Barry's blog posts

Abbey

Summer 2026 Dates & Prices are now LIVE!

Written by Abbey
Monday, 11 May 2026

Dont forget to call us on 01670 785 085 to enquire!


Abbey

Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Coastlines

Written by Abbey
Monday, 11 May 2026

Norway in summer is defined by scale, light and that feeling of space that’s hard to find anywhere else in Europe. Vast fjords carve their way through steep mountains, creating dramatic waterways that stretch deep inland, while the Arctic coastline is dotted with islands, fishing villages and quiet bays. In places such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, the Midnight Sun keeps the landscape glowing late into the evening, so the sense of day never quite fades and every view feels that bit more memorable.

 001956 Knut Hansvold www nordnorge com 4

 

This is a destination that really comes to life outdoors. Fjord cruises are one of the best ways to experience the scenery, moving slowly through calm waters between towering cliffs and waterfalls that tumble straight into the sea. Along the coast, island-hopping journeys reveal traditional fishing communities and small harbours set against some of the most striking scenery in the Nordics. In the Lofoten Islands, dramatic peaks rise directly from the water, with sheltered beaches and wooden cabins creating a timeless coastal landscape. Further north around Tromsø, the fjords open out into wider Arctic waters where wildlife such as sea eagles and seals are often seen, and where the stillness of the sea makes the scale of the scenery even more impressive.

Copywrite Bård Løken and www nordnorge com Midnight sun in Senja 

What makes a Norwegian summer so special is the freedom the long daylight brings. With the Midnight Sun stretching the evenings, there is no need to rush, just time to explore at a slower pace and take in the surroundings properly. Life along the coast still feels closely connected to the sea, with fishing heritage and small communities shaping the rhythm of everyday life, while the landscapes themselves remain wild, open and constantly changing with the light. It is a part of the world that feels both peaceful and dramatic at the same time, and a very different side of Norway to the one most people imagine.

 

RESIZED 001470 Baard Loeken www nordnorge com


Abbey

Finland's Summer Wilderness

Written by Abbey
Monday, 11 May 2026

What makes Finland so special, particularly in the summer?

Finnish Lapland offers one of the most unique summer experiences in Europe. Beneath the Midnight Sun, the landscapes around Lake Inari are transformed by endless daylight, creating long golden evenings, quiet forests and mirror-like lakes that seem to stretch forever. Far above the Arctic Circle, this is a place where nature dictates the rhythm of life. Days feel slower, calmer and completely removed from the crowds and heat of traditional summer destinations.

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Summer holidays in Finnish Lapland are all about immersing yourself in the wilderness. Kayak across the vast waters of Lake Inari beneath glowing midnight skies, hike through peaceful pine forests or explore scenic trails surrounded by untouched Arctic nature. The endless daylight means adventures don’t have to end when the evening arrives — it’s possible to enjoy late-night walks, wildlife spotting and outdoor experiences at almost any hour of the day. The region is also home to reindeer, birdlife and remote landscapes that feel truly wild, making it one of the best destinations for nature lovers seeking an authentic Nordic summer holiday.

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The area around Inari is also deeply connected to Sámi culture, offering visitors the chance to discover the traditions and heritage of the indigenous people of northern Finland. The Sámi have lived in this remote Arctic region for generations, with a culture shaped by nature, reindeer herding and life in the far north. Visitors can learn more through cultural experiences, local museums and time spent in Inari village, widely considered the cultural heart of Finnish Sámi life. Combined with traditional Finnish sauna experiences, wild swimming, wilderness excursions and the peaceful atmosphere of the Arctic north, Finnish Lapland offers a completely different kind of summer escape — one defined by space, silence and endless light.

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Abbey

Tenerife

Written by Abbey
Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Abbey

Family Summer Collection

Written by Abbey
Thursday, 09 October 2025

Our Family Summer Collection brings together a carefully curated range of handcrafted holidays designed for shared adventure, meaningful time together, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

From the volcanic landscapes, golden beaches and coastal trails of Tenerife, to the wild, open ocean and dolphin-rich waters of the Azores, each journey is designed to connect families with nature in a more immersive and authentic way. These are destinations where exploration feels effortless, and every day brings space to slow down, discover, and enjoy time together.

In the fascinating, green landscapes of Madeira, families can explore dramatic coastlines, botanical gardens and scenic walking trails, all while enjoying a relaxed island pace. It’s a destination made for gentle adventure, where nature and culture sit side by side.This is also a great destination all year round ; being situated off the coast of Portugal means it experiences perfect holiday weather throughout spring and summer, giving you ideal temperatures to explore Madeira in all its natural beauty!

