5 Things you need for your summer holiday

Yes, it’s finally here! Summer has arrived in the UK in all its splendour. The beaches are gleaming, the sea is sparkling and the locals are bustling to get things just right for when the multitudes alight on their sleepy towns.

Whether you’re venturing to your very own Cornish bolthole by the sea or hauling the whole family away to your beach villa in Devon, there are a few things that we think will help you make the most of your seaside getaway this year, and while we can’t promise a full 12 weeks of sunshine, our list of top 5 things should utterly perfect your summer holiday no matter the weather. So here goes:

A Capsule Wardrobe

Nobody likes to feel weighed down with tons of stuff when they’re on holiday, but to be honest many of us over-pack when we go away. Sure, the British weather can be unpredictable but that doesn’t mean you need to haul down your winter kit from the loft just yet… a few essentials will do the trick nicely whatever the weather. A lightweight waterproof raincoat is all you’ll need for wetter days (you can still wear your shorts and flops), a sarong which works beautifully as a cover up on those hot days when you’re lazing around the pool or hot tub, a smart pair of flip flops that can transition from day to night, cotton pull-on trousers which can be dressed up or down, and a pair of walking shoes which will mean that you get to explore the beautiful coast paths that line both Devon and Cornwall whenever you feel like it.

Click here for cottages with a pool or here for your very own hot tub hideaway?

A Holiday Read

The best holidays are those that help us to feel completely detached from life’s busy schedules. Whether lazing on the beach or curled up on the sofa of your holiday home, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a good book. Waterstones have released their list of top summer paperbacks for 2022 so if you’re looking for inspiration, this is a great place to start.

Click here for holiday cottages with a sea view for the best place to enjoy your holiday read

A ‘What’s On’ Guide

Summer is a time of outdoor celebration so you’ll find that many seaside towns and villages have a full agenda of events that will run during the months of July and August. Family fayres, food fests and music events are all in the mix so why not head over to the tourism / information websites of the town you’re staying in before you travel, and pop a few events in your holiday diary for something extra to look forward to.

The South West Coast Path App

It’s no secret that Devon and Cornwall have some of the most scenic coastal walks around with most of South Devon lying within an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and much of Cornwall being part of the English Heritage society. Pick paths that take you past jaw-dropping ocean views like the walk through Tintagel or Saints Way (from Padstow to Fowey) in Cornwall. Berry Head in Brixham is a lovely route if you prefer something a little flatter and flaunts not only a show stopping vantage point over Tor Bay, but also let’s you get close up to the ruins of a garrisoned fort which was built at the turn of the 19th Century. Especially good also for those who bring their dogs on holiday, these and many, many more can be found on the South West Coast Path app so have it downloaded and handy for when you fancy getting out into the fresh sea air.

For pet-friendly holiday cottages by the sea click here

A Selection of Board Games

Holidays are all about spending time together and nothing is more fun than gathering everyone around the dining room table for a bit of healthy competition. From old favourites like Ludo and Monopoly that the whole family can join in with, or more strategic games like Risk, this is the perfect way to end action-packed beach days or for passing the time when the weather is wet.

For holiday homes for 6 or more guests click here