. From Milan, an early-morning Frecciabianca train heads to Lecce, taking 8-9 hours.

Where to stay: Masseria Torre Coccaro & Torre Maizza , a delightfully laid-back place that combines Puglian rusticity with touches of Frenchified elegance. For sea views, check in to Don Ferrante , one of our favourite hotels in Puglia .

Temperature: 19°C high; 14°C low Season: summer Travel time from London: 1 hour 10 minutes Time difference: GMT+0

When the sun's shining there's nowhere quite like the Cornish coast, which catches the best of the UK 's weather in July. The unparalleled, long, sandy beaches crash with boisterous waves - excellent for surfing - and low tide reveals natural rock pools for swimming. Foodies flock here for the excellent seafood in Penzance and Padstow . Culture vultures head to St Ives for the Tate, but the true charm of the town lies in exploring the artists' studios along the cobbled streets and eating freshly caught crab on the seafront. The historic fishing village of Mousehole is a real gem and has retained its rugged authenticity.

Sustainable travel tip: Taking the train to Cornwall whisks you through some of England’s best scenery, both along the coast and inland. Major stops on the way down to the tip include Newquay, Saltash, St Ives, Truro and Penzance.

Where to stay: The Idle Rocks , a brilliantly reimagined 100-year-old building on the waterfront in the middle of St Mawes.

Canggu, Bali

Temperature: 31°C high; 22°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 17 hours Time difference: GMT+8

Canggu , a formerly quiet bit of Bali is now buzzing with casual cafés serving vegan breakfast bowls to sun-bleached digital nomads, all of them designing, writing, coding or consulting with only a MacBook and a glittering sea view. Hot hotels have quickly followed: The Slow offers retro-modernist suites and a soundtrack by LA-based Reverberation Radio. And newest opening Como Uma Canggu has just upped the ante with duplexes packing their own rooftop pools. By night, Canggu hipsters head for The Lawn, a laidback, barefoot beach club serving up old-school hip-hop and hibiscus cocktails. They pair best with a temperate July evening, when Bali is in its sunny, surfie prime.

Sustainable travel tip: Overtourism in Bali is well documented, and its attendant pollution most severely affects locals, who make little money from the tourism boom (the lion’s share of that wealth goes to the government and foreign investors). JED is an ecotourism network owned by the communities of four local villages, offering trips that not only bring you up close to a more authentic Bali, but give back to the Balinese.

Where to stay: The Slow , a super-coveted hotel that is redefining Bali's classic hotel experience, a tropical brutalist venture that put Canggu on the map.

Corsica and Sardinia

Temperature: 30°C high; 19°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Within kissing distance of each other, these Mediterranean islands are lovely in July, when they get around 11 hours of sun a day. French Corsica is an island you'll want to explore in full - from the secluded northern fishing villages of Cap Corse, where the new Misíncu hotel sits overlooking the rugged coast, to a windsurfers' paradise in Bonifacio and the beautiful sandy beaches near Porto-Vecchio, where Design Hotels' Casadelmar overlooks the bay. To escape the crowds, rent a house on the beach-fringed Domaine de Murtoli estate. Italian Sardinia 's Costa Smeralda is sensational, although busy in July. Our tip: head to La Maddalena , a wild, protected archipelago off the coast with the best beaches, turquoise seas and sandy coves. It's breathtakingly beautiful.

Sustainable travel tip: Consider tearing yourself away from Corsica’s busy coast to explore its mountainous interior. Inntravel , for example, offers inland walking itineraries that explore ancient villages and vineyards, with overnights in small family-run hotels and meals at restaurants that focus on regional food.

Where to stay: Occupying a series of traditional low-lying stazzi, the Cascioni combines five-star luxury and pared-back style with enough eco-credentials to keep a clear conscience as you wallow in your private plunge pool .

Karthika Gupta

Becky Lucas

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Naxos, Greece

Temperature: 27°C high; 23°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 5 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

Picking the most beautiful Greek island is like picking the most big-headed Gallagher brother: virtually impossible. But if we were forced, Naxos in July just might be the answer. The largest of the Cyclades, its sandy beaches run the gamut from family-friendly frolickers in the west (Agios Prokopios), to the south’s hidden wildlings, where you can ride horses over dramatic dunes (Plaka) or brave powerful winds on a kiteboard (Mikri Vigla). And though not exactly a hidden gem, the pace remains pleasantly drowsy, whether kicking back in beach bars or supping at mountain village tavernas. At the latter, you’ll be drowsier still after generous sloshes of homemade wine and local citron liqueur.

Sustainable travel tip: Catch a ferry from Athens to Naxos and arrive on the island in a little over four hours. If you’re dedicated, you can travel from London to Athens by train inside of three days. Take the Eurostar to Paris (two hours 15 minutes), followed by a TGV to Munich (six hours), and from here the overnight Lisinski sleeper train to Zagreb. Next day, take a train to Belgrade (seven hours), and spend a night and a day in the Serbian capital. An overnight train will then take you to Thessaloniki, from where you can enjoy a very scenic journey on an InterCity train to Athens (four hours).

Where to stay: Corona Borealis is a seven-suite retreat with a pool poised for sunset and a private cove where you can have supper under the stars.

Temperature: 14°C high; 9°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 50 minutes Time difference: GMT+0

Chances are you won't be going to Iceland for the weather, but it's certainly most pleasant in July. The long days mean more time to explore the almost otherworldly natural landscape – take a dip in Geysir's hot springs or visit Thingvellir National Park, where the ION Hotel offers hiking, diving and fishing excursions. Or head north to the Troll Peninsula for an actioan-packed trip. Foodies will love the capital, Reykjavik , where the Nordic folk-food movement has taken hold, with an emphasis on fresh fish and local lamb. Don't miss a visit to Harpa, Reykjavik's new concert hall with its impressive multi-faceted glass façade.

Sustainable travel tip: Iceland’s meteoric rise from remote unknown to established tourist destination has put a strain on the Reykjavik area in recent years. Consider striking out for the country’s more isolated corners to rediscover that frontier magic and bring tourism kronas to rural communities. Sea-kayaking the Westfjords, for example, sees you camping on deserted islands, with no sign of another human for days. Use local operators who know the area – DIY trips can damage fragile landscapes.

Where to stay: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon , a hotel in the bubbling lava fields making the most of the curative waters.

Temperature: 26°C high; 15°C low Season: dry Travel time from UK: 14 hours Time difference: GMT+2

What a comeback! Recovering from decades of civil war, Mozambique has never looked better, particularly in July when the country basks in blissful tropical weather. Explore Gorongosa National Park , known as Africa's 'Lost Eden,' where Explorer's Camp offers a traditional safari experience. Post-safari action, head north to the Nacala Coast and beachside Stone Town or Nuarro, where centuries of trade and empire have left faded architectures and crumbling artefacts scattered along the coastline. Offshore, the five islands of the beautiful Bazaruto archipelago have brilliant-white beaches, still crowd-free, and divers will delight in the surrounding protected marine park. Stay in one of the 12 huts at AndBeyond's Benguerra Lodge , or at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Spa. Or head to the south of Mozambique for miles of empty beaches and endless shores.

Sustainable travel tip: Whale watching has become particularly popular on Ilha de Mozambique – where you’ll find Stone Town – but bad practices have, in recent years, apparently resulted in fewer whales following their traditional migration patterns here. Ilha Blue Island Safaris works to promote responsible whale watching in the area, which isn’t just good for whales, but also for the locals who make a living from leading tours.

Where to stay: Stay at Azura Benguerra Island to slot into island life beautifully – a laidback and sophisticated beach hotel with a sunny disposition.

Stockholm, Sweden

Temperature: 24°C high; 15°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 25 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Swedish people do summer well. The warm weather practically begs you to jump off your bicycle and take off your clothes for some city-centre swimming, or go further afield for a dip off one of the lo-fi islands nearby. Jump in at Norr Mälarstrand, on the sandy beach of Kungsholmen, or, for the daring, the waters in front of the City Hall. Stockholm 's Sofo neighbourhood is buzzing with a young crowd hanging out in the cafés and artisan shops and a food scene that's finding its way into the spotlight.

Sustainable travel tip: You can reach Stockholm by train within a couple of days. First, take the Eurostar from London to Brussels, followed by a high-speed ICE to Cologne and then an InterCity to Hamburg (the journey from London to Hamburg, including wait times, is about 10 hours). Next morning, it’s a 4.5-hour journey to Copenhagen on the Danish IC3 intercity train. Finally, expect to spend around 5.5 hours on the X2000 high-speed to Stockholm. Railbookers can plan your travel if you don’t fancy doing it yourself.

Where to stay: Ett Hem , an ultra-stylish townhouse hotel, small in scale but big on luxury. The flawless interiors are actually incredibly comfortable, plus there’s a little library and interesting art everywhere.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Temperature: 33°C high; 21°C low Season: wet Travel time from UK: 10 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT-5

It’s not just insanely beautiful beaches and postcard-blue Caribbean , Mexico ’s dazzling tropical coast is also a trove of adventure. Flee Cancun for Isla Mujeres in July when the island hosts the annual Whale Shark Festival and hundreds of sharks gather offshore. The event raises awareness about conservation, while allowing swimmers to share the water with the gentle giants in a sustainable manner. Then head down to Tulum (or Isla Holbox ) where days start with sun salutations and end on toes-in-the-sand candlelit dinners. Hot reservations are easier to come by as this is technically rainy season; July, however, typically heralds a reprieve from the torrent.

Sustainable travel tip: Where Tulum’s not-so-sustainable practices have made headlines, Isla Holbox’s MO is small-scale and local. The lack of paved roads all but mandates getting around by bicycle; the most convenient way to arrive is by 30-minute ferry from the mainland; its restaurants, bars and stores are locally owned; and single-use plastics have been banned since 2018.

Where to stay: Hacienda Uayamon , a former henequen estate that can date its origins as far back as 1685, has a main house and 12 lavish guest villas to choose from.

Coronet Peak, New Zealand

Temperature: 2°C high; -7°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 1 day 3 hours Time difference: GMT+12

Contrarians keen for snow in July ought to pack their skis for Coronet Peak, on New Zealand ’s South Island. It’s high season in the country’s oldest ski field, when packs of gnarly dudes bring a party atmosphere, and slopes stay open until 9pm. Better still, Queenstown is just a 20-minute drive away, where energy-flushed locals seem drunk on the scenery. How else do you explain the preoccupation with flinging yourself off things – this is the birthplace of bungee jumping, and thrums with outfitters touting zip-lining and heli-skiing. One need not risk life and limb to enjoy the surrounding however: snow-dusted Southern Alps backdrop mirror-still Lake Wakatipu, and vineyards come with mountain views and world-famous Pinot Noir.

