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The Best of British Summertime – Five Spots to Explore in the Sun

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Newmarket Holidays

Embrace the best of the British Isles with an escorted tour taking in historic highlights and the natural beauty of the UK or Ireland.

With summer right around the corner, we’re excited for another few months of warm-weather travel and have been thinking about ‘staycations’ closer to home. With abundant wildlife, memorable capitals and a broad range of magnificent heritage sites, the UK and Ireland promise just as memorable a getaway as the holiday hotspots around the globe. 

There’s something for everyone across the British Isles, whether you’re immersed in the breath-taking beauty of Scotland and Ireland, or the scenic islands of Hebrides and the Isle of Man. With that in mind, consider one of our top five picks for a delightful summer staycation:

The Hebrides, Scotland

Enjoy this mystical trip that covers a variety of eight islands in an unforgettable experience. Relish the sights the Hebrides have to offer with its unspoilt landscape, witness the historic Dunvegan Castle and admire its gardens as its loch-side surroundings become even more dramatic under the summer sun.  

Expand your stay by an extra two days and get the chance to board a cruise to sail to Berneray, with a stop at the Kildonan Museum, filled with archaeological treasures.

Our recommended tour: Hebridean Island Adventure

Port Erin, Isle of Man

Offering a fascinating glimpse into its unique heritage and the Golden Age of steam, the Isle of Man is ideal for a slower-paced trip in the summer.  

Board the island’s famous railway and go full steam ahead from the former capital of Castletown into Port Erin. On the last day, find Lady Isabella, the world’s largest working waterwheel in Laxey, the island’s most photographed attraction, before taking in views that can stretch across the Seven Kingdoms from the top of the Snaefell Mountain Railway. 

Our recommended tour: Historic Railways of the Isle of Man

Jersey, Channel Islands

Despite its smaller size, Jersey promises a treasure trove of summertime exploration to satisfy even the most curious of travellers.  

From vast Mont Orgueil, a medieval castle which has watched over the island’s shores for over 800 years, to colourful St. Helier, Jersey’s coastal highlights come to life in the warm weather. If you’d prefer a more relaxing time on the English Channel, you can also make the most of the finest local beaches, from St. Ouen and St. Aubin’s Bays to Le Corbiere’s Lighthouse.  

Our recommended tour: Jersey – The Sun-kissed Channel Isle

The Highlands, Scotland

Travel in the company of like-minded solo travellers on a scenic getaway while taking in the most picturesque views across the Scottish Highlands.

Visit historical spectacles in the sunshine over the course of five days, including the royal family’s residence of Balmoral Castle and Estate and the charming Victorian village of Ballater. What better way to crown your Highland escape than with a captivating Loch Ness cruise in search of the region’s world-famous monster?  

Our recommended tour: The Best of the Scottish Highlands

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities and promises the perfect setting for your next staycation with spectacular views. Learn about its colourful past on a tour of the city, including the Titanic Belfast, which commemorates the famous ship and her infamous maiden voyage.  

One of the highlights is the opportunity to visit the astonishing Giant’s Causeway on an optional trip to witness one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive sights.  

Our recommended tour: Donegal and the Giant’s Causeway

Book now to enjoy the best of the British summertime with Newmarket Holidays 

Enjoy the golden hour and explore one of the UK’s best and brightest summertime destinations. For more information, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call or browse our full escorted tour collection across the United Kingdom.

Our recommended tours

Low angle shot of standing stones, with a woman standing next one
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Hebridean Island Adventure
Scotland
Explore the stunning Hebridean Islands with Newmarket Holidays. Visit the Isle of Skye, Lewis, and Harris on this tour of Scotland. Book now.Fly LocalScenery & Nature
  • Enjoy a tour of the enchanting Isle of Skye
  • Venture to the Isle of Lewis and visit a traditional Black House and the Broch of Carloway
  • Travel around the Isle of Harris
  • 6 days from £1,220 pp

    was £1,435 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    22 October 2025

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    4 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    10 included

  • Meals

    10 included

Red and black steam train heading towards the camera on a grassy hill on the coast of the Isle of Man, with a blue sky behind it
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Historic Railways of The Isle of Man
United Kingdom
Ride the historic railways of the Isle of Man with Newmarket Holidays. Enjoy a steam train experience on this fully escorted 4-night holiday. Book now.Best SellingRail+ 1 More
  • Take a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway
  • Explore historic Laxey, home of the world’s largest working waterwheel
  • Journey on the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway
  • 5 days from £783 pp

    was £869 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    September 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    5 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    8 included

  • Meals

    8 included

Long shot of Mont Orgueil Castle, showing part of the harbour below it and two people sat on the wall between the harbour and the sea, the buildings beside the harbour and the houses on a hill behind it, on a sunny day with a blue sky
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Jersey - The Sun-Kissed Channel Isle
United Kingdom
Discover sun-kissed Jersey on a Newmarket Holidays escorted tour. Experience St. Helier and War Tunnels, and more. Book now and enjoy this tour.Best SellingFly Local+ 3 More
  • A guided tour of the island
  • Learn about the German Occupation at Jersey War Tunnels
  • Stay in St Helier, Jersey’s charming capital
  • 6 days from £743 pp

    was £874 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    September 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    12 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    3 included

  • Meals

    5 included

Zoomed out image of Glenfinnan Monument, with the view of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains
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No Single Supplement
The Best of the Scottish Highlands
Scotland
Find out more about this Newmarket Holidays Scottish Highlands Holiday and book online with confidence.Solo TravellersRail+ 3 More
  • Spot wildlife on a cruise on the Moray Firth
  • Go mythical monster hunting on a boat trip on Loch Ness
  • Marvel at the dramatic, 13th-century Dunrobin Castle and wander around its Versailles-inspired gardens.
  • 7 days from £1,135 pp

    was £1,335 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    July 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    7 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    9 included

  • Meals

    12 included

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
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Donegal and the Giant's Causeway
Ireland
Embark on an adventure in Ireland with Newmarket Holidays. See the stunning Giant's Causeway, Inishowen Peninsula, and Donegal on this tour. Book now.Best SellingFly Local+ 1 More
  • Journey to the Giant's Causeway
  • Visit the beautiful Glenveagh National Park with a guided tour of Glenveagh Castle
  • Travel to Ireland's most northerly point, Malin Head
  • 6 days from £824 pp

    was £969 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    June 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    7 included

  • Meals

    9 included

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