Indian Summer holiday ideas for September and October

Make the most of the Indian Summer with these September and October holiday ideas from Travel PR.

Experience action-packed adventure in Devon – stay at The Thurlestone from £250 per night

The unspoilt South Devon coastline is a stunning location for a late summer getaway. Check in to Thurlestone Hotel; a coastal bolthole for those looking uncover the hidden gems of this incredible destination. Rich in history and rare wildlife, make the most of the Indian summer sun and explore the action-packed activities Dartmoor has to offer. Walkers can explore the endless stretches of coastal and countryside walks on the hotel’s doorstep, from the 630-mile South West Coast Path hugging the glorious coastline, and the quaint villages along the Dart Valley River Trail, to the rugged countryside of the Dartmoor National Park. With over 50 sandy stretches to explore, the crystal-clear waters and secluded coves of the coastline are ideal for late summer beach walks or even a spot of energising cold water swimming. After a long day in the sun exploring, welcome the warm embrace of the family-run Thurstone Hotel. Retire to your sumptuous sea view suite and bask in the blend of modern elegance and coastal charm.

Price from £250 per room per night. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).

Bask in the balmy afternoons of the Indian summer in Eastbourne – stay at The Grand Hotel from £250 per night

Head down to the Eastbourne coast and relish in the gentle warmth of the Indian summer. At Beachy Head, discover some of the most magnificent scenery the south coast has to offer. Embark on one of the many beautiful walking trails and explore the famous white cliffs of South Downs Way or pack a picnic and cast your eyes over the breath-taking coastal landscapes as the sun meets the horizon. Make the most of the prolonged summer season at The Grand Hotel where, every Saturday afternoon (12:30-2:30pm, until 3rd Sept), you’ll find a barbecue sizzling, along with the sounds of live Jazz. Book a table on the Chatworth Terrace that boasts views over the outdoor pool and dine al fresco. Offering a wide variety of mouth-watering options, with the menu catering to little ones too, this is one for the whole family. Jazz on the terrace BBQ from £40 pp.

Overnight stays from £250 per room per night. Visit www.grandeastbourne.com or call 01323 412345.

Save 15% on super-accessible, fabulous barn conversion in Shropshire, from £144 pp with Canine Cottages

Cow House (sleeps eight, plus two dogs) is ideal for wheelchair users with its enclosed level garden, disability-friendly level access throughout the property, and luxury accessible bathrooms. Situated near Church Stretton, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Shropshire, this creatively designed barn conversion has much to offer within 15 miles including the Severn Valley Railway, various National Trust properties, and the market towns of Much Wenlock, Ludlow and Shrewsbury.

A seven-night self-catering stay now costs from £144 pp (£1,146 total – was £1,339) in September or October. £20 supplement per dog. Visit Canine Cottages (www.caninecottages.co.uk).

A sparkling late summer sojourn on the Durham Heritage Coast – Seaham Hall from £335 pn

Decamp to the luxurious Georgian pile, Seaham Hall Hotel, on the picturesque and undiscovered Durham Heritage Coast, for a late summer weekend of pampering and indulgence. This striking 5* clifftop hotel boasts 21 chic suites, an award-winning 44,000sq ft Serenity Spa, delectable seasonal dining in its two restaurants, 37 acres of grounds and a sweeping terrace perfect for enjoying al fresco sundowners. Truly switch off and make the most of the late summer sun by the coast on a weekend break, with two nights’ accommodation in a sumptuous Junior Suite, including breakfast each morning which can be taken in your suite, and full use of the five-luxury-bubble spa from 12-noon on day of arrival to 12-noon on day of departure.

From £335 per room per night (two sharing). Call Seaham Hall on 0191 516 1400 (www.seaham-hall.co.uk).

Save up to 20% on beach and your own VW bar: Cornwall for £107 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk

Just five miles from Perranporth’s gloriously long stretch of golden sand, Cow Byre At Causilgey (sleeps six) is pivotally positioned to explore all of Cornwall. This luxurious reversed-level barn has a very stylish VW camper van bar area, so make yourself a cocktail and head out into the garden to make the most of a drawn-out summer. The nearby North coastal area offers excellent surfing and attractions to suit all ages. A day trip to the cathedral city of Truro is also a treat.

A seven-night self-catering stay arriving 23 or 30 September now costs £107 pp (£642 total – was £707). Other September and October dates available. Book at www.holidaycottages.co.uk.

Enjoy the last days of summer on the Isle of Wight’s best beaches – with the Beach Check UK App (FREE!)

