Wettest summer on record? But holidaymakers still hit the beach
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Thousands of tourists made the most of the slight reprieve from rain yesterday and hit the beach in Devon.
The sand was choc-a-block at Woolacombe Beach with hardy holidaymakers determined to make the most of the long weekend.
Saturday got off to a miserable start, with a fortnight's worth of rain falling in Hull and Kew Gardens in an hour.
The wet conditions could see us heading for the wettest summer on record, with 13 inches of rain shown to have fallen between 1 June and 23 August.
The summer of 1912 saw 15 inches of rain fall, and the Met Office will not be able to confirm if this year will surpass that until the end of August.
A spokesman told the Telegraph: "We are likely to be within the top ten. It is possible [it could be the wettest summer ever]."
PA
Rain is expected to hit today after Sunday's brighter weather, with temperatures reaching up to 22C.
Met Office forecaster Helen Chivers told the Daily Mail: "Devon and Cornwall will see some of the worst of it, and Cumbria and West Yorkshire could see up to 40mm (1½ inches) during the day.
"But for East Anglia and the South East it is likely to be dry and sunny start to the day, with rain only coming in later, about 5pm in the afternoon.
"Dry days followed by showery ones looks like the pattern for most of this week, with a bright and breezy day on Tuesday and more showers on Wednesday."
The good news? Forecasters are predicting a dry and warm September... fingers crossed.
The perfect time to book one of these, then:
Best British seaside stays
- Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, Dorset<p> For a blissful beach break check in to the Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa in Dorset where you can wake up to incredible views over Christchurch Harbour and be pampered at the luxury spa. Dine at the Harbour Restaurant, which has a terrace and outdoor grill, or at The Jetty, which serves freshly-caught seafood. Outside the hotel you can walk to the sugar-almond coloured beach huts on Hengistbury Head and explore the spectacular coastline and countryside. Rooms from £149. Visit <a href="http://www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Dorset&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Find accommodation deals in Dorset</a></p>
- Ackergill Tower, Caithness<p> This beautiful 15th century Scottish castle in Caithness boasts a spectacular coastal setting overlooking Sinclair's Bay. At Ackergill Tower you can choose to sleep in the Tower, the Old Laundry or even the Keepers Cottage. There are five extra rooms in the secluded Beach House too. If you tire of the beach views, you can disappear into the countryside on the other side of the hotel and discover the Tree House perched high in 150-year-old sycamore trees. Great activities around the hotel include fishing, archery and kayaking, plus you won't want to leave without experiencing an Ackergill Tower beach bonfire, which comes with hot chocolate and the sounds of bagpipes! Rooms from £250 including dinner or £11,100 for exclusive use of the property for two nights for up to 52 people. Visit <a href="http://www.thebigdomain.com/large-houses/ackergill-tower" target="_blank">thebigdomain.com</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=Scotland&SearchDestination=Highland&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Browse accommodation deals in the Highlands</a></p>
- Harbourmaster, Aberaeron<p> Standing out on the Aberaeron harbour with its distinctive blue facade, the Harbourmaster hotel is a lovely seaside retreat in Ceredigion, West Wales, providing the perfect setting for a nautical chic break. There are 13 rooms in three Georgian buildings - each named after ships built in the harbour in the 19th century. Locally sourced food like lobster and spider crab are served in the restaurant and the hotel's own ale is sold in the bar. A couple of doors down is a cottage you can rent with three bedrooms, a wood fuel burner and cosy interiors. Rooms from £110. Visit <a href="http://www.harbour-master.com/" target="_blank">harbour-master.com</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=Wales&SearchDestination=Cardigan%20Bay&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Check out accommodation deals in Ceredigion</a></p>
- Number 43, Cumbria<p> For the ultimate seaside break check in to this impressive Victorian building overlooking Kent Estuary in the Southern Lake District village of Arnside. At Number 43 you can watch amazing Morecambe Bay sunsets, sleep in a coastal chic bedroom (one even has a bath for two with stunning views of the Lakeland fells) and enjoy breakfast on the terrace, which looks out onto the estuary and the wealth of wildlife - you may spot a few oystercatchers and herons circling the sands. Expect local coastal art on the walls, a generous selection of REN products in the en-suite bathrooms and cosy king sized beds. Rooms from £120. Visit <a href="http://www.no43.org.uk/" target="_blank">no43.org.uk</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Cumbria&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Browse offers on accommodation in Cumbria</a></p>
