Travel in August

The long summer nights of August provide the perfect setting for Ireland's and Italy's stunning landscapes and annual festivals. Why not camp on Cornwall’s spectacular coastline and enjoy night-long beach parties, and this is the month when Bristol’s legendary International Balloon Fiesta comes to town. Elsewhere, party at the Edinburgh Festival or in Iceland’s 24-hour daylight.

  1. Italy

    Italy

    On 15th August the whole of Italy celebrates Ferragosto (August’s Rest), a festival dating back to the Roman Empire to mark the end of the year's main agricultural work. Nowadays, this tradition is dedicated to bathing. So join the Italian holiday-makers and celebrate Ferragosto on the beautifully diverse Italian coast. Then head to Siena to witness the astounding medieval bareback race of the Palio dell’Assunta on the 16th. But remember… virtually everything is closed in Italy for the day of Ferragosto .

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  2. Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Don’t miss the legendary Edinburgh festival that runs throughout August every year, with music, film, arts and comedy to entertain you day and night. Plus, the Edinburgh military tattoo also takes place throughout August, featuring pipes and drums, massed military bands, display teams, dancers and acts from all over the world. And what better setting than this glorious city with its imposing castle, cosmopolitan shopping streets, and surrounding mountains.

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  3. Iceland

    Iceland

    You’ll have the best weather and long days in Iceland at this time of year, plus there are some great events. Sailors’ Day, on the first Sunday in June, is the biggest party of the year in fishing villages, with tug-o-war, drinking, swimming and rowing contests. While on 17 June the country celebrates the granting of independence from Denmark in 1944. Then around 24 June are the Midsummer festivities marking the longest day of the year.

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  4. Cornwall

    Cornwall

    August is the perfect time to experience Cornwall’s beautiful rugged coastline, innumerate sandy coves, world-renowned surfing and quaint historic harbour towns; a must for those who crave to be beside the sea this summer. Why not save some money this year by camping, and experience the liberty to be found in simple outdoor living.

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  5. Bristol

    Bristol

    Bustling Bristol offers up a variety of attractions - from its rejuvenated harbourside and historic buildings, to its rich arts scene, fantastic shopping and legendary nightlife. A must see for August is Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta - the second largest annual hot air balloon event in the world!

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  6. Ireland

    Ireland

    With profound cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery and an easy-going lifestyle, Ireland has always been a firm favourite with tourists, but there is still much more to be discovered off the beaten track. August is the perfect time to unearth Ireland’s lesser known gems and to enjoy the myriad of summer festivals that abound this time of year.

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  7. Alaska

    Alaska

    Enjoy the long summer days in Alaska and hike alpine trails, kayak round the peninsulas, and watch for seals, sea otters, humpback whales, giant brown bears and more. Head to Alaska’s second-largest city – Fairbanks – from mid-August onwards, stay up late and there’s a good chance you’ll see the phenomenal northern lights, or aurora borealis, some 50 to 200 miles above you.

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  8. Dolomites & North East Italy

    Dolomites & North East Italy

    Head to this spectacular alpine region and traverse the via ferrata across the jagged peaks. These mountain routes of metal cables and ladders were installed by soldiers during WWI and offer access to breathtaking views over the Dolomites and beyond. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, albeit with a slight wobble, take a tasting tour in the Veneto town of Conegliano – home of tasty Prosecco wine.

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  9. Mozambique

    Mozambique

    Discover the great diving that Mozambique has to offer, with favourable conditions in August. Along the length of its coastline, there are many unique opportunities to do exploratory diving and high chances of sighting dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays and the endangered dugongs. Snorkellers can enjoy the shallow reefs close to shore, and there’s plenty to keep land-lovers occupied, from wildlife-packed national parks to the lively cultural scene in the attractive capital, Maputo.

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  10. Black Forest/Baden-Wurttemberg

    Black Forest/Baden-Wurttemberg

    The fairytale forests and rolling hills of Germany’s Schwarzwald (Black Forest) are at their best in August when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild and sunny. Hike the beautiful trails, stumble upon scenic villages, swim in glacier lakes, or cover more ground with scenic drives. Then you can have a well-served soak in the renowned hot springs of Baden-Baden, Bad Dürrheim or Bad Herrenalb. We've been there - Read our blog about the Black Forest.

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