A focal point of pretty much anyone's summer holiday, the beach is the place above all others to relax with a cocktail in your hand, read a good book, and catch up on your suntan.

However, it's not all about snoozes and siestas - many beaches around the world are famous for being hotspots for exciting activities and get togethers that make them an exciting hub for their local town. We've put together a little collection of our favourite activity beaches in Europe.

The buzzing beach at Sesimbra, Portugal. By culebrense via Flickr.

With the often drab, rainy and - let's face it - downright miserable weather in the UK, who can blame us for dashing off to warmer climes at the nearest opportunity? Many of most popular resorts around Europe are flooded with sunshine all year round making them the perfect place to bask in the heat.

So if you're getting tired of the rainy season, take a look at some of our favourite suntraps, grab a hotel deal, and get packing...

On the beach in Ibiza (image by Philip Larson)

The summer is nearly upon us and we'll soon be digging out our shorts and basking in the glorious British sunshine (hopefully!). Whatever the weather, this summer promises to be an exciting one with so many things to see and do, whether you're staying at home or going abroad. Today, we're taking a look at some of the best things to do and get involved in this summer.

On the beach in Rhodes, by flickr user drdcuddy

Go Abroad
Let's face it; the weather in the UK is unpredictable at the best of times, so why not head somewhere that guarantees sunshine and lots of it? With arguably the most varied group of islands in Europe, you can't go wrong with Greece. Whether it's clubbing in Zante or sightseeing in Rhodes, check out Hotels4u for a selection of Greece hotels suitable for every budget.

Staycation
Why jet off thousands of miles away though when everything we need can be found right on our very own doorstep (well almost). For example, you could go on a train ride to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where there's lots to offer visitors of every age. Book into one of our fantastic hotels in Edinburgh and explore the famous Edinburgh Castle, take a walk down the Royal Mile or spend an evening of fun and frivolity in one of the lively bars in the city.

Olympic Stadium, by Frank Steiner

Olympic Games
Unless you've been living in a cave for the past year or so, you might have heard that the greatest sporting event in the world is taking place this summer in London. Whether you were lucky enough to get tickets for the 100m final or the beach volleyball, the Olympics Games is sure to be one of the most historic events this country has ever seen. Take a look at our selection of London hotels for some great deals on accommodation.

Diamond Jubilee
There's nothing more British than the Royal Family and with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee taking place in June, this summer is sure to be the most majestic of occasions. Best of all, we get an extra bank holiday too on June 5th, enabling you to join in the celebrations as the Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne. Or why not follow in the Royal footsteps by doing your own Jubilee themed tour of the country? 

Leeds Festival, by Ian Wilson

Festivals
Those who don't mind slumming it in a muddy field surrounded by fellow revellers, smelly port-a-loo's and lots of noise should head to one of the various music festivals happening around the UK this summer. Whether you're getting your glow sticks out in Stratford-upon-Avon for Global Gathering (27-28 July), rocking out to Kasabian and Foo Fighters at Leeds Festival (24-26 April) or living it up at Bestival (6-9 September) on the Isle of Wight, there is a festival for everyone out there. 

 

Football European Championships
With all the excitement of the Olympics, let's not forget the football European Championships are also being held this summer. Taking place in Poland and Ukraine, the hopes of the nation will rest on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney and co as England aim to win their first tournament since 1966. Expect the country to be awash with St George's flags, men in pubs who have just about managed to squeeze into their England shirts for another year and perhaps more footballing heartache.

What are your plans for the summer? Tell us in the comments!

You can also catch up with us on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

We've been asking round the office, finding out what everyone's up to across the UK this bank holiday weekend, so we thought we'd put together a little list of local events across some of our favourite British cities to help you make the most of your time off.

Hampton Court Palace by edwin.11

At long last, the May Bank Holiday is fast approaching. And while these days you might think of the Bank Holiday as an excuse to do a spot of DIY, wander around the shops, or book a cheap hotel and go away for the weekend, historically May Day has been celebrated in rather different ways.

