10 Best Destinations for a Late Summer Getaway

The British capital is at its sparkling best in late summer. Long evenings bring a cosmopolitan mix of people to hang out in Hyde Park and linger over pints at pop-up bars on the south bank of the Thames. You’ll want to do some sightseeing at the most iconic landmarks that evoke the heritage of London, including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Tower Bridge.

In the mood to groove? Europe’s largest street party, Notting Hill Carnival, takes place in late August on the streets of West London. This celebration of Caribbean culture is not to be missed. Other events taking place in late summer include All Points East, a live music festival headlined by Gorillaz and James Blake.

Strolling through the old town of Edinburgh in late summer is an alluring experience. Browse the street markets while white fluffy clouds sail through blue skies and world-famous architecture greets you at every turn. Check out the medieval vibes along the Royal Mile leading up to the imposing castle, or escape the tourist crowd by enjoying ornate Georgian landmarks like Holyrood House and the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.

To soak up Edinburgh’s rugged beauty in one panoramic scene, take a walk up to Arthur’s Seat, a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the city. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over the city throughout August, with the cream of the world's arts and culture descending on the city and ensuring evenings are never dull.

New York is an enigmatic city with sights on every corner. World-class shopping, cutting-edge dining, and famed landmarks make this famous American city a place that everyone should visit at least once.

Manhattan Island is the centre of it all and jam-packed with legendary landmarks. The names roll off the tongue and feel memorable thanks to songs and films that have placed them in popular culture – the Empire State Building in Manhattan, the iconic Statue of Liberty, and the green expanse of Central Park, just to name a few. Other fun things to do in New York include watching live theatre on Broadway, eating fusion food in Brooklyn, and admiring cutting-edge modern art exhibitions at MoMA.

Canal-lined Amsterdam is famed for its liberal ideals, which you’ll encounter on your first day if you stroll from Centraal Station towards the bachelor-party epicentre of De Wallen. But take the tram a few blocks further to Rembrandtplein or Vondelpark – or better yet, rent a bicycle – and you’ll be surrounded by ornate red brick architecture and a dizzying amount of art galleries and museums.

For a combination of art and culture, invigorating nightlife, and charming locals, few cities in the world can compare with Amsterdam in late summer.

Blackpool is a charming tourist destination in the north of England where the whole family can enjoy the nostalgic vibe, retro amusements, as well as miles of soft sand. Blackpool Tower is a massive structure inspired by the Eiffel Tower that offers brilliant views of the city accompanied by an entertainment complex with live music and comedy throughout summer. A trip to Blackpool is a trip back in time. The donkey rides, cabaret shows, and sticks of rock candy haven’t really changed in a generation, and there’s something charming about that.

If you visit in September, you’ll be able to enjoy the annual Blackpool Illuminations that brighten the evenings with ever-more interesting light installations and lasers along the Promenade – and it’s free.

If you’re looking for a culturally stimulating late summer break with fantastic dining and shopping options, Paris fits the bill like a sleek Agnelle glove. Shopping down Champs Elysees before a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Alain Ducasse or Le Cinq will no doubt cost a pretty penny, but the experience lives long in the memory.

It's worth noting that the French capital can be enjoyed on a budget. For example, hopeless romantics will no doubt know all about strolling down by the Seine and picnicking under the Eiffel Tower.

Barcelona is the cosmopolitan Catalan capital that has a hard-to-find combination of esteemed arts and culture as well as easy access to stunning beaches. If it’s your first trip, touring the surreal art of Antoni Gaudi is a must-do. Sagrada Familia rightly steals the limelight, but you’ll probably linger longer over the art pieces in Park Guell.

After traipsing around the sightseeing hotspots, head to the coastline. The beaches of Barceloneta, Bogatell, Mar Bella, and Nova Icaria are great for both relaxing and indulging in water sports. Mealtimes can be mind-blowingly good in Barcelona, but head away from Las Ramblas to the more authentic neighbourhood of Gracia.

Bournemouth has been a popular English seaside resort since the Victorian era, but it has been revitalised in recent years. The famous pier and promenade still host fairground rides and family arcades, but they also have modern attractions like zip-lines and adventure parks. Elsewhere in the town, traditional seaside fish and chips have been revamped by ingenious chefs and old churches are now home to high-class nightclubs.

The town centre is within walking distance of the beach, and there's plenty more to see in the surrounding area. Highlights include the charming woodland of the New Forest, Adventure Wonderland theme park, and several stately homes.

If the lines of half-timber houses don’t give it away, York is an ancient city that has been around since Roman times. The nostalgia of the past can be felt throughout this small city, especially along the tourist hotspot The Shambles.

During summer, take advantage of the long evenings to walk along the ramparts of the city walls that have experienced raids and invasions from Scots and Vikings throughout the ages. The Jorvik Viking Centre gives you the chance to step back to that time and explore the city as it was under Norwegian rule in the 8th century. For Gothic splendour, head to the imposing York Minster and climb the narrow staircase to the top of the spire.

Mallorca is the largest island in Spain’s Balearic chain, sitting in the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Mallorca is rightly famed for its beach resorts, with a variety of towns like Palma and Magaluf offering options from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury villas.

But it’s more than that. Towering mountain ranges, shaded coves, ancient Moorish and Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife make this arid, sun-drenched island a big hit with many types of travellers. If you’re travelling with a family or want a late summer escape without having to look too hard for excellent dining and nightlife, Mallorca is a savvy choice.