Isn’t the August bank holiday perfectly timed? With the weather at its warmest, it’s an ideal time to escape to a beach or explore the Great British countryside. For those with kids, it gives you one last long weekend of fun before it’s time for the return to school.
If you’re planning an awesome August bank holiday getaway this year, you’ll naturally want to get all the details just right. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips to help you prepare for an August long weekend to remember.
Setting a goal for your trip
The first thing to decide on when you’re planning your holiday is what you want to get out of it. Are you looking for rest and relaxation? A family get-together with fun for the kids? A legendary party weekend? Or are you gathering a big group with some people who’d love to lounge by the pool and others who can’t wait to go for a hike?
Either way, it’s crucial to pinpoint what vibes you’re looking for at the start. Once you’ve decided on the type of trip you’re dreaming of, it’s time for…
Choosing your location
There are so many fantastic destinations across the UK that are easy to get to for a long weekend. Here are just a few suggestions for choosing the perfect spot for an August bank holiday getaway.
Chill out in the water away from the crowds
When temperatures are high, of course everyone thinks of heading to the beach. There’s no more classic summer activity!
But cooling down in the water doesn’t have to mean bustling beaches. If you’re aiming for a more relaxing time, you’ll just need to choose a holiday home with private access to a beach or lake.
For example, Walnut Tree Manor in the Cotswolds includes a spring-fed lake where you can swim! There’s also a rowing boat if you prefer to be on the water – and you can even catch fish in the lake for your dinner.
Or there’s Surrounded by Sea in Cornwall, which comes with its own private beach and cove where you can swim among the seals.
Combine your trip with a festival
There are heaps of festivals and community events happening on the August bank holiday weekend. Some of them, like the Worcester Festival, are smaller events. Others, like the Leeds Festival, feature top musical artists. And, of course, we couldn’t forget to mention the Notting Hill Carnival!
If you’re looking to enjoy an event in a city or even a music festival through a day ticket, you might want to consider booking a spacious holiday home a few miles away. That way, you can enjoy the best of city and countryside.
Think about spreading out and enjoying some luxury with your friends and family, driving in to see the sights, then taking a relaxing walk among green hills before you head home. It’s the perfect mix of high-energy and low-energy activities to leave you refreshed before you get back to the grind.
Take a trip to an island
Can you take a holiday on an island while remaining in the UK? Of course!
If you’re looking to get away from the hubbub of town, consider a holiday home like the Captain’s House on Osea Island in Essex. This house sleeps 22 and includes a games room, so it’s great for a big group. Another option is the Art Deco marvel Villa Judapa on the Isle of Wight, featuring stunning stained-glass windows.
Finding your holiday home
How do you know you’re picking just the right holiday home for you? We’ve got some tips to help.
Get the perfect features
Sure, your holiday home is a roof over your head and a comfy bed at night, but it can be so much more than that. Bring your August bank holiday getaway to the next level by choosing a holiday let with fantastic features to boost the fun even more. If you’re a high-energy holidaygoer, you can hire a house with a tennis court or gym. If you’re traveling with kids or family, you might love a cinema room or swimming pool for quality time together. And of course, who doesn’t love a hot tub?
Balance togetherness and privacy
When you’re bringing together a large group, it’s important to decide how much alone time everyone wants. Sometimes it’s nice to be together as much as possible. In other instances, people prefer to have breakfast in couples or smaller family units and then get together later.
For example, you can bring together a group of up to 36 in comfort with Damselfly Lodges, a group of 8 beautifully converted barns in Suffolk. You can go to the local golf course or spa together, then split up for some privacy in the evening.
On the other hand, if you want heaps of quality time together, you can stay together in large, historic homes like the Castle on the Coast in Devon or Birkmere Hall Estate, a Grade I listed estate.
Sorting the logistics
When it comes to booking your holiday home, our most important piece of advice is this – book early! Hot destinations sell out, so you’ll want to begin planning now to ensure your August bank holiday getaway goes smoothly.
However, securing your booking is just the start. When you’re bringing together lots of people, another key element of planning your trip is communicating. You’ll want to ensure that everyone’s on the same page when it comes to plans, dates and times. You’ll also want to ensure that everyone’s accessibility and dietary needs are taken care of.
For this purpose, it’s often handy to create a shared document like a Google doc or spreadsheet that everyone can see and add to. This way, you can share links to buy tickets or look at restaurant menus, and you can create a schedule or plan that everyone can see.
Check out our guide to arranging group accommodation for more tips.
Need a hand with picking the right spot for your August bank holiday getaway?
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning that amazing summer bank holiday trip for your friends and family. kate & tom’s makes it easier with our selection of luxurious and unique holiday homes for August bank holiday staycations.
From countryside to coast and easy-going to action-packed, we have something to suit every type of bank holiday break in August. If you have any questions about our holiday houses, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected]. We’d love to help match you with the August bank holiday home of your dreams.
