My Top Places to Visit in July
Well hello July, the countdown to the summer holidays and the mad rush to get away is now on. And who can blame you for wanting a sunshine break with the weather we’ve been having in the UK? Those 4 days of sunshine better not have been our entire summer or I’ll be having words with Mother Nature! If this dismal weather has got you dreaming of warmer climes, then your monthly dose of travel inspiration might be just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a late getaway, or planning next summer’s holiday, here is my list of top places to visit in July.
Berlin
First on my list of top places to visit in July is Berlin. I’ve been to the city a couple of times but only in Spring and Winter. July 2024 is set to be a busy month for the city as it will be hosting the Euros Final on the 14th of July. But it is also generally a good month to see the city.
Berlin is Germany’s capital and is well-known for its beer gardens, outdoor spaces and café culture. There are plenty of bars and cafes along the river an hour or two. Or take a picnic to the Tiergarten, the main park in the city. July in Berlin is also the month of festivals. From a light festival at Botanical Night at the Botanical Gardens, the Arts Biennale and the funfair at Zentraler Festplatz.
There is so much history in Berlin to explore so it’s perfect if you have older kids who have maybe studied the World Wars and want to know more. The free Berlin Wall Memorial is amazing and would probably be suitable for kids of all ages. It focuses on life on either side of the wall and also has sections explaining escape attempts etc. There’s also the Mauerpark (Wall Park) which hosts markets and events. The East Side Gallery is a section of the wall which has been left standing and has a lot of the famous graffiti you see on it.
If history isn’t your thing, then there’s also Berlin Zoo which is home to Germany’s only giant pandas. You can also learn more about the conservation projects they run around the World. The Tierpark Wildlife Park is also great for a day out. There’s also the Museum of Natural History, the Computer Games Museum, the DDR Museum and the Germany Museum, so plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained!
Of course, in July the weather in Berlin is usually perfect for spending time outdoors. The Tiergarten Park is the main green space in the city, located just next to the Reichstag building. Perfect for picnics, exploring and playing together. There are also plenty of playgrounds in the city to burn off some energy. Or take a cruise up the river to see Berlin from a new perspective. If you book a trip to Berlin, give me a shout and I’m more than happy to send over a list of recommendations and ideas!
France
France in July is beautiful and there are so many options for towns, cities, and areas to spend your holiday in depending on the type of break you’re looking for.
Paris will be buzzing this July (2024) when the Olympics and Paralympic Games come to town. Even if you don’t have tickets for any of the events, there will be plenty of fan parks and events taking place around the games. Bastille Day is also a great time to be in France with many towns and cities throwing their celebrations. These often involve parades and fireworks.
Provence in July is absolutely beautiful with green vineyards and hand-made cheese. There are gorgeous seaside resorts to visit and Roman ruins. And July is the month of Lavender. Pretty much anywhere you go in the region, you’ll be able to see field after field of deep purple lavender plants.
If you’re into your wine, the Loire Valley should be your destination of choice. Vineyards around the banks of the Loire River grow heavy with grapes and it’s a great time to take part in some vineyard tours. It’s also said that there are 1000 chateaux in the region all with their character and attractions such as ornamental gardens. There is also a lot of historical monuments, castles and churches to be explored.
July is the month when the markets in France are at their best. Baskets full of tomatoes, olives, garlic and fruit feature heavily. Great if you’re staying in a self-catering cottage or apartment, and enjoy cooking for yourself.
Whichever part of France you opt to holiday in, there’ll be something for every family. There are plenty of theme parks and amusement parks spread throughout the country – don’t forget Disneyland Paris. There are also aquariums in most of the large coastal towns. Castles, chateaus, palaces and museums feature heavily. As well as beaches and lake resorts depending on where you choose to stay.
Cornwall
Next on my list of top places to visit in July is Cornwall. Summer in the UK can be a little iffy weatherwise, however, the south coast and Cornwall definitely see the lion’s share of the best weather.
If the weather is on your side, it’s possible to spend your entire time exploring the many beaches and coves. Building sandcastles, swimming in the sea (always check it’s safe) and feasting on freshly caught fish.
If the weather isn’t on your side, or you just get a bit sick of sand between the toes (and everywhere else!), there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you entertained. The Eden Project is one of the main attractions in the area. You can spend the full day exploring the different zones of the park, learning about conservation and the environment, and checking out the events which take place throughout the summer.
