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British Travelers: Here’s Where To Go On Holiday in August 2024

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7 months ago

With cheap flights to pretty much every corner of Europe, and endless sunny spots to escape the British summer to, there’s almost too much choice for your August getaway. We’ve tried and tested Europe’s summer hotspots to help you pick the best summer destination to go on holiday in August 2024.

All of our top summer destinations are less than a 4 hour flight away. What’s more, British passport holders can enjoy visa free travel. Whether you prefer sandy beaches or cities thriving in culture, these are the best places to go on holiday in August 2024.

Edinburgh

One of our absolute favorite cities in the world, let alone Britain, Edinburgh is great all year round. What makes it one of our best summer destinations is just how much is going on here. From the Tattoo to the Edinburgh Fringe, Scotland’s cultural hub is the place to be this August.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a real bucket list experience. You have to see it at least once. A celebration of British military culture, the Tattoo takes place against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s imposing castle. 2024’s event will take place from 2nd to 24th August.

Running alongside the Tattoo, the Edinburgh Fringe is another reason Edinburgh is one of the best summer destinations and one of the best places to go on holiday in August. The “world’s greatest platform for creative freedom”, the Fringe is a celebration of arts and culture.

Other Edinburgh highlights include the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Royal Mile. It’s also a great base for exploring some of Scotland’s other gems. Glasgow is just down the road and offers a great (and often more affordable) base for day trips. She Highlands and Scottish Borders are within easy reach.

Whether you visit for one day, a weekend or even longer, Edinburgh won’t disappoint.

Monaco

The playground of Europe’s movers and shakers, home to some of the world’s richest and oozing glitz and glamour, Monaco is the place to be and be seen.

Whilst the dream of living in this tiny principality is out of the reach of most of us, visiting Monaco is surprisingly affordable. With world-class restaurants, a stunning oceanfront and history aplenty, Monaco is definitely one of the best summer destinations from Britian.

Plus, getting there is a doddle. There’s dozens of flights everyday from the UK to Nice, a 22-minute train ride to Monaco’s Monte Carlo station. The views along the way are pretty good too.

Monaco highlights include the Quartier Du Port, a bustling area surrounding the marina. Warning- the superyachts and sports cars might give you a little case of envy. Head towards Rue Princess Caroline towards Port Hercule to admire the views from one of the oceanside bars.

Princess Grace Japanese Garden is the place to head if you want to find your zen. This stunning urban oasis is the ideal place to relax after overindulging in the opulence of the principality.

Monaco’s Historic Quarter, Le Rocher, is the place to go to find the “real” Monaco. Brimming with culture, this is the home of the ruling Grimaldi family.

Whether you’re into gambling or not, pay a visit to the Casino de Monte Carlo. Serving as an outlet for the rich and famous for over 150 years, locals are not allowed in.

There’s plenty of great boutique hotels in Monaco too, although they tend to be on the pricy side. If budget is important, you can still enjoy Monaco as one of Europe’s best summer destinations by staying in nearby Nice.

Faroe Islands

Out in the wilds of the North Sea, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands aren’t your typical summer destinations. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be.

With dramatic scenery, welcoming locals, charming villages and amazing wildlife, the Faroe Islands are an island paradise waiting to be explored. With new direct flights through the summer months from London Gatwick, there’s never been a better time to explore them.

Not dissimilar in appearance to their neighbour, Shetland, the Faroe Islands are closer to the United Kingdom than they are to their custodian, Denmark. That’s where the similarities end; the islands have a very Scandinavian feel. With majestic fjords, towering peaks and sweeping moorland, the Faroe Islands are a wilderness unto themselves.

Their capital, Torshavn, feels more like a small town than a capital city. It’s the kind of place where you could drop your phone and wallet on the street and they would somehow turn up intact at your hotel before you do. It’s small in size too, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to see and do.

Tinganes, Torshavn’s oldest district, was the seat of Viking parliament during Norse rule of the islands in the 9th century. The whitewashed Torshavn Cathedral is one of the most photogenic churches you’ll ever see.

Out of town, explore the picturesque valleys as you weave your way to Tjornuvik, Faroe’s surfers’ paradise and an all-round beach hotspot. Take a ferry from Torshavn harbor to the tiny island of Nolsoy, home to just 230 people for the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat at Maggie’s Café. Head north to Viking-era Klaksvik, home to Faroe’s finest art galleries and only craft brewery.

Hotels in Faroe are plentiful, with most located in Torshavn. Prices do tend to be on the higher side, but there are options to suit all budgets. An excellent local bus and ferry network makes getting around easy even if you don’t hire a car.

For more inspiration for this August, don’t miss our ultimate guide to spending 5 days in the Faroe Islands.

Istanbul

The furthest afield of our best summer destinations, Istanbul is a culture overload. Whilst many British holidaymakers will be heading to Türkiye this summer, most will be headed to the all inclusive beach resorts of Marmaris and Antalya. Few head to the country’s biggest city, and we can never understand why.

With summer temperatures warm, but not unbearably hot, Istanbul is one the best places to go on holiday in August 2024. There are dozens of daily flights from across the country, including low-cost options from London and Manchester. In short, getting to Istanbul is easy. Especially as the metro was recently extended to the airport.

The original east-meets-west destination, this sprawling city spans to continents. At the meeting point of Europe and Asia, two distinct cultures also meet. Separated by the mighty Bosporus, whichever side of Istanbul you head to, make sure you take a ferry across the river.

Istanbul highlights include the Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque), the centuries old Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower and the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern. The city also has a thriving foodie scene. Enjoy traditional Turkish kebabs done properly, they taste nothing like the imitations we have in Britain! Eat classic Turkish meatballs from Sultanahmet Koftecisi and don’t miss the chance to eat Islak Burgers on Taksim Square.

Hotel options are plentiful, from the world-famous luxury of Istanbul’s finest hotels like the Pera Palace to budget-friendly guesthouses. Prices in Istanbul are generally lower than in the UK, making this one of Europe’s (and Asia’s) best summer destinations.


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