A coast for …. late summer breaks!

End of summer is perfect for unearthing hidden gems, lesser-known events and smaller art venues, it’s also a great time to grab a bargain stay.

Head to the rolling hills of Dorset and you’ll stumble upon some of the UK’s best-loved photo ops, think dreamy Corfe castle, Golden Cap– the highest point on the south coast – or magical Brownsea Island… but come in September and you’ll also find B-side festival. 

This leading arts festival takes places 5-8 September for 2024 on the Isle of Portland, ‘one amazing island, 1000 brilliant ideas’.  In addition to spectacular scenery (Chesil Beach is a must), you’ll find original art inspired by the landscape, films, walks, tours and pop-up surprises, while b-side Fringe promises to provide ‘extra creative spice’. 

Nearby, The Weymouth Sculpture Trail links six specially commissioned artworks inviting you to explore this delightful seaside town. Comprising a variety of materials including Portland stone, natural oak and digital augmented reality, the works celebrate the town’s maritime heritage and waterside position with a thought-provoking look at future coastal challenges. 

Discover coral reefs just off Weymouth’s shore, duelling crabs in Hope Square and a vast sculptural bench overlooking the harbour, crafted from a single slab of oak. 

Transformed from an abandoned stone quarry, Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park features more than 60 hidden sculptures. Look out for Anthony Gormley’s Still Falling sculpture but also wonderful wildflowers and butterflies.  

Looking to get back to nature on the east coast? On the Lincolnshire Coast, you’ll find dog-friendly getaways, couples retreats, warming hot tubs and superb glamp sites, perfect for cooler nights.  November is ideal for spotting seals at Donna Nook, one of the best places to see these captivating creatures on the coast. 

At the end of November grey seals arrive on the beach at Donna Nook each year to give birth.  You’ll get an ideal view from the observation viewing platform to glimpse new-born pups with their parents without causing them disturbance. 

Check into luxury glamp pods with countryside views, warm up by a communal firepit roasting marshmallows, sip cocktails, cask ales and everything in between and don’t miss a trip to a local vineyard. 

Explore splendid castles, enjoy live music and thrilling entertainment in more leisure and without the noisy summer crowds.

Bristling with more than 2,000 years of history, Kent’s White Cliffs Country has no shortage of jaw-dropping attractions.  

Built back in 1180s Henry II established Dover Castle, its buildings and defences have been adapted ever since but now Dover Castle Under Siege has brought the castle bang up to date with hi-tech immersive displays, reopened Medieval tunnels and a brilliant new play area complete with trebuchet. A new viewing area in the grounds offers panoramic castle views, book online for a 15% saving on tickets. 

Head to the stunning medieval town of Sandwich and you’ll hear the Sandwich curfew each evening at 8pm. Ringing out from St Peter’s Church, the chimes originally signalled the time townsfolk should cover their fires to be safe for the night. It also heralded the time locals could release their animals such as pigs into the street, a custom sadly long since gone! 

For a slice of culture and independent galleries, Deal’s the place, check out works by local artists, see what’s on at the Astor Theatre, a multi-purpose arts centre showcasing music, theatre, literary events, art exhibitions and films. Visit The Lighthouse, Cin Cin Bar and Landmark Bar for live music and in September Deal Braderie is a huge street market. 

Arts, music, theatre, festivals, comedy – where will you find a bigger mix than Brighton? Visit the Royal Pavilion and next-door Brighton Museum & Art Gallery in between are the Pavilion Gardens.  And that’s just for starters, this place buzzes year-round. 

The cultural quarter is the city’s beating heart, you’ll find an unrivalled array of street theatre and outdoor spectacles, take your pick from opera, dance, literature, top bands at the Brighton Centre, west end shows at the Theatre Royal, opera and ballet at the Brighton Dome, the entire offering wrapped up in a bulging events calendar. You’ll barely have time to head to the famous pier and beach! 

Before we spin into winter, make the most of coastal sunrises and sunsets - few places are they more mesmerising than on the Isle of Thanet. 

This is, after all, the place that inspired JMW Turner, Augustus Pugin, Vincent Van Gogh and Tracey Emin, oh and Charles Dickens. 

For a small isle, Thanet packs a big historic punch, it was vital in holding the frontline in WW1 and WW2, pivotal in the evacuation of Dunkirk but way back Thanet saw the arrival of the Saxons, the start of Roman Britain led by Julius Caesar and the arrival of the first Christian, St Augustine.  

Today you’ll find big name acts at Dreamland in Margate and live music in smaller quirkier venues like Where Else? and Ramsgate Music Hall. 

A new exhibition, Anya Gallaccio: Preserve launches 28 September and runs to January at the Margate’s Turner Contemporary.  The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum has a thrilling new Lancaster Experience while the RAF Manston History Museum has an Open Cockpit weekend 14 and 15 September. 

From 6 to 15 September, you’ll have free entry to Thanet’s Heritage Open Days, discover architectural treasures, tours, events and activities for all ages.  There’s also just time to join a 40-minute cultural walking tour taking in the wine, food and the rockstar history of Margate, book here. 

Live performances, thought-provoking film screenings, food events and workshops celebrating the Isle’s multi-cultural community take place at a former synagogue in Margate, ARK.  Packed with choice for a cultural escape, check out art galleries and trails on this creative Isle here.