Summer may be drawing to a close (unfortunately) but it really has been one of my best ever topped off a couple of weeks ago with a pretty wild trip to Ibiza. We may only have a couple of weeks to go before the summer sun sets for the last time and takes us into Autumn but I plan to cling onto every last ray. With this in mind it was pretty convenient that I was asked last week by Malibu to compile my #BestSummerEver bucket list.
As the main element of the #BestSummerEver campaign Malibu have sent a group of lucky friends off on 40 day trip of a lifetime across Europe. The group have been documenting their escapades in a series of videos, which you can view over on the exclusive Malibu YouTube channel. So what about my list? Well after much though I decided to focus my bucket list on the best things to do here in blighty. The British Isles after all offer so much to see and do from the hustle and bustle of the big cities to the tranquillity of the national parks.
So here goes…
The Edinburgh Festival Not just one festival but in fact a collection of festivals that run alongside each other each August in Scotland’s capital city. The most well-known of these and perhaps most successful is the Fringe, which has grown into the worlds largest arts festival. The Fringe attracts performers from right across the globe who bring their brand of theatre, comedy, music, musicals, dance and children’s shows to the city. Unfortunately the Fringe drew to a close just this past weekend so if you missed it you have a wee while to wait until it all kicks off again but I guess it’s never too early to start planning for summer 2015.
Brighton The seaside has played as big a part in the traditional British summer as crap weather therefore it was essential I included a trip to the seaside in my list. Brighton benefits from not only a beach (which is clean), a traditional pier and all the usual seaside paraphernalia but also a thriving art scene, iconic architecture and pretty decent weather. My whistle-stop tour would have to feature a visit to the No Walls Gallery which also have some great art on display and is located just a stones throw from the famous Royal Pavilion.
Road Trip!! The great thing about our little island is that nothing is really that far apart. You can jump in the car hit the road and without going too far come across something decent worth doing. No summer time road trip is complete in my eyes unless it goes via a theme park and what better park to make my list than Alton Towers. Arguably the best in the country and one of the best in Europe. Even if like me you are a bit of a scardey cat when it comes to the big rides there is still lots to keep you amused.
Sit on top of the world Well not quite literally but on a clear summers day there is no place to view London than from the viewing deck on The Shard. You can travel 72 levels above the ground and enjoy spectacular views for up to 40 miles in the partially outdoor viewing deck. If heights make you feel a bit queasy but you still want to get among the rooftops head to the Radio rooftop bar @ Me Hotel. From the open air rooftop bar you enjoy drinks and tapas while taking in some fabulous views of central London.
Set Sail for Belfast Hop on the ferry from Liverpool or Cairnryan to Belfast for a weekend break in one of Europe’s emerging must see cities. A city with a turbulent past it has recently benefited from a rebirth with a host of new attractions and things to do including the newly opened Titanic museum.