Sustainable travel tip: The draw of South Island is its great outdoors, and if you’re looking to get back to basics with style, a stay in a PurePod is a great – and sustainable – bet. The pods, found in various remote locations across the island, are glass-walled tiny houses tucked into scenic landscapes, and run almost entirely on solar electricity and biofuel.

Where to stay: The Hotel Britomart , in Auckland, is New Zealand’s most eco-friendly hotel, folded into the deep green of the Lord of the Rings landscape.

Berlin, Germany

Temperature: 24°C high; 15°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours Time difference: GMT+1

Berlin is brilliant whenever you visit. But July’s warm days are best for three things the German capital excels at: beer gardens, café culture and park life. Chilled-out Berliners clink steins along the River Spree or picnic in the Tiergarten. The city also offers an endless assortment of shabbu chic surroundings for sipping craft coffee and cocktails. Their interiors are perhaps sourced from Prenzlauer Berg’s legendary Mauerpark Sunday flea market, where hipster karaoke draws huge crowds on sunny afternoons. And then there are July’s festivals – from the folk funfair at Zentraler Festplatz, to the arts Biennale, and illuminated creations at Botanical Night in the Botanical Gardens.

Sustainable travel tip: It’s very easy to get to Berlin by train. Take the Eurostar from London to Brussels (two hours), followed by a high-speed train to Cologne (one hour, 50 minutes), and finally a high-speed ICE2 to Berlin (four hours, 15 minutes).

Where to stay: Hotel Am Steinplatz , a restored Art Nouveau gem that has hosted Brigitte Bardot and Luciano Pavarotti during its storied history.

Cartagena, Colombia

Temperature: 32°C high; 26°C low Season: wet Travel time from UK: 14 hours Time difference: GMT-5

Increasingly a contender for the Caribbean 's coolest city, Cartagena has a buzz about it right now, making it high on our wishlist for July, when the weather is great. A number of new hotels , bars and restaurants have popped up in the Colombian city with Colombian cooking now rivalling that of Peru in South American foodie circles. Spend lazy days exploring the pretty colonial architecture of the old town followed by hip-swinging evenings drinking and dancing long into the night.

Sustainable travel tip: At first look, Interno is just like any number of hip-looking Cartagena restaurants – palm-print wallpaper, pink-steel bars, exposed brick and piping – but this 60-seat joint actually sits within Cartagena’s San Diego women’s prison. The kitchen and waiting teams are made up of soon-to-be-released inmates, who are learning skills to help them into a career on the outside. Not only is the food excellent (some of the staff were trained by Spanish Michelin-starred chef Koldo Miranda), but your money is fed back into Accion Interna, the restaurant’s parent foundation, which funds training and rehabilitation programmes in prisons across Colombia. Interno closed for a spell in December 2019, but is due to reopen – check the site for updates.

Where to stay: Casa San Agustin , the top boutique hotel in the old walled city, has three 18th-century houses knocked through to form one glorious space.

Temperature: 23°C high; 10°C low Season: cool Travel time from UK: 8 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT+3

Kenya in July has the greatest show on earth: raw beauty, sweeping plains, the Great Migration and the Big Five. The rainy season is over, and you can wake up to see flocks of birds and grazing gazelles so close you could almost reach out and touch them. July is when the wildebeest make the great migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. There are excellent views from the Mahali Mzuri safari camp, part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Collection, and the Angama Mara on the Oloololo Escarpment, not far from the Mara Triangle. For a safari-and-beach holiday in Kenya, head for Watamu on the coast, where golden, sandy beaches stretch for miles, and there's not another soul in sight.

Sustainable travel tip: Though Kenya’s national parks and wildlife reserves have done a great job of protecting wildlife, the same cannot often be said for local communities, who are generally evicted from the land. A safari on a conservancy, though, helps both wildlife and people: landowners agree to manage their territories in a sustainable manner, and lease parts of them to safari companies, with this lease money being funnelled back into the community and the land.

Where to stay: Medina Palms stands out both in terms of style - it takes its design from Moroccan medinas - and comfort. Top-level suites have their own courtyards, and the four-bedroomed oceanfront villa has a rooftop plunge pool.

Fiji, South Pacific

Temperature: 28°C high; 20°C low Season: winter Travel time from UK: 1 day 1 hour Time difference: GMT+12

July is the best time to visit the South Pacific islands of Fiji . It's dry season and the water is at its clearest. The archipelago is one of the best places to dive in the world, surrounded by beautiful reefs which are home to around 1,000 species of fish; but on a clear day, a simple snorkel is just as good. For total escapism, head to private Dolphin Island , just off the Sun Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's mainland, or stay in one of the 25 wood-and-glass villas at eco-friendly Laucala Island . The Fijians are famously friendly but nowhere is the welcoming song so heartfelt as at the locally owned Likuliku Lagoon Resort , where days ebb and flow with the tide.

Sustainable travel tip: The archipelago has been busy reinventing itself after the devastating impact of 2016’s Cyclone Winston, moving away from lavish honeymoon experiences to more eco-conscious escapes. Several new hotels are putting local culture and environment front and centre: the new Six Senses on Malolo Island, for example, is powered by solar panels and Tesla batteries, grows its own organic produce and uses worm-based septic tanks.

Where to stay: The Brando in French Polynesia is a small, private atoll with an elegant, low-impact, hotel.

Temperature: 19°C high; 11°C low Season: summer Travel time from London: 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT+0

For the longest time, Wales was a punchline – but it’s having the last laugh. Rhossili Bay, three miles of golden sand on the Gower Peninsula, has twice been named Europe’s best beach within the past five years. And the grand opening of the Wales Coast Path, tracing an 870-mile hiking route, shows off even more of its immaculate coast. Crammed with castles and craggy peaks, an impressive 20 percent of Wales is protected by the national park system — heaven for outdoorsy types. And though this compact country is known for its downpours, July has semi-reliably good weather (temperatures in the early 20Cs), before school holiday madness consumes August. Sunshine also brings festivals, like historic, stone-hewn Monmouth’s feast of fringe art, music and food. After a spot of salt-of-the-earth merrymaking, seek out the town’s restaurant with rooms, The Whitebrook — a Michelin-starred celebration of Wye Valley ingredients, featuring hedgerow pickings and local asparagus.

Sustainable travel tip: Plenty of Wales’s main attractions are served by train lines, including Monmouthshire, the Wye Valley, Pembroke, Abergavenny (on the south-eastern edge of Brecon Beacons) and Bangor (at the north-western edge of Snowdonia).

Where to stay: The Grove of Narberth , an 18th-century, Grade II-listed country house in Pembrokeshire, decorated in a tasteful mix of contemporary and traditional.

Benicassim, Spain

Temperature: 30°C high; 21°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 2 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Valencia’s Castellón province has largely remained a Spanish secret, a sedate little pocket of pretty beaches, green mountains and crumbling medieval villages that domestic tourists all-too-happily keep to themselves. The exception, of course, is July’s massive Benicassim music festival. Every year, the seaside resort of the same name is breached by good-time Brits drawn to an always excellent line-up (The Weeknd, Foals and Kasabian in previous years), consistently sunny weather, and 6km of beaches for post-party recovery. (Take that, Glastonbury.) But festival-goers would do well to explore more of this under-visited coast, particularly after Castellón airport finally opened a few years ago. The impressive, hilltop walled city of Morella is a fabulous spot for idle shopping and grazing on local delicacies (sheep’s milk cheese, lamb and paella). Elsewhere, the shoreline offers plenty of quiet coves to discover and claim as your own.

Sustainable travel tip: You can travel from London to Benicassim by train within a couple of days. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris (two hours, 15 minutes), followed by a TGV Duplex to Barcelona (6.5 hours), and stay overnight. Next morning, a EuroMed train whisks you to Valencia in just under three hours, and from here Spain’s national rail service, Renfe, runs several services to Benicassim (fast trains take just 45 minutes).

Where to stay: Hotel Ad Hoc , 28 rooms in a converted 19th-century town house, is a comfortable and well-appointed small hotel, one of surprisingly few in Valencia 's old town.

New Foundland, Canada

Temperature: 19°C high; 9°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 5 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT-3

While it doesn’t exactly get hot in Newfoundland, July is the beginning of the Canadian island’s balmiest season. And as the sort of place you want to get out and about — whether scouring woodland for gourmet specialties like lovage and spruce tips, or learning the local art of cod-jigging from a hardy fisherman — highs of 18C makes things infinitely more pleasant. The easternmost of Canada ’s provinces, on a limb in the Northern Atlantic, it’s a thrillingly rugged hinterland of puffins, sea cliffs and Viking legends; the sort of vast frontier a whale might breach right by your kayak, or where immense, glacial-blue icebergs bob nonchalantly past. A newly minted culinary rep means rich rewards after all that fresh air. In provincial capital St John’s, Raymond’s foraged menu (seabuckthorn, Acadian sturgeon) has been hailed the nation’s best. Or get yourself invited to a local beach 'boil-up', where sea urchin and mussels are plucked fresh from rock pools.

Sustainable travel tip: The architecturally masterful, boutique Fogo Island Inn was conceived as a social business, employing local people and celebrating their traditions (furniture designed with local artisans; community host-led tours). All profits are funnelled back into the community and renewable energy, rainwater catchment systems, recycling and composting are all in place. The restaurant focuses on local, organic, seasonal and foraged food.

Where to stay: Fogo Island Inn , a four-storey, X-shaped structure with a tip that sticks out on stilts. Inside and out it's white and minimalist, with floor-to-ceiling views of the restless sea.

Boston, United States

Temperature: 28°C high; 19°C low Season: summer Travel time from UK: 7 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT-5

There are few better places to be for the Fourth of July than Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution. Not only does this richly historic, seafront state capital come alive with celebrations, but the hotels offer decent discounts to keep the party popping. Packed with museums and galleries, Boston was once hailed the Athens of America. And forward-thinking but down-to-earth Bostonians are equally proud of their food culture, from classics like clam chowder and lobster rolls, to the culinary revolution storming its rejuvenated Sea Port district. At Sportello, the latest from No.9 Park’s Barbara Lynch (one of Time ’s 100 most influential people of 2017). The seasonal Italian menu changes daily, cooking up anything from ramp tortellini to whole grilled dorade.

Sustainable travel tip: The independently and locally owned Seaport Hotel isn’t just conveniently located in Boston’s most happening district, but has an impressive green CV, too. Temperature and lighting systems automatically turn off when guests leave their rooms, while the restaurant turns used cooking oil into heating fuel for homes across New England, and converts its food waste into biogas. Even more conveniently, the hotel has its own subway station, so accessing public transport is a breeze (and a much better idea than braving Boston’s notorious traffic).

Where to stay: XV Beacon , a super-slick alternative to Boston's bigger hotels, with just 63 rooms tucked into a meticulously restored, 10-storey Beaux Arts building, this is one of the East Coast's most stylish boltholes.

