The summer season in the UK may have been hit-and-miss so far (as it often is), but it’s not like us to let the weather dampen our spirits! Experts at making the most of it, you’ll find Brits at summer festivals and eating ice cream whatever the weather.
In case you’ve lost track of your Summer Bucket List, check out ours below.
Visit an amusement park
Is there anything better than the thrill of a theme park? When it comes to exhilarating theme park experiences, it doesn’t get much more exciting than Alton Towers. With over 40 thrilling rides for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Adrenaline seekers should head straight to ‘Wicker Man’ or the haunting ‘The Curse of Alton Towers’.
Concerned about the weather? There are plenty of indoor theme parks like Shrek’s Adventure on hand to provide entertainment for all ages. With over 10 fairytale-themed live shows to get involved in, you’re certainly in for an unforgettable day. You’ll begin with the 4D Flying Magic Bus before stopping off at The Swamp, the Poison Apple Pub, Farquaad’s Dungeon, and many other locations from the DreamWorks movie.
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Attend a festival (come rain or shine)
Festivals are one of the highlights of British summer and even a bit of drizzle can’t spoil the enjoyment of live entertainment. Don’t fret if you haven’t bought tickets yet, there are lots of festivals taking place during the backend of summer including Camp Bestival Shropshire, Creamfields North and Reading & Leeds. Ensure to pack your wellies and rain mac then you’ll be good to go!
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Picnic with a view
Embarking on a picnic adventure to Parliament Hill in London promises a memorable experience with iconic cityscape views. Nestled in Hampstead Heath, this parkland offers respite from the urban bustle. As you spread out your picnic blanket, the sweeping panorama of the London skyline unfolds before you, featuring landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the Shard. The lush green surroundings, fresh breeze and the chance to relax in the beauty of both nature and architecture make Parliament Hill an ideal destination for a summer picnic.
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Have a beach day
The coastal resort town of Bournemouth is the perfect place for a beach day with seven miles of award-winning Blue Flag beaches – Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Manor Steps and Southbourne. With stunning scenery, fabulous walks, great food and buzzing nightlife, it’s no wonder locals call it the ‘coast with the most.’ Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks.
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Take a road trip
What’s a Summer Bucket List without a road trip? Here in the UK, you’ll find some of the most scenic drives across the globe on offer. There’s nothing quite like travelling from place to place taking in the scenery as you go. From the breathtaking Scottish Highlands to the iconic structures of Cheddar Gorge, there’s a British road trip to delight everyone.
Open-air cinema or theatre
There’s something so magical about settling in for a movie or theatre performance out in the open air. Established in 1932, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre boasts an impressive capacity of 1,240 seats, making it one of London’s largest theatres. Over the summer there are many events happening here, from Dinosaur World Live to LUNA Cinema showings of Elvis and Grease. This is an absolute must for your Summer Bucket List!
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Visit a historical landmark
From ancient structures to modern marvels, the UK is brimming with historic landmarks which have captured visitors from all over the globe. Try our quiz to find out which famous UK landmarks you could do with getting to know better.
Have an ice cream
This summer, there’s no cooler place to be than the Covent Garden Ice Cream Festival! ver 40 varieties of sundaes, sorbets, frozen drinks and gelato will be on offer across 35 locations, and there’s nothing vanilla about them. Expect sundaes made with freshly baked biscotti, ice cream macarons and flavours including basil, honeycomb, and lavender. There’ll be endless scoops of vegan options on offer, including sour cherry, hibiscus sorbet and coconut faux creme. If you fancy a tipple, be sure to get your hands on a damson and sloe gin flavoured ice cream, an Aperol spritz lolly or even a frozen cocktail!
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Go on a boat ride
Nothing beats the feeling of getting out on the water during the summer months. In Ipswich, family-owned business Orwell Lady offers guests a fantastic boat experience along one of England’s most historic rivers. Relax and absorb the stunning sights from the open-top viewing deck, or if you’d like some shelter, there is a fully-enclosed lower deck with panoramic viewing windows to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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Explore somewhere new
Britain is filled with treasures to uncover, often in places you wouldn’t think to look. Did you know Bradford is the UK’s upcoming City of Culture 2025? In this city, you may be surprised to find rolling hills with lush greenery, as well as an incredible array of universal cuisine. Voted the Curry Capital of the UK 6 years in a row, Bradford loves to celebrate its cultural diversity.
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Visit a zoo or wildlife reserve
A trip to the zoo is an exciting adventure for all ages, with the opportunity to see animals from far and wide right on your doorstep. The Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall is an experience you cannot miss. With 40 primates in their care, you can learn all about the work they do to protect these incredible animals. Recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic has been long and difficult for the Monkey Sanctuary so they are extremely grateful for public support at the moment.
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Play games on the pier
Spending hours in the arcade, eating mini doughnuts and riding the waltzers on the pier encapsulates summertime in the UK. The iconic Brighton Palace Pier with its helter-skelter and arcade games is British seaside charm in all its glory! So grab your friends and family, head to Brighton and prepare to have the time of your life. What will you do first, ride the log flume or try your luck on the 2p machines?
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Learn something new
Keep your brain active and soak up some culture at one of London’s free museums and galleries. The Wallace Collection is decked out with masterpieces by big shots of the art world and boasts one of the finest collections of 18th-century French paintings. Got little ones with you? No worries! The Wallace Collection’s got a spot where kids can try on armour and play around. They even host fun exhibitions and workshops led by artists!
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From countryside retreats and beach breaks to staycations in the city, the UK has it all. Every summer thousands of Brits flock to the beaches (for good reason), but if you fancy something a little different, discover 
