As summer draws nearer in the northern hemisphere, the quest for the best holiday destinations is on everyone’s mind. Yet, with the aftereffects of a cool, wet winter lingering, and the cost of living sky-rocketing, many families find themselves watching their holiday budgets more closely this year. So, where to next?
Stress not! We have compiled a short list of budget-friendly summer getaways to ease your worries. And hey, before you brush off South Africa’s winter season, read on – we’ve got some compelling reasons why it deserves a spot on your summer itinerary. Curious? Let’s dive in and explore!
Where To Go This Summer In The UK
Best Holiday Destinations In Pembrokeshire, Wales
We have always enjoyed family holidays at the coast, in the mountains or in wildlife parks. Pembrokeshire ticks all the boxes: a breathtaking coastline stretching 299 km (186 miles), with over fifty beaches to enjoy, and a coastal path winding its way from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north, offering endless opportunities for adventure.
Now, while tackling the entire trail sounds enticing, we suggest picking a cosy spot as your home base and embarking on your explorations from there. Trust us, wherever you choose to stay along the coast, you’re in for a wildlife extravaganza, with birds and sea creatures galore. So, go ahead, pick your spot, and get ready for an unforgettable coastal getaway!
ST DAVIDS
Named after Wales’ patron saint, the cathedral city is the smallest city by population size in the United Kingdom. With a population size of around 1,348 people, St Davids (Tyddewi in Welsh) is tiny, but beautiful.
In essence, the city is more like a country village, with picturesque, narrow streets dotted with cosy cafes beckoning you to indulge in a delicious treat or sip on a steaming cup of coffee. Quaint boutiques showcase unique finds and charming galleries brim with local artistry.
Oriel Y Parc Gallery And Visitor Centre
Before you start exploring St Davids, we recommend you visit Oriel Y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre. When we first visited the centre, we assumed it would be just an ordinary information centre, but how wrong we were. Yes, it does provide you with a wealth of information about the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, but it also has a stunning art gallery exhibiting artefacts and art from the Museum Wales (Amgueddfa Cymru) as well as exhibitions of local artists’ work. It has an excellent cafe and extensive gift shop selling reasonably priced souvenirs.
Finally, the centre has a Discovery Room, which is specifically for children. The room has fun activities and displays designed to teach children about the local culture and landscape. All in all, Oriel Y Parc provides a good starting point from which to launch your exploration of the city and the area.
St Davids Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace
St Davids is steeped in history, with its namesake having lived here in the fifth century. Some interesting places to visit include St Davids Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace.
Begun in about 1180 AD, the Cathedral has a fascinating history, and remains a vibrant place of worship today. St David died on 1 March 589, and was buried in St Davids Cathedral. His shrine became a popular place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.
You can visit the Cathedral between 10:00 and 16:00 on Mondays – Saturdays, and 13:00 and 15:00 on Sundays. Entrance is free, but a donation of £5 per visitor is suggested.
In the 1300’s, a certain Bishop Henry of St Davids decided that the bishop was worthy of a residence as magnificent as the Cathedral itself. He set about transforming his residence into a palace where feasts were held and esteemed pilgrims welcomed. This opulence lasted until the reformation and now the Bishop’s Palace lies in ruins. They are still rather spectacular though!
Opening times vary depending on the season, and tickets to view the ruins are about £5 a visitor.
Whitesands Beach
A short distance from the city of St Davids, lies Whitesands Beach, a sweeping stretch of pristine sandy beach overlooked by craggy hills.
The north end of this Blue Flag beach is popular with surfers and other water sport enthusiasts, while visitors preferring quieter, secluded spots head for the sheltered bays at the south side.
It’s advisable to check the tide times when planning a trip down to the beach.
Activities
- Coasteering and Sea Kayaking: Before visiting Wales, I had never heard of coasteering. If you enjoy swimming across small bays to a rugged rock face, scrambling up this rock face and then throwing yourself back into the waters below, then coasteering is for you. In fact this adrenalin pumping activity started in Wales, and is popular amongst both young and old. Sea kayaking along the extensive coastline is also a popular activity. Many experienced coasteering and kayaking providers operate in the area. Adventure Beyond and TYF Adventure are just two providers we can recommend. Abereiddy Beach and Blue Lagoon are popular sites for these activities.
- Boat Trips: From Whitesands Beach you are able to see Ramsey Island, which is only 1km away. The entire island is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, providing a safe breeding space for coastal birds, peregrine falcons and choughs. Boat trips leave from St Justinians twice a day.
- Walking and Cycling: Just as it is elsewhere in the UK, walkers and cyclists are well catered for in and around St Davids. Paths and trails are well marked and maps can be found at the Oriel Y Parc Centre.
Where To Stay In St Davids
There is a wide variety of accommodation available in and around the city. Camping is popular in the summer.
- Celtic Camping offers camping and caravan sites as well as rustic cottages, all with an amazing view!
- Y Stablau Cottage on a working farm, offers a spacious, farmhouse experience close to the sea and the city.
Coffee Shops And Restaurants In St Davids
The best holiday destinations must also include great places to eat out, and St Davids has no shortage of these.