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Best Places to Visit in July: 25 Holiday Destinations

Step into a world of wanderlust as we unveil the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in July! From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, we’re dishing out the hottest spots to explore this summer. Get ready for an adventure like no other, where every corner holds a new story, and every vista promises to steal your breath away. Whether you’re a beach bum, city slicker, or nature enthusiast, our curated list guarantees an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, beauty, and endless possibilities. So buckle up and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, it’s time to make memories that will last a lifetime!

25 Best Holiday Destinations in July

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• Places to visit in Seychelles in July 

Things to do in Seychelles in July

Places to visit in spain in july, things to do in spain in july, places to visit in croatia in july, things to do in croatia in july.

• Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in July 

Things to Do in Sri Lanka in July

• Places to Visit in Copenhagen in July 

Things to Do in Copenhagen in July

• Places to Visit in Colombia in July 

Things to Do in Colombia in July

• Places to visit in New Zealand in July 

Things to do in New Zealand in July

• Places to visit in Italy in July 

Things to do in Italy in July

Places to visit in albania in july these are some places that you can visit in albania, things to do in albania in july.

• Places to Visit in Costa Rica in July 

Things to Do in Costa Rica in July

• Places to Visit in Great Britain in July 

Things to Do in Great Britain in July

• Places to visit in Japan in July 

Things to Do in Japan in July

• Places to Visit in Cornwall in July 

Things to Do in Cornwall in July

• Places to Visit in Kenya in July 

Things to Do in Kenya in July

• Places to visit in Ireland in July 

Things to do in Ireland in July

• Places to Visit in Sweden in July 

Things to Do in Sweden in July

• Places to Visit in Hawaii in July 

Things to Do in Hawaii

Join us on an epic journey through 25 must-visit destinations in July! From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant cities, we’re uncovering the gems and hotspots that promise unforgettable summer thrills. Get ready for adventure, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime! Let’s know the best vacation places in July.

Picture yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of icy glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and mesmerizing geysers. The ethereal beauty of Iceland captivates with its raw, untouched nature, where every corner seems like a scene from a fairy tale.

These are some of the best places to visit in July in Iceland 

• Thingvellir

Here are some things that you can do in Iceland.

• Explore the Blue Lagoon
• Witness the Northern Lights
• Visit the Golden Circle
• Hike in Skaftafell National Park
• Discover the ice caves of Vatnajökull.

Why Visit: Best places to visit in July for couples to explore stunning natural landscapes such as glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls.

Travel Time from the UK : Approximately 3 to 4 hours by plane from London.

Temperature: Varied climate, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C.

Season: Summer: June to August, Winter: December to February.

Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Greenwich Mean Time +1 (GMT+1).

Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK).

Language: Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, low crime rate, watch for natural hazards.

Where to stay: Options include hotels, guesthouses, and unique accommodations like The Reykjavik EDITION

You may like to read: Best Places to Visit in June

From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the serene shores of its countless lakes, Canada’s beauty knows no bounds. Explore vast wilderness teeming with wildlife, and marvel at the vibrant hues of autumn foliage painting the landscape.

These are some places that you can visit in Canada.

• Quebec City

Here are some things that you can do in Canada.

• Whale watching in Vancouver
• Explore Banff National Park
• Visit Niagara Falls
• Explore Old Quebec City
• Take a CN Tower EdgeWalk in Toronto.

Why Visit: Diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, friendly locals.

Travel Time from the UK: Direct flights, approximately 7-9 hours.

Temperature: Canada’s temperature varies from mild to hot, averaging 20-30°C.

Season: Four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Time Zone: Multiple time zones, from GMT -3.5 to GMT-8.

Currency : Canadian Dollar (CAD), widely accepted credit cards.

Language: English and French, English is widely spoken.

Safety: Generally safe, exercise normal precautions, and watch for wildlife.

Where to Stay: Range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

You may like to read: 25 Places to Visit in August in Europe

Lose yourself in the enchanting beauty of Greece, where ancient ruins stand against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters and sun-kissed islands. Whitewashed buildings cling to cliff sides, and narrow cobblestone streets lead to hidden tavernas brimming with charm.

These are some of the best places to visit in July in Greece

Here are some things that you can do in Canada

• Explore the Acropolis in Athens
• Relax on the beaches of Santorini
• Discover ancient ruins in Delphi
• Party in Mykonos
• Sail around the Greek Islands.

Why Visit: Ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine make it the best destination for families and couples alike.

Travel Time from the UK: Around 3-4 hours flight from major UK airports.

Temperature: Pleasant Mediterranean climate, averaging 25°C to 30°C in July.

Season: Peak: June to August. Off-peak: April to May, September.

Time Zone: GMT+2 (Eastern European Time).

Currency: Euro (€).

Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise usual caution, and watch for pickpockets.

Where to stay: Plentiful options from budget hostels to luxury resorts on islands.

You may like to read it: BEST TIME TO VISIT GREECE

Let the rugged beauty of Wales take your breath away, with its sweeping coastlines, rolling hills and ancient castles shrouded in mist. Explore quaint villages nestled in verdant valleys, where time seems to stand still.

These are some places that you can visit in Wales

• Aberystwyth

Here are some things that you can do in Wales

• Hike in Snowdonia National Park
• Visit Cardiff Castle
• Explore the Brecon Beacons
• Discover the beauty of Pembrokeshire Coast
• Ride the Welsh Highland Railway.

Why Visit: Stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals.

Travel Time from the UK: Easily accessible by car, train, or bus from England.

Temperature: Perfect weather for outdoor activities, averaging 12°C to 21°C in July.

Season: Visit in spring or summer for outdoor adventures.

Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Currency: Pound Sterling (£).

Language: English and Welsh.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, use common sense in cities.

Where to stay: Choose from cozy B&Bs, boutique hotels, or self-catering cottages.

Germany’s beauty lies in its juxtaposition of old-world charm and modern innovation. Wander through fairytale-like forests, admire the architectural splendour of medieval towns, and revel in the festive atmosphere of traditional beer gardens.

These are some best places to travel in July in Germany 

Here are some things that you can do in Germany 

• Visit the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
• Explore Neuschwanstein Castle
• Enjoy Oktoberfest in Munich
• Visit the Cologne Cathedral
• Explore the Black Forest.

Why Visit: Rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine.

Travel Time from the UK: Short flight or Eurostar from London to major cities.

Temperature : In July, Germany’s temperature typically ranges from 15°C to 25°C.

Season : Best in spring/summer for outdoor activities, and festivals.

Time Zone: CET (Central European Time), GMT+1.

Currency: Euro (EUR), widely accepted.

Language: German, and English are widely spoken in tourist areas.

Is it Safe or Not?: Generally safe, take normal precautions.

Where to Stay: Hotels, hostels, and apartments are available in all price ranges.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia’s beauty is as diverse as its archipelago, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs awaiting exploration. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures, and witness the fiery spectacle of volcanic landscapes.

These are some places that you can visit in Indonesia 

Here are some things that you can do in Indonesia

• Relax on the beaches of Bali
• Explore Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta
• Visit Komodo Island
• Shop in Jakarta
• Dive in Raja Ampat

Why Visit: Experience stunning beaches, diverse cultures, vibrant cities, and rich heritage in one place. It’s the best destination to travel in July for couples.

Travel Time from the UK: Average flight time: 16 hours from London.

Temperature: Warm year-round, averaging 30-33°C in July.

Season: Dry season: May-September, Rainy season: October-April.

Time Zone: GMT+7 to GMT+9.

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Language: Bahasa Indonesia, English spoken in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, usual precautions advised.

Where to Stay: Luxury resorts, budget hostels, villas, and guesthouses available.

Discover the hidden beauty of Vietnam, where bustling cities blend seamlessly with the tranquil countryside. Cruise through emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts, and savor the aromatic flavors of street food markets.

These are some places that you can visit in Vietnam.

• Ho Chi Minh City

Here are some of the best things to do in Vietnam in July.

• Cruise in Halong Bay
• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
• Visit the Imperial City of Hue
• Shop in Hoi An
• Trek in Sapa.

Why Visit: Stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

Travel Time from UK: Around 11-13 hours flight from UK to Vietnam.

Temperature: Warm climate year-round, with occasional monsoon with an average of 30°C in July.

Season: Dry season: Nov-Apr, wet season: May-Oct.

Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), 6 hours ahead of the UK.

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND), £1 = approximately 30,000 VND.

Language: Vietnamese is widely spoken, and English is understood in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise caution in crowded places.

Where to Stay: Wide range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

Mexico’s beauty lies in its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders. Explore ancient Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle, unwind on pristine beaches fringed with swaying palms, and savor the spicy flavors of authentic cuisine.

These are some places that you can visit in Mexico

• Mexico City
• Playa del Carmen

Here are some things that you can do in Mexico

• Explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
• Relax on the beaches of Cancun
• Visit Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City
• Explore the underwater museum in Cancun
• Taste authentic Mexican street food in Oaxaca.

Why Visit: Rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, delicious cuisine.

Travel Time from UK: Approx. 10-hour direct flight from major UK airports.

Temperature: Varied climates, ranging from 25°C  to 35°C in July.

Season: Best to visit between November and April for mild weather.

Time Zone: GMT-6 to GMT-8 (Central to Pacific Time).

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN).

Language: Spanish is widely spoken, and English is spoken in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise caution in certain areas.

Where to Stay: Options range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels.

9. Seychelles

Escape to paradise in the Seychelles, where palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungles beckon. Dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and bask in the serenity of secluded island hideaways.

Places to visit in Seychelles in July 

These are some best to travel in July in Seychelles

• Beau Vallon

Here are some things that you can do in Seychelles

• Relax on Anse Source d’Argent beach
• Snorkel in Sainte Anne Marine National Park
• Explore Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
• Visit Morne Seychellois National Park
• Discover the Aldabra Atoll.

Why Visit?: Pristine beaches, lush nature, and vibrant marine life make it the best place to visit in July for a family vacation.

Travel Time from the UK: Around 10 hours by direct flight.

Temperature: Consistently warm, ranging from 24°C to 28°C in July.

Season: Year-round destination, with slightly dry and rainy seasons.

Time Zone: Seychelles Time (SCT), 4 hours ahead of the UK.

Currency: Seychellois rupee (SCR).

Language: Official languages: English, French, Seychellois Creole.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, take precautions against petty theft.

Where to Stay: Range of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses.

Spain’s beauty is as diverse as its regions, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees. Lose yourself in the vibrant energy of bustling cities, and savor the flavors of tapas and sangria.

These are some places that you can visit in Spain

Here are some things that you can do in Spain

• Visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
• Explore the Alhambra in Granada
• Relax on the beaches of Costa del Sol
• Experience the nightlife of Ibiza
• Explore the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Why visit: Rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, delicious cuisine.

