Don't miss Bath in Bloom

Monday, 15 August 2011 9:57 AM

If you are planning a staycation then there may be few better times to book holiday homes in Bath than when the city's Bath in Bloom event is in full swing.

During the summer months, the always beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city appears even more vibrant as it becomes ablaze with bright colours and a sweet floral fragrance fills the air.

Public parks and private gardens all get in on the act by ensuring that their outdoor spaces look their very best, meaning that it is an absolute pleasure to spend a few hours wandering around for people visiting the city.

To encourage green-fingered residents to do even more there is an annual competition, with categories including best community floral display, best local town or village and tallest sunflower.

However, no matter when you visit during the summer months you will be greeted with the gorgeous sight of flowers at every turn.

And it is not only pretty blooms that are featured in this event, but also fruits, vegetables, herbs and all other forms of greenery.

By taking the time to explore some of the allotments that are open to the public you may be able to get a little inspiration for food to grow back home.

Among the best places to visit to enjoy Bath in Bloom are the public parks. The Royal Victoria Park, which was established between 1829 and 1830, is always a great place to lose yourself on a summer's day, by relaxing and watching the world go by or indulging in a romantic stroll with your partner.

Boasting a botanical garden within its boundaries, you will be able to see some exotic blooms and pretty displays during your time here.

The oldest public outdoor space is Sydney Gardens, which is known to have been visited by such famous residents as author Jane Austen, while the Georgian Garden is of a similar age but was not excavated until the 1980s.

But perhaps the best thing about staying in self catering accommodation near the city during the summertime is that when you return from your day of sightseeing, eating out and shopping, you can enjoy the views from the windows of the cottage where you are staying.

You may even have booked a property with its own garden - perfect to sit in and relax in the evening over a bottle of wine with a friend or loved one.

Book a break in London for the Boat Race

If you are planning to spend some time in London over the Easter weekend, you won't want to miss the BNY Mellon Boat Race. All the action gets underway on Easter Sunday (March 31st), marking the 159th time crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities have gone head-to-head in the spirit of competition on the Thames.

Enjoy a short summer break in Hamburg

If you're keen to go on an action-packed break this summer, but don't have too much time to devote to a holiday, it is a good idea to select a destination that you can get to quite quickly. One such location is Hamburg, with the German city a fantastic place to take in some culture while enjoying the sun on your bones.