Best Places to Visit in the Month of July in the UK

There’s no doubt that summer in the UK is something to shout about. With long, light days, lovely weather, ringing festivals, and blooming scenery, July is quite possibly the best time to explore the UK. Whether you’re looking for a trip to a seaside town, a cultural city break, or a countryside kick-back, you’ll find it all in this guide to the Best Places to Visit in the Month of July in the UK. Explore scenery, towns, and cities, from coastal Verbena and Scampa, to communities like Kew Garden and Weston-summer-Sea. 

Why travel around the UK in July?

Before we get to the ‘top-10’ list of places to visit let us give you some reasons why July will be one of the best months to travel across the UK:

• 🌤️ Great Weather: The weather is generally mild to warm, with July temperatures often 20–25°C ideal for sightseeing, and outdoor activities too.

• 🎉 Festival Season: July is a month where the opportunity to attend internationally recognised events such as the Wimbledon Championships, the British Grand Prix, and the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival too.

• 🏞️ Natural Beauty: Nature is undoubtedly at its best with national parks, parks, gardens, and flowers in bloom.

• 🧳 School Holidays: If you’re planning to take your family away during summer, July is the ideal month for visits, with summer attractions operating across the country.

1. Cornwall – Coastal Strolls and Beaches 

Why Go in July: 

 Cornwall has some of the best surfing beaches in the UK, golden sands, surfable waves, and seaside villages all jammed together make Cornwall one of the Best Places to Go in July in the UK. Specific highlights of Cornwall include the charming little coastal towns of St Ives, Newquay or Penzance to name a few. 

Highlights: 

1. Surfing at Fistral Beach 

2. Walking part of the South West Coast Path 

3. Visiting the Eden Project and Minack Theatre 

2. Edinburgh – Culture and Festivals 

Why Go in July: 

July is an excellent time to visit Edinburgh before the crowds descend in August for the Fringe Festival, however for one month only (in July) it is possible to enjoy Edinburgh without the peak July crowds. A city full of music,escapism and incredibly saturated in culture and heritage. 

Highlights: 

1. Discover Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace 

2. Hike up Arthur’s Seat 

3. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 

3. The Lake District – Nature and Relaxation 

Why Go in July: 

If you want to be out on peaceful lakes, unspoiled hikes and quaint towns then you have a balance of adventure and relaxation in July with the warm weather in the Lake District. 

Highlights: 

1. Boat on lake Windermere 

2. Hike Scafell Pike or Catbells 

3. Visit literary connections like the house of Beatrix Potter 

4. London – A Summer Experience of Iconic Sights

Why To Go in July: 

London is fun in the summer with outdoor cinema, rooftop bars and cultural events buzzing across the city. It was either Paris or London or both as they are best buys for a city break in July.

Highlights: 

1. Visit Buckingham Palace (open to the public in the summer) 

2. Watch the Wimbledon tennis championship or concert series at BST Hyde Park 

3. Have a picnic in Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath

5. Isle of Skye – Scotland’s Natural Wonder

Why To Go in July: 

With relatively good weather in July, it’s a great time to experience the dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines and fairy pools that Skye has to offer. 

Highlights:

1. Walk to the Old Man of Storr 

2. Visit Dunvegan Castle 

3. Hiking at Quiraing and explore Portree Village

6. York – Where History Comes Alive

Why to Go in July: 

With medieval streets and Roman history, York is a historic wonder. In July the city feels vibrant with summer festivals and tours. 

Highlights:

1. Walk on the York City Walls 

2. Visit York Minster and the Jorvik Viking Centre 

3. Attend the York Early Music Festival

7. The Cotswolds – The Real English Countryside

Why Visit in July:

The country is bursting with life, the gardens are blooming, the honey stone cottages are postcard perfect in July, this is the best time to be enjoying leisurely drives and pub lunches.

Highlights:

1. Visit Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe

2. Stroll through the lavender fields at Snowshill

3. Explore the antique shops and historic manors

8. Brighton – Beach Fun and Summer Vibes

Why Visit in July:

For the quintessential British beach break with a boho twist, then Brighton is the place to be. The seaside town is alive in July with sun, food and festivals happening.

Highlights:

1. Explore Brighton Pier and pebble beach

2. Stroll through The Lanes for boutique shopping

3. Visit the Royal Pavilion and the Pride events

9. Pembrokeshire Coast – Wales’ Coastal Playground

Why Visit in July:

If you want to visit somewhere in Wales less frequented, then consider Pembrokeshire, with astounding cliffs, remote coves and quiet beaches, this is a nature lover’s ideal, which is why Pembrokeshire makes our list as one of the Best Places to Visit in the Month of July in the UK.

Highlights:

1. Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

2. Visit Barafundle Bay and Tenby

3. See puffins on Skomer Island

10. Belfast & The Causeway Coast –  Where History Meets Natural Splendor

Why Visit in July:

Northern Ireland’s capital and the fantastic attractions nearby all shine in the summer months. The weather is perfect for wandering around dramatic coastlines with rich histories.

What will you see:

1. Walk the Giant’s Causeway

2. Explore Titanic Belfast Museum

3. Drive the “Causeway Coastal Route” for some scenic views. 

Tips Travelling to the UK in July

• Book Ahead: July is peak tourist season, so if you need transportation and accommodation you will need to book early.

• Pack Layers!: UK weather can still be unpredictable, so please include light jackets, and waterproofs.

• Check the Festival Dates: There are lots of free festivals, food fairs and open-air events on in towns and cities throughout July.

Conclusion

From Cornwall’s coastal escapes to cultural festivals in Edinburgh, choosing to go to the Best Places in the Month of July in the UK is never-ending!If you are seeking the thrill of the city, or tranquil countryside, or beautiful coastlines the UK has so much to offer in July to suit every traveler’s needs and desires.

So pack your bags, plan ahead, and enjoy the quirks and charms of summer in the UK.

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