15 Best Things to Do in the UK During the Summer

Summer is a wonderful time in the United Kingdom. With long sunny days and pleasant weather, it’s unfair to stay at home and not seize the opportunity of a memorable summertime. From swimming in the ocean to boating on rivers, walking in magnificent nature, to visiting summer festivals, there’s something for everyone in the UK to relax and enjoy the summer. This post is filled with suggestions on the best things to do in the UK during the summer, including the must-see sights, events, and activities.

1. Visit Buckingham Palace, The Most Recognizable Landmark in Britain

One of the most famous places in the world, Buckingham Palace, is open to the public during summer (from 9th July until 19th September).

Visitors have a chance to walk around the fabulous garden and also to visit some State Rooms used for official ceremonies and entertaining.

Summer openings usually started with a special exhibition each year, making the visit to the place even more exciting.

2. Explore the British Heritage in Stonehenge

A ring of vertical standing stones, an iconic prehistoric monument representing the British heritage, offers a one of a kind experience. Watching the sunset and the beautiful dance of light rays on stones is breathtaking.

The Stonehenge fabulous architecture on a vast green land would make a great outdoor walk on a sunny day of summer as well. 

3. Beach Day Trips and Swimming

During the summer, outdoor activities become more popular in the UK, and nothing can beat swimming in a country surrounded by water. By having the North Sea on the one hand and the Atlantic Ocean, on the other hand, the UK holds various coastlines, from rocky to sandy.

The Seven Sisters beach in Sussex is a wonderful place for both swimming and hiking. You can also have an adventurous day and go fossil hunting on the Dorset beaches or enjoy a family holiday to Woolacombe in North Devon.

Having the English favourite fish and chips on the Tynemouth beach and enjoying your ice cream on St. Ives in Cornwall are the things you will regret if you finish your summer without them.

4. Discover Incredible Landscapes in the UK National Parks

If you are into outdoor activities, you should consider visiting at least one national park in this amazing country. You can have a joyful day and feel more connected to nature by doing a vast variety of activities, such as biking, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife photography.

Here are some of the best UK national parks and their highlights:

• Broads National Park: have a thrilling experience of sailing on a yacht.
• Lake District National Park: get amazed by a great mix of mountains, lakes, and woodlands.
• Exmoor National Park: enjoy visiting beautiful natural lives, including wild ponies.
• Yorkshire Dales National Park: experience an unforgettable adventure in an underground cave.
• Peak District National Park: visit multiple peaks made up of gritstone, steep limestones, and rolling hills all in the same place.

5. Take a Joyful Boating Holiday

From large rivers like River Thames and Severn to smaller waterways further afield, the UK has several canals that give you the opportunity to experience a fabulous boating holiday.

Almost every city in the UK is crossed by one river that weaves through elegant areas and spectacular canal sceneries. So choose a sunny day, hire a boat, and make it the best day of your life.

6. Have a Happy Time in Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Edinburgh in August hosts many exciting events, including Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s largest arts and culture festival. The festival caters to every artist coming from around the world who perform several displays.

Running various shows for every taste, the festival includes musicals, theatre, dance, opera, comedy, circus, children’s shows, and exhibitions held in different parts of the city.

7. Climb up Towards Arthur’s Seat

Travelling to the United Kingdom will be left incomplete without visiting the ‘Athens of the North’ Edinburgh and its must-visit spot Arthur’s Seat.

Arthur’s Seat is the remains of an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park with sweeping and breathtaking views. As the city is cold and windy most of the year, the summer is the best time to climb the hill, enjoy the pleasant weather, and be astonished by walking in a piece of heaven. 

8. Capture the Best Photos on the Isle of Skye

Another stunning place for exploring nature is the Isle of Skye, also called ‘Cloud Island’. The extraordinary landscapes of this island have made this place the second prominent tourist attraction in Scotland.

Besides its spectacular nature, this majestic land is full of history and legends. From the plentiful wildlife, such as Red Deer and Golden Eagle, to archaic bridges and castles, this island holds several wonderful areas to discover.

9. Enjoy an Outdoor Play in The Minack Theatre

If you are a fan of theatre and stage shows, you can find an extraordinary theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall.

The famous Minack Theatre is an open-air theatre held along the coast and under the stars and gives you the feeling of seeing an ancient Greek play. In a place like no other, the theatre welcomes you to see drama, comedy, and musical plays.

10. Open-Air Cinema Events

In the summer, nothing is better than experiencing the excitement of the big screen under the sky. After having a day full of fun and adventure, you can chill out in one of the UK outdoor cinemas; that some of them are mentioned below:

• Rooftop Cinema at Bar Elba, London
• SecretcITY, Manchester
• The Star and Mouse Picture Show, Cambridge
• Adventure Cinema, Talbot, Wales
• Summer Screen, Coventry
• The Luna Cinema, Oxfordshire
• Itison Drive-In, Queensferry, Scotland

11. Don’t Miss London Zoo Nights

The ZSL London Zoo stays open a bit longer, from 6 to 10 PM, on limited days in the summer to make your visit extra special.

This adult-only offer gives you the opportunity of taking a couple of tours and exploring the animals’ nightlives. There is also live music, food, and drinks, all in line with the Zoo policies and animal rights.

An overnight stay in the Zoo is another special offer for animal lovers to spend a night in an ensuite lodge near the Land of the lions. They also will have a chance to take a morning tour that includes feeding some animals their breakfast.

12. Get Amazed by Scottish Highlands

If you are seeking a unique adventure in the heart of nature mixed with some mystery, no place can beat Scottish Highlands. With the glorious sceneries and blissful peace among mountains and lakes (e.g. Loch Ness), Highlands are natural playgrounds for hiking, boating, and biking.

It is also a thrilling experience for Harry Potter's fans to follow in his footsteps by taking a rail trip and crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct railway.

13. Portmeirion, An Italian Village in Wales

If you are planning to discover Wales’ significant destinations, don’t miss visiting the Italian-style village of Portmeirion with colourful buildings and narrow paths.

The collection of lush gardens, Italian architecture, impressive statues, and refreshing fountains all show you a little slice of Southern Europe in the heart of North Wales. So give yourself a chance to fulfil your journey to the UK with a bit of atmosphere of Mediterranean.

14. Take a Train to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

If you decide to spend more time in Wales, try to find a small town named Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch that has the longest name among the UK places.

It is always joyful to share your unique, sometimes weird experience with friends and family, and photos are the best way to do that. So give yourself a challenge and try to fit in a shot with the entire sign of the town.

15. Find the Film Locations of ‘Game of Thrones’ in Northern Ireland

The majestic nature of the UK with mysterious castles and ancient buildings has inspired many writers and filmmakers.

Aside from Scotland and Northern England, where you can find signs of Harry Potter everywhere, Northern Ireland is known to be the home of Thrones.

Places such as Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves, Castle Ward, Ballintoy Harbour, and Downhill Strand are some of the iconic places to explore, whether you are a fan or a curious tourist.

Have a safe and happy summer!