Wake up, it's Spring!

On Sunday 25th March, the clocks went forward one hour, officially marking the start of British Summertime. It may surprise you to learn that a postal worker from New Zealand by the name of George Vernon Hudson first proposed a resetting of clocks in 1895 so he could pursue his after-hours hobby of entomology (that’s the study of insect biology to you and me). While losing an hour of kip might seem far from appealing to the booze-breathed millions arising on Sunday, we at Cool Places actually welcome the extra hour of sunlight; and in the hope that we might convert you to our wholesome ways we’ve put together a list of our favourite places to enjoy the earliest and latest rays of sunshine.

Greenwich Park

The view from the top of Greenwich Park (shown above) is pretty good on even the most ordinary of days – you know, the one with the statue of General Wolfe contemplating the sprouting development on the Isle of Dogs. But come here at dusk in spring, preferably on a weekday, when it's not mobbed by tourists, and it's one of the best views of the city going, the sun slicing through the skyscrapers of the City and Docklands, the Thames shimmering as London turns her lights on, the orange glow of light pollution giving the city a faintly futuristic quality. 

Sunrise at Bolton Priory

For early birds, the sunrise at Bolton Priory, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is spectacular beyond words. The first shimmering rays of light cascade through the ghostly ancient ruined cloisters as the gentle murmuring of the nearby River Wharfe provides the perfect accompaniment to the morning songbirds. A truly meditative experience. 

National Park at Seven Sisters

The newly christened National Park at Seven Sisters on the Sussex South Downs offers one of England’s most perfect settings for the daylight’s yielding lustre. Chart the sun's descent beyond the coastal horizon as incandescent explosions of purple and gold reflect off the chalky face of Beachy Head. Drink in the scene as you imbibe some of the local ales from any one of the area’s timber-beamed pubs. 

Tarn Hows at sunrise

Is there a more enchanting scene than Tarn Hows at sunrise? Its remoteness and rich array of wildlife makes waking in time for daybreak one of the action-packed Lake District’s more simpler pleasures. Visitors can rise with the early morning dew at any one of Cumbria’s stunningly located lakeside campsites. 

Edinburgh at twilight

Edinburgh at twilight is a sight to behold (shown below). From atop the volcanic rock of Salisbury Crags (a mere half mile from the city), the Georgian splendour of the New Town is visible in the shadow of the capital’s mighty castle. The distinctive golden hue of the Royal Mile is given added illumination as sunset gives way to a dreamy dusk.

What Customers say about Cool Places

Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

Nathan, Verified Customer

6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

Barbara, Verified Customer

Easy to navigate

Great site that offers a really broad range of places to stay across the UK. Easy to navigate and book holidays.

Patrick, Verified Customer

Such a great variety of properties

Found this website when looking to book a staycation for later in the year. Such a great variety of properties and the website is really easy to use. Already shared with my family and friends.

CT, Verified Customer

Great, simple, straightforward

Great, simple and straightforward. I will definitely be using Cool Places again.

SM, Verified Customer