Celebrate the arrival of summer – with bikes, beef, maypoles and music!
Celebrate a super cycling centenary
Why go? The 100th anniversary of the world’s most iconic cycle race, the Tour de France, kicks off on Corsica on 29 June. It’s the first time the Mediterranean isle has hosted the Tour, and three stages will be raced: from Porto Vecchio to Bastia, then Ajaccio, then Calvi. See what the cycle pros are putting themselves through by visiting yourself – pedalling optional!
Where to stay: Hotel Napoleon in Bastia has doubles from €54 (£46).
Getting there: easyJet flies Gatwick-Ajaccio and Gatwick/Manchester-Bastia. Ferries also run from ports on mainland France and Italy.
Mark Midsummer Eve
Why go? After the long, dark hours of winter it’s not surprising that the Swedish make a big deal of 21 June – Midsummer Eve. Head for the villages where maypoles are still erected to make the most of the tradition; Lyckorna near Ljungskile (65km north of Gothenburg) is particularly picturesque. Feast on Scandi delicacies such as pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, strawberries and schnapps.
Where to stay: Coastal guesthouse Villa Sjötorp has a Midsummer package including three-course dinner from SEK1,695 (£174).
Getting there: SAS flies Heathrow-Gothenburg from around £130. Hire a car or take the train to Ljungskile.
Take a new flight south
Why go? Head to the beef and beaches of little-known Latin America: from 3 June, Air Europa will fly from London to Montevideo. Uruguay’s multicultural capital has a riot of architectural styles: Spanish, French, Italian, English, Art Deco. Also, its 19th-century Mercado del Puerto is a carnivore’s dream, and the place to try delicious asado (grilled meat). To escape the city, head east, for a conveyor belt of small bays, beaches and hill-backed promontories.
Where to stay: Hotel Iberia is central; doubles from US$64 (£42).
Getting there: Air Europa flies Gatwick to Montevideo via Madrid from around £943rtn.
Feast at a fine festival
Why go? Wadebridge is on the glorious 28km Camel Trail walk and cycle route, and is handy for north Cornwall’s big surf beaches, but its main draw over the midsummer weekend is the Rock Oyster Festival (21-23 June; £50/10 adult/child). The fiesta blends a smorgasbord of local food and drink stalls, talks and masterclasses, with music and art. The soundtrack (from mellow folk to gypsy pirate punk) is as diverse as the menu.
Where to stay: The festival has rustic camping pitches (£10/5 adult/child), or glamping spots (real beds in bell tents; arranged by www.safaricornwall.com).
Getting there: Take the A39 if you’re driving; Bodmin is the nearest train station.