Pilgrim’s Cafe
Part of the Oriel Y Parc complex, Pilgrim’s Cafe offers delicious breakfasts, lunches and a range of tasty cakes daily. Everything is homemade. Opening hours are from 09:30 – 16:00 from Mondays to Saturdays and 10:00 – 16:00 on Sundays.
The Mill
Located in New Street, The Mill is a known in the tiny city for its scrumptious breakfasts and light lunches. Open from 09:00 till 16:00 Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and until 19:00 on Friday and Saturday, The Mill is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a good meal.
St Davids Gin and Kitchen
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a wholesome dinner, St Davids Gin and Kitchen won’t disappoint. The restaurant supports local farmers and fishermen, and uses only local produce. Serving traditional roasts on Sunday, the restaurant also has an extensive take-away menu.
The Weather In St Davids
August is the warmest month in St Davids, with most of the summer experiencing mild temperatures. It is Wales, and so you can never tell 100% what the weather will do. You can bank on some rain while you’re there, so be prepared.
Best Summer Destinations In The World
SOUTH AFRICA
While it might be winter in the southern hemisphere, there are some mild areas in South Africa that are often more sunny and pleasant than other countries’ summers. Here are some the best parts of South Africa to visit in their winter season: (We have purposefully not included lists of activities, as these are mentioned in the general information.)
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary that covers nearly 2 million hectares of land, making it one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It is home to an unrivalled diversity of life forms, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as numerous other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. Take a game drive or drive yourself around at your own pace.
August is the perfect time to visit the Kruger National Park. It can be chilly in the evenings, but the cooler day time temperatures mean that more animals venture out at any time. Winter is the dry season in the Kruger Park, resulting in the usually long grass being shorter and animals congregating at the numerous water holes, again helping visitors to see a large number of animals.
Where To Stay In The Kruger Park
- Skukuza Rest Camp is the largest of the rest camps in the Park. Skukuza was never our cup of tea, simply because of its size, but it certainly has many conveniences such as a well-stocked shop, restaurant, filling station, laundromat and more. Accommodation includes bungalows, family cottages and camp sites.
- Lower Sabie is our favourite rest camp. Being able to watch the animals come down to drink at the Sabie River is quite spectacular, and makes this rest camp a special place to stay. We camped here, but there are also cottages and bungalows.
- Satara Rest Camp lies further north, and is more rustic in nature. Another great spot for camping, there are also guest houses and bungalows. It is a great camp for spotting lions and cheetah.
If you enjoy a bit of history, then why not visit some other interesting places near the Park?
Western Cape
A beautiful and diverse province, there are so many attractions. From the iconic city of Cape Town to the spectacular wine routes, to the Karoo towns, there is a holiday waiting for everybody.
If small towns with plenty of charm, nestled at the foot of an impressive mountain range are your thing, then Prince Albert is for you. There are a variety of things to do in this little town and the weather is absolutely perfect in July and August – warm during the day and crispy cool at night. The town boasts a wonderful museum, fascinating local stores, an art gallery with a wide range of art work, and so many wonderful restaurants and coffee shops! Drives up the Swartberg Pass are a must, as are trips into the Prince Albert Valley and to the local fig farm.
Where To Stay In The Western Cape
- The Prince Albert Tourism site has an extensive and up to date list of excellent accommodation in the town.
- Read about some great accommodation in Cape Town in our 8-day itinerary.
- Our blog post about the Cape Wine Route contains a variety of accommodation suggestions too.
Drakensberg
One of the best holiday destinations in South Africa, is Okhahlamba, the Drakensberg, a majestic mountain range that stretches over one thousand kilometres in length!
Now, what makes this destination so special? Well, it’s all about diversity! The southern Drakensberg boasts the breathtaking Sani Pass, a thrilling adventure waiting to unfold. Then there’s the central Berg, home to our personal favourite, the enchanting Champagne Valley, where every vista feels like a postcard come to life. The northern Berg, has a slightly different look – the breathtaking Amphitheatre. With such a variety of landscapes and experiences, the Drakensberg promises a holiday like no other!
If you enjoy hiking, swimming in rivers and immersing yourself in the most beautiful scenery on the planet, then the Drakensberg must rank amongst the best holiday destinations for you. Fabulous restaurants and activity centres abound, and you will return from your holiday refreshed and invigorated.
Where To Stay In The Drakensberg
- Southern Drakensberg: Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort is fantastic! It is one of the larger resorts in the area, but its location is perfect – close to Sani Pass, as well as many walks in this part of the berg.
- Central Berg: Consult our list of favourite accommodation in the Central Berg.
- Northern Berg: The Royal Natal National Park has a variety of options and is located right up in the mountains.
Coffee Shops And Restaurants In South Africa
Peruse our best coffee shop recommendations from 2022 and 2023. They’re great places to start looking for quality eateries in the country.
The Weather In South Africa
Just as the country is so diverse, so is the weather.
July and August are dry and cool in the Kruger National Park. At this time in the Drakensberg, it is dry and cold, and it can snow too.
Cape Town tends to be cold and rainy, but further afield, in the Karoo, it is dry – warm and sunny during the day, cold at night.
Both Wales and South Africa are great destinations. All you have to do is make your choice!