Travel Time from the UK : Around 2-3 hours by flight.

Temperature: Hot, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s°C.

Season: Peak: June to August. Off-peak: October to March.

Time Zone: GMT+1 (Central European Time).

Currency: Their official currency is the Euro (€).

Language: Spanish is widely spoken, and English is commonly understood in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise caution in crowded tourist spots.

Where to stay: Budget hostels, luxury hotels, and charming boutique accommodations are available.

You may like to read: Majorca in July: Guide for Majorca

11. Croatia

Croatia’s beauty lies in its stunning coastline, dotted with medieval towns and picturesque islands. Wander through ancient cobblestone streets, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the Mediterranean sun on secluded beaches. The best holiday destinations in july

These are some places that you can visit in Croatia

• Plitvice Lakes

Here are some things that you can do in Croatia

• Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town
• Swim in the Blue Cave
• Discover Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Visit Diocletian’s Palace in Split
• Sail around the Dalmatian Islands.

Why Visit: Stunning coastline, historic cities, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine.

Travel Time from the UK: Approx. 2-3 hours by plane.

Temperature: Mild winters, warm summers, Mediterranean climate, averaging 23°C to 30°C in July.

Season: Peak: July-August, shoulder: May-June, September.

Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), GMT+2.

Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK).

Language: Croatian and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise normal precautions.

Where to Stay: Coastal resorts, boutique hotels, rental apartments, historic guesthouses.

12. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s beauty is a blend of ancient heritage, lush landscapes, and pristine beaches. Explore sacred temples hidden in the jungle, trek through tea plantations carpeting misty hillsides, and unwind on golden sands kissed by the sun.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Sri Lanka 

• Nuwara Eliya

Here are some things that you can do in Sri Lanka

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Explore the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya
• Safari in Yala National Park
• Relax on the beaches of Mirissa
• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

Why Visit: Pristine beaches, lush landscapes, rich culture, and wildlife diversity.

Travel Time from the UK: 10-12 hours flight from UK to Sri Lanka.

Temperature: Avg. 27°C year-round.

Season: Dry season: Dec-April; Wet season: May-Nov.

Time Zone: GMT+5:30.

Currency: Their official currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Language: Sinhala, Tamil, English widely spoken.

Safety: Generally safe; usual precautions advised.

Where to Stay: Beach resorts, eco-lodges, and budget guesthouses are available.

13. Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s beauty is in its charming blend of historic architecture, innovative design, and laid-back lifestyle. Cycle along picturesque canals, stroll through colorful neighborhoods and indulge in the cozy warmth of hygge.

Places to Visit in Copenhagen in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Copenhagen

Here are some things that you can do in Copenhagen

• Visit Tivoli Gardens
• Explore Nyhavn
• Visit the Little Mermaid statue
• Discover the Rosenborg Castle
• Experience the alternative culture of Christianity.

Why Visit : Vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and picturesque canals.

Travel Time from the UK: 2-hour flight or 18-hour drive from London.

Temperature: Mild summers, cold winters; average summer temperature 15-20°C.

Season: Best time: May to September for warmer weather.

Time Zone: CET (Central European Time) UTC+1.

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK).

Language: Danish; English is widely spoken and understood.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe; exercise usual precautions in tourist areas.

Where to Stay: Central districts like Indre By or Vesterbro offer diverse accommodations.

14. Colombia

Colombia’s beauty lies in its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Explore colonial cities steeped in history, trek through lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, and relax on palm-fringed beaches lapped by the Caribbean Sea.

Places to Visit in Colombia in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Colombia

• Santa Marta

Here are some things that you can do in Colombia

• Explore the historic center of Cartagena
• Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
• Discover the coffee region in Salento
• Trek to the Lost City
• Experience the nightlife of Medellin.

Why Visit: Vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, rich history, and welcoming people.

Travel Time from the UK: Approximately 11-12 hours by direct flight.

Temperature: Average 24°C, varies with altitude and region.

Season: Dry season: December to March. Wet season: April to November.

Time Zone : GMT-5 hours.

Currency: Colombian Peso (COP).

Language: Spanish and English are widely spoken in tourist areas.

Is it Safe or Not?: Generally safe, exercise caution in certain areas.

Where to Stay: Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín offers diverse accommodation options.

15. New Zealand

New Zealand’s beauty is legendary, with its dramatic landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches. Explore majestic fjords, hike through ancient forests, and marvel at geothermal wonders.

Places to visit in New Zealand in July 

These are some best places to see in July in New Zealand

• Christchurch

Here are some things that you can do in New Zealand

• Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set
• Bungee jump in Queenstown
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Discover the glowworm caves in Waitomo
• Explore the Maori culture in Rotorua.

Why visit: Stunning landscapes, adventure sports, Maori culture, friendly locals.

Travel Time from the UK: Long-haul flight, around 24 hours with layovers.

Temperature: Chilly temperatures in New Zealand in July, averaging around 10°C.

Season: Opposite to UK seasons, summer from December to February.

Time Zone: GMT+12, 11 hours ahead of the UK.

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD), exchange rates vary.

Language: English is widely spoken, and Maori is also an official language.

Where to stay: Hotels, motels, hostels, holiday parks, Airbnb widely available.

Italy’s beauty is synonymous with romance, from the winding canals of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Explore ancient ruins, wander through medieval villages, and savor the flavors of la dolce vita.

Places to visit in Italy in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Italy

Here are some things that you can do in Italy

• Visit the Colosseum in Rome
• Explore the canals of Venice
• Discover the ruins of Pompeii
• Taste wine in Tuscany
• Visit the Vatican City.

Why Visit: Rich history, art, cuisine, and stunning landscapes. The best places to travel in July with family.

Travel Time from the UK : 2-3 hours by plane.

Temperature: scorching sun, temperatures soaring above 30°C

Season: Peak: May to September, Off-Peak: October to April.

Time Zone: Central European Time (CET).

Currency: Euro (EUR).

Language: Italian is widely spoken, and English is understood in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, be cautious in tourist-heavy areas.

Where to Stay: Hotels, villas, and B&Bs are abundant. Airbnb popular choice.

17. Albania

Albania’s beauty lies in its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and rich history. Explore ancient ruins overlooking azure waters, hike through untouched wilderness, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of local villages.

• Gjirokaster

Here are some things that you can do in Albania

• Explore the ancient city of Butrint
• Relax on the beaches of Ksamil
• Visit the Llogara Pass
• Explore Berat’s Ottoman architecture
• Discover the Blue Eye Spring.

Why visit: Stunning beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture await.

Travel Time from the UK: Approx. 3 hours by flight from major UK airports.

Temperature: Mild winters, warm summers; average 25°C in July.

Season: Best: May to September; avoid crowded peak season.

Currency : Albanian Lek (ALL); euros accepted in major tourist spots.

Language: Albanian; English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe; exercise usual caution in crowded areas.

Where to stay: Coastal resorts, boutique hotels, and budget hostels cater to all.

18. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s beauty is found in its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Zipline through the canopy, spot exotic birds and monkeys and unwind in natural hot springs surrounded by tropical greenery.

Places to Visit in Costa Rica in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Costa Rica

• Manuel Antonio

Here are some things that you can do in Costa Rica 

• Explore Arenal Volcano National Park
• Zipline through the rainforest
• Relax in the hot springs of La Fortuna
• Visit Tortuguero National Park
• Surf in Tamarindo

Why Visit: Pristine beaches, lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, adventure activities.

Travel Time from the UK: Approx. 11-hour flight from London to San José.

Temperature: July in Costa Rica: warm, tropical, with average temperature around 25-27°C.

Season: Dry season (Dec-Apr) and the rainy season (May-Nov).

Time Zone: GMT-6 (No daylight saving time).

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

Language: Spanish is widely spoken, and English in tourist areas.

Is it Safe?: Generally safe, exercise caution in urban areas.

Where to Stay: Resorts, eco-lodges, beachfront hotels, and budget hostels are available.

19. Great Britain

Great Britain’s beauty is in its timeless charm, from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the windswept cliffs of the Scottish Highlands. Explore historic landmarks, stroll through quaint villages, and enjoy traditional pub fare.

Places to Visit in Great Britain in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Great Britain 

Here are some things that you can do in Great Britain

• Explore the Tower of London
• Visit the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
• Explore the Scottish Highlands
• Discover Stonehenge
• Take a ride on the London Eye.

Why Visit: Rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, iconic landmarks.

Travel Time from the UK: Short flights or train rides from major UK cities.

Temperature: Mild summers, cool winters, unpredictable showers year-round.

Season: Best in summer, but spring and autumn are pleasant too.

Time Zone: Same as UK – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Language: English, widely spoken with regional accents.

Is it safe or not? : Generally safe, usual precautions in tourist areas are advised.

Where to stay: Range of accommodation from budget to luxury hotels.

20. Japan 

Japan offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, where you can explore peaceful temples, marvel at futuristic skyscrapers, and appreciate the artistry of traditional tea ceremonies. The best holiday destinations in July.

Places to visit in Japan in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Japan

Here are some things that you can do in Japan

• Visit the temples of Kyoto
• Experience the chaos of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
• Relax in an onsen in Hakone
• Explore the bamboo forest in Arashiyama
• Discover the history of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Why Visit: Rich culture, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, vibrant cities.

Travel Time from the UK: Around 12 hours by direct flight from London.

Temperature: July in Japan sizzles with warmth, and humidity, ranging from 25°C to 35°C.

Season: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for colorful foliage.

Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST), 9 hours ahead of the UK.

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY), check exchange rates before travel.

Language: Japanese; English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.

Is it Safe?: Generally safe, exercise normal precautions.

W here to Stay: Hotels, traditional ryokans, budget hostels, and Airbnb options are available

21. Cornwall

Cornwall’s beauty lies in its rugged coastline, golden beaches, and picturesque fishing villages. Explore dramatic cliffs, surf the waves, and indulge in fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Places to Visit in Cornwall in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Cornwall

Here are some things that you can do in Cornwall

• Visit St. Michael’s Mount
• Surf in Newquay
• Explore the Eden Project
• Discover the Minack Theatre
• Relax on Fistral Beach.

Why visit: Stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine.

Travel Time from the UK: Around 4-5 hours by car from London.

Temperature: Mild, rarely below freezing, averaging 14-19°C in July.

Season: Best in summer for warm weather and outdoor activities.

Time Zone : GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

Currency: British Pound Sterling (£).

Language: English, with some Cornish dialect.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, be cautious in remote areas and beaches.

Where to stay : Coastal cottages, quaint B&Bs, luxury hotels, camping options.