- The Scarlet, Cornwall<p> Go for eco luxe by the sea at the fabulous Scarlet hotel, which perches on cliff-tops looking out over the golden sands of Mawgan Porth in North Cornwall. Whether you want to go surfing, wild swimming or Nordic walking, there’s plenty to do around the adult-only hotel. There's also an amazing spa with a variety of treatments and a log-fired hot tub outside with spectacular sea views! All of the bedrooms offer views of the sea and have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take in the wonderful setting. Rooms from £190. Visit <a href="http://www.scarlethotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">scarlethotel.co.uk</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Cornwall&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Browse offers on places to stay in Cornwall</a></p>
- New England Beach House, West Sussex<p> As the name suggests, this gorgeous house in the pretty village of Angmering-on-Sea in West Sussex was designed in a New England style with beach lovers in mind. The inside is just as attractive as the exterior with plenty of space for 12 people, a beautiful kitchen, bedrooms with sea views and light decor. There's a hot tub in the private garden, as well as sun loungers, a barbeque and showers outside, plus direct access to the beach. A perfect British seaside escape the whole family will love! From £2,500 per week. Visit <a href="http://www.thebigdomain.com/large-houses/new-england-beach-house" target="_blank">thebigdomain.com</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Sussex&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Check out accommodation deals in Sussex</a></p>
- Sea Garden Cottages, Isles of Scilly<p> For luxury by the sea in the idyllic Isles of Scilly, stay at one of the new stylish Sea Garden Cottages on Tresco that offer fine sea views, a stunning landscaped garden setting and sophisticated interiors. There's spacious open-plan living and private decks for alfresco dining over the clear Tresco waters. The new Ruin Beach Cafe on the shore serves Mediterranean-style food for when you don't feel like cooking and the modern cottages have original artworks inspired by the coastal setting. Sea Garden Cottages from £150 per person per night. Visit <a href="http://www.tresco.co.uk/" target="_blank">tresco.co.uk</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Cornwall&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Find accommodation deals in Cornwall</a></p>
- Titchwell Manor, North Norfolk<p> With a stylish setting overlooking North Norfolk's unspoilt coast, fresh seafood caught by local fishermen served in the AA rosette-rated restaurants and a choice of classic or contemporary bedrooms, Titchwell Manor is a fabulous seaside hotel. The boutique bolthole offers uninterrupted views across open marshes to the North Sea with golden sands and plenty of wildlife at the nearby RSPB Titchwell Marsh nature reserve. It's pet-friendly too with designated rooms for guests with dogs and you'll be given a map marked with the best short walks from the hotel. Rooms from £110. Visit <a href="http://www.titchwellmanor.com/" target="_blank">titchwellmanor.com</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Norfolk&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Check out accommodation deals in Norfolk</a></p>
- Fisherman's Huts at Hotel Continental, Kent<p> With delightful pebbly beaches, amazing sunsets and tasty native oysters, Whitstable in Kent is the ideal spot for a traditional English beach break. The Hotel Continental is perfectly located on the beach with comfortable rooms but for the ultimate seaside experience stay in one of the Fisherman's Huts, just a short walk away. The eight huts were once used for storing cockle farmers' clutter and offer superb sea views and two floors of space. The view from the first floor is over the ranks of yachts around the bay to the Isle of Sheppey and across the remains of the World War II sea forts. Huts from £75. Visit <a href="http://www.hotelcontinental.co.uk/" target="_blank">hotelcontinental.co.uk</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Kent&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Browse great offers on accommodation in Kent</a></p>
- The Carey Arms, South Devon<p> Fancy a taste of the Riviera lifestyle? Head to The Carey Arms, which overlooks Babbacombe Bay in Devon for a sophisticated seaside stay. It has an English pub feel with the style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Devon beef, Lyme Bay lobster and line caught seafood are served in the restaurant, there's an outdoor fireplace so you can keep warm while enjoying the views. The rooms are sea-facing with light, New England-style decor and around the hotel you can go for tea and scones at a quaint cafe, take a boat ride to a secluded bay or watch the sunset from the rugged cliff-tops. Rooms from £160. Visit <a href="http://www.caryarms.co.uk/" target="_blank">caryarms.co.uk</a> <a href="http://www.great2012offers.com/cs/Satellite?SearchCountry=England&SearchDestination=Devon&SearchOfferCategory=Accommodation&c=Page&cid=1252264201276&newSearch=true&pageNumber=1&pagename=ProcessSearchRequest&resultsPerPage=10&search=true" target="_blank">Save money with great offers on accommodation in Devon</a></p>
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