Inspiring Retreats for Summer

We can feel summer is on its way with the promise of beautiful sunshine and glorious blue skies heading towards us. It’s time to showcase our summer wardrobes and enjoy some time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From coastal hideaways to countryside havens, read on to discover our favourite places to visit with recommendations on unique retreats in which to discover this summer season.

The Coast of Cornwall

Imagine glistening waters and thriving culture – Falmouth on the South Coast of Cornwall is truly spectacular. This charming coastal town is rich in maritime heritage and boasts four popular beaches. Located next to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, visitors can expect to find a town buzzing with activity from watersports, heritage sites, streets dotted with independents shops and art galleries. Falmouth isn’t just for adventurer seekers – there’s plenty of places to enjoy a glass of wine and sample locally sourced produce or many different styles of cuisine in the plentiful restaurants and bars. 

Falmouth also plays host to several annual festivals and events in the summer season. The ‘ZestiFal’ brings together a great selection of activities for all ages including tennis, mountain biking, dance, Zumba and circus skills. Falmouth Week is a renowned sailing regatta spread across eight days of shoreside vibrancy. Look out for races, themed party evenings, carnivals and music events plus the spectacular Red Arrows display.

Where to Stay: Large groups can take advantage of the waterside location at The Boat House. Adventure awaits on the Devoran Quay as the property has its own mooring with rowing boat plus canoes.

The Suffolk Countryside

The historic market town of Woodbridge is a thriving place for shopping and outdoor activities and is home to the one of the first Tide Mills in England. Just eight miles in-land from the Suffolk coastline, this riverside town lies along the River Deben in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy boating, canoeing and walks along the River Deben or head into the centre of town and discover the many independent shops and restaurants, plus the weekly market showcasing locally sourced produce and crafts.  

Just outside Woodbridge you’ll find Sutton Hoo – a significant archaeological discovery of an Anglo Saxon royal burial site. This National Trust site can be enjoyed by all the family with many different trails and activities to enjoy, whilst learning about the history of the Anglo-Saxon times.

For walkers and cyclists, Rendlesham Forest is just 7 miles from Woodbridge. The forest itself features cycle routes and play equipment, plus special events take place throughout the year including night time walks and tasters of edible forest plants. 

Where to Stay: Surround yourself in luxury at The Old Warehouse. This historical property is in the centre of the town and accommodates up to six guests with three-bathroom facilities. The industrial interior design style is beautifully executed. 

Lakeside in the Lake District

Windermere is England’s largest lake and likely to be the most popular place to visit within the Lake District National Park. 

Home to the UK’s largest lake, Windermere is known as the capital of the Lake District. This must-see town is filled with small boutique shops selling beautiful handmade gifts and local produce. There is a wealth of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and traditional pubs serving locally made ales to enjoy after a day exploring the town. 

Travel down to Bowness-on-Windermere, even by foot if you like, to see the Lake in all its glory, where you can take a relaxing cruise to one of the neighbouring towns or for the more adventurous, why not hire a rowing boat and explore the lake yourself?

The World of Beatrix Potter is a must-see family attraction. Beatrix Potter was inspired by the beauty and all things natural in the Lake District which inspired her storybooks. At this fun-filled attraction you can take a tour of the exhibition and gardens with some of the most popular characters!

For lovers of waterside adventures, you can enjoy cruises of Lake Windemere, finishing at Bowness Pier. The cruise offers the perfect way to take in the beautiful surrounding scenery, and you can finish the tour with an ice-cream! Sailing along Lake Windermere is also a popular – luxury sailing packages can be arranged for those special occasions.

Where to Stay: If it’s a special occasion or a group of friends holidaying together, Cleabarrow Cottage is the perfect choice. Luxurious on all levels, there are six bedrooms, six bathrooms plus an outdoor hot tub for taking in the amazing views. Guests can also receive 50% off green fees at the nearby Carus Golf Club.  

Bold in Brighton

Brighton is the epitome of the great British seaside. Bursting with attractions, activities and culture, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Famed for its iconic Pier, the beach itself is a hive of activity where you can try a range of watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding to beach volleyball. Don’t miss the arcade games on the Pier as well as the Sea Life Brighton aquarium where you can expect to find thousands of intriguing sea creatures.

As with many popular seaside resorts, you can expect to find a large choice of bars and restaurants along the way from ice cream parlours to seafood restaurants. If an afternoon tipple is calling there isn’t a shortage of bars to choose from – Brighton even has its very own gin! If an afternoon cup of coffee is more for you the café culture in Brighton is hard to beat. 

It’s hard to miss the commanding British Airways i360 which towers above the town. This fascinating gliding structure takes visitors 450ft in the air where you can take in the incredible views of Brighton and the beautiful coastline.

Shopping in Brighton gives you the best of both worlds. There are an abundance of independent shops and boutiques in pretty streets plus you’ll find well-known brands dotted around the town. There are markets and street fairs too which bring together vintage items plus locally sourced produce.  

Where to Stay: Prospect Cottage is rich in traditional charm along with an interesting story. This cottage was the former holiday home of Victorian artist Edward Burne-Jones in the late 1800s and served as inspiration to Angela Thirkell’s autobiography ‘Three Houses’. Grade II listed, guests can expect spacious rooms with charming window seats taking in the views over Rottingdean Green.