The holiday season is finally upon us.
If you’re choosing to stay closer to home this year, take a look at the different types of destinations you can easily drive to for a last-minute summer holiday.
The Beach
A beach holiday is a particularly smart last-minute choice when the weather turns warm. Simply book a place to stay, whether it’s an Airbnb or a local campsite, fill your coolbox with snacks, and pack your roof box with holiday essentials.
Top Picks
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few of our favourite beaches and beach towns to get you started.
Tenby – Pembrokeshire
The seaside town of Tenby, located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a popular holiday spot known for its colourful streets and four beautiful beaches. Each one offers something a little different:
- Castle Beach – At low tide, you can walk across to St Catherine’s Island, or simply relax with a deck chair and a coffee from the nearby café.
- Tenby Harbour Beach – A small, picturesque beach tucked inside the harbour, easily reached via steps and paths from the town.
- North Beach – Famous for its golden sand, rock pools and the iconic Goscar Rock sitting proudly in the centre.
- South Beach – A long stretch of sand that’s perfect for walking, paddling and enjoying a bit more space away from the busy town centre.
The town also boasts a range of restaurants, cafes and amenities, making it a one-stop shop for a beach holiday and great for families.
Bournemouth – Dorset
Another well‑loved seaside destination sits on the Dorset coast of England. Bournemouth is famous for its seven miles of golden coastline and a huge choice of things to see and do.
Highlights include:
- Boscombe Beach – A lively spot that’s ideal for water sports and surfing.
- Southbourne Beach – A family‑friendly stretch with nature trails, cafés and restaurants.
- Westbourne Urban Village – Perfect for a relaxed day out shopping.
- Russell‑Cotes Art Gallery & Museum – A must‑visit for anyone who loves art, history and culture.
Bournemouth Pier is another standout attraction, stretching out into the sea and offering indoor climbing, a thrilling zip wire and a restaurant with great views. With so much to explore, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to make the most of everything Bournemouth has to offer.
Luskentyre Beach – Scotland
At the other end of the country is Luskentyre Beach up in Scotland. Located on the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre is recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and a shining example of unspoiled natural beauty. Miles of white sand and green-blue water combine to present picturesque scenery that’ll be a worthy addition to any photo album.
Padstow – Cornwall
Padstow is North Cornwall’s bustling fishing hub, well‑known for its fresh seafood and its links to celebrity chef Rick Stein. When you arrive, expect a lively harbour filled with colourful fishing boats and the unmistakable scent of sea air.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches close by, including:
- Polzeath – A surfer’s paradise, packed with cool cafés and bistros.
- Rock Beach – Just a short ferry ride from Padstow and perfect for dining out.
- Harbour Cove – A sheltered spot with wide sandy flats and dunes, ideal for families and dog walkers.
- Trevone Beach – A small sandy cove that’s great for swimming and rock pooling.
With its mix of great food, stunning beaches and a lively harbour, Padstow is the perfect Cornish escape.
The Forest
From local woodlands to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are miles and miles of hectares of forestry to explore across the country.
A forest holiday is a great last-minute option if you’re someone who loves nothing more than hiking through towering tree trunks or racing up and down narrow trails on your mountain bike.
Top Picks
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few of our favourite forests locations to help get you started.
Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire
Located in Gloucestershire, close to the border between Wales and England, the Forest of Dean is an ancient woodland that’s renowned for its beauty and wildlife.
It’s a great place to explore, and the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre provides a readymade set of trails and downhill runs for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Check out our favourite cycle routes in the Forest of Dean.
This area of the country isn’t just famous for its wild boars and dense woodland; there are also quaint towns nestled in the county that are well worth the visit, including:
- Lydney – Known as the “Gateway to the Forest”, with a lovely harbour and lakes.
- Coleford – A charming market town and a great base for exploring the forest.
- Simmonds Yacht – a riverside village known for canoeing, riverside pubs and peaceful woodland walks. From here, walk up to Simmonds Yacht Rock for an incredible view and the chance to spot peregrine falcons.
The Forest of Dean is also home to Puzzlewood, an ancient woodland estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Its unique moss‑covered rocks and twisting roots have made it a filming location for major franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter, and it’s well worth a visit for its magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
Tollymore Forest Park – Northern Ireland
Tollymore Forest Park in County Down, Northern Ireland, is open all year and offers breath-taking views of the Mourne Mountains on one side and the Irish Sea on the other. It’s a brilliant place to unwind, with spacious camping areas and plenty to do, from walking trails and horse riding to orienteering and exploring the forest at your own pace.
Coed y Brenin Forest Park – Snowdonia
Then there’s Coed y Brenin Forest Park in Snowdonia, Wales. This activity‑filled area offers something for everyone and is home to the UK’s first and largest dedicated mountain bike trail centre. There are miles of single‑track routes for experienced riders, along with family and intermediate trails suitable for all abilities. It’s a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery.
The Lake
A last-minute holiday getaway to a lake brings with it tranquil views, water sports and the prospect of a memorable family trip. There are a multitude to choose from up and down the country, so even if you live in a big city, a lake is probably only a road trip away.
Lakes are another location where there’s likely to be ample opportunity for cycling and camping, so make sure your bikes are in good working order and pack those tents to ensure you can really get the most out of your time away.
Top Picks
If you’re not sure where you can find your nearest lake, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites that you can pop in the sat nav and visit.
Lake District
We couldn’t include an entry about lakes without recommending the Lake District. England’s largest National Park, the Lake District, boasts 16 lakes, including:
- Windermere – the largest lake in England, known for boat trips, water sports and lively nearby towns.
