A SEASIDE town in Cumbria that’s won multiple awards is a well-kept holiday secret among travellers in the know, thanks to its unspoiled surroundings and spectacular sunsets.

Silloth in Allerdale, Cumbria, has been known since Victorian times for the quality of its air, the abundance of rare wildlife and its spectacular sunsets. And not much has changed since then.

4

4

Advertisement

It has several beaches, two of the most famous ones being West Beach and Grune Point.

West Beach is a large, sandy beach with dunes and views of the Solway Firth and the Scottish landscape, including the hills of Southern Galloway and the Lake District Fells.

Grune Point is a long, sandy shingle beach that sticks out into the Moricambe estuary and is a great spot for bird watching.

The beaches are some of the best places to watch Silloth’s famous sunsets, which are considered so good because of the town’s location and views.

If you don’t make it to the beach, another popular spot to catch one is Silloth Promenade – a traffic-free walkway which also has views of Solway Firth and Scotland.

The town’s Green is one of the largest and longest greens in the country, dating back to the 1860s.

 It’s located in the Silloth conservation area and close to the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, and has been awarded the Green Flag Award several years in a row for its high environmental standards, excellent visitor facilities, and beautiful maintenance.

It’s now recognised as one of the best parks in the country.

Among the things to do there is a water play area, which is a big hit during the summer months with children of all ages.

Silloth has won several awards over the years, including the Coastal Resort Trophy and Best Sustainable Development Town in 2016.

The town has also played host to lots of big events. For 21 years it held a music and beer festival, with Allerdale beers and local acts.

But the organises announced this year they’d made the “difficult decision” for it to come to an end.

The Silloth Vintage Rally however, still takes place across two days every year.

It’s a free, family-friendly event that takes place on Silloth Green, showcasing hundreds of vintage vehicles, including steam engines, stationary engines, commercial and military vehicles, classic cars, vintage tractors, and classic motorbikes.

If you can’t wait for the rally to come around, Silloth has its very own Motorcycle Museum.

The museum displays a range of production and Grand Prix bikes that have been raced by Jim Snaith at iconic circuits including the Isle of Man TT and Daytona. 

The museum is run by Snaith, and he shares his first-hand knowledge with visitors. 

Entry is free and donations are welcome.

Silloth’s location is also ideal for exploring the Lake District.

Drive around 45 minutes south east and you’ll find yourself in Keswick.

4

4

The UK’s best seaside town was revealed in July this year by Which?

Banburgh in Northumberland topped the list, making it four years in a row that the north east town has claimed the title.

AUTUMN is well and truly under way come November in the UK.

As the temperature drops and the long nights set in, you can be forgiven for not wanting to spend the whole month on British soil.

13

Luckily, there are a number of options available to those of us who want to catch some late sunshine without splashing too much cash.

November is a great time for long-haul travel as it falls within the shoulder seasons of some tropical countries, but there are some fantastic options much closer to home, too.

Here are the best deals that we’ve found in warm destinations so that you can get your fix of vitamin D.

Thailand

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 31C

Thailand is, unsurprisingly, a popular holiday destination for many Brits.

From some of Asia‘s most beautiful beaches to vibrant wildlife and incredible cuisine, Thailand has so much to offer its visitors.

The best season during which to visit the country begins in November, making the autumn month perfect for a Thai getaway.

With a range of accommodation types on offer whether you prefer the bustle of Bankok or the sands of Phuket, a holiday in Thailand promises to be one to remember.

• 7 nights B&B at Rawai Palm Beach Resort, Phuket from £850pp
• 7 nights at all-inclusive at Khaolak Laguna Resort, Khao lak from £1,099pp

Barbados

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 30C

If you’re someone who dreams of crystal clear waters and stretches of white-sand beaches, Barbados is probably the place for you.

November is a great time to visit because the hurricane season has ended in October and the dry season, which comes around in December, has not yet kicked off, keeping prices low.

While you might see a tropical shower or two, the weather will be mostly hot and sunny while also being less humid than usual, making November an ideal time to explore this amazing island nation.

• 7 nights room only at Butterfly Beach, South Coast from £749pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at Barbados Beach Club, Maxwell from £1,279pp

Mexico

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 29C

Mexico is a vast country with no shortage of holiday hotspots along its shores.

