Muddy Stilettos

Temperatures across the Med are already shockingly high this summer (43˚C and rising), wild fires in Marseilles are making headlines and iconic tourist sites like the Acropolis in Athens will inevitably have to close during the hottest part of the day &#8211; little wonder we&#8217;re starting to look for alternative holiday destinations to the traditional favourites. The cool crowd are opting for more temperate climes instead, such as Alpine peaks, Icelandic city breaks and the scenic shores of the UK. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chilled-brit-breaks-nbsp">CHILLED BRIT BREAKS&nbsp;</h2>



It’s easy to forget how beautiful the UK can be in summertime, with long sunny days, warm pleasant evenings and some amazing places to holiday offering the perfect blend of adventure and downtime.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0ddb652d-52b7-4e78-8f80-e38ab5019894-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-114975" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0ddb652d-52b7-4e78-8f80-e38ab5019894-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0ddb652d-52b7-4e78-8f80-e38ab5019894-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0ddb652d-52b7-4e78-8f80-e38ab5019894.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wild Garden at Another Place, The Machrie </figcaption></figure>



If your main holiday aim is to get into the great outdoors, a holiday to Scotland’s Outer Hebrides is ideal. <a href="https://another.place/the-machrie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Another Place, The Machrie</a> on Islay (known as the Queen of the Hebrides) is about as far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life as you can get, think peaceful lodges, empty beaches, an excellent restaurant serving nourishing, local produce, wild garden with hot tubs and fat biking adventures on tap. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="709" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Decking2-1000x709.jpg" alt="Treehouses at Lanrick in Scotland " class="wp-image-114983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Decking2-1000x709.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Decking2-600x425.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Decking2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Another stunning option is <a href="https://www.lanricktreehouses.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Treehouses at Lanrick</a>, woodland dwellings on the edge of Scotland’s stunning Trossachs National Park, around an hour from Edinburgh. Super luxurious inside, including king-size beds and copper baths, they&#8217;re ideal for relaxing in after a day of wild swimming, kayaking or whiskey tasting at nearby Deanston Distillery.&nbsp;



More Highland heaven can be found at <a href="https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/destinations/scotland/john-ogroats/accommodation/3-bed-sea-view-lodge?nights=1&amp;adults=1&amp;children=0&amp;infants=0&amp;pets=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John O&#8217;Groats by Together Travel&#8217;s</a>&nbsp;cabins, where bedrooms have full-length glass windows to spy the sea and comfy sofas with tartan rugs to lie on after windswept walks across Dunnet Head or seal and dolphin-spotting on a day trip to Orkney.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="618" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.40.21-1000x618.png" alt="" class="wp-image-114976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.40.21-1000x618.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.40.21-600x371.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.40.21.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riding waves in the FlowRider at The Merton Hotel </figcaption></figure>



The channel islands get more than their fair share of sunshine, which is what makes them so appealing in summer months, and the fact you have to cross a stretch of water to get there only adds to the allure. Jersey’s ideal for all ages but particularly teens thanks to the splendid stretches of golden sand and plethora of watersports (surfing’s particularly popular). Stay at <a href="https://www.seymourhotels.com/merton-hotel/the-resort/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Merton Hotel</a> where the sumptuous breakfast buffet, game zone and outside and inside Aquadome with slides, lazy river and simulated FlowRider surf machine ensure great memories for all ages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adventures-in-the-alps-nbsp">ADVENTURES IN THE ALPS&nbsp;</h2>



The Alps are even more stunning in summer than they are in winter. Die-hard snow fans are bound to disagree, but it’s not only the Sound of Music scenery, endless blue skies and picture-perfect villages that make them so appealing sans snow, it’s also the sheer amount of outside activities you can try and the fact it’s a very pleasant 20˚C on average in August.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="629" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.45.53-1000x629.png" alt="Combloux Lake " class="wp-image-114977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.45.53-1000x629.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.45.53-600x377.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-06.45.53.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Combloux Lake. Image @ Paul Besson</figcaption></figure>



But where to go? Check out <a href="https://www.peakretreats.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peak Retreats </a>which has 37 mountain resorts to choose from, each offering something totally unique, whether you want to relax on the shores of Lake Annecy, seek adrenaline on a mountain bike in Les Gets, climb a Via Ferrata in Samoëns or relax at scenic Combloux which has Plan d&#8217;eau Biotope, a beautiful eco lake for bathing in the shadow of Mont Blanc. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-1000x667.jpeg" alt="Priesteregg in Austria " class="wp-image-114979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-600x400.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Priesteregg in Austria </figcaption></figure>



If you&#8217;re in need of a total recharge, book eco-luxe resort <a href="https://www.priesteregg.at" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priesteregg</a> in Austria which is perched on a slope and surrounded by crisp mountain air. Its 17 pinewood chalets are clustered around a serene fishpond and there&#8217;s a natural infinity pool dedicated to cold-water bathing, just one of the daily activities offered on the weekly wellness program, which also includes Vinyasa flow yoga. 