Kenya’s beauty is in its vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, snow-capped mountains, and pristine beaches. Embark on a safari adventure, witness the Great Migration, and relax on white sands washed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Places to Visit in Kenya in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Kenya

Here are some things that you can do in Kenya

• Go on a safari in Masai Mara
• Visit the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
• Relax on the beaches of Diani
• Discover the Great Rift Valley
• Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Why Visit : Stunning wildlife, rich culture, beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities.

Travel Time from the UK : Around 8-10 hours direct flights from London.

Temperature : Cool highlands, warm coast; average temperature around 20-25°C.

Season : Dry season: July-October, wet season: November-May.

Time Zone : GMT+3, 3 hours ahead of UK time.

Currency : Kenyan Shilling (KES), major cards widely accepted.

Language : English and Swahili are widely spoken.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise caution in urban areas, and follow travel advisories.

Where to Stay : Range of options from luxury resorts to budget accommodations.

23. Ireland

Ireland’s beauty is in its emerald landscapes, ancient castles, and lively pub culture. Explore the lush countryside, tour historic sites, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of charming towns.

Places to visit in Ireland in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Ireland

Here are some things that you can do in Ireland

• Visit the Cliffs of Moher
• Explore the Giant’s Causeway
• Discover the Ring of Kerry
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
• Explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

Why visit : Stunning landscapes, rich history, lively culture, warm hospitality.

Travel Time from the UK : Short flights or ferry rides from major UK cities.

Temperature : Ireland’s temperature hovers around 15-20°C, often damp and mild.

Season: Visit in spring for blooming flowers or autumn for foliage.

Time Zone : Same as UK, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Currency : Euro (EUR).

Language : English, Gaelic spoke regionally.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe, exercise caution in tourist-heavy areas.

Where to stay : Cozy B&Bs, luxury hotels, charming cottages dot the countryside.

Sweden’s beauty is in its serene landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Explore pristine lakes and forests, stroll through picturesque towns, and experience the magic of the midnight sun in summer.

Places to Visit in Sweden in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Sweden

Here are some things that you can do in Sweden

• Visit the Vasa Museum in Stockholm
• Explore the Old Town of Gamla Stan
• Relax in the archipelago of Gothenburg
• Discover the history of Uppsala Cathedral
• Explore the Visby city walls.

Why visit : Stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage.

Travel Time from UK : Approx. 2-3 hours by flight.

Temperature : Cool summers, cold winters; average. summer temp 13°C, winter -3°C.

Season : Four distinct seasons; winter, spring, summer, autumn.

Time Zone : Central European Time (CET), UTC+1.

Currency : Swedish Krona (SEK).

Language : Swedish; English is widely spoken.

Is it safe or not?: Generally safe; exercise caution in cities for pickpocketing.

Where to stay : Range of accommodation from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Embark on a journey to Hawaii, where emerald rainforests cascade down volcanic slopes, meeting the azure embrace of the Pacific Ocean. Dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life, and surrender to the rhythm of hula under golden sunsets. Experience paradise found.

Places to Visit in Hawaii in July 

These are some places that you can visit in Hawaii

• Kailua-Kona

Here are some things that you can do in Hawaii

• Visit Pearl Harbor
• Explore Waikiki Beach
• Hike Diamond Head
• Attend a Luau
• Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Why Visit : Stunning beaches, volcanoes, rich culture, and vibrant marine life.

Travel Time from the UK : Around 18 hours with a stopover.

Temperature : Warm year-round, averaging 25-30°C.

Season : Dry season: April to October. Wet season: November to March.

Time Zone : Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (GMT-10).

Currency : US Dollar (USD).

Language : English and Hawaiian.

Safety : Generally safe, but watch for natural hazards like tsunamis.

Where to Stay : Luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and beachfront rentals are available.

July presents a perfect opportunity for travel enthusiasts to explore some of the world’s most captivating destinations. From the ethereal landscapes of Iceland to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the 25 destinations highlighted in this list offer endless possibilities. Embrace the warm weather, immerse yourself in local culture, and create unforgettable memories in these diverse and captivating locations. So pack your bags, embark on an unforgettable journey, and make the most of your July travels in these spectacular destinations around the globe.

Where are the nearest places to travel in July?

July is a great time to travel. You can go to many places. Like Seychelles for its beaches or Iceland for its beautiful views. There are busy cities, interesting cultures, and peaceful islands to visit.

What is the best holiday destination in July?

Picking the ultimate July getaway is personal. Top picks: Greece’s islands, Canada’s scenery, and Japan’s festivals. Your choice hinges on interests, budget, and preferences.

Is July the best month for a holiday?

July offers ideal conditions for summer vacations: warm weather, and school breaks. Consider crowds, prices, and weather for best planning.

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The 10 best holiday destinations in July for summer sun

As the warmest month in many countries, july is the perfect time to travel if you’re desperate for sunny skies, article bookmarked.

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Falling in the middle of the school holidays in the UK, July is one of the most popular month for packing bags and heading off on holiday. It’s also (usually) the warmest month – in the northern hemisphere, at least – making July a good bet for those who prioritise hot weather for their summer getaway.

And while record breaking temperatures can be a risk you run in some destinations in July, there are plenty of holidays hotspots around the world that guarantee uninterrupted sun without the threat of days so hot you can barely make it down to the pool.

Admittedly, prices tend to be higher and destinations busier at this time of year, but there are always deals to be found, as well as hidden gems where you can escape the crowds.

From exploring European cities and Greek Islands to adventures in Indonesia or Mexico , here’s our pick of the best destinations to visit for idyllic summer holidays.

Barcelona, Spain

• Average temperature in July: 26C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 9

The Catalan capital enjoys great weather even during the winter months, but July is its warmest and driest month of the year. Temperatures can regularly reach into the 30s, but don’t let that put you off this excellent city (just make sure you have air conditioning where you’re staying).

With miles of coastline and a gentle sea breeze, the availability of the beach and port areas provide a great alternative to rambling the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter or visiting the historic sights. That said, the many cobbled streets provide some much-needed shade as well as dozens of cafés and bars to dip into if the mercury gets too high. The nights are milder and provide a great opportunity to see some of the sights, with the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell among those opening to visitors as late as 8pm.

The Azores, Portugal

• Average temperature in July: 22C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 8

Located in the Atlantic Ocean just over 1,500km from mainland Portugal, the Azores is a volcanic archipelago with excellent opportunities for adventure activities. With average highs of around 24C in July, the days are rarely swelteringly hot and rain is typically only seen three days a month.

Ponta Delgada is the capital of the Azores, with a peculiar mix of architectural styles, including a Gothic entrance gate, Baroque religious retreats and some examples of Moorish influence. Outside of the towns and cities, there are several areas of natural beauty, including the twin lakes at Caldeira das Sete Cidades, the Lagoa do Fogo and Parque Terra Nostra .

Bologna, Italy

• Average temperature in July: 25C

This city is famous for its university (the oldest continually operational one in the world) and porticoes (themselves a designated Unesco Heritage Site). Bologna may not receive the same level of attention as other Italian hotspots but it is certainly worth visiting.

With average highs of 30C in July (and virtually no rain), visitors are all but guaranteed sunshine as they discover Piazza Maggiore and the Santo Stefano complex of ancient churches. A true bastion of Italian cuisine, Bologna is an excellent dining destination, whether you’re a devotee of deli staples like Mortadella or a pasta fanatic.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Best budget European city break destinations: Value hot spots for your bucket list
• The best European holiday destinations to travel to by train from London
• 8 best family adventure holidays in Europe that adults, teens and kids will love

Provence, France 

• Average temperature in July: 24C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 10

A historical province of France that has since been incorporated into the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Provence is perhaps most famous for the lavender that blossoms in its countryside and parks in the summer.

While Marseille , the capital of the region, is an attractive proposition for many tourists, smaller towns in the region, such as Aix-en-Provence , are far less crowded and provide an authentic experience of France. With it comes opportunities for hiking or cycling, while the many lakes, rivers and coastal areas provide a welcome relief if the days get too warm.

Santorini and the Cyclades, Greece

• Hours of sunshine per day: 13

With an incredible 13 hours of sunshine per day and average highs of 30C, it’s easy to see why the Cyclades – especially islands such as Santorini – have become so popular with tourists. The rows of white buildings on rugged coasts and cliffs makes for amazing photo opportunities, while the weather allows an opportunity to swim, sunbathe and explore to your heart’s content without worrying about those pesky raindrops.

There are 33 islands and islets in the Cyclades, and the official Greece tourism website includes extensive detail on 23 of them, including Ios, Neros and Mykonos. From picturesque towns to Unesco World Heritage Sites and the upscale partying of Mykonos , this Aegean island group has something for everyone, in addition to its amazing weather.

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia 

A southern hemisphere destination that offers warm weather yet receives very little rain in July, Bali has increased in popularity in recent years – the Indonesian province welcomed over 4 million foreign tourists in 2023, with numbers steadily climbing again after stringent entry requirements during the Covid pandemic.

A trip to Bali means embracing nature, whether that’s hikes through jungle, treks up mountains or simply lying back on one of its famous beaches. This is the destination for relaxation and sunshine, although those wanting specific activities can take advantage of numerous animal sanctuaries, temples and, in some areas, a big nightlife scene.

Tulum, Mexico

• Average temperature in July: 29C

Situated on the Caribbean coastline on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is well-known for its well-preserved ancient Mayan ruins along with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The Mayan ruin of El Castillo sits on a rocky cliff overlooking one such beach – backed by forest and palm trees – while other natural attractions include various cenotes, areas where natural limestone bedrock has collapsed, revealing a natural pit and groundwater. With average highs of 33C, you may well need to visit one to cool off.

• Average temperature in July:  20C
• Hours of sunshine per day:  10

July is the driest month in this part of southern Africa, with only 1mm of rain on average. While the temperatures aren’t as high as some other destinations – with average highs in the low 20s – and overnight temperatures sometimes dropping low (it is midwinter there during July, after all), this month is one of the best times for safaris. A visit to Etosha National Park offers the chance to see four of the “Big Five”: lions, elephants, black rhinos and leopards.

Other sights include the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, as well as Deadvlei, a white clay pan desert. There are another four national parks in the country, including Skeleton Coast and Damaraland.

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

• Average temperature in July:  25C

Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island, and with average highs of 29C and little rain, July is the perfect time to visit. The state capital, Honolulu , is a bustling metropolis akin to many other US cities, but its tropical setting and Polynesian influences make it stand apart.

Waikiki Beach is the most famous on the island, but others such as Sunset Beach and Lanikai offer peace and tranquility in a more scenic setting. Together with the numerous national parks on the island, on Oahu you can find opportunities for hiking, surfing, cycling, snorkelling, and playing golf.

Hvar, Croatia

• Average temperature in July: 27C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 11

With average highs of over 30C and virtually no rainfall in July, Hvar is the perfect summer resort for island hopping in the uninterrupted sunshine. Located in the Adriatic Sea, there are regular ferries (taking between 50 minutes and two hours) from Split , the second largest city in Croatia .

