Cheshire is the North-West’s answer to God’s Own County, a place we are extremely lucky to live in – and, in two directions, a stone’s throw from yet more majesty in the form of the Lake District and North Wales respectively. Unfortunately, none of that stops Cheshire from being notoriously a bit wet all year round.
Cheshire’s rainy reputation is, sadly, well-deserved. It’s a price to pay for the beauty it provides, but it’s not a price we necessarily want to pay all year round. The desire for a sunny summer escape is a universal one, but it’s more universal here. If your mind’s turned to the prospect of a dry, warm getaway, you’re in the right place. The destinations in this guide to sunny escapes are a far cry from Knutsford, but in some excellent ways.
Where to Go For Guaranteed Sunshine
There are some obvious spots to explore for guaranteed sunshine, of course. If all you want is an inexpensive jaunt somewhere sunny and dry, you’ll do right to consider some popular destinations on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain’s Costa del Sol is a classic resort destination, reach in creature comforts and sun-soaked sands. For something a little more culturally engaging, you might cross the peninsula to the Algarve – similar sands and sun, with some classy Portuguese flair.
A Hidden Gem For Sun Seekers
Sometimes, familiar resort destinations just don’t cut it. You crave some sunshine that doesn’t tread the well-beaten path; places with something more to offer than the comforts of a beachside resort. Mainland Europe, thankfully, is chock-full of such places.
A personal favourite is Croatia, an Adriatic wonder of a country with more coastline than you would ever believe without looking at a map. Travelling a little inland, you come to some of the sunniest forests you’ll find – and if you like climbing, some incredible adventure-sporting opportunities.
Exploring Further Afield
Conventional Western European getaways aren’t the only options for the sun-seeking Knutsfordians, Cestrians and other such Cheshire-folk. If you’ve the budget to go a little farther afield, you’ll be rewarded handsomely. For my money, one of the better options for an adventurous, culturally-rich destination that straddles distance, uniqueness and cost is Turkey. Holidays to Turkey are vibrant, sun-filled affairs, thanks to the incredible combination of climate, Byzantine architecture and irreplicable cuisine.
Making The Most Of Your Sunny Escape
Getting away from the Cheshire rains for a bit is a wonderful thing in and of itself, but you’ll have to come back at some point. Why not ensure you’ve squozen the most out of your sunny holiday, by bringing a bit of sunshine back to Cheshire with you? A small souvenir could be just the ticket for keeping your spirits up in darker days – and could be the catalyst for another trip with friends in tow, too.