From seasonal strawberries to great British sporting events, there’s so much to love about summer in England. Here are a few of our favourite things...
1. AL FRESCO DINING
There are few things we enjoy more than eating outdoors in summer. Whether we’re adopting a Mediterranean lifestyle on a restaurant terrace (while adjusting our sunglasses enigmatically), or finding just the right spot for a scenic picnic in the shade, or simply relaxing at a garden BBQ with family and friends, when we get a chance to enjoy our favourite foodstuffs under a clear blue sky, we go for it.
2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Castles, gardens, theme parks…English people adore a day out. But no matter how impressive the venue, the most exciting part for us is always afternoon tea in the visitors’ café – followed by a nosy around the gift shop. Summer is also the ideal time to “log off” for a while and dust off that cricket bat, badminton racket or frisbee. After all, few things beat a sunny day of games in the park with friends (and maybe even a little friendly competition!).
3. ON THE WATER
Whether it’s a yacht on the ocean or a boat on a pond, summer is the perfect time of year to drift dreamily over English water (or failing that, to just relax at home and watch the Henley Regatta). One of the loveliest things about the UK is that you’re never too far from the coast, and who needs Hawaii when you’ve got the great British seafront? Deckchairs, paddling, amusement arcades... it’s an experience you can’t have anywhere else in the world (just make sure you keep the sand out of your Mr. Whippy).
4. TENNIS
Whether you’ve got a dab backhand or you simply enjoy being a Wimbledon spectator at home, no phrase quite says summer like ‘anyone for tennis?’ It really is the ultimate sunny day sport, especially when accompanied by ‘lashings’ of strawberries and cream (and don’t forget that we have lovely courts for you to enjoy at Elite).
5. SUMMER COCKTAILS
Pimm’s Royale? Mint Julep? Strawberry Daiquiri? Whatever your cocktail of choice, this is the season to indulge in something deliciously fruity while lounging on a balcony, terrace or deck of a boat.