Looking for a late getaway? These 7 UK stays have something special to offer
We've found UK stays with adventures for everyone – and there's some great late deals to be had
Summer might almost be over, but with the weather set to stay warm for a while yet, there are some fab opportunities for amazing getaways still to be had this year. So if you're looking for a last-minute break, or somewhere to relax when the kids go back to school, we've got some gorgeous and exciting locations that still have availability - and some unmissable late deals.
And these aren't your average getaways, they all offer something special - we've got floating saunas, cycling around the beautiful English countryside and following in Agatha Christie's footsteps, to name a few. Whatever your interests might be, and whoever you are going away with, there's a holiday here just waiting for you...
1. Fishing in Cornwall
It would be impossible to write a list of UK stays without including Cornwall, and this gorgeous Waterside holiday park in Tregoad is an idyllic countryside retreat just minutes from the coast. The best of land and sea, the Waterside holiday park is the perfect spot to stay, particularly if you want to indulge in a bit of fishing.
With two large fishing lakes cocooned by woodland, trails, and wildlife, adults and kids alike can embrace the peace and quiet while waiting for a catch. And once that's done, there are plenty of other activities for all ages to enjoy, including swimming, nature walks, and animal meet-ups before watching the sunset and enjoying some good food and evening entertainment on site. Waterside has some amazing late summer prices available now - and you can bring your dogs too!
2. Multi-generational fun in Pembrokeshire
Nestled within 500 of wild Welsh countryside in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Bluestone Wales is the only UK holiday resort situated inside a National Park. A holiday suited to multi-generations - there is something here for everyone.
The Blue Lagoon Water Park with flumes, wave machine and toddler splash areas will keep adults and kids them entertained for hours, whatever the weather. The Serendome is set up for all-weather play, with street‐food stalls, entertainment and activity zones. There's also the The Hive, which includes soft play, an indoor football pitch, Airmaze bouncy castle, climbing frames and a cafe.
And if the grown ups want some down time, Bluestone has The Well Spa - an adult-only service offering thermal experiences, hydrotherapy, saunas, steam rooms and a range of luxury treatments. If all that wasn't enough, the resort provides easy access to Pembrokeshire's award‐winning beaches, walking routes, local towns, bars, restaurants and coastal adventures.
Can't wait to go - don't miss some cracking last-minute deals at Bluestone.
3. E-Bike through Herefordshire
With its abundant apple orchards, red-earth landscapes, dense woodlands and distinct dearth of holidaying crowds, Herefordshire is the perfect backdrop for an active summer break.
Hop on two wheels with the first UK holiday from biking specialist The Slow Cyclist, which has launched a four-night e-bike ride through Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders. You’ll pedal through moorland, valleys and countryside estates, stopping off at the likes of Hay-on-Wye and Dore Abbey.
4. Follow in Agatha Christie's footsteps
This year marks half a century since the death of crime-writing grande dame Agatha Christie. In a nod to her literary influence – and her roots in Devon – the Cary Arms & Spa has created a two-night themed break where you can trace her history.
The package includes a guided exploration of Christie’s birthplace, Torquay, and a visit to her former home and now National Trust site Greenway. A candlelit 1920s-themed dinner and a copy of Christie’s novel Dead Man’s Folly are thrown in, too.
5. Pamper your pooch
Is it not a summer holiday without Fido in tow? Check in to Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham, where 18 dog-friendly rooms – including four with gardens – are supplemented with a posh doggy bed or crate, food and water bowls, and pup meals such as Bark Burgers. There’s even a Paw Spa, where muddy canines can be hosed down with gentle Digby shampoo after a romp in the fields.
6. Channel beach club vibes
With its glut of poolside cabanas nestled on soft golden sands, The NICI feels like it could be in Ibiza or Mallorca. But this is Bournemouth, and the body of water it overlooks isn’t the Med, but the English Channel.
There’s nowhere more luxe-feeling to be on a hot day than on one of its exclusive loungers, sipping chilled rosé. If things cloud over, there’s always the on-site spa or the rustic-chic Old Harry Rocks bar to check out instead.
7. Laze by the water in Norfolk
With its golden sands, candy-hued beach huts and bird-flecked marshes, North Norfolk comes into its own from June until September. Under big blue skies, walking trails squiggle through nature reserves, and chubby seals loll on dune-backed sands. Come for a break full of animal-spotting, walking and eating – the crab here is first rate – as well as reclining on the beaches. Take your pick from family-friendly Wells-next-the-Sea, broad and wild Holkham, and unspoilt, National Trust-managed Brancaster.
Just two miles from the handsome centre of Holt, newly renovated cottage Riverbank combines classic British eccentricity – think insect taxidermy and clashing maximalist wallpapers – with modern design.
From a lounge lined in old books, curios and rambling plants, big sliding doors open up into a garden fringed by a meandering stream. Kick back with a drink and snack sourced from the on-site honesty pantry and listen to the tripping sounds of the water, treetop birdsong and the lazy buzz of insects on a long, late summer’s afternoon.
Once darkness falls, you can retreat to the sturdy wooden kitchen table,
set by a worn brick hearth, for board games, local pizzas and wine until late. Perfect for beach lovers.
Unwind in a floating sauna
Take in the coastal view from a different perspective this summer, at Wales’
first floating sauna. Moored at Penarth Marina, Sauna Flô – which was founded by former Team GB athlete Rory Heslop – offers the chance to sweat it all out in social community sessions or a private hire with friends.
Follow up the heat with a plunge in adjoining ice baths or a zingy cold shower, or even a stand-up paddleboard lesson from the nearby South Wales Paddle Boarding Club (southwalespaddleboarding.co.uk). Then stick around longer to explore Penarth’s nostalgic pier, crowned with a restored art deco pavilion.
