Summer travel in the UK usually comes with one major caveat. The weather is unpredictable, the crowds are thick in tourist hotspots, and planning can feel like a gamble.

So, I’m going to tell you exactly where you can go in the UK this summer if you want warm weather, open space, and a more relaxed travel experience. No matter if you’re planning a countryside escape, coastal road trip, or a less-touristy city break, the unusual weather pattern opens up opportunities you don’t normally get in Britain.

What are the weather predictions?

According to the Met Office, much of the UK is experiencing above-average temperatures throughout July and August. Several parts of southern England have already recorded daytime highs exceeding 30°C, and the forecast suggests the warm spell will continue well into late August and potentially early September. This makes 2025 one of the most travel-friendly British summers in recent memory.

While popular destinations like London, Bath and Edinburgh remain high on most itineraries, many travellers this year are looking for places that offer breathing room, local character, and a better balance between sunshine and space.

The locations listed below are based on current travel trends, weather data, and lower visitor density—ideal if you’re looking to make the most of UK summer travel 2025.

The Cotswolds: Classic Countryside at Its Best

The Cotswolds is one of the best places to visit in the UK in summer, especially during a warm, dry year like this one. Long considered the postcard-perfect English escape, it offers a peaceful mix of green landscapes, traditional pubs, and stone cottages. Less rainfall means better conditions for walking routes like the Cotswold Way, and easier access to villages like Painswick, Winchcombe and Lower Slaughter.

Northumberland Coast: Underrated and Wide Open

For travellers seeking coastal beauty without the crowds of Cornwall or Brighton, Northumberland delivers. Beaches like Bamburgh, Alnmouth and Druridge Bay remain quiet compared to southern alternatives. Expect coastal castles, scenic trails and even stargazing, all paired with unusually sunny weather.

Scottish Highlands: Dramatic Views in Unusually Clear Conditions

Typically misty and wet, the Highlands are enjoying a dry spell in 2025. Regions like Glencoe, Fort William and the Cairngorms are seeing consistent temperatures, making them accessible for hikers, photographers and road trippers. Fewer midges and clearer air are a bonus!

Sussex and the South Downs: Coastal Walks and Countryside Towns

Looking for gentle hills and charming seaside towns? The South Downs and Sussex coast are ideal. Warm, dry evenings make it perfect for walking the South Downs Way, exploring Lewes, Rye, and enjoying vineyard tours — with far fewer tourists than Brighton or Bournemouth.

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast: Mild Weather and Quiet Trails

This summer, Northern Ireland’s north coast is enjoying dry, mild conditions with temperatures around 20–25°C. The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and scenic routes between Portrush and Ballycastle are less crowded and more enjoyable than ever.

Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales: Wild Beauty Without the Rush

Wales often flies under the radar in UK travel plans, but Pembrokeshire is a gem for summer adventurers. With golden beaches, quiet coastal villages, and the scenic Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it’s a quieter alternative to Devon or Cornwall. This summer’s dry weather makes it ideal for cliff walks, kayaking, and visiting less-crowded beaches like Barafundle Bay or Whitesands.

Isle of Wight: Sunniest Microclimate in the UK

The Isle of Wight consistently ranks as one of the sunniest places in the UK — and in 2025, it’s even more appealing. With ferry access from Portsmouth or Southampton, it offers charming coastal towns like Ventnor and Shanklin, plus sandy beaches, scenic bike routes, and summer festivals, all with fewer crowds than mainland hotspots.

The Yorkshire Dales: Rolling Hills and Rural Calm

If you’re after peaceful landscapes, dry stone walls, and friendly market towns, the Yorkshire Dales are calling. This region is basking in an unusually dry summer, perfect for walking trails around Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, and Bolton Abbey. It’s much quieter than the Lake District and ideal for slow-paced rural travel.

Norfolk Broads: Serene Waterways and Hidden Nature

Norfolk is experiencing warm, dry weather this year, and the Broads are perfect for boat hires, birdwatching, and countryside picnics. The network of rivers and lakes lets you explore charming villages like Wroxham and Horning — all without the tourist crowds you’d expect in peak season spots. It’s a peaceful way to enjoy summer on the water.

What Travellers Are Reporting

“Brits flocked to beaches and parks last weekend as temperatures soared above 32°C in London and the south coast.”
— Source: The Sun

“A broken-down train with no air conditioning left over a thousand passengers stranded in near 33°C heat, prompting emergency evacuations.”
— Source: The Sun

Heatwaves have pushed people toward coastal areas, local parks and cooler regions, leading to real-time shifts in travel preferences.

Travel Planning Tips for Summer 2025

• Avoid peak times in major cities if you prefer quieter travel
• Book countryside or coastal accommodation early, as demand is rising
• Travel early in the day to avoid peak sun during heatwaves
• Carry sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and light clothing
• Check train/road updates for rural travel due to heat-related disruptions

First-Time Travelling to the UK in Summer?

If it’s your first summer trip to the UK, 2025 is a great year to start. With rare, consistent warm weather across the country, your experience will likely be very different from the usual wet-and-windy stereotype. That said, there are still a few essentials you should keep in mind to make the most of your visit.

• Pack layers, not just summer clothes: While days are warm, evenings can still be cool — especially in rural or coastal areas.
• Use contactless payment: Most places in the UK now prefer or only accept cards or mobile pay like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Trains are great, but plan ahead: UK train services are convenient, but delays can happen. Book in advance and always check live updates.
• Tap water is safe: No need to buy bottled water — carry a reusable bottle and refill it anywhere.
• Don’t rely only on London: The UK has much more to offer outside of the capital — especially during a summer like this one.

Final Word

This is not the usual British summer. With above-average temperatures, clearer skies and a growing number of lesser-known destinations benefiting from the shift in weather, 2025 offers a unique window for travel.

The best places to visit in the UK in summer this year are not just beautiful. They’re quieter, more comfortable, and easier to explore. For those planning a visit, now is the time to look beyond the obvious, pack light, and take advantage of what may be one of the most enjoyable UK summers in years.