With an old town of limestone streets similar to Dubrovnik , Hvar is full of its own Dalmatian charm. The main activity here is sailing – whether chartering a boat yourself or simply joining an island-hopping tour, you’ll want to get out on the water in some way. For those who prefer to keep on dry land, the island has a host of impressive beaches, such as Dubovica and Pokonji Dol .

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18 of the best holiday destinations in July

Thinking about booking a peak-season summer holiday from whale-watching in south africa to hiking in the italian alps, here are the best places to go in july.

T his is the big one: the combination of peak heat and the start of the longest school holidays across most of the northern hemisphere. If Mediterranean beaches form part of your travel requirements this month then you had better be prepared to share them. The same goes for choice coastlines in more northerly climes, whether in Cornwall or the Hamptons — assuming you can find a room in the first place. July is a challenge for anyone who likes to make spontaneous travel arrangements at bargain prices, but if you play with those summer parameters — mountains rather than sea, north not south — you might find some less congested beauty spots and a new travel love. Here’s our pick of the best holiday destinations for July.

Main photo: Bayankhongor Province in Mongolia (Alamy)

1. Cyclades, Greece

Why go in July? For vivid blue seas with islands on every horizon If it’s hard to narrow down the choice of which Greek island to go for, you can fudge the issue most beautifully in the Cyclades, a group whose clustered arrangement and many ferry routes allow plenty of island-hopping. While July is the busiest travel period, especially on the most popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos , the sight of whitewashed villages on blue bays is undeniably dazzling in the summer sun. Naxos makes a good hub island, with a family-friendly reputation; little in the way of resorts, but plenty of beaches. For added crowd avoidance, sail over to smaller islands that don’t have their own airport, such as Sifnos or Serifos. Stay at at Verina Astra. Beachcomber chic runs through the suites here, while just outside its stone walls are sea-view terraces and an infinity pool set high on the east coast of Sifnos.

• Best things to do in Santorini • Best things to do in Mykonos

2. Loire Valley, France

Why go in July? For a royal tour of the garden of France As summer days unfold, the grapevines around the banks of the Loire grow heavy, adding to this region’s picture of abundance. It’s said that a thousand châteaux are dotted around this broad valley, including majestic Chambord; Villandry with its ornamental gardens; and Chenonceau, built out like a graceful bridge over a river. Temperatures are typically in the mid-20s and it’s a perfect month to get onto long-distance cycling paths that run at the most forgiving of gradients. Loire Valley towns such as Tours, Saumur, Angers and Orléans are ripe with historic riches and are also where you’ll find dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants. Be first in line when the great château’s gates open with a stay at the Relais de Chambord, whose design bridges the 21st century and the French Renaissance extravaganza that the hotel looks onto.

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• Best things to do in France

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Why go in July? For a classic safari experience in the winter dry season South Africa ’s stand-out national park promises one of the best possible introductions to big-ticket African wildlife, and if you visit in July, the drier and slightly cooler days make for more comfortable and easier game viewing, as greenery shrinks back and water holes get crowded. Further south among the peaks of the Drakensberg, you can expect to wake to clear skies and frosty mornings — perhaps even snow. While July can be the driest month in most of the country, rainfall patterns are the reverse around Cape Town . If you tolerate the drizzle here, it’s the start of the season to watch southern right whales off the coast of Hermanus. Kapama Buffalo Camp is one of four linked properties with ten luxury tents raised on wooden decks in a private game reserve next to Kruger National Park, where you can take bush walks.

• Best safaris in South Africa

4. Dolomites, Italy

Why go in July? For fresh Alpine air and walks in the shadow of giants The different regions of the Alps — from France to Slovenia — echo each other in their landscapes and culture, but within this mountain range, the peaks of the Dolomites are unmistakeable. These sheer walls and teeth of rock stand as a backdrop to gentler scenes of cow-cropped pastures and church spires in mountain villages. In northern Italy , as elsewhere in the Alps, the summer is short, with many huts open to hikers only from late June to mid-September. Come earlier in the season for more floral colour in meadows such as the rolling plateau of the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi — doubly named like many places in this region that straddles language borders as well as dizzying heights. Lagacio Hotel Mountain Residence sits 1,500m (4,920ft) up in the village of San Cassiano in the heart of the Dolomites and brings a clean-lined aesthetic to the traditional wooden chalet design.

• Best ski resorts in Italy • Best mountain resorts for a summer holiday in the Alps

5. Hue, Vietnam

Why go in July? For cultural discoveries and maximum hours of sunshine on beaches Vietnam ’s skinny waist sees the best of the country’s weather in July, even as Hanoi at the head and Ho Chi Minh City at the foot get frequent rain showers. Beach-friendly times extend all the way down the central coast as far as the bayside resort city of Nha Trang. The old imperial capital of Hue on the banks of the Perfume River is one of the highlights, not just for its monuments but its own sophisticated contribution to Vietnamese cuisine. Also in the region are three more world heritage sites: the beguiling old port town of Hoi An, the ancient Hindu temple remains of My Son and the cave-riddled river landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. On the banks of the Perfume River in Hue, Azerai La Residence is built in and around a 1930s French colonial mansion.

• Best Vietnam itineraries

6. Asturias and Cantabria, Spain

Why go in July? For a Spanish seaside break away from postcard clichés The southern and eastern costas of Spain are the hottest of European travel hotspots in July and August, but on the opposite side of the country to Malaga and Torremolinos, the less-visited Costa Verde is part of “Green Spain”. It too has beautiful beaches, more for surfing than sunbathing. With temperatures hitting daily highs of about 23C, and less likelihood of rain, this is the best time of year to visit if you don’t require a scorcher from your summer holidays. The provinces of Asturias and Cantabria, centred around the cities of Oviedo and Santander, both host fishing villages, cider orchards, ancient stone churches and the rocky heights of the Picos de Europa. Facing the crescent beach in the modest Asturian seaside resort of Ribadesella, the Villa Rosario is a four-star hotel in an exuberantly designed villa from 1914, with a modern annexe behind it.

• Best beaches in Spain

7. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Why go in July? For swimming among corals and spectacular sunsets in the outback It’s the depths of winter in Australia , and while this is the coldest month of the year in Sydney and Melbourne (though still pretty bearable for British visitors), it’s also a good time for an epic tour of the country’s desert centre and tropical north. At Uluru, days are at their freshest, encouraging hikes around this mighty monolith, while around Darwin and in northern Queensland, the dry season is well underway. On the Great Barrier Reef, the water is clearer and currents calmer: time to get your snorkel or scuba gear on for boat trips out to this 1,400-mile wonder of nature. Stay at Thala Beach Nature Reserve in tropical northern Queensland, where elegant bungalows are perched on stilts amid 58 hectares of forest, overlooking two secluded beaches.

• Best Australia tours • 10 amazing ways to explore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

8. Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria

Why go in July? For popular beaches with a less-explored cultural hinterland Summer is the highest season on Bulgaria’s beaches just as it is everywhere else on Europe’s southern shores, but at least there are savings to be had here, while temperatures behave similarly to many Mediterranean locations. Around the two main Black Sea cities of Burgas and Varna is a coast of fine beaches in great arcs, broken up by craggy capes. Both combine at Sozopol, with its headland-set old town and more of a local vibe on the sand than the famous Sunny Beach to the north. Bulgaria has more than just all-inclusive resorts to offer, with impressive hikes in the Balkan and Rhodope mountain ranges, and second city Plovdiv is a recent capital of culture. The low-rise Blu Bay Hotel Sozopol is on the neck between the old town and the mainland, and has smart stone-and-wood detail in its interiors.

9. Pacific Northwest, USA

Why go in July? For coastal highway drives between fun-loving cities Fourth of July fireworks look best over a great harbour city, but while New York is in its sticky summer phase, the month is a blessed one in Seattle, with only around one in six days bringing rain. It’s generally a busy holiday period beside America ’s coasts and lakes, and in its national parks, but definitely worth it in the Pacific Northwest: the states of Washington, Oregon and by some measures northern California . An ocean-skirting drive along US Route 101 from near Seattle to San Francisco is the stuff of American road trip dreams, while inland lures include Oregon’s main city Portland and the 7,000-year-old beauty of Crater Lake. Palihotel Seattle is close to the waterfront, by the famed Pike Place Market, and makes for a trusty urban pad, with Smeg mini fridges and some bunk beds among its rooms in shades of green.

• Best road trips in the US

10. Nosy Boraha, Madagascar

Why go in July? For extraordinary wildlife on and off shore The land of the lemurs has enough of its own wonderfully unique species to fill a whole continent, but from July it gets some VIP visitors too, as humpback whales migrate to the shores of Nosy Boraha (also called Île Sainte-Marie). This island and former pirate lair lies just off Madagascar’s east coast, facing the Indian Ocean, in one of the wetter and more forested parts of the country. Across Madagascar as a whole, including its highlands and the drier west where you’ll find the surreal-looking Avenue of the Baobabs and Tsingy rock formations, July is a cooler month (in tropical terms), making for more pleasant exploration than the height of heat and rain from December to March. Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa is a chilled-out beach retreat amid the coconut palms of Île Sainte-Marie, with bungalows made from local materials, and ready access to whale-watching trips.

• Best cruises in southern Africa

11. Azores, Portugal

Why go in July? For outdoor adventures on Europe’s furthest fringe Far out in the Atlantic, the nine islands of the Azores are a volcanic yet abundantly green archipelago with an intriguing history dating from Portugal ’s voyages of discovery. Temperatures here are mild year-round (peaking in the low 20s over summer) but July sees an easing in the all-too-frequent rain, encouraging even more time spent in the fresh air, and also signalling smoother conditions for whale-watching cruises. The gateway island of Sao Miguel delivers scenic drama in its clifftop viewpoints and enigmatic crater lakes, and among its neighbours you’ll find two world heritage sites: historic Angra do Heroismo port, and Pico’s basalt-walled vineyards. Terra Nostra Garden Hotel opens onto subtropical gardens inside a volcanic caldera on Sao Miguel, and is an original art deco beauty from 1935 with a superb restaurant specialising in Azorean cuisine.

• Best things to do in the Azores

12. Copenhagen, Denmark

Why go in July? For café terraces and music festivals in Scandinavian warmth The Danish capital stands out among European city breaks that won’t feel uncomfortably hot this month. Copenhageners who haven’t left town for their summer travels enjoy the long days on quaysides and in parks. Bike-friendly streets invite neighbourhood browsing for the best places to stop for coffee and an open sandwich, while a sunny spell on suburban beaches can soon mean relatively warm waters thanks to the shallow Oresund Strait. The beginning of the month usually brings the Copenhagen Jazz Festival with big-name headliners, and other star music acts at the Roskilde Festival a half-hour out of the city. At the seaward entrance to Copenhagen ’s most photographed canal, 71 Nyhavn Hotel occupies a pair of old brick warehouses, with contemporary rooms under the heavy wooden beams.

