Kick off summer in the UK with a music festival at the beach
What better way to see in summer than with a fun-filled music festival by the beach? So what if there's no Glastonbury in 2012? There are plenty of other events in the UK to keep you entertained, from Brighton and Cornwall to the Isle of Wight. And for those who prefer a bit more comfort than a tent, on HomeAway.co.uk, the UK's number one holiday rentals website, there are more than 8,500 private properties available to rent in the UK. Get together a few friends and rent a place to save on cost per head, as holiday lets typically work out much cheaper than hotels.
Start with The Great Escape festival in Brighton (10th - 12th May), the leading event for showcasing new music with over 300 bands playing in 30 venues around the city. Then in early June, head to Plymouth for Volksfest (1st - 4th June), a unique festival that combines the Volkswagen scene with top quality music and entertainment from all over the world. Later in the month, see the up-and-coming Lana Del Rey on the Isle of Wight (21st - 24th June). For families, coincide a trip to Cornwall with the one-day music festival 'Eden Sessions' at the Eden Project from 23rd June to 12th July.
Take your pick from one of the properties below or browse HomeAway.co.uk for thousands more holiday cottages and apartments in the UK.
Prices quoted are per property per week for the corresponding festival and correct at the time of going to press.
Spacious flat in a listed regency building, situated on Brighton's seafront
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. £850 per week
This spacious and very comfortable apartment is situated right on the seafront with direct sea views from the lounge and immediately adjacent to the Regency Square gardens. There is one double bedroom and a larger bedroom with three beds. In the lounge area there is an additional sofa bed sleeping two more. The lounge is spacious with three large windows, all with sea views. The furnishings are a clever mixture of modern and antique - with a featured ships piano from 1860.
Modern apartment in the centre of Plymouth
2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. £575 per week
A spacious, modern apartment close to the Barbican and a short stroll from the world famous Plymouth hoe. The property features an open plan lounge, two large bedrooms, a family bathroom shower and corner bath, a dining room kitchen with marble work tops and fully fitted appliances.
Beautiful Ventnor cottage with lovely sea views, Isle of Wight
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. £695 per week
Ocean View Cottage sits above the picturesque Victorian seaside town of Ventnor at the southern tip of the Isle of Wight. As the name suggests, it enjoys stunning sea views from the living room and main bedroom. The décor is laidback shabby chic making it just as suitable for a romantic getaway as for a family holiday. Ventnor's child-friendly beach was awarded the coveted Blue Flag for water quality, safety and environmental management.
Riverside property in Fowey, close to beaches and Eden Project, Cornwall
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. £1,500 per week
The Rigging is an upside down town house with a magnificent open-plan living room enjoying stunning views across the river Fowey. It is in the heart of Fowey, with easy access to the river for sailing, kayaking and fishing. The property consists of three double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. Outside, are lovely terraced gardens enjoying uninterrupted views to the river in both directions. There is a large decked area with table, chairs and BBQ. The world famous Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan are within easy reach.