Mention the Alps and resorts in France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria usually spring to mind, but Slovenia? Less likely. This remote, lesser known destination makes a magical holiday, particularly one centred around Lake Bled which regularly tops lists of the most beautiful places on earth. <a href="https://www.activitiesabroad.com/holidays/slovenia-lake-bled-alpine-family-adventure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Activities Abroad</a> offers a seven-night Lake Bled Alpine Family Adventure, which includes white water rafting, canyoning, biking, zip lining and a day-long tour of the Julian Alps and national parks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-cool-in-scandinavia-nbsp">KEEP COOL IN SCANDINAVIA&nbsp;</h2>



As temperatures in Greece and Spain top 40˚C in peak holiday time, it’s little wonder Scandinavia’s mild summers are becoming ever more appealing. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland are experiencing record numbers of tourists July to September, and yet remain blissfully uncrowded and a refreshing alternative to the traditional hotspots.&nbsp;



Despite feeling like an edge-of-the-Earth escape, Iceland is closer than you&#8217;d think. A direct flight from London to Keflavík International takes just over three hours, which is the same as hopping over to Rome or Barcelona which are scorchio in Aug. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="692" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-1-1000x692.jpeg" alt="The Reykavik EDITION" class="wp-image-114981" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-1-1000x692.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-1-600x415.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Unknown-1.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Reykavik EDITION</figcaption></figure>



If you&#8217;re seeking a sophisticated stay, <a href="https://www.editionhotels.com/reykjavik/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Reykjavík EDITION</a> ticks all the right boxes: stunning design, central setting, and jaw-dropping views of the city. This five-star sanctuary has comfy beds, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the icy Atlantic, a rooftop bar that&#8217;s prime for sunset cocktails and the spa is sauna-heaven. Talking of spas, fifteen minutes&#8217; drive outside the city lies <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/overseas/city/sky-lagoon-iceland-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Lagoon</a>, a breathtaking geothermal spa nestled on the edge of the Atlantic (read the Muddy review <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/overseas/city/sky-lagoon-iceland-review/">here</a>). 



After a family adventure in Iceland? The <a href="https://www.totstoo.com/hotel/young-explorers-in-iceland/ offers a splendid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tots Too</a> Young Explorers in Iceland Holiday, is ideal for children aged 5 years and up. This self-drive tour&nbsp;takes in the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle of natural wonders and&nbsp;Arctic whale-watching as well as Tots Too’s additional activities&nbsp;like family river rafting and horse riding.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hotel-by-lake-2-scaled-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Hotel Kalevala in Finland " class="wp-image-114980" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hotel-by-lake-2-scaled-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hotel-by-lake-2-scaled-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hotel-by-lake-2-scaled-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hotel Kalevala in Finland </figcaption></figure>



Finland&#8217;s a no-brainer when it comes to coolcations thanks to a blissful snow-free summer landscape that&#8217;s all unspoilt forests, meadows and lakes. Forty minutes from Helsinki lies Wild Taiga near the Lapland border, think the size of Belgium, but with reindeer instead of rush hour. The place to stay? <a href="https://hotellikalevala.fi/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hotel Kalevala</a>, a huge wooden cabin tucked into an ancient forest, with crystal-clear water right outside the door and the option to join wild life safaris to spot brown bears, moose and wolves. 



Taking the family? Check out <a href="https://www.best-served.co.uk/holiday-types/summer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Served Scandinavia’s</a> <a href="https://www.best-served.co.uk/destinations/finland/itineraries/moomins-in-finland-150934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moomin Holiday in Finland</a>, which includes trips to Helsinki’s Moomin-themed shops and a train journey to the Moomin Museum.

Coolcations: Holidays to beat the heat this summer

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