• Best things to do in Copenhagen

13. Quito, Ecuador

Why go in July? For diverse ecosystems and heritage sights right on the equator Apart from the Galapagos Islands way out to sea, Ecuador gets less attention than many of its South American neighbours. Its mainland, though, is a neat cross-section, from beach-fringed and surfer-friendly coast to volcanic mountain spine to rainforest. July is generally low on rain, apart from the Amazon, which is its normal steamy self. The highland capital Quito is cooler year-round, and Unesco-listed for its Spanish colonial architecture. Also in the region you’ll find cloud forest reserves rich in birdlife, and the celebrated crafts market at Otavalo. If you visit the Galapagos this month, the seas can be choppy but you can catch the mating dance of the blue-footed booby. On the eastern edge of Quito, Hacienda Jimenita is a small country estate overlooking a forested ravine, the setting for its own nature reserve alive with hummingbirds and other feathered friends.

14. Maritime Provinces, Canada

Why go in July? For rugged beauty along Canada ’s Atlantic shores On Canada Day (July 1), citizens get another reminder that the country stretches — as its Latin motto says — “from sea to sea”. The summer months are excellent across this vast land, and the long days plus relative warmth are keenly felt in the east-coast Maritimes. The three provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are defined by their relationship with the Atlantic Ocean, with lighthouses and fishing villages on the rocky shores, and the Bay of Fundy, which has the world’s biggest tidal range. The Cabot Trail is an inspiring route to drive or cycle, while the Prince Edward Island farm country draws fans of the Anne of Green Gables books. Dating from 1861, the Telegraph House is a heritage lodge with an attached motel, also in clapboard, on the Cabot Trail across Cape Breton Island in northern Nova Scotia.

• Best things to do in Canada

15. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Why go in July? For archery and other nomadic traditions on the endless steppe Even among “out there” travel destinations, Mongolia is a byword for remoteness. But in the world’s most sparsely populated country, whose armies were once feared across the Eurasian landmass, you’ll find a big welcome. The most celebrated event on the calendar (book well ahead) is July’s Naadam Festival, a traditional Mongolian Olympics. The biggest show is in the capital Ulaanbaatar, a city that is an exception to the yurt-dwelling image that still holds in much of the country. July temperatures usually peak in the mid-20s (while -20C or lower is standard in midwinter), and though it’s also the rainiest season, the steppe is at its greenest. Before or after any stays in a yurt (called “ger” in Mongol), load up on conventional comforts at the Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar, a glittering high-rise affair in the heart of the fast-changing capital.

16. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Why go in July? For rains easing off to welcome reggae-lovers Caribbean tourism usually takes a six-month holiday from around June as most islands enter their rainy period. But if you’re set on heading to the region now, Jamaica is a good bet. July mostly sees a dip in rainfall between the first peak of June and the wetter (and more hurricane-risky) times to come. Showers are often limited to afternoon bursts in any case, and can be a respite from temperatures in the low 30s. You won’t find Jamaicans hiding from the summer heat — gatherings include Reggae Sumfest, the Caribbean’s largest music festival, where the stars of Jamaica’s signature sound beat a path to Montego Bay in mid-month. West of Montego Bay, Round Hill Hotel and Villas is a picture of whitewashed, shingle-roofed island beauty, with beachfront rooms and private pool villas on a garden-decked promontory.

• Best things to do in Jamaica

17. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Why go in July? For chilled-out days or sporting contests in the South Pacific The jagged emerald islands and horizon-hugging atolls of French Polynesia are scattered across an area of Pacific Ocean the size of western Europe, and while temperatures don’t change by more than a few degrees between New Year highs and July-August “lows” touching 30C, it’s the latter period when tropical rains are least likely to hit. As spread out as the islands are, most visitors focus on the largest one, Tahiti, and its neighbours in the Society Islands group, especially Bora Bora, set within its own lagoon. July is the month of “Heiva” on both islands and across the archipelago. These festivals, not coincidentally built around France’s national day on the 14th, are celebrations of Polynesian culture, from music and dances to outrigger canoe-racing and other traditional feats of strength. With just 15 rooms, the Vahine Island Resort and Spa comes closer than most to that castaway fantasy, its thatched bungalows over the lagoon or under the palms on a fringing island of Tahaa, next to Bora Bora.

18. Riga, Latvia

Why go in July? For a city of culture at its most vibrant Affordability has long been the draw of Riga for stag parties and clubbers, while the cultural riches of the Latvian capital are a seriously underrated attraction. So it is then, that on a Saturday or Sunday, you might be the only person exploring the cobbled streets of its old town until well into the afternoon, perfect for spotting the feline-topped Cat House or pondering European history at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Fans of architecture will enjoy the extravagant art nouveau buildings around Alberta Street, and the grand, modern expanse of the National Library of Latvia. Then in the evenings, head for the parks and gardens, where there are often free concerts. To stay in comfort in the heart of the action, check into the Neiburgs Hotel in the old town.

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

• Where is hot in July? 12 top destinations

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Where to go on holiday In July

This is a good time to head to the Balearic Islands for long days on the beach, browsing the boutiques of Ibiza Town’s old quarter or long lunches in a Menorcan hilltop town, which can be enjoyed with guaranteed sunshine and very little chance of rain. Head to the east coast of Sri Lanka to relax under shady palm trees and enjoy excellent swimming conditions compared with the monsoon season in its western parts. Start creating your dream summer holiday with our travel experts today.

Balearic Islands

From the chic pebble beaches and sandstone villages of Mallorca to the bohemian beach clubs of Ibiza, holidays to the Balearics are all about sandy toes, yacht trips at sunset and warm village vibes. For guaranteed sunshine with very little chance of rain and temperatures in the mid- to high 20s, July is the best time to head to this Spanish archipelago. It might be peak season but the humidity levels are lower than in August.

In July, Namibia is the ideal time for nature lovers to head out on safari in search of this relatively untouched country’s diverse wildlife. Bang in the middle of the dry season, animals here are attracted to the water holes, creating particularly prolific wildlife viewing. Rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures are mild during the day. Elsewhere, other highlights include the spectacular Dead Vlei – a forest frozen in time, and the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei.

July is an excellent time to explore Malaysia’s tranquil beaches. Expect plenty of sunshine along the rugged sands of the unspoilt East Coast, where warm days reach highs of 30°C and afternoon showers are likely but short and sharp. Calm waters at this time of year mean high visibility; Tioman Island and Tenggol Island are excellent snorkelling spots where sightings of sea turtles, reef sharks, humphead parrotfish and eagle rays are not uncommon.

Home to lush, serpentine jungle hills, over 400 beaches (which play host to some of the world’s best surf competitions) and Volcanoes National Park, holidays to Hawaii are the stuff of dreams and July is an excellent time to enjoy them. The weather is usually in the mid- to high 20s, tempered with a refreshing breeze; with 11 hours of sunshine per day there’s plenty of time to relax by the beach with a cocktail or take a dip in the wonderfully warm waters. Evenings are also balmy.

Sri Lanka - East Coast

In July, the monsoon is still affecting resorts to the west such as Negombo, Bentota and Weligama but the beautiful East Coast is warm and sunny, so it’s a good time to hit the beaches with perfect conditions for swimming. There are also a lot of religious festivals that take place throughout the summer months that are captivating to visit.

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Japan's UK state visit to go ahead despite election

The state visit to the UK by the emperor and empress of Japan will go ahead later this month, says Buckingham Palace.

There had been speculation it would be postponed because of the general election on 4 July.

The visit, from 25 to 27 June, will include traditional highlights such as a state banquet hosted by the King and a carriage parade along the Mall.

It will be the first state visit in modern times to take place during an election campaign.

State visits take place on the advice of the government, with the King hosting events as head of state.

Such diplomatic showcases usually involve senior politicians, prompting questions about whether it would be delayed to avoid overlapping with political campaigning, but Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's visit is going ahead.

Buckingham Palace indicated the visit would be "adapted" because of the general election, but no specific changes have been revealed.

The state banquet is a centrepiece of such visits, with speeches and, in recent times, greetings from the King in the language of the visiting dignitaries.

The prime minister, foreign secretary and leader of the opposition usually attend - although the visit is now in the middle of the election campaign.

The state banquet is on 25 June and the BBC's head-to-head debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer is on 26 June in Nottingham.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the attendance of ministers at state visit events was not yet confirmed.

The last time there was a potential clash between an election and a state visit, in 2017, the visit by the Spanish king was rearranged.

This will be the first Japanese state visit to the UK since 1998, with a visit planned for 2020 cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.

Such state visits are a "soft power" mix of pageantry and international politics.

The Japanese royal couple, representing an important trade and defence partner, can expect the red-carpet treatment.

There will be a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, with a guard of honour, and then a carriage procession along the Mall to Buckingham Palace.

During their time in the UK, the Japanese emperor royals will visit the Francis Crick Institute, a Young Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition about Japan and the world's largest collection of wild plant seeds at Kew Gardens.

There will be a visit to St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, to lay a wreath at the burial place of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Both Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were students at University of Oxford and they will make visits to the colleges where they studied.

While the Japanese state visit goes ahead, the general election has prompted other changes to the King’s diary, in case engagements were a “distraction” from the election.

That included postponing a trip to a project in Crewe which supported families in poverty, including providing food and shoes.

There have been questions about the timing of the King’s meeting with the incoming prime minister after the election.

The King would traditionally spend a week in Scotland, known as “Royal Week” or “Holyrood Week”, at the end of June and the beginning of July.

If this clashes with the result of the 4 July election, it could mean the King having to travel back to Buckingham Palace or else the newly elected prime minister going to Scotland.

When the new government is formed, the King will have a prominent part in the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July.

It will be his biggest constitutional role since his cancer diagnosis.

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Euro 2024 fixtures, schedule, teams, venues: All you need to know about summer tournament in Germany

England have been drawn against Serbia, Slovenia and Denmark in Group C; Scotland have been drawn against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary; Euro 2024 kicks off in Munich on June 14; final takes place in Berlin on July 14

Tuesday 4 June 2024 16:07, UK

From fixtures to venues, here's all you need to know about this summer's tournament...

Where and when will Euro 2024 be held?

Euro 2024 will take place from Friday June 14 to Sunday July 14 2024.

Germany are the host nation and qualified automatically. West Germany hosted the tournament back in 1988, but this will be the first time Germany has staged the European Championship since reunification.

• Euro 2024 news and latest updates
• England's Euro 2024 fixtures and route | Scotland's Euro 2024 fixtures and route
• Euro 2024 kits revealed

Who has qualified for Euro 2024?

