Whilst the UK has fully reopened and travel restrictions in some parts of Europe have eased, many people are still planning on spending their summer in the UK. With that being said, it can be daunting to think of ways to fill up your free time without planning any trips abroad. However, there are plenty of fun and exciting ways to spend the rest of your summer without stamping your passport. Check out these ideas for a fun summer in the UK.
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Cityscape
One of the best things about the UK is the ease of travel to nearby cities. Plan a weekend getaway to Oxford, Cambridge, or Bath if you are looking for an exciting cityscape. These cities will often have walking tours provided by university students, which is a great way to explore the city and learn about its history.
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Beach Day
If you are in dire need of the beach, a train to Brighton, Camber Sands, or Clacton-on-Sea (to name a few), can be reached within less than two hours. A beach day is a great way to relax, de-stress, and get some ocean air. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
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Plan a Picnic at the Park
Gather your closest friends and head for the park! After all, London has over 3,000 parks in the city. Find one at your local park or pick from Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, or Greenwich Park to take in stunning views of the city. Pack sandwiches, snacks, and drinks to make this a full-day event.
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Start a New Hobby
There’s never a wrong time to pick up a new (or old) hobby! London has an array of free sporting facilities – such as tennis, golf, or hiking trails. Check on your local borough’s website to find some near you.
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Get Artsy
If the heat is not your thing, spend the day painting ceramics or sculpting pottery. Not only is this a great creative outlet, but you can also take home your work too! We recently had so much fun painting pottery as a CCD Team outing.
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Bring the Beach to You
If you want to trick yourself into thinking you’re on a beach in Ibiza, check out these London hot spots, which are guaranteed to make you forget you’re in the city.
- The Beach Bar at the Montague
- The Madison Rooftop Bar
- Brixton Rooftop
- Neverland – Fulham Beach
- London Secret Beach
7. Explore the countryside
The UK is home to some breathtaking countryside, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider getting out of the city and heading to the Lake District, known for its stunning lakes, forests and mountains which make it ideal for hiking and scenic drives. The Cotswolds is another English gem, with charming villages and rolling hills which are great for leisurely walks and a sunny pub trip.
8. Visit historical sites
The UK is rich in history, with numerous historical sites to visit so you have something to do whatever the weather! We have over 4000 castles to explore and outdoor monuments too such as Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall, so why not learn a little about the UK’s history this summer?
9. Outdoor theatres and cinemas
Take advantage of the warm summer evenings by attending an outdoor theatre performance or cinema screening. Located in London, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is renowned for its various performances against the beautiful park backdrop. There are also plenty of pop-up outdoor cinema experiences across the UK, so keep your eyes peeled for those!
10. Attend festivals and events
Summer is festival season in the UK, with an estimated 37 million attending music festivals and concerts per year. There’s something for everyone- from huge music events such as Glastonbury to local beer and food festivals, there’s bound to be something worth going to in your area.
