UK's revitalised seaside resorts; Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains; island hopping in Shetland
Skip to main content The Guardian | |
|
|
This newsletter supports our Guardian Holidays business | |
|
|
|
Good evening There’s a unique kind of fun to be had at many of Britain’s traditional seaside towns - and for writer Amber Butchart, Great Yarmouth in Norfolk is the resort that has her heart. With its spectacular circus (the sinking floor transforms into a pool graced by synchronised swimmers for the grand finale), Edwardian cinemas (one of which has been reborn as a music and comedy venue), quaint tearooms and model village, it’s a place that has retained its character over the decades, remaining resilient in the face of declining coastal communities. Built on the “twin pillars of fishing and fun” - its fortune was made from herrings which migrate along the coast - Amber’s hometown thrives, partly because it’s still dominated by family-run businesses, many with connections to the travelling show folk of yesteryear. The coastline is also glorious, “miles of wide, sandy beaches, tufted with marram grass and rippled with dunes.” As circus ringmaster Jack tells Amber: “It’s like a pilgrimage. Even if you only go once, you should go on holiday to Great Yarmouth.” Elsewhere this week our writers visit other revitalised UK resorts, from Llandudno to Scarborough, enjoying their magical mix of tradition and innovation. We do love to be beside the seaside - and hope you do too. | Andy Pietrasik Head of Travel |
| |
|
| | |
|
|
| ‘A town built on fishing and fun’: why Great Yarmouth will always be my first resort Read more |
|
| |
Our travel picks of the week | | | |
| |
Featured trip | Sicily grand tour - save up to £300pp
| | Enjoy plenty of time to explore the richness of Sicily’s history and culture on a small group tour which covers the many highlights and lesser known sights. You’ll see ancient Greek and Roman treasures such as the Valley of the Temples and Selinunte, discover baroque towns, visit nearby islands, walk Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes and relax on the coast. Depart 1 Nov 2025 and save £200pp (discount included in the price shown) plus an extra £100pp when you quote 25GUA100. | View deal |
|
| |
| Light at the end of the tunnels: classic rail routes through the Alps reopen |
| |
|
| |
This week's favourite trips |
| | Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express The perfect combination of Italian lakeside chic, with time on the shores of Lakes Como and Maggiore, and a spectacular rail journey through the alps. | View deal |
|
---|
| | Essential China - save £100pp See pandas, terracotta warriors, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City on this unforgettable journey from Beijing to Shanghai. | View deal |
|
---|
| | Hebridean island adventure - save up to 15% Explore Skye and the wonderful Western Isles where you’ll find spectacular scenery, unique cultures, castles and more… Prices shown include the discount. | View deal |
|
---|
|
|
| |
| ‘Dizzying coastal paths, quiet beaches and dolphins’: readers’ highlights of the UK coastline |
| |
|
| |
Deal of the week | Ancient Greece uncovered - save up to 20% | Enjoy an early autumn journey through history as you explore the wonders of Classical Greece from the Parthenon to the Temple to Apollo at Delphi and Olympia, where you can try the 100m sprint at a two millennia old track. Depart 3 or 17 September 2025 to save up to 20%. Prices shown include the discount. | | View deal |
|
| |
| Image of the week | Fossils, forests and wild orchids: exploring the white cliffs of Denmark
|
|
| |
|
| |
|