Both its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are home to stunning scenery and a lively surf scene — which is in full swing in November.

Its spectacular beaches alone are appealing, but add to them the country’s rich history and delicious food and you’ve got a holiday destination that’s irresistible to families, couples and solo travellers alike.

• 7 nights all-inclusive at Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Riviera Maya from £699pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at Imperial las Perlas, Cancun from £739pp

Dominican Republic

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 31C

Covering half of the island of Hispaniola, the tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean.

Its pulsing nightlife is balanced with a wealth of family-friendly recreation options, and its incredible rainforests have made it a popular hub for ecotourism.

Explore the capital Santo Domingo or kick back in Punta Cana for a luxurious autumn vacation.

Cape Verde

13

Advertisement

• Average daily maximum temperature: 29C

Cape Verde is a collection of islands off the West coast of Africa that enjoys long hours of sunshine and balmy weather in November.

Dubbed ‘Africa’s affordable answer to the Caribbean‘, Cape Verde is just a six hour flight away from the UK and a convenient option for British sunseekers.

The islands of Sal and Boa Vista are the most popular spots for tourists, while Santo Antão offers more of a “hidden gem” experience.

November also marks the start of Cape Verde’s dry season, so it’s a wonderful time to make the journey.

• 7 nights all-inclusive at Riu Funana, Sal from £730pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at Occidental Boa Vista Beach, Sal from £945pp

Morocco

13

Advertisement

• Average daily maximum temperature: 25C

Anyone heading to Morocco is spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning holiday havens.

The North African country is home to the famous souks of Marrakech, the World Heritage site that is Fez and a number of hidden gem beach towns.

Temperatures still reach 19C on average in November, which is perfect for all activities from hiking and to camel riding.

• 7 nights all-inclusive at TUI BLUE Riu Tikida Garden, Marrakesh from £480pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at El Pueblo Tamlelt, Agadir from £285pp

Canary Islands

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 24C

With an average flight time of just four hours from the UK, it’s not hard to understand why the Canary Islands are a firm favourite for a vacay.

These volcanic islands come without the hassle of long-haul flights but with sunny skies and warm sea temperatures.

Travellers have different islands to choose from, each with its own appeal; pick Tenerife for family fun, Fuerteventura for white-sand beaches and Lanzarote for outdoorsy pastimes.

The Canaries can experience varying weather in November, and while the Eastern islands are the windiest, Tenerife and Gran Canaria get a breeze that can be refreshing in the heat.

• 7 nights all-inclusive at Alua Atlantico Golf Resort, Tenerife from £670pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at Hotel Palia Don Pedro, Tenerife from £355pp

Cape Town

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 24C

For some holidaymakers, South Africa‘s main draws are the breathtaking beaches and ocean views; for others, they’re the excellent hiking and safari opportunities.

Luckily, in Cape Town, you can enjoy both an excursion up Table Mountain and a day on its shores with adorable penguins for company.

Advertisement

Cape Town’s golden sands — on Boulders Beach or Camps Bay — offer the perfect backdrop for a holiday to escape the British chill.

November is also one of the cheapest months when it comes to Cape Town-bound flights, so you can get away without breaking the bank.

• 7 nights room only at Capetonian Hotel, Cape Town from £770pp

Malta

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 21C

The island nation of Malta is an ideal place for some autumn warmth, as in November it offers pleasant weather without any overwhelming heat.

You can step back in time among the crumbling ancient buildings of its cities or take a dip in its turquoise lagoons, all free of the summer crowds.

At just three hours from Blighty by plane, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to avoid losing a whole day of holiday to travel.

• 7 nights half-board at db Seabank Resort + Spa, Malta from £299pp
• 7 nights B&B at DoubleTree by Hilton Malta from £317pp

Algarve

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 20C

The Algarve region of Portugal, tucked away on the Iberian Peninsula’s southern edge, still sees warm temperatures in the month of November.

Its incredible coastline, coupled with its budget-friendly accommodation options, make it a popular spot for anyone craving a European beach break.

There are also plenty of fun activities to entertain the kids if you’re travelling as a family.

