United Kingdom holidays
What’s new on the UK coast this summer
Tree tents in Cornwall, beach cabins in Dorest and a thrilling cliff-side pathway in County Antrim are among the new highlights on the UK coast
New National Trust campsite, Pembrokeshire
Gupton Farm is a sandy stroll away from the beach at Freshwater West, near Castlemartin, and tucked into a sheltered hollow. It offers a wet-weather barn alongside shower block facilities. If camping doesn’t appeal, visitors can stay in the farmhouse.
Saltdean lido reopens, Sussex
This art deco beauty was snatched from the hands of property developers five years ago, given a Grade II* listing and returned to the council. Following a campaign by concerned locals, it has been restored and from 17 June, outdoor swimmers will once more be able to revel in its heated 40-metre-long, crescent-shaped pool.
Tiny homes to stay in, Isle of Wight
These cabins are part of a movement to downsize living spaces, and are built to minimise environmental impact. The brainchild of Helen and Frazer Cunningham (of Airstream campsite Vintage Vacations), they have solar power, composting toilets, woodburning stoves, water recycling and share a mandala garden (a circular garden divided by paths)
.New beach houses in Cornwall
Two glamorous, coastal high-end properties: Pentire, a penthouse apartment overlooking Fistral beach, Newquay; and Barford, a holiday home in Widemouth Bay. Each has many high-spec touches, including wood-fired hot tubs with sea views. .
Northern Ireland’s white-knuckle coastal walk reopens
The Gobbins Path runs along the cliffs of Islandmagee in County Antrim, a giddy mixture of crashing waves and suspended steel walkways. Opened in 1872, it was restored and reopened in 2015, then closed last year following a rock fall. At the end of June, visitors can again teeter along the roller-coaster cliff path just above the sea.
Dreamland rebooted, Margate
Catch bands including Toots and the Maytals (20 July, £29.50) at the new indoor music venue at the vintage amusement park. Reopened in May, the park is now free to enter – visitors pay for individual rides or buy an unlimited rides wristband – so it costs nothing to marvel at the Grade-II listed Scenic Railway, although it would be hard to resist a ride.
Beach huts you can sleep in, Bournemouth
Several notches up from the usual day-use-only beach huts, these 15 lodges on the seafront near Boscombe pier are raised on a deck above the promenade and can accommodate four adults and two children overnight. They also have wifi, showers and cooking facilities.
Hide-out, Cornwall
Kudhva means hideout in Cornish and is the name given by Louise Middleton to her innovative project in 18 hectares near Tintagel, which opens on 1 July. Curious wooden capsules on legs, designed by Ben Huggins, and Tentsile tree tents suspended over a disused quarry and a waterfall will provide accommodation. There are also solar showers, chilled-out music, a bar, cinema club, food, yoga and a truck to take surfers and boards to nearby beaches.
Gothic castle opens its doors, Isle of Lewis
Following extensive renovation (and being featured in Channel 4’s Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year), the upper floors of Lews Castle in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, are now open to visitors who can stay in one of several smart, lofty apartments overlooking the harbour.
Sleep in a beach hut, Dorset
Cunningly constructed with a mezzanine floor to accommodate two adults and two children and to provide a shower room and kitchen, 34 Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis is a beach hut but not as you know it – and is excellent value given the seashore location.
Celebrate the Cornish pasty, St Austell
Cornucopia, a new food and drink attraction opening in St Austell this summer promises to give Cornwall’s favourite hot snack the deference it deserves. Visitors can make one of their own at the “UK’s very first pasty heritage centre”, then sample food and drink from 19 Cornish food and drink producers. There will also be an adventure area with soft play zone, sky wires and trampolines, keeping younger children entertained while older family members tuck in.
Modern Yorkshire cooking, Whitby
Local Michelin-star chef Andrew Pern opens a new Star Inn, a brasserie version of his other three Star Inns, by the harbour at Whitby in July. With its position three metres from the harbour, the menu is seafood-oriented: expect shellfish from the North Sea, potted shrimps, oysters and a Whitby crab stick and, of course, fish and chips.
Dolphin watching from a new restaurant, Scottish Highlands
The Sun Dancer restaurant’s name is a nod to the site’s previous occupant – the Sandancer arcade. The beeps and crashes of arcade games have been replaced with calming views across the Moray Firth, and hopefully diners will spot the occasional dolphin pod from the restaurant in Nairn’s harbour.