For those looking further afield, our journeys to Costa Rica offer something truly special — from rainforest wildlife encounters and hanging bridges to volcanoes, beaches and incredible biodiversity. It’s a place where family travel becomes an adventure into the natural world itself.

And this is just the beginning. These featured destinations are a glimpse into what’s possible - our full Family Summer Collection includes many more carefully crafted journeys such as Slovenia, Croatia, Morocco, Malta and much more. Explore the collection below and find the family adventure that’s right for you.


Abbey

What you need to know about the Midnight Sun before your summer escape to Finland...

Have you ever wondered what summer in Finland is really like? Let me tell you –it's unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. This is your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary and witness a natural wonder you will never forget; the Midnight Sun.  

This summer, it’s just you, the locals, and the wild in open wilderness. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden world that’s all yours to explore. No rush, no stress -just pure, unfiltered adventure.

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What’s the science behind the Midnight Sun?

It’s one of those things that sounds too magical to be real, but it absolutely is. The sun doesn’t set, instead it hovers just slightly above the horizon, bathing everything in the most incredible warm light and keeping the wilderness alive. 

The endless daylight gives you endless amount of opportunity to explore anything, from midnight hikes, hours' worth of ‘golden hour’ and taking in the mesmerising scenery with the locals.  And it’s not just people who thrive under the Midnight Sun. The land itself comes alive. The forests get greener, the air feels fresher, and of course, the sun is always shining.

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When Can You See It?

Here’s the best part: the Midnight Sun isn’t just a fleeting moment. In Finland, it’s in full swing from around mid-June to early July, and the further north you go, the longer it lasts. Imagine having all that extra time to explore and soak up the magic.

We know how to make every moment count, and we want you to experience this first hand. Whether it’s a peaceful evening paddle on a glowing lake or a guided hike through landscapes that look like they’ve been plucked from a postcard, we’ve got you covered. And while you’re at it, dive into the Sami culture. Their traditions, their stories—they’ll stay with you long after the trip is over. So out advice is,start your summer escape to Finland now!

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Abbey

Discover Finland differently this Summer

Written by Abbey
Friday, 18 April 2025

Envision your summer experience in Finland...

Finland is home to some of the most untouched and undiscovered landscapes, due to its amount of Arctic wilderness and dramatic landscapes. During the winter months, Finland is the land of the Northern Lights, with frozen lakes, snow-covered forests and the white scenery that leaves you in a winter dream. But summer in Finland is also just as mesmerizing, and it not as commonly heard of as their winter, leaving it more undiscovered and perfect for travellers looking to escape the crowds and just be among the locals and their nature.

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If you have ever dreamed of a place where the sun never sets, and nature glows in golden hues all day and night, then we are here to tell you that such a place exists, and it’s waiting for you in Finland this summer...

Picture yourself surrounded by breathtaking beauty, where endless daylight transforms the typical imagination of an Arctic landscape into something truly magical with 24/7 sun. Spend your summer in Finland hiking through sunlit forests, with the fresh scent of pine filling the air. Every step brings you closer to crystal-clear lakes that mirror the vibrant greens of the trees around them. 

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Now, take a moment to breathe in - can you feel the crisp, clean air rejuvenating your spirit? Up in Northern Finland, Lake Inari is a secluded sanctuary of pristine wilderness, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Sami culture and untouched by time. For the adventurers at heart, Finland’s dramatic mountains and landscapes are a dream come true.

Hike to your heart’s content, paddle across tranquil waters, or simply bask in the enchanting glow of the Midnight Sun. And when the day winds down (not that the sun does!), you’ll find warmth and comfort in Finland’s cosy wilderness retreats. Picture yourself unwinding with a smile, knowing you’ve just experienced something truly extraordinary.

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This isn’t just a summer getaway; it’s a chance to reconnect with nature and with yourself. Every moment here feels like a gift - an unforgettable adventure waiting to be unwrapped.


Abbey

Travelling Sustainably through The Azores

Written by Abbey
Friday, 24 January 2020

Featured

For many, the Azores are still relatively unheard of. Its remote location in the mid-Atlantic has much to do with this, as does the archipelago’s approach to tourism.


Abbey

An Alpine Adventure in Slovenia

Written by Abbey
Wednesday, 14 January 2015

Lake Bled is an Alpine playground -  dive into paddleboarding, ziplining, white water rafting and lakeside swimming on a family summer adventure.

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