So if you're out and about around the UK this weekend, keep your eyes peeled for some of these May Day traditions that might be coming to a village near you...

Morris dancers on the Southbank by Jim Linwood

You don’t get much more British than the Royal Family and in honour of the Queen celebrating 60 years at the helm, there are plenty of Diamond Jubilee celebrations planned in 2012. To mark this momentous occasion, Queen Liz and Prince Philip are currently on an epic tour of the UK.

Clearly, Her Majesty likes to get out and about, as by the end of the year she’ll have covered almost every corner of the country from Glanusk Park and Glasgow to Sunderland and Salisbury. Travelling by car, aircraft, the Royal Train and the ship Leander, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s tour is currently attracting huge crowds wherever they go.

Manchester and Salford - 23th March

After beginning her tour in Leicester, the Queen (looking pretty in pink) travelled to Manchester on the royal train to be greeted by hundreds of flag-waving fans. After leaving Victoria Station, the Queen and Prince Philip delighted staff and students as they visited the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. The BBC Media Centre in Salford was next on Her Majesty’s itinerary before dining at the Manchester Town Hall for a tasty jubilee lunch feast.

The Queen at the Media City, by the University of Salford

North London - 29th March

After the excitement of Manchester, the royal party headed a bit closer to home with a trip to North London. After the obligatory smiling and waving at Valentine’s Park in Redbridge, the Queen made her way to a town hall and school in Harrow to continue the celebrations before heading back home in time for Coronation Street. Why not follow in royal footsteps and book one of the many London hotels in the area to spend a day admiring the beautiful mansion and gardens in Valentine’s Park?

Buckingham Palace, by flickr user Bex Walton

Wales - 26th-27th April

At the end of April, Wales is set to roll out the red carpet as the Queen is planning on spending a couple of days in the “land of song”. From visiting Cyfarthfa Castle Museum in Merthyr Tydfil to meeting members of the Welsh rugby team in Port Talbot, Her Majesty is in for an action-packed jaunt in Wales. Well-wishers and Royalty-buffs are sure to be booking into the various hotels in Cardiff to try and get a glimpse of the royal party, so why don’t you? Click here for some of the best deals.

Welsh Rugby team, by flickr user TruPlaces

Scotland - 2nd-6th July

The beginning of July sees the Queen and the Duke travelling back up north to spend a week in Scotland where they will discover the best of what Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth have to offer. Staying at the Palace of Holyrood House (the Queen’s official Scottish residence), the royal couple are sure to be kept busy during their trip here. With Edinburgh hotels to suit every budget, fans of the Royal Family will be able to stay close to all the regal action or alternatively visit some of the other landmarks in the Scottish capital such as Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, by flickr user Nigel Swales

Do let us know if you’ve been to see the Queen already on her Jubilee tour or if you’re planning on rubbing shoulders with royalty in the next couple of months. Leave us a comment below…

However you feel about the modern day monarchy, there's no denying that it's an important aspect of Britain's historic roots.

So, to celebrate the Queen's upcoming Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic games this summer, we've rounded up some of our favourite regal heritage sites throughout the UK where you can walk the red carpet, without royally dipping into your bank account.

Windsor Castle by mharrsch via Flickr

Me in Benidorm :) 

What are Harry’s recommendations for holidays in 2012?

There are so many great trips to go on this year I don’t know where to start! Of course, it’s worth planning a visit to London this summer if you haven’t already, so that you can join in the festival atmosphere that will accompany the Olympics! Our capital city is set to become the focal point of the world for a couple of months this year, so you’d be silly to miss out. Plan a week away and really see the city through the eyes of a tourist – you’ll be amazed at what London can offer when you treat it like a holiday destination!

Five Things You Didn't Know About Malta

All this week, we’re delving under the skin of Malta and discovering why it makes such a good holiday destination. Aside from the sunny weather, historical sites and wealth of culture on offer – not to mention the sandy beaches – there’s lots more to this Mediterranean hub than you might realise. So before you book one of our Malta hotels and discover the country for yourself, here are five things you might not know about our destination of the week:

St Pauls Anglican Cathedral by Glen Bowman