How to add some fun to your summer

Summer is a time filled with seemingly endless potential and opportunities for fun and excitement. It’s the ideal season to get out there to make the most of what Britain has to offer. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your wanderlust, soak up the sun or just fancy a decent day out, there’s plenty to choose from this summer.

Embrace the Outdoors: Nature and Adventure

While the British weather is often unpredictable, summer is the best time to get out into the countryside and explore the natural beauty on offer. The Lake District and Peak District have many hiking trails to make your way across, while the Cornish coast has spectacular views to take in on sunny days.

It’s also the perfect chance to take part in some water-based activities, such as kayaking or wild swimming. Search around for local spots, make sure you have the right equipment and give it a go. For a more chilled out option, wildlife watching in places like the New Forest or Pembrokeshire Coast National Park beats scrolling through your phone any day. Although, after a long day, some time at home playing games like slingo or scrabble could be just what you need.

Cultural Festivals and Events

There’s a reason people travel from all over to take in the festival season in the UK. While Glastonbury holds the top spot for many, even becoming a bucket list item, there are many more that can cater to all sorts of music tastes – from day festivals to weekend extravaganzas.

Local food festivals are popping up all over the place too, and they’re often better value than the massive events. Plus, you can actually move around without being stuck behind someone who’s definitely taller than you. For the gardeners amongst us, there are even festivals like the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival which can captivate even those with lesser green thumbs.

Family-Friendly Activities

Having a few little ones in tow can mean you have to adapt your summer plans from your younger days, but don’t fret – there’s plenty of excitement still to be had. Theme parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park are firm favourites as usual, but it’s a great time to rediscover local gems. These smaller attractions like the Heights of Abraham often have more character and won’t completely rinse your bank account.

Outdoor cinemas have become properly popular, screening everything from classics to recent releases under the stars. Nature reserves often run family events too – they’re usually free and genuinely educational without being boring.

Relaxation and Wellness

While maximising excitement over summer might feel like a priority, it can be an idea to prioritise switching off instead. Spa towns like Bath, Harrogate and Buxton offer relaxing options to take things at a slower pace, while beach days in smaller locations can make the crowds melt away so you can focus on proper R&R.

If you’d rather not travel too far, look at yoga sessions in the great outdoors – making the most of the weather while keeping things more mindful. Or, even just a simple stroll without your phone to take in the sunshine can help you reset in amongst all the fun activities summer brings.

While we may only get a week or two of true sunshine, scrolling your phone at home on the sofa can squander what summer truly offers – time to enjoy ourselves and make memories.