Where the sun shines gently

Find surprisingly tropical views in the UK and Ireland!

Hello,

After the recent heatwave, many of us have been rethinking what makes the perfect summer holiday. While sunshine will always have its place, there's something rather appealing about a destination where you can spend all day exploring without searching for the nearest patch of shade.

That's one reason why "coolcations" are having a moment. From Atlantic breezes and island landscapes to long northern evenings, some of the most rewarding places to travel are also among the coolest.

Our latest article rounds up five of our favourite coolcation escapes across the UK and Ireland, where refreshing sea air comes as standard and the welcome is as warm – if not warmer – than the weather. Whether you're watching puffins in Shetland, island hopping around Scilly or walking Ireland's Atlantic coast, they're places that invite you to slow down, look closer and enjoy every moment.

And with no single supplement on September 2026 departures to Orkney and Shetland, there's another reason to escape the heat this summer!

With more warm weather likely in the weeks ahead – and in summers to come – now's the perfect time to start planning your next cool escape.

Yours,

Rob

Rob Knipe
Chairman, Emeritus Professor and Tour Guide

Featured tours

Stories to inspire your next journey

5 unforgettable coolcations in the UK and Ireland

When your own home starts to swelter, the idea of heading somewhere even hotter can suddenly lose its appeal.

For many of us, the perfect summer holiday used to mean chasing the sun: flying south, packing light and hoping for cloudless skies. But as warmer summers and more frequent heatwaves become part of our daily lives, that picture is changing. Increasingly, the most appealing summer escapes are not necessarily the hottest ones. They are the places where you can walk, explore and linger without wilting by lunchtime. 

The trend even has a name: the "coolcation". Behind the catchy label is a practical shift in how many of us want to travel.

If you are the kind of traveller who is curious, active, interested in nature and culture, and keen to understand the stories written into the land, these five GeoCultura small-group tours in the UK and Ireland are perfect for you.

3 curious things for inquisitive travellers

🚢 Shipwrecked in Scilly
When you visit the Isles of Scilly with us, our expert guides Vickie and Jess will tell you all about the shipwrecks that litter the seabed here. But unless you’re planning to go diving, they’re hidden from view – until you do this virtual dive trail. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world beneath the turquoise waters of the Scillonian seas. 

🦭 Beyond Skara Brae: Orkney's wild side
Most people visit Orkney for its Neolithic villages and Viking heritage, but its wildlife is just as extraordinary. Depending on the season, you could spot puffins, grey seal pups, short-eared owls, or even orcas cruising offshore. Our article explores why these windswept islands are one of Britain's finest wildlife destinations – and how timing your visit can completely change what you see.

🍀 When is the best time to visit Ireland?
There's no single answer. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers and seabird returning to the cliffs, summer offers long evenings and Atlantic breezes, while autumn lights up the hills in gold and purple. Our guide explores what each season has to offer, helping you choose the perfect time to experience Ireland's dramatic landscapes, wildlife and warm hospitality – whether you're chasing sunshine or looking to escape the heat.

A word from our guests

"I guess after last week here: ‘Shetland keeps you cool’. Seriously, Shetland proved to be the perfect mental and physical restorative from the pace of life here."

– Shetland tour, June 2026 | Nick C, UK

Why travel with GeoCultura?

We take you beyond the landscape. Uncover the stories behind the view on our expert-led, small-group tours. We do private and bespoke tours, too.

💬 Ready to chat? Get in touch.