• 7 nights self-catering at Eden Resort, Albufeira from £470pp
• 7 nights all-inclusive at Muthu Clube Praia Da Oura, Albufeira from £370pp

The Gambia

13

• Average daily maximum temperature: 20C

Just a mid-haul flight away from the UK and with the added perk of no time difference, The Gambia is a nation waiting to be explored jet lag-free.

Unspoilt beaches lie steps from affordable resorts, providing divine surroundings for your sunbathing.

And as well as relaxing by the waves, travellers can venture out to the country’s nature reserves and traditional fishing villages to take full advantage of November’s summery climate.

Tunisia

13

Advertisement

• Average daily maximum temperature: 20C

Tunisia has something for everyone, be that its breathtaking coast around Hammamet or its historic ruins in Sousse.

Parts of the gorgeous Mediterranean country have been dubbed the ‘budget-friendly St. Tropez’, giving holidaymakers a taste of long-haul luxury without the price tag.

The temperature in November remains around the 20C mark, so sunseekers can enjoy sightseeing and swimming despite the cold back at home.

• 4 nights all-inclusive at TUI BLUE Manar, Tunisia from £340pp
• 7 nights all inclusive at Iris Thalasso and Spa, Tunisia from £200pp

Next month, you can still experience the spoils of summer with our top deals for some December sun. Plus, check out our tips for nabbing the best seats when flying with Wizz Air, EasyJet and TUI.

A HOTEL located on the English Riviera has been rated among the cheapest places to stay in the UK.

The Trelawney Hotel in Torquay, Devon has earned itself a place on Tripadvisor‘s top 10 cheapest hotels list for offering a room rate of just £58 a night.

5

5

Advertisement

Offering “luxury” bed and breakfast accommodation, guests consistently comment on the hotel’s great value and service.

One guest who stayed in June this year wrote on the review website: “Fabulous hotel. Fantastic value for money and only 5 minutes walk down into town.

“Liz and Paul, the owners are very friendly and are very good hosts.”

The hotel is nestled conveniently close to the seafront, just 300m from Torre Abbey Sands.

As the main beach in Torquay, it’s popular with holidaymakers from the surrounding hotels, day visitors and locals with its long sandy shore and great views across to the coastal town of Brixham.

Torre Abbey Meadows is also nearby – a grassy expanse which is perfect for picnics.

The hotel has a variety of rooms on offer, including twin, double, king size, family, and four-poster beds, all of which have en suite bathrooms, colour TVs and complimentary beverage trays.

And alongside good room rates, an ideal location, and comfortable rooms, guests seem to be enamoured with the spotless cleanliness throughout the hotel and its freshly-cooked breakfast.

One guest wrote on Tripadvisor: “The rooms are spotlessly clean and the beds really comfortable…..a real home from home.”

Another said: “No dogs, No dirty stains on the carpets!!
Everything was spotless!”

As part of its extensive breakfast menu, the hotel uses local suppliers where possible, for example, for its free range eggs, bacon and sausages.

Another guest wrote: “Breakfast was delicious. You can opt for as much, or as little as you want and the ordering of breakfast the day before, is a great idea. Definitely would stay again.”

Someone else penned: “A range of cereals , fruit, yoghurts, fresh orange and apple juice, tea and coffee was great, full English breakfast was lovely. I myself really enjoyed the poached eggs.”

One thing in particular that sets Trelawney apart from other hotels is it has an honesty bar, with guests saying they “loved the idea! and it “was a really nice touch”.

As well as being close to a beach, the hotel is ideally located for those who want to explore further afield with the South Devon coastline and Dartmoor National Park.

The English Riviera Conference and Leisure Centre is within 250 metres of the hotel, where you can visit one of its many staged events and swim in its wave machine pool.

Torquay town centre is just a 10 minute walk away from the hotel, with plenty of shops and places to eat.

But if you don’t fancy walking, one guest shared a tip: “A bus runs you into town for just £1.50!”

5

Advertisement

5

5

The Trelawny Hotel came fourth on Tripadvisor’s cheap hotels list, but offers cheaper rates than the hotels before it.

For Brits looking for a cheap holiday abroad, Marrakesh has been named the best budget Autumn getaway.

It was crowned Most Budget Friendly Autumn Getaway 2024 by DiscoverCars.com.