Summer’s in full swing and the UK is bursting with brilliant things to do in August 2025 🌻
While the weather might not be guaranteed sunshine, there’s a treasure trove of electrifying festivals, historic sights, charming hidden gems and one-of-a-kind things to do in August.
We’ve got 16 exciting activities lined up, from exhilarating festivals to charming hidden gems, all guaranteed to make your August unforgettable. So buckle up because here comes a whirlwind of summer fun!
1. Enjoy the last Bank Holiday until Christmas
Monday 25th August is the final bank holiday until Christmas – so it would be rude not to go all out and conclude the summer with a bang. Plus, the August bank holidays are well-known for their gorgeous weather.
So, what’s on the agenda? Perhaps you’re heading to Manchester Pride, the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival, or one of London’s buzzy beer gardens for a weekend pint. Whatever you’re getting up to, in the city or the countryside, this upcoming bank holiday is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the best of the UK!
2. Birmingham Restaurant Festival
1st – 31st August 2025
Get ready, foodies! Birmingham Restaurant Festival is back for its fourth year, taking over the city throughout the whole of August. This month-long celebration is your golden ticket to exploring Birmingham’s incredibly diverse and vibrant food scene. Snag exclusive lunch and dinner menus at amazing value, letting you try everything from Michelin-trained chef Kray Treadwell’s innovative dishes at 670 Grams to the authentic French classics at Bistro at Hotel Du Vin. Whether you’re craving Indian fine dining at Lasan, freshly-made pasta at Trentina, or just want to explore the best of British produce, this celebration of food has something for every palate.
Birmingham truly becomes a culinary playground, with an impressive list of participating restaurants already announced, including high-end dining at Orelle, the ever-popular Dishoom and the modern Chinese delights of Tattu. Explore different neighbourhoods too, with gems like Spanish-inspired Txikiteo in the historic Jewellery Quarter, or head to Edgbaston for an Argentinian barbecue feast at Fiesta Del Asado. With so many fantastic options, you’ll want to make reservations in advance to guarantee your spot and dive into the delicious world of Birmingham’s restaurants!
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3. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
1st August – 25th August 2025
August is the perfect time to discover the UK’s vibrant arts scene! And with the world’s largest arts extravaganza returning to Edinburgh and summer sun bathing this historic city in gorgeous weather (fingers crossed), there’s no better place for a UK staycation than the Scottish capital.
The epic Edinburgh Fringe Festival isn’t your ordinary festival. Welcoming thousands of shows across theatre, comedy, music, and everything in between, the Edinburgh Fringe is a wonderland for all devotees to the arts. From hilarious stand-up routines to mind-blowing theatre acts all within the charming, buzzing streets of Edinburgh, buckle up for a month of belly-aching laughter and unforgettable performances you won’t want to miss.
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4. Brighton & Hove Pride Parade
2nd & 3rd August 2025
Brighton, the UK’s rainbow capital, is preparing for their biggest pride party yet – and you’re invited! Get ready for the ultimate pride celebration in the heart of this British seaside gem, from the 2nd and 3rd August 2025.
The main stage will be bursting with your favourite music artists, from the iconic Mariah Carey to the electrifying Confidence Man and the party-starting Fat Boy Slim. But wait, there’s more! The Pride Street Party will be packed with dazzling drag queens and there’ll be plenty of funky surprises to discover – some acts are still a secret, but trust us, they’ll be extraordinary!
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5. Llyn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod
2nd – 9th August 2025
Love Wales? Llyn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod is an unmissable event aimed at celebrating the country’s language and culture. This year it’s taking place in Llyn and Eifionydd, Boduan, Gwynedd for one week, from the 2nd to the 9th August. Attendees are in for a real treat as there’ll be literature, visual arts, dance, music and plenty more to watch while you’re there. And even if you don’t speak Welsh, you can still attend! The event offers translation services, giving everybody a chance to celebrate Wales.
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6. Cowes Week
2nd – 8th August 2025
If you’re looking for an unforgettable seaside August experience, mark your calendars for Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight! From the 2nd to the 8th August 2025, this world-renowned sailing regatta transforms the charming town of Cowes into a buzzing hub of activity.
While the competitive racing out on the Solent is a spectacular sight to behold, you don’t need to be a seasoned sailor to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront, feeling the buzz in the air as hundreds of boats, from classic beauties to cutting-edge designs, vie for position. The sound of the Royal Yacht Squadron’s cannons signalling race starts is an iconic part of the experience, adding to the sense of occasion.
Ashore, both East and West Cowes truly come alive with a fantastic array of events and entertainment. You’ll find live music stages, pop-up bars, and market stalls lining the streets, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying a refreshing drink or simply yacht-watching, Cowes Week offers a unique blend of sporting thrills and fantastic shoreside fun for everyone.
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7. Boardmasters Festival
6th – 10th August 2025
If you’re yearning for beachside vibes, stunning sunshine and awesome tunes this August, Boardmasters in Cornwall is the perfect place to get your fix. This lively music festival on the Cornish coast is back with its iconic weekend-long seaside party this August.
Catch huge names in rock, pop and electronic music live on stage – headline acts for 2025 include Raye, Central C and The Prodigy! But when you’re not spotting the surfing pros on Fistral Beach or dancing your heart out at the main stage, why not grab some tasty festival grub and soak up the incredible atmosphere?
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Discover the ultimate guide to the UK’s music festival scene for 2025 here.
8. Bristol Balloon International Fiesta
8th – 10th August 2025
August is hot air balloon heaven in Bristol! The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes over Ashton Court Estate for four days of pure magic. Imagine waking up to a sea of colourful hot air balloons gently floating up into the sunrise – it’s a sight you won’t forget.
But there are more than just breathtaking views. The fiesta is a giant family-friendly event with live music, fairground rides and delicious food stalls. In the evenings, the hot air balloons come alive and light up to music like giant, magical lanterns! You and your little one will be mesmerised by the balloons in this unforgettable weekend in Bristol. And the best part? It’s completely free to enter!
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9. Edinburgh International Book Festival
9th – 24th August 2025
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Love getting lost in a good book? August is heaven for bookworms in the UK because the Edinburgh International Book Festival is back! Beloved as one of the largest celebrations of all things books in the world, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is like a giant book fair with a festival twist.
Held in the centre of Edinburgh, it’s a chance to meet your favourite authors (they might even sign your copy!), attend talks about the latest and greatest reads and discover incredible new writers you’ve never heard of before. There are even workshops to get your own creative juices flowing! Whether you’re a die-hard fantasy fan or a romantic novel buff, there’s something for everyone at this book lover’s paradise.
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10. All Points East Festival
16th – 17th & 23rd – 24th August 2025
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East London is calling you this August! Yes, we’ve got another anticipated music event lined up this summer, so get ready to shake your groove thing in London’s Victoria Park! All Points East (APE for short) is an iconic London music festival stretching over two weekends (including the Bank Holiday weekend) and bringing a killer line-up of performers.
From catchy indie tunes to dance floor anthems that’ll have you moving all night. Need convincