Summer Newsletter

Those holiday plans made in the depths of winter are coming alive in the sunshine and balmy evenings of the great British summer. Okay, we could call it the ‘fingers crossed season’ but whatever the weather gods throw at us, the UK and Ireland still have it all. The countryside is radiant, the coastline is as rugged as ever but also benign, the mountains still glower but serenely, castles and stately homes welcome you…our heritage is bursting with pride. So let’s get going!

Make the most of England’s Year of Literary Heroes by climbing aboard a literary roller coaster. In the north east, retrace Harry Potter’s wizardly steps, then stop off for a drink in Jamaica Inn in the far south west in Cornwall, via Wuthering Heights of Yorkshire, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in Oxford, Canterbury Tales and Far From the Madding Crowd in Dorset. These are just a few of the steps to walk with literary giants. Visit their homes and hear again their stories and get to know England. See these and more at VisitEngland.

Highland games combine sport, culture and fun in a uniquely Scottish style and take place every summer weekend. Drench yourself in the real Scotland at any one of more than 80 games across the country. The Wild Seasons Festivals in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders celebrate the wonders of the natural world and Scotland’s most awesome sights are the backcloth to dramatic themed road trips.

In Wales, it’s the Year of Legends. Plan a medieval adventure around King Arthur by visiting ancient hill forts, standing stones and mysterious lakes. The Island of Bardsey is said to be the resting place of 20,000 saints…why not try and count them. And the legendary International Eisteddfod, at Llangollen is celebrating 70 years…join in the fun.

The Wild Atlantic Way calms down for the summer to become a stunning backdrop for a season of festivals. Celebrate Irish writing, music, fishing, golfing, surfing or just revel in your surroundings, all 1,500 miles. On to another of the world’s great road trips – the Causeway Coastal Route with the Giant’s Causeway and the Glens of Antrim. Then to Dublin and the Stag’s Head pub for a colourful look at James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Wildlife is settling into a summer routine…and growing up fast. Enjoy nature’s hurly burly by visiting our tremendous variety of nature reserves and wildlife trusts. And catch our wonderful woodlands as they flaunt their summer finery.

It is also a great time for walking the lanes, woods, moors and heaths. There are walking festivals planned for all parts this year. The Ramblers will help you out and about.

Some more ideas from our DAYS OUT DIARY:

JUNE 17^th – 18^th – The Dales Festival of Food & Drink, Wensleydale; June 18^th Beamish Reliability Run, Co. Durham; June 22^nd – 25th Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh; June 23^rd – 25^th Sea Sessions Music Festival, Donegal; June 24^th – 25^th Tankfest, The Tank Museum, Dorset; June 29^th – July 2^nd Goodwood Festival of Speed.

JULY 1^st – Northumberland Plate Festival; July 1^st Alice’s Day, Oxford; July 1^st – 2^nd Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival; July 2^nd Oxenhope Straw Race, W. Yorks; July 7^th – 9^th Godiva Festival, Coventry; July 9^th Pontefract Liquorice Festival; July 9^th Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival, Aberaeron; July 11^th – 24^th Galway Arts Festival; July 28^th – 30^th Big Cheese Festival, Caerphilly; July – Sept. Kynren, An Epic Tale of England, Bishop Auckland.

AUGUST 1^st – 31^st – Summer Fun, Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath; August 9^th – 13^th Dublin Horse Show; August 10^th – 12^th Cropredy Convention, Banbury; August 10^th – 13^th International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol; August 11^th – 13^th Chilli Fiesta, Chichester; August 17^th – 20^th Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons; August 19^th – 20^th Garlic Festival, Isle of Wight; August 20^th Hunstanton Kite Festival; August 23^rd – 27^th Masters of Tradition, Bantry; August 24^th – 28^th Aberjazz Festival, Fishguard; August 26^th – 28^th Medieval Festival, Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex; August 28^th Newlyn Fish Festival, Cornwall.

Hull – 2017 City of Culture– awarded this great accolade, there is a programme of cultural events and activities throughout the year.

You might find these websites useful:

There is so much to do and so many places to visit. And it’s so easy to find great places to stay in them. Use our brochure of bed and breakfast accommodation – The Little Green Book – and websites www.bedandbreakfastnationwide.com for B&B homes, and www.holidaycottagesnationwide.co.uk for self-catering.

The more than 500 B&Bs and cottages have been specially selected and inspected and provide high quality accommodation. They range from country cottages to town houses, manor houses to farm houses – all offering a warm welcome and good value. The hosts are all keen to promote their part of the country and suggest trips out and how best to get there.

To obtain the free 112-page brochure, please see

www.bedandbreakfastnationwide.com/bb-brochure

Happy travelling,

Sue Opperman

office@bbnationwide.co.uk

TEL: +44 (0) 1255 672377