Let’s face it, as beautiful as Britain is, summer isn’t our forte. With the exception of a few days of blistering heat (which always take us by surprise) we spend the majority of the summer months with an emergency brolly in our bags.
It may be the end of the UK summer holidays, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to pack away our flip flops just yet. In fact, with September bringing us some of the balmiest of days in recent years, there’s still time for one final fling to send your summer out with a bang. Treat yourself to one last trip to end the season with these top destinations from LateRooms.com, perfect for your summer finale.
THE HIPSTER GETAWAY: CANAL ST MARTIN, PARIS
It doesn’t get much hipper than Canal St Martin, which, set in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, is the place to see and be seen in the French capital. And summer brings the area into its own as well-heeled hipsters and model-types dangle their feet along the waterside whilst philosophising (in true Parisian style) over a bottle of red wine or a couple of craft beers.
In warm weather, impromptu gigs pop up close to the water’s edge and casually beautiful people traverse the canal’s quaint iron footbridges in search of the next high fashion boutique, record shop and independent coffeehouse – all available en masse. For film buffs, the area famously appeared in Amélie and Hôtel du Ñord.
ISLAND GETAWAY: MALLORCA
An ever-popular gem of the Med, Mallorca combines some of the quintessential requirements for an island getaway: hidden coves, sapphire seas, stretches of sandy beach, Instagram-worthy sunsets and scented breezes are here in abundance. If you can tear your eyes away from the crystal clear waters and pine-backed beaches, you’ll be rewarded with acre upon acre of vineyards, breathtaking mountains, super fresh seafood and charming historic towns to explore come sundown.
THE UK BEACH BREAK: NEWQUAY
If you’re looking to make the most of summer on home turf, the Great British seaside is tough to beat. Fistral Beach in Newquay offers close to a kilometre of golden sands, backed by high cliffs and rolling dunes. A favourite with surfers, lessons are available for first timers and the delights of the Cornish coastline- including Padstow and Mawgan Porth – are on your doorstep too. Take a long walk on the beach, build a sandcastle and grab some fish and chips. This is the British summer at its finest.
THE FOODIE CITY BREAK: PORTO
There’s much more to Portugal’s food capital than its fortified wine (although it’s not a bad place to start). Set in a winning location where the Atlantic Ocean and a host of the country’s finest vineyards are neighbours, Porto is a foodie’s dream. Smoked meats, tangy cheeses and fresh seafood are all on offer to tempt you, as well as plenty of innovative dining options and the city’s Mercado do Bolhao food market – stacked to the rafters with delicious treats – to explore. The city itself is a picture postcard of zigzagging alleyways and winding lanes set against soaring belltowers, with charming alfresco dining options overlooking the Douro river. Accent your trip with a visit to a local winery or a stop off at one of its many contemporary creative spaces. It’ll give you chance to digest before the next meal. Read our guide IDEAL city guide to Porto here
THE ROMANTIC RETREAT: COTSWOLDS
Golden hued villages, chocolate box cottages, rolling hills and honeyed fields make the Cotswolds one of the UK’s largest areas of natural beauty. This is Thomas Hardy country and if you’re looking for a romantic idyll to while away the lazy last days of summer, this is pretty tough to beat. Settle down to a champagne cream tea, stock up at a farmer’s market before picnicking in the long grass, and wander thatched-cottage filled villages before making like Lord and Lady of the Manor and settling down to a luxury dinner for two in one of the area’s award-winning restaurants.
Read: 5 IDEAL reasons to visit the Cotswolds this summer.
THE ALTERNATIVE PARTY HOTSPOT: BARCELONA
The closing parties may be ringing in the end of the Ibiza season, but if you’re looking to continue the party, make Barcelona your next stop. If ever there was a city for night owls then Barcelona – where not even dinner happens before midnight – is it. Bringing together the holy grail of buzzing city, golden beaches, and averages of 26 degrees even in September, boy does Barcelona do party hub well. Spend your day on the sands, lounging at one of the beachside cafes, then head out late to one of the city’s world class clubs and renowned DJs – from La Terrazza to La Macarena and the exclusive CDLC, set right on the beachfront.
Read: 10 IDEAL things to do in Barcelona
COUNTRY ESCAPE: WINDERMERE
The British countryside doesn’t get much more awe inspiring than the Lake District and as the home to England’s largest lake, Windermere is on point when it comes to nailing the country escape. Miles of the country’s most sunning walking routes surround you – encompassing grassy valleys, mesmerising blue waters and heart-stoppingly beautiful peaks. After all that fresh air, Windermere itself has some of the quaintest pubs and tearooms on offer to refuel in, or simply sit back and enjoy a pint over that view.