The Isle of Wight is home to an extensive range of stunning beaches, from vast shorelines to rolling cliffs and coastal views; Ryde, Ventnor, and Shanklin beach are just a few examples of the breath-taking sands to discover. Soak up the final rays of the summer sun without the hassle of pushing past crowds; the Beach Check UK App is quick and easy to download (free from Google Play and the Apple App store) and works on a traffic light system allowing users to check how busy beaches are before arriving. This perfect, pocket-sized island is a hub for beach-front cabins, hotels, and lodges. Book at stay at Luccombe Hall Hotel this late September, perched just moments from the sands of Shanklin Beach. Check tide times, best areas to swim, cafes, and available facilities all using the app. For more information visit https://www.englandscoast.com/en/blog/beach-check-uk-app.

EUROPE

Mark the end of the summer with a glamourous road trip to the South of France – from £109 pn with Yescapa

Summer may be drawing to a close but it’s definitely not over yet. The beautifully balmy temperatures of the Indian summer are ideal for four-wheeled travels through the unrivalled landscapes in the south of France. Mark the end of the season with one of the most prestigious regatta’s on the Cote d’Azur, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez; Taking place on 24th September, the display of classic yachts and ultra-modern vessels, oozing luxury, will make it a day to remember. Another event taking place is Saint Tropez’s International Contemporary Art Fair with around 30 artists showcasing paintings, sculpture, and photography. Unearth the hidden gems of Saint Tropez and Nice in Nathalie’s luxury motothome. Pick up from Nice, this stylish two-berth home on wheels, has modern, cosy interiors, a fully equipped kitchen including cooking hobs, kitchenware, refrigerator, indoor bathroom, and a retractable veranda, all make cruising down the French Riviera in the washes of autumn a dream. A seven-day hire costs £659 (€775.95), including 24-hour insurance and assistance in case of accident or breakdown, two insured drivers and mileage (100 kms per day). Contact Yescapa (www.yescapa.co.uk).

Split your time in Croatia this September – Croatia from £1,478 pp with Sunvil*

As we enter September, it doesn’t mean that the holiday season is over. Head towards Split in Croatia for the perfect peaceful holiday and still enjoy the beach, the archaeological sites, and the wildlife in the national parks with the Historic Split and Biograd na Moru two-centre, ten-day itinerary. Explore the old city of Split, set within the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a World Heritage site since 1979, and stay for three nights at the modern four-star Hotel Marvie. The property offers fabulous sea views from the rooftop pool, the stylish Mareo bar, the a la carte Da’Mar Restaurant, and is just a 20 min walk to the sandy beach of Bacvice. Then travel on to North Dalmatia to the little-known coastal resort of Biograd Na Moru, with a six-night stay at the four-star seaside Hotel Ilirija, from which to explore the natural wonders of some of Croatia’s National Parks. Plitvice National Park is the most famous, with its beautiful waterfalls and lakes. Departing 12 September, this nine-night stay costs from £1,478 pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation, flights with 23kg hold luggage (Gatwick), and transfers. Activities extra. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8568 4499 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

An Andalucian Trilogy as autumn approaches – Seville, Cordoba & Granada from £2,260 pp with Kirker*

Why settle for one Spanish city for a sublime late summer break when you can combine three in a relaxing holiday, travelling effortlessly between Seville, Córdoba and Granada by train? Enjoy wonderful warm Andalucian weather and world-class cultural attractions on this seven-night tailor-made itinerary, which features accommodation in characterful four-star hotels, fascinating guided walking tours of famous sights such as Córdoba’s Mosque and the Alhambra Palace… and ample down-time just to sit and watch the world go by, while soaking up the sun. An Andalucian Trilogy costs from £2,260 pp (two sharing) during September and October, including flights (Heathrow) to Seville/from Malaga, private car transfers on arrival and departure, B&B (three nights in Seville, two nights each in Cordoba and Granada), one lunch, two dinners, rail travel between the cities, and guided walking tours. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288, www.kirkerholidays.com.

Bask in undiscovered Balkan delights – Affordable Albania from £995 pp with Jules Verne

Previously considered one of Europe’s more ‘off the beaten track’ destinations – despite its proximity to mainland Greece, Montenegro and Italy’s southern tip – Albania has seen its popularity with British travellers soar of late. Offering an irresistible blend of ancient sites, spectacular scenery and value for money, it’s easy to understand why. This eight-night small group tour explores the fascinating hillside ‘Museum City’ of Gjirokastra, Ottoman architecture in Berat, Roman Apollonia and modern Tirana, and visits an Albanian family for a traditional lunch at their home in Dhoksat, to learn about their life and history. Classical Tour of Albania costs from £995 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow), B&B, one lunch, two dinners, excursions, and the services of guides and local reps. Departs 12 & 26 September, and 17 & 30 October. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722 (www.vjv.com).

*AITO is The Specialist Travel Association: more than 120 specialist independent holiday companies and 80 specialist independent travel agents, together providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas covering every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO members can be assured of high-quality holidays, excellent personal service and full financial protection. Visit www.aito.com for further information.

Press: Please call Sue Ockwell, Karen Carpenter, Lizzie Cooper, Mischa Mack or Jane Collyer at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email initial.surname@travelpr.co.uk for further information.