In total, 24 teams will take part in the tournament with Poland , Ukraine and Georgia progressing via the play-offs.

What are the Euro 2024 groups?

Group A - Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

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Group B - Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania

Group C - Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England

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Euro 2024 latest news

Group D - Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France

Group E - Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine

Group F - Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic

What is the Euro 2024 schedule and format?

The top two teams from each of the six groups will proceed to the round of 16.

Those 12 sides will be joined by four of the six third-placed finishers in the groups. The sides finishing third will be placed into a league table, with the top four sides progressing to the last 16.

The tournament then moves to a straight knockout format, with one-legged ties - including extra-time and penalties if necessary - until two sides reach the final on July 14 in Berlin.

Final tournament

June 14, 2024: Euro 2024 opening game, Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena) June 30 - July 2: Round of 16 July 5-6: Quarter-finals July 9-10: Semi-finals July 14: Euro 2024 final, Olympiastadion Berlin

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Euro 2024 fixtures in full

Group stage

Friday June 14 Germany vs Scotland (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Saturday June 15 Hungary vs Switzerland (Cologne, kick-off 2pm UK time) Spain vs Croatia (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time) Italy vs Albania (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Sunday June 16 Poland vs Netherlands (Hamburg, kick-off 2pm UK time) Slovenia vs Denmark (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Monday June 17 Romania vs Ukraine (Munich, kick-off 2pm UK time) Belgium vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm UK time) Austria vs France (Dusseldorf, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Tuesday June 18 Turkey vs Georgia (Dortmund, kick-off 5pm UK time) Portugal vs Czech Republic (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Wednesday June 19 Croatia vs Albania (Hamburg, kick-off 2pm UK time) Germany vs Hungary (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) Scotland vs Switzerland (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Thursday June 20 Slovenia vs Serbia (Munich, kick-off 2pm UK time) Denmark vs England (Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm UK time) Spain vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Friday June 21 Slovakia vs Ukraine (Dusseldorf, kick-off 2pm UK time) Poland vs Austria (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time) Netherlands vs France (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Saturday June 22 Georgia vs Czech Republic (Hamburg, kick-off 2pm UK time) Turkey vs Portugal (Dortmund, kick-off 5pm UK time) Belgium vs Romania (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Sunday June 23 Switzerland vs Germany (Frankfurt, kick-off 8pm UK time) Scotland vs Hungary (Stuttgart, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Monday June 24 Croatia vs Italy (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time) Albania vs Spain (Dusseldorf, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Tuesday June 25 Netherlands vs Austria (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time) France vs Poland (Dortmund, kick-off 5pm UK time) England vs Slovenia (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time) Denmark vs Serbia (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Wednesday June 26 Slovakia vs Romania (Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm UK time) Ukraine vs Belgium (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) Czech Republic vs Turkey (Hamburg, kick-off 8pm UK time) Georgia vs Portugal (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Rest days on June 27 and 28

Round of 16

Saturday June 29 37 1A vs 2C (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm UK time) 38 2A vs 2B (Berlin, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Sunday June 30 39 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (Cologne, kick-off 8pm UK time) 40 1C vs 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Monday July 1 41 1F vs 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, kick-off 8pm UK time) 42 2D vs 2E (Düsseldorf, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Tuesday July 2 43 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (Munich, kick-off 5pm UK time) 44 1D vs 2F (Leipzig, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Rest days on 3 and 4 July

Quarter-finals

Friday July 5 45 W39 vs W37 (Stuttgart, kick-off 5pm UK time) 46 W41 vs W42 (Hamburg, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Saturday July 6 47 W43 vs W44 (Berlin, kick-off 8pm UK time) 48 W40 vs W38 (Dusseldorf, kick-off 5pm UK time)

Rest days on 7 and 8 July

Semi-finals

Tuesday July 9 49 W45 vs W46 (Munich, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Wednesday July 10 50 W47 vs W48 (Dortmund, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Rest days on July 11, 12 and 13

Euro 2024 final

Sunday July 14 W49 vs W50 (Berlin, kick-off 8pm UK time)

Where and when will the Euro 2024 final be played?

The final will take place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday July 14.

What are the Euro 2024 host cities?

The 10 host venues are as follows:

• Berlin - Olympiastadion Berlin
• Cologne - Cologne Stadium (RheinEnergieSTADION)
• Dortmund - BVB Stadion Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park)
• Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf Arena (MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA)
• Frankfurt - Frankfurt Arena (Deutsche Bank Park)
• Gelsenkirchen - Arena AufSchalke (Veltins-Arena)
• Hamburg - Volksparkstadion Hamburg
• Leipzig - Leipzig Stadium (Red Bull Arena)
• Munich - Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
• Stuttgart - Stuttgart Arena (MHPArena)

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State Opening of Parliament to take place on 17 July 2024

Parliament has been dissolved. The new Parliament has been called to meet on Tuesday 9 July 2024.

Parliament has been dissolved.

The new Parliament has been called to meet on Tuesday 9 July 2024 when the business will be the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of members.

The State Opening of Parliament and The King’s Speech will follow on Wednesday 17 July 2024.

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UK General Election 2024

3 June 2024

The Prime Minister has called a UK General Election which will take place on Thursday 4 July 2024.

What is a General Election?   

A general election is an opportunity for people in every part of the UK to choose their Member of Parliament (or MP). This person will represent a local area in the House of Commons for up to five years. There’s a choice of several candidates in each constituency, and the candidate that receives the most votes becomes their MP.  

The student vote has the potential to profoundly change UK politics. So, we’ve got the answers to frequently asked questions on voting as a student, this guide will run through everything you need to know so far.  

The UK is divided into 650 areas, called constituencies. Each area has an MP, who represents it in the House of Commons in London. So, a general election is really 650 individual elections that all happen on one day, across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  

On election day, people go to their local polling station to vote and receive a ballot paper, which lists all the candidates. Each person can cast one vote, by marking the ballot paper with a cross next to the name of the candidate they most want to represent them. The candidate who gets more votes than anyone else becomes the MP for that area. This is called first past the post, and that candidate wins a seat in the House of Commons.  

To win, a political party needs to reach 326 MPs – which is half of all of them plus one. If a political party manages to do this, they win an overall majority, as they’ve won more seats than all the other parties combined.  

When there’s no clear winner – in other words, no political party wins more seats than all the other parties put together – this is what is called a hung parliament. If this happens, there are two options. Firstly, the bigger parties can try to join up with another party so that together they have 326 or more seats and create a government together. This is called a coalition government.  

Secondly, if the party that won the most MPs (but without getting an overall majority) does not want to join with another party like this, they can try to rule as a minority government. They can work to reach agreements with other political parties to support them in parliament, or seek out support from other MPs for what they want to do as they go along.  

There are usually a few days after an election is called and parliament is dissolved – or prorogued – before dissolution. Dissolution is the official term for the end of a parliament. Parliament was dissolved on 30 May. Any remaining legislation which was not passed by this date was abandoned as they cannot be carried over.  

  After parliament was dissolved, MPs returned to their constituencies to begin campaigning – acting no longer as MPs but as parliamentary candidates.  

The parties tend to publish their document setting out their policies and what they plan to do if they are voted into power about three to four weeks before polling day, to make sure they are fresh in voters’ minds.  

The UK public elects MPs to represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons. MPs consider and can propose new laws as well as raising issues that matter to you in the House. This includes asking government ministers questions about current issues including those which affect local constituents.  

After the deadline for nominations has passed, a list of the candidates who are standing – or ‘Statement of Persons Nominated’ – will usually be posted on your local authority website. You can find official election information for your area on the Electoral Commission website.  

You can also find out about candidates in your area on the ‘ Who Can I Vote For ?’ website.  

Voting in this General Election

Please read the following FAQs on the eligibility criteria for registering and how to vote in the July 2024 General Election.

You can view the electoral register  to see if you are already registered  to vote. If you voted in local elections and haven’t moved then you’re probably already registered, however, any change of address will mean you will need to re-register to vote. 

To vote in a general election, you must:

• be  registered to vote
• be 18 or over on the day of the election (‘polling day’)
• be a British, Irish or  qualifying Commonwealth  citizen
• be resident at an address in the UK or living abroad and registered as an  overseas voter
• not be legally excluded from voting

You can still vote even if you are away on 4 July, either by proxy or postal vote.

You can ask a trusted person to vote on your behalf by applying for a proxy vote . You must:

• Ensure that you are already registered to vote
• Ensure that your proxy is also registered to vote and allowed to vote in the election taking place
• Apply for a proxy vote by 26 June

If you are at home until shortly before Polling Day, but not around on the day itself, you can vote by post by applying for a postal vote . You must:

• Apply for a postal vote by 19 June

Please note that your proxy must vote in the polling station stated on your polling card.

In the UK, students are allowed to register to vote at both their home address and their university address. However, you are only allowed to vote once in any single General Election. 

The polls open at 7am and close at 10pm. After voting has closed, an exit poll will be published, which tends to correctly predict the result. The results from each constituency start to be released throughout the night. By morning, it is usually clear who the winner is, with the prime minister either resigning or staying in office.  

UK Photo ID Requirement  - voters are required to show a form of photo identification at the polling station. Accepted forms of photo ID include: 

• Passport (UK, EEA, or Commonwealth) 
• Driving licence (UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or EEA) 
• Biometric residence permit 
• Certain concessionary travel passes (e.g., an older person's bus pass, a disabled person's bus pass, Oyster 60+ card) 
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card) 
• Blue badge 
• National identity card issued by an EEA state 
• Northern Ireland electoral identity card

Please note that a UCL Student ID card is not an accepted voter ID.

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate .  

If you are concerned about using an outdated ID and being questioned at the polling station, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) . 

It’s free and asks for the following information: 

• Name (the same as that you used when registering to vote ); 
• Date of birth; 
• National Insurance number. 

Note, however, if you have transitioned, your National Insurance number may be hidden from other government systems, such as the online voter registration system. If this is the case, you will need to contact the Returning Officer at your local council. 

You do not need to provide your gender, and VACs do not carry a gender marker. 

You will also need to submit a photo. The requirements for this are broadly similar to those for a passport photo. 

By law, polling stations must be accessible and disabled voters must be able to access support when voting.  

Every polling station will have a wheelchair-accessible polling booth. Pencils, magnifiers and large print ballot papers will be available. You can take your phone into the polling booth to use a magnifier or text-to-speech app. There will be a place to sit, if needed. Your Local Electoral Registration Office can tell you more about the arrangements at your designated polling station.  

Register to vote now

Registering to vote online is simple and only takes around 5 minutes – all you need is your National Insurance number, although you can register without one.

Register to vote here

You must be registered to be able to vote in a general election. The deadline for voter registration for the General Election is 18 June .