Scorching destinations | where to go on holiday this summer

These western windswept isles really are the stuff of rousing daydreams. If you like a beach but don’t want to sweat it out in the sunshine, you’ll appreciate Scotland’s Hebrides in the summer.

I used to think you had to venture south of the country for pale sands and emerald seas, but the beaches here are some of the finest in Europe, and the Scottish weather makes them perfect for sandy rambles and wildlife spotting.

Go in search of silvery sands and wildlife on the island’s Calgary Bay and Laggan Sands. Delve into the water with a spot of kayaking, you might even find a dolphin on the way…

The pastel houses of Tobermory are beautiful in the summer sunshine, and Mull has its fair share of castles. There are also a few tartan weavers and distilleries if you want the typical Scottish splendour.

As a child, I’d be taken to Blackpool in December to visit relatives. I’m not saying that Blackpool in the dark depths of winter isn’t fun, but it’s much better in the summer.

You’ll find classic Brit seaside charm at every turn here, from the all-singing-and-dancing Pleasure Beach to entertainment shows in the Tower.

Blackpool is known for its family fun, with big-name attractions such as Sea Life, Madame Tussauds and the Illuminations. Simple pleasures are just as enjoyable, whether it’s eating chips along the promenade or building sandcastles on the beach.

The Pleasure Beach amusement park boasts some pretty huge rollercoasters that I never dared ride… they’re great for white knuckle thrills, or like me, you can have just as much fun watching from steady ground.

Outside the hotel, along the New South Promenade, you’ll find what looks like a giant mirror ball. It marks part of the town’s Great Promenade Show, a collection of outdoor art installations that are dotted along the shore.

You’ll find all the charm of the seaside with a walk to North Pier and its Victorian tea room, Venetian carousel and ice cream parlour. There’s usually a sunset cinema in the summer too.

Don’t leave without visiting the famed Blackpool Tower and its Victorian ballroom. You can visit during the lunchtime tea dance if you fancy a bit of Strictly style dance floor action, or just sit back and enjoy the olde worlde tones of the Wurlitzer.

It’s only a hop, skip and a short ferry ride across the English Channel to Jersey, but it feels like a million miles away. Everything from its chic harboursides and sandy beaches to its rugged countryside makes this island a must see in the summertime. You can enjoy sunny days on the sands, on the harbour in St Helier, or – if the typical Brit weather prevails – there’s plenty of culture in the island’s museums and zoo.

I consider myself to be on a continual life mission to visit all the best beaches, and one of Jersey’s best is found in St Brelade. A sweeping stretch of white sands and rocky headlands, it’s a true sun trap in the summer and perfect for lazy days and water sports.

Beautiful Barcelona is one of my favourite destinations in Spain, and it certainly sings in the summer. If you can’t decide on a city break or a beach stay, Barcelona gives the best of both worlds, with as much culture as you can muster and a beach with plenty of sunshine to boot.

Visit Barcelona in the summer to alternate between days on Barceloneta Beach and kayaking in the sea, to strolling around La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla and the Picasso Museum. And there’s no better time to visit Park Güell than in the sunshine. Take a bus to the entrance and wander up and down the hillside pathways covered in sculptures and art created by local legend Antonio Gaudí.

Barcelona is also a drinking and dining mecca, whether it’s tapas at a beachside chiringuito, or full-scale Michelin star dining in an underground restaurant. 

Arles is definitely on my hitlist for summer. Any art fan will appreciate a trip to this Provençal city, it’s where Van Gogh painted over 200 works, it’s also where he cut off his ear after arguing with his then housemate Paul Gauguin. That said, unfortunately, the famed ‘little yellow house’ where they lived is no longer standing. But the city is still filled with snapshots from his canvases, and a new Frank Gehry twisting tower is taking shape this year, with the Arles Luma Foundation to open inside in 2020.

When I was younger, Ibiza set the standard for big clubs and all-night parties, but now my exploring takes me elsewhere, to the bohemian White Isle, which is surprisingly chilled out and peaceful (I never would have believed that as an 18 year old bunking up with three girlfriends in a tiny apartment in San Antonio Bay.).

I’ve been told that many a visiting traveller has been bewitched by Santa Gertrudis, and it’s easy to see why. This friendly, relaxed town sits in the heart of the island, enclosed by fruit trees and countryside and with a charming local artisanal food scene.

Santa Gertrudis is a little foodie haven, with everything from vegan and raw food to upscale Italian on the menu – even the local tapas of jamón serrano and manchego cheese are tastier than your average.

I used to work in Knightsbridge and every summer I’d see Dubai locals coming to West London to avoid the Emirates’ heat. Yes, it’s scorching and not great weather for working, but if you want a holiday with guaranteed sunshine and high temperatures, Dubai in the summer is ideal.

My favourite sunshine holidays are all about beach naps and dips in the pool – August is my favourite month in Spain, and I did once visit Egypt in high summer – and Dubai is perfect for that. Yes, it’s hot, temperatures do reach a sizzling 50c, but if you’re doing little more than lazing on the sands or at the hotel pool, it’s a perfect time to go and visit.

If you can tear yourself away, tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are all quieter in the summer, and restaurants and shops are all less expensive, meaning you can enjoy a little luxury for less and more room at the beach.