While the UK is often associated with bad weather, in the summertime, you can enjoy wonderfully warm days in the sunshine – even if they are limited! On these occasions, you should have some plans prepared to make the most of it. The UK has a lot to offer when it comes to summer plans, whether you’re a huge music fan, a history enthusiast, or you love exploring nature.
If you want your next summer to be one you remember forever, add these top ten things to do in the UK to your bucket list.
1: Watch the Wimbledon
The Wimbledon is a prestigious tennis tournament that takes place every year for two weeks in the summer. Many brits watch it on their TV, but why not enjoy Wimbledon properly by staying in London and watching the matches in person? Hundreds of matches are played, allowing you to get stuck in the sport during those sunny days. To make this sporting experience even better, choose the best Wimbledon hospitality to enjoy luxury stays and reserve private tables.
2: Visit One of the Stunning National Parks
The UK has a lot of natural beauty to offer, most of which resides in the national parks. You can find hidden waterfalls, climb mountains, or simply relax by a lake in one of these stunning places of nature. There’s Snowdonia, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, and many more to explore, so research each park and decide which you will visit this summer.
3: Take a River or Canal Cruise
If you find yourself in a city with a river or canal this summer, then explore your surroundings in a unique manner by taking a cruise on the water. You can do this in cities like York, London, Manchester, and Oxford. Not only will you get to take in the views of the water, but you’ll also learn new, interesting pieces of information about the city you are in.
4: Go Whale Watching in Scotland
The UK’s wildlife might not be as exciting as countries in Africa or the Americas, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer! You might be surprised to learn that you can go whale watching in the UK. In Scotland, there are plenty of whale-watching cruises that take off in hopes of spotting some of the various whales that live there, including pilot whales, sperm whales, and even killer whales. There’s a chance you will witness porpoises and dolphins, too! The best time of year for this is between May and September, making it a perfect addition to your summer to-do list.
5: Attend a Music Festival
There is music to be found in every corner of the UK during the summertime, and the best type of place to experience this is at one of the many music festivals that take place. Whether you like folk music, rock, pop, classical, or jazz, you will find a festival that suits your tastes. Some of the most popular include:
. Glastonbury
. Download
. Sundown Festival
. Parklife
. Reading and Leeds Festivals
. The Proms
. Latitude Festival
6: Visit One of the Many Stately Homes
One of the best things the UK has to offer is its rich and interesting history. One way to learn and experience this history is by visiting one of the many stately homes that are situated all over the UK. The oldest, the Saltford Manor, was built in the 12th Century and has ornate windows and a single, rare piece of an old medieval painting. There is also Castle Howard in the North York Moors, which has housed the Howard family for over three centuries; Buckingham Palace, home to the monarch of the United Kingdom; Warwick Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror in 1068; and many, many more. You will experience delightful interiors, luscious gardens, and an education of the UK’s past.
7: Watch a Film at an Outdoor Cinema
You can watch a film in the cinema any time of year, but you can only watch one outside when it’s summertime. Throughout the summer, many UK cities put up outdoor cinemas, allowing film fans to enjoy their favourite flicks while sitting on a blanket under the stars. It is an experience everyone should try at least once – so add it to your plans this summer.
8: Take in the Cornwall Coast
While the UK isn’t known for its amazing beaches, there is no denying that the Cornwall coast isn’t breath-taking. If you are in the South East this summer, make sure you take a trip to the seaside and enjoy the stunning views of the sandy beaches and the open water. If you’re lucky, you may even stumble across a lonesome, quiet beach that you can enjoy all to yourself. Some of the most stunning beaches in Cornwall include St Ives, Sennen Cove, Harlyn Bay, and Perranporth.
9: Enjoy Cocktails on a City Rooftop Bar
It’s hard to enjoy a drink outside in the UK in the winter, so make the most of the warmth by going to a rooftop bar and sipping on cocktails. Cities like London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Liverpool have excellent rooftop bars to soak in the sun while you hang out with friends.
10: Get a Thrill at a Theme Park
Are you a bit of an adrenaline junkie? If so, experience the best UK theme parks this summer. You could go to Alton Towers, or Drayton Manor, which has numerous thrill rides amid beautiful nature; Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where you can eat some chips on the beach after experiencing The Big One; or Thorpe Park, which isn’t too far from London. Many of the UK’s theme parks are perfect for kids, too, so they make a great day out if you have a family.
These ten ideas are only scratching the surface! There is so much to do in the UK during the summer, so whether you are in the most north part of Scotland or soaking up the southeast coast, you are sure to find something amazing to do in the UK this summer.