- Derwentwater – surrounded by dramatic fells and close to the popular town of Keswick.
- Buttermere – a peaceful, picture-perfect lake with a flat, circular walking route.
Lock Lommond & Trossachs National Park – Scotland
Lomond & The Trossachs National Park takes you to the meeting point of Scotland’s lowlands and highlands, creating a landscape full of variety. The park’s centrepiece is the famous Loch Lomond, where you can cruise on the water, rent a kayak or canoe, or explore the surrounding villages. There are also aerial adventure parks nearby if you’re after something more active.
Lough Erne – County Fermanagh
Lough Erne, one of Northern Ireland’s largest lakes, sits in the heart of County Fermanagh. The lake is dotted with 154 islands, many of which can be explored on foot or by boat. Water sports are a major attraction here, and the surrounding historic towns and villages offer plenty to see and do, making it a peaceful yet activity‑rich destination.
The City
If you’re looking for an action-packed holiday destination, then you can’t go wrong with a city break. We’re lucky enough to have plenty of bustling cities to enjoy here in the UK, along with a whole host of other county towns dotted across the landscape.
Whenever you choose to go, make sure your car is kitted out with the latest tech, such as a sat nav to help you navigate the unfamiliar streets with ease and a stereo to keep you entertained while you do so.
Top Picks
Edinburgh – Scotland
We could have chosen any of the UK’s capital cities, but Edinburgh stands out for its cobblestone streets, striking architecture and rich history.
Here are our top recommended things to do:
- Edinburgh Castle – historic fortress overlooking the city and home to Scotland’s crown jewels.
- Old Town – cobblestone streets, hidden closes and centuries of history to explore.
- Arthur’s Seat – an ancient volcano offering panoramic views across Edinburgh.
Bath – Somerset
Bath offers something truly unique, with its picturesque Regency streets, this city is straight out of a period drama.
We recommend visiting:
- Roman Baths – one of the best‑preserved ancient bathhouses in the world.
- Thermae Bath Spa – modern spa with naturally heated mineral waters, perfect for a relaxing dip.
- Bath Abbey – a stunning Gothic church in the heart of the city.
Cambridge – Cambridgeshire
Cambridge is home to the world‑famous University of Cambridge, which means the city is full of impressive architecture.
Our highlights include:
- University of Cambridge – historic colleges and impressive Gothic architecture.
- Punting on the River Cam – a classic way to see the city from the water.
- The Backs – scenic green spaces behind the colleges, perfect for walking.
York – North Yorkshire
York is a city steeped in history, with medieval streets, ancient walls and the stunning York Minster at its heart.
You won’t want to miss these top sights:
- York Minster – one of Europe’s finest cathedrals with breath-taking stained glass.
- The Shambles – a narrow medieval street lined with timber‑framed buildings.
- City Walls – walkable ancient walls offering great views of the city.
Prepare for your journey
Any car journey requires a bit of preparation before you leave, so here are some of the basics that we’d recommend taking care of.
10 Point Car Check
Nothing stops a getaway in its tracks like a car that won’t start.
This is an easy one to avoid thanks to our 10 Point Car Check. The service is available at your local Halfords garage or store and consists of vital vehicle checks to ensure your car is ready for upcoming journeys.
During your appointment, one of our experts will carry out the following checks:
- Headlight & brake light check
- Wiper blade condition check
- Battery health check
- Tyre depth check
- Tyre inflation check & top-up
- Windscreen chip check
- MOT due date reminder (UK only)
- Oil level check
- Screen wash top up
- AdBlue & coolant check
If our technician spots any issues, they’ll talk you through the work that’s needed to get your car roadworthy again.
We also offer a range of free car checks if there’s a particular area you’re concerned about, with our Free Air Con Check being particularly helpful in the warm summer months. Check out our full range of air con services to help keep your car icy cool.
Roof boxes and bike racks
If you’re looking to create more packing space in your car, a roof box can make a big difference. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, and our Buyer’s Guide can help you choose the one that best suits your needs. We can also fit it for you for a small fee, taking the hassle out of the process.
A bike rack is essential if you’re planning to bring your bikes along.
You can choose from the following types of rack, all with different capacities:
Before buying, make sure to check your car’s compatibility first using our online vehicle registration checker.
Breakdown essentials
Don’t get caught out by a breakdown with our breakdown essentials:
Products like these can help you to get you back on the road or at least to your nearest garage, so that they can give you a helping hand. For added protection, there’s also Halfords Breakdown Cover, which comes with a range of exclusive benefits.
Wherever you choose to go on your summer holidays this year, we hope you have a great time with your friends and family. Check out our full staycation range at Halfords.com, and equip yourself with the products and services you need to make your holiday one to remember.
Halfords Motoring Club
By joining the Halfords Motoring Club today, you’ll get access to a range of amazing benefits and discounts that are designed to keep you moving, keep you safe, and keep you saving.
Free Halfords Motoring Club Membership includes:
- Money off your MOT.
- A free 10-point car health check.
- A welcome voucher that can be spent on any Halfords product or service, including our range of windscreen wipers.
Or upgrade to our Premium membership (£5.49 monthly/£54 yearly) to unlock:
- An included MOT.
- 5% off all motoring services and products online and across our stores, garages, and Halfords Mobile Expert.
- 2 x 10-point car safety checks, worth £15 each.
- Even more exclusive member bargains and benefits.
Join the Halfords Motoring Club today and supercharge your summer!