Done Eden Project, or looking for more activities? Well, Cornwall generally doesn’t disappoint! Head to St Michael’s Mount either by crossing the causeway at low tide, or taking a boat trip over there. I’d love to visit one day. I’ve been to Mont St Michel in France which is very similar. There are also plenty of castles and museums to explore. Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, or take a ride on the Bodmin Railway.
And of course, you can’t go to Cornwall without grabbing a Cornish ice cream, or a cream tea. But is it jam or cream first?!?
Albania
Albania was on my list of destinations to watch in 2024, and it’s also one of my top places to visit in July. Europe in summer is super popular, leading to packed beaches and cities. However, even in peak season, Albania is less crowded than other similar destinations. Albania is tipped to become a great alternative to Greece as it shares a similar climate and vibe. The lower visitor numbers mean beaches are less crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be a lot lower than in the Greek Islands.
Spend a few days in the capital Tirana for a city break and then spend the rest of your break in one of Abania’s coastal resorts. The Albanian Riviera has some of the most beautiful beaches around. Try Llamani Beach or Port Palermo.
There are also plenty of hiking trails and a national park to explore if getting outdoors is your kind of holiday. There is also a UNESCO-listed natural spring, the Blue Eye with waters that can reach up to 50 metres in depth. Lake Skadar is a great place to head to if you’re travelling with kids. There is tons of wildlife, lakes, and small villages to explore.
If you’re staying in Tirana, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit. It’s a great way of cooling down and sheltering from the sun for a few hours, with a dedicated children’s section to keep younger family members entertained. There’s also an artificial lake in the city which is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. You can rent a bike, take a picnic and soak up the sun. There are also plenty of food and ice cream stalls dotted about for when you need a rest!
Albania has a lot of historical monuments throughout the main visitor areas with castles, architecture, national parks and museums to match the interests of any family members. You can also take a cable car up to the summit of Mount Djati just outside the capital city. There’s an adventure playground at the top, perfect for kids. As well as opportunities to paraglide, hike or just relax with a coffee and enjoy the scenery.
The Seychelles
If you’re looking for somewhere a little further afield, my final destination on my list of top places to visit in July. With average temperatures of 28C, it’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine!
The islands all have amazing white sand beaches, clear blue waters and wildlife to spot. North Island is the place to be for VIP treatment with everyone from members of the Royal Family to George Clooney staying there. The island features cute thatched houses offering peace, relaxation and privacy.
The Seychelles islands have put a lot of work into developing sustainably, welcoming visitors whilst protecting the environment. It’s turned many of the uninhabited islands into nature reserves and invested heavily in marine conservation. Fregate Private Island features diverse wildlife and you can spend your days chilling with giant tortoises and rare birds. You can also visit the Cousin Island National Park which is full of different tortoise and bird breeds. Entrance fees are reinvested back into the reserve to guarantee its future.
You might think the Seychelles was all 5-star hotels, relaxation and cocktails by the pool but it’s also a great place for families. Yes, there are those beautiful resorts with absolutely everything you need at hand. All-inclusive food, drinks and ice-creams, pools, activities and kids clubs. But there are also many things to see and do outside of the hotels too.
If you’re staying in Mahe, visit the Botanical Gardens for a beautiful day out. Older kids might enjoy the Jardin du Roi where they can learn where spices come from. Or the Tea Factory where they can experience how tea is produced from the plant to the final product. If you’re staying on Praslin, take a boat trip to some of the nearby islands where you are guaranteed to come across giant tortoises and exotic birds. And of course, the beaches in the Seychelles are perfect for long days building sandcastles, swimming and snorkelling.
Top Places to Visit in July – Round-Up
Just to throw in a little bonus inspo… July is a great month to get away on a Safari. Think sweeping plains, the Great Migration, and the Big Five. The rainy season is over and the weather is more stable meaning you get to see flocks of birds and gazelles up close and personal. July is also when the wildebeest makes the migration from the Serengeti to Masai Mara. A safari could be a great option for a summer honeymoon or a family holiday.
If all of this talk of jetting off has got you inspired to book your next holiday, get in touch with your requirements and let me plan your perfect holiday. Here’s how to reach me…
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Happy travel planning! Michelle x
