Forecasters predict coldest May in 100 years
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We've had snow and torrential rain in April - and now forecasters warn that we'll have to contend with freezing temperatures well into May.
Independent forecaster WeatherAction has warned that May will be the "coldest or near coldest for 100 years", especially in the east of England, with "a run of bitter northerly winds" and snow at times.
Forecaster Piers Corbyn of WeatherAction.com told AOL Travel: "If you're planning a holiday in May then it's a good idea to get out of Britain.
"In general, it's going to be cold - especially in eastern parts. The near continent won't be much better, so for a good chance of sunshine you'll need to head to the Mediterranean."
And despite rumours that miserable May might be followed up by a sizzling summer, Mr Corbyn says that early signs indicate that we shouldn't get our hopes up.
He said: "We haven't yet completed our summer forecast so can't predict what the weather will be like for the Olympics. But there's no basis for saying that we're going to have a good summer and, at this point, it's not looking like it will be a scorcher."
He said: "The reason is the jet stream which looks like it is going to stick over that part of the country, holding cold air in place."
He added that western parts and Ireland should escape the worst of the freezing temperatures and are likely to experience warmer temperatures during the day.
However, the Met Office is slightly more optimistic that things could warm up towards the middle of May.
A Met Office spokesperson told AOL Travel: "We are in quite an unsettled spell now and it looks like sunshine and showers will continue until early May. As we towards mid-May the weather should become more settled, especially in the south of England, and temperatures should stay around the seasonal average of 14C - 15C."
If you're planning a holiday at home, check out our little selection of country pads for a jolly break come rain or shine this summer.
Best new country houses in the UK
- The Bothy, Launceston Farm, Dorset<p> Looking for the ideal retreat for a romantic weekend away? The Bothy is a luxury, secluded cottage in an organic farm in Dorset, where you can leave the car behind and explore the stunning countryside by foot or bike. Cosy up in front of the fire, eat homemade food from the farm and take a night-time soak in the outdoor tub that's big enough for two! There's also a traditional pub nearby and if you feel like discovering some local beauty spots, the Jurassic Coast, Sandbanks and Lulworth Cove are just 45 minutes away. Prices start from £210 for three nights. Visit <a href="http://www.launcestonfarm.co.uk/ " target="_blank">launcestonfarm.co.uk</a></p>
- Brampton Grange, Northampton<p> Set in over 25 acres of private ground in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, Brampton Grange dates back to the 18th century and is perfect for a family reunion. It has eight en-suite bedrooms in the main house and three separate cottages, sleeping up to 21 people. The bedrooms are furnished in a classic English country style and there's an outdoor heated swimming pool and an all-weather tennis court to keep you entertained. From £5,250 per week, property 850567. Visit <a href="http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/" target="_blank">homeaway.co.uk</a></p>
- Archerfield House, East Lothian, Scotland<p> If you're planning a huge celebration and need a stunning property to entertain guests, Archerfield House is a sumptuous Scottish retreat that won't disappoint. The grand 17th century mansion nestled in 600 acres of land on Scotland's East Coast is luxury at its best and has been a rural retreat for royalty in the past. Inside you'll find elaborate ceilings, impressive chandeliers and lavish upholstery. It has 15 bedrooms sleeping up to 30 people, a dining room, drawing room, snooker room and sitting room. There's also a golf course and helicopter access. The house comes fully-catered and staffed too, so all meals (breakfast, afternoon tea, three-course dinner) and drinks are included, as well as a raid-the-larder snack area for guests who get hungry in the night! Prices start at £15,600 for a weekend. Visit <a href="http://www.exclusiveuse.com/" target="_blank">exclusiveuse.com</a></p>
- Moonrakers, St Mawes, Cornwall<p> This stylish Cornish coastal pad in St Mawes boasts a fabulous location overlooking the ocean and countryside. Moonrakers has extensive gardens and is close to golden beaches and quaint harbourside towns. Inside the house you'll find contemporary interiors and splashes of colour throughout the minimalist decor. The bedrooms sleep up to 12 people and the bathrooms have tubs for relaxing while you take in the views of the estuary. If you're travelling with kids, there's a trampoline and table tennis in the garden and a games room that has a Wii console with games, plus a pool table. From £2,190 per week. Visit <a href="http://www.uniquehomestays.com/" target="_blank">uniquehomestays.com</a></p>
