If You Only Take One Holiday This Summer, Make It Count

PUBLISHED BY Meg

S ummer has a habit of slipping through our fingers. Time gets lost in the joy of long weekends and days out in the sunshine, and all of a sudden, the cool air starts creeping in and you realise you never quite got around to booking that short break you’ve been talking about since spring.

That’s why, if you only take one holiday this summer, it needs to be great. Whether that’s lazy days away on the coast or long walks in the countryside, your break may be short, but the memories will last long after summer ends.

If you’re dreaming of coastal views and beautiful gardens or simply switching off for a few days, we’ve rounded up a selection of our Great Little Breaks to prove that you don’t need to go abroad to have a great summer break.

For a summer of stately homes and beautiful gardens...

Recommended Package - Home Counties Palace & Gardens Stay

There’s something beautifully British about slow summer days, wandering around historic stately homes and soaking up years of history, imagining how those that came before us might have spent their summer days. Combined with visits to iconic gardens, discovering hidden pathways and exploring exotic flora, this Home Counties escape offers the perfect summer break for those who want to feel a world away from everyday life without venturing too far away from home.

Pro-Tip: Summer is the best time to see the Gardens in bloom, plan your trip to arrive early morning to stroll through the gardens before the day starts to warm up

For that classic British seaside feeling...

Recommended Package - Bournemouth Getaway

The great British coast never goes out of style.

Meander down promenades lined with colourful beach huts, or tuck into perfectly golden fish and chips as you soak up the fresh sea air.

Bournemouth has been delighting holidaymakers for generations, and it's easy to see why, with long stretches of golden sands and heaps of nearby attractions, Bournemouth truly offers something for all, whether that’s relaxing in the sunshine or days filled with adventure.

Pro-Tip: Start your day with a walk along the seafront, before the beach fills up and the sun is at its hottest

For an island escape without the long-haul flight...

Recommended Package - Jersey Coastal Escape

If you’re looking for a holiday that feels a little different, but without the hustle and bustle of airports, Jersey offers a unique island escape that’s closer than you think.

Spend your days exploring dramatic coastlines and hidden coves, discovering charming harbours along the way as you soak up the relaxing island atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve travelled much further than you actually have.

Pro-Tip: Make time to explore the island at your own pace, some of the best moments come from simply seeing where the day takes you

For iconic attractions...

Recommended Package - Eden Project Hotel Break

Some people want it all from a summer break - that perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation, with time spent discovering iconic attractions, and there are few as impressive as the Eden Project.

Be fully immersed in their impressive biomes, with towering palms, delicate orchids and water features in the first biome, find yourself transported to a vibrant jungle before making your way to the second biome, dedicated to the sunny Mediterranean where ancient olive trees guide the way.

After a day of exploration, retire back to the Carlyon Bay hotel, a 4* hotel overlooking St Austell Bay, offering that little piece of luxury with an outdoor pool and championship golf course, it's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of discovery. When it comes to combining adventure, relaxation and luxury, this break really does have it all.

Pro-Tip: Check before you travel for events and activities, the Eden Project often hosts a range of seasonal experiences during the summer months

For countryside charm...

Recommended Package - Devonshire Retreat

Sometimes you just need to switch off for a while and escape from the everyday.

Devon has long been one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations, offering the perfect place to escape from reality, get lost in rolling countryside and meander through picturesque villages, enjoying a slower pace of life.

Perhaps the best part of Devon is that it can be exactly what you need it to be. Whether that’s spending slow summer days on stunning beaches, or days filled with exploration as you discover hidden corners of the county, this retreat is all about making time for yourself and taking a breather from the pressures of everyday life.

Pro-Tip: Take time for spontaneous adventure, and don’t just stick to the most well-known parts of the county, Devon is full of surprises

So, how do you make your summer break count?

The truth is, life is busy, multiple breaks are not always feasible, so it’s important to make the one you do take count.

So, how do you do that?

We at Great Little Breaks can’t tell you that, because the best breaks are the ones that make you feel recharged and ready to take on the world. Whether that’s an island break in Jersey, a seaside retreat in Bournemouth or a countryside retreat in Devon the most important thing is making time to get away.

After all, summer doesn’t last forever. So, if you’re only taking one holiday this summer, make it count.