From summer holidays and sunshine adventures to beach days, sea swims and long, drawn-out evenings enjoying jolly barbeques with family and friends, there’s lots to love about the balmy days of August.

Whether you hanker after a rural hideaway where you can unwind and relax in total tranquillity, or you’re keen to immerse yourself in the buzz and culture of the area’s many festival and music events, there’s plenty on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland this summer.

From uncrowded beaches and remote boltholes located high in the Northumberland National Park with cows and fluffy sheep as neighbours, to popular seaside towns and the bustling streets of Edinburgh during the city’s infamous Fringe Festival we’ve rounded up August’s hidden gems and the hotspots, so that you can find your perfect summer staycation whatever shape or form it might take. Read on to discover more.

 

Hidden gems

   

The Northumberland National Park

If escaping the crowds in favour of squirreling yourself away for some peace and quiet, you can’t beat The Northumberland National Park. Sparsely populated and gloriously remote, it’s a haven for walkers, cyclists and is abundant in wildlife. Spot red squirrels, wild goats, roe deer and birds among the rolling hills and a variety of birdlife in the big skies. From eco-cottages and rambling farmhouses to a pleasingly rural Shepherd’s hut, there are plenty of ways to experience the perfect peace.

STAY NEARBY AT: Wagtail; Broadgate House; The Star Barn; Shepherd’s House.

The Berwickshire Coast

For a beach trip without the crowds, you can’t beat the Berwickshire coastline. A place of glittering seas, quaint harbours and pretty villages, this part of the coast is often overlooked for in favour of seaside hotspots in East Lothian or along the Northumberland coastline. Just an hour from Edinburgh, the sandy horse-shaped sands of Coldingham Bay are ideal for families looking for on the doorstep beach entertainment, while the pretty village of Cockburnspath offers a quiet, laid-back seaside experience.

STAY NEARBY AT: 3 The Bay; 7 The Bay; Three Acre Cottage; Windyrig.

The Scottish Borders

With rolling hills, mighty rivers, picturesque open countryside and stunning beaches, the Scottish Borders is much defined by its dramatic landscapes. Dotted with castles, abbeys, fortifications, and plenty of pretty cottages, the Borders are the gateway to Scotland and are a wonderful place to unwind and get away from it all. The quiet countryside near the River Tweed and the Border towns of Coldstream, Kelso and Melrose are among our favourite spots. Whether you like to fish, walk, shop or just enjoy a pint in a friendly local pub you’ll find it all here.

STAY NEARBY AT: Fairnington East Wing; Newton Cottage; Lilylaw; The Lauderdale, Thirlestane Castle.

Holiday hotspots

  

Edinburgh

Throughout August, the Scottish capital bursts into vibrant life with the arrival of four cultural festivals: The Edinburgh Art Festival (28^th July – 28^th August), The Edinburgh International Festival (5^th -28^th August), The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (5^th – 27^th August) and finally, the biggie, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival – the world’s largest cultural arts festival. With performing and visual arts, to bagpipes and military marching bands – plus everything in between – there really is something for everyone!

Combine the best of both worlds by staying away from all the bustling crowds, so that you can relax and unwind in peace after you’ve had your cultural fix! Below are several of our closest properties.

 

STAY NEARBY AT: The Sheep Cote, Pentland Hills; Hawthorn House. 

North Berwick

Small but perfectly formed, Fringe by the Sea is a mini-version of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Set in beautiful North Berwick, the event hosts a plethora of comedy, literature, film, music, silent discos and children’s events. When you’re not attending a performance, you can enjoy the beaches, go on a boat trip to Bass Rock, play a round or two of golf, eat at excellent local cafes and restaurants, or wander the streets of the pretty coastal town.

STAY NEARBY AT: Ploughman’s Bothy; The Coach House; Archer’s Retreat; Redcliff But ’n’ Ben.

Bamburgh

With the draw of its pristine sandy beach, historic castle and charming village filled with quirky shops and local eateries, it’s no surprise that Bamburgh tops many holiday makers’ bucket lists. From beach cricket and windsurfing to golf and boat trips over to the Farne Islands, plus a fantastic array of events at Bamburgh Castle – including outdoor theatre and cinema nights – there’s plenty of fun to be had for all the family.

Within an easy day-tripping distance of many of our Northumberland and Scottish Borders properties you don’t have to stay in Bamburgh to enjoy the pretty village and its beaches.

STAY NEARBY AT: The Rushes; Lindisfarne View; Lesbury House Lodge.