Britain is set to sizzle for the rest of June
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Travel News
Forecasters believe that we're just days away from a heatwave that could last until July, leaving some parts of the UK even hotter than north Africa and the Mediterranean.
Meteorologists consider June 1 to be the first day of summer and temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high 20s on Saturday, taking us into 'Flaming June' which could deliver the hottest weather we've seen for five years.
This week temperatures are expected to hit 24C in the south east and 22C in Wales, northern England and Scotland.
Forecasters predict that temperatures will stay above 21C in June and July – and could even hit 32C.
It looks likely that rainfall will continue to be below average in the second half of June in the south, which is good news for Glastonbury and Wimbledon but bad news for farmers and consumers, as food prices will increase as a result.
The Environment agency has already put together a drought plan amid fears that we're on course for a summer like 1976 – the hottest summer on record.
So it looks like it's time to get the barbecue ready for the weekend...
Make the most of the warm weather in your very own seaside cottage.
Click on the image below to see our editor's selection:
Wonderfully secluded cottages by the sea
- Bryn-y-Mor, Pembrokeshire, Wales<p> Gather your closest friends and/or family (the cottage sleeps ten) and retreat to this idyllic spot overlooking St Brides Bay, in the Pembrokeshire National Park – but make sure you get on well because there's not another soul for miles. Cliff paths lead down to the sandy beaches below and along the entire coast, making it ideal for keen walkers and twitchers. Visit <a href="http://www.bryn-y-mor-pembs.co.uk" target="_blank">bryn-y-mor-pembs.co.uk</a></p>
- Torsa House and Island, nr Oban, Scotland<p> For celebrities, hermits, recluses and lone wolves, there's no better hideaway than your own private island. Apart from the ruins of a medieval Highland fortress, the three-bed cottage is the only building on this mile-long island off the west coast of Scotland. Use of the island's motor boat is included in the rental price and can be used for exploring the nearby coves and skerries and spotting dolphins, porpoises, otters, and sea eagles. Visit <a href="http://www.torsa-island.co.uk" target="_blank">torsa-island.co.uk</a></p>
- The Boathouse, Stoke Gabriel, Devon<p> Not strictly speaking seaside, but we had to include this unique retreat teetering on the edge of the River Dart. Built in 1760, the completely secluded converted bathing house is only accessible by walking through fields and woodland, although a 4x4 will bring your luggage in and out when you arrive and leave. Visit<a href="http://www.helpfulholidays.com" target="_blank"> helpfulholidays.com.</a></p>
- Carn Goon, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall<p> One of only two properties on the Kynance Downs, surrounded by National Trust land and in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Carn Goon is a corker of a beach house. All mod cons are on hand – Sky TV, Internet, a huge downstairs walk-in shower perfect for rinsing off the sand from Kynance Cove and vast tub dryers for all those beach towels – but the stunning 180 degree sea views from the wooden veranda are the true star attraction. Visit<a href="http://www.cornishcottagesonline.com" target="_blank"> cornishcottagesonline.com</a></p>
- The Ducket, Northumberland<p> What could be more romantic than staying in an 18th century converted dovecote? These unusual looking buildings were once valuable storehouses for meat, eggs and manure, but thankfully all that has long been cleared out to make way for underfloor heating and Wi-Fi . The quirky circular rooms and stunning views along the Northumbrian Coast and over to Holy Island from the 65ft high tower remain. Visit<a href="http://www.rosscottages.co.uk" target="_blank"> rosscottages.co.uk</a></p>
- Thatched cottage, Isle of Berneray, Hebrides<p> The Hebrides are not the easiest place in the British Isles to get to, but the deserted white sand beaches, turquoise seas, wildlife and whisky galore and spanking-fresh seafood (lobster, scallops and peat-smoked sea trout, mmm) more than repay the effort. Once ensconced in this traditional Hebridean thatched 'black house', watch the resident seal colony frolic outside the house and hunt for eagles and otters. Visit <a href="http://ww.ownersdirect.co.uk" target="_blank">ownersdirect.co.uk</a></p>
- Fisherman's Cottage, Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland<p> This one-bedroom cottage on its own private beach, with uninterrupted views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran and the Island of Davaar. Cosy up in front of the wood-burning stove with a dram from one of the local distilleries and croon Paul McCartney's 'Mull of Kintyre' to your loved one. If cabin fever sets in, escape three miles up the road to Campbeltown, home to the country's oldest cinema, the art deco 'Wee Picture House'. Visit<a href="http://Www.kintyrecottages.com" target="_blank"> kintyrecottages.com</a></p>
- Sally Port Cottage, St Anthony's Lighthouse, Cornwall<p> Remember Fraggle Rock? Well, this lighthouse, at the furthest point of the Roseland Peninsula, was the setting for that well-loved Eighties children's programme. It's completely private as the lighthouse is automated these days (and the Fraggles are long gone), but bring your ear plugs if the outlook's misty as when the electronic fog signal goes off, you'll know about it. Visit <a href="http://www.ruralretreats.co.uk" target="_blank">ruralretreats.co.uk</a></p>