- Sixteenth Century Castle, Selkirk, Scottish Borders<p> Fancy having a castle all to yourself for a few nights? This peel tower is part of a 16th century castle and is a great place to rent for its amazing atmosphere. Its stone clad walls, steep stone turnpike stairs and inglenook fireplace retain its authenticity and the abode offers four floors with five bedrooms that sleep up to 11 guests, a vaulted kitchen and the Great Hall, which has a roaring fire. There's also a snug study room - perfect for escaping for some peace and quiet. The surrounding area consists of valleys for walking and mountain biking, rivers for fishing and historic sites, like Melrose Abbey and Abbottsford to discover. From £2,250 per week, ID: 172054. Visit <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/" target="_blank">holidaylettings.co.uk</a></p>
- Deerkeepers Lodge, Hovingham, York<p> Set around a courtyard with a pretty canal and gorgeous rural views, Deerkeepers Lodge in York is the epitome of countryside luxury. The Grade II listed house has a large kitchen with an Aga, freestanding baths, open fires - all the traditional features you'd expect in a country pad with some hi-tech touches thrown in, like under floor heating, LCD plasma screens in the bedrooms and Bose music system on the ground floor. There are five bedrooms for up to 10 guests and the house exudes rural charm, with its exposed beams and stone walls creating the perfect settting for a sophisticated weekend away. From £1,161 for three nights. Visit <a href="https://www.ruralretreats.co.uk/" target="_blank">ruralretreats.co.uk</a></p>
- Dunnose Magna, Luccombe Chine, Isle of Wight<p> Head to the Isle of Wight and enjoy staying in a secluded thatched cottage surrounded by lush gardens and National Trust land. Dunnose Magna has immaculate lawns, running streams and a pond - great for pets and the kids to explore. Inside there are four comfortable bedrooms with LCD TVs and three have en-suite bathrooms. The light and airy home is full of character, with fine artwork in the large reception hall, a carved natural stone fireplace and a panelled oak staircase. Save 10 per cent on a seven-night stay in 2012 with April rent dropping to £836 per week and August stays at £2,036. Visit <a href="http://www.bluechipholidays.co.uk/" target="_blank">bluechipholidays.co.uk</a></p>
- Malbanc Cottage, Combermere Abbey, Shropshire<p> One of three newly converted cottages at historic Combermere Abbey, Malbanc Cottage is reached when you enter an original cobbled courtyard under an archway. It has beautiful gothic features, a wood burning fireplace, four cosy bedrooms that sleep up to eight people and a large kitchen. Outside, there's a private garden with outdoor furniture - ideal for enjoying lunch in the pretty countryside setting. From £720 for three nights. Visit <a href="http://www.combermereabbey.co.uk/" target="_blank">combermereabbey.co.uk</a></p>
- Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw, Gwynedd, Wales<p> This Grade II listed Victorian gothic mansion overlooks the magnificent mountains of Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay in North West Wales. It sleeps up to 10 people in the private rear wing and is also home to the Art Gallery, which is open to the public throughout the year. There are four bedrooms, a fitted kitchen leading to a large dining room and mezzanine, and a comfortable sitting room. Llanbedrog beach with its colourful beach huts is just a short walk away. From £1,000 per week. Visit <a href="http://www.myfavouriteholidaycottages.co.uk/" target="_blank">myfavouriteholidaycottages.co.uk</a></p>
- Riverain, near Greystoke, Cumbria<p> Nestled in Blencowe Hall estate, Riverain is the ultimate countryside retreat with its open wood burning cast iron fire, a pretty stream outside and amazing views over the Cumbrian hills. The cottage has room for up to six guests and dogs are welcome. Nearby there's the Crown Inn pub where you can buy local ales and great food when you don't fancy cooking. Cycling, pony trekking and brown trout fishing are just some of the outdoor activities you can experience while staying here and under floor heating, WiFi and a 42-inch TV are a few of the comforts you'll enjoy when you fancy staying in. Seven nights from £895. Visit <a href="https://www.ruralretreats.co.uk/" target="_blank">ruralretreats.co.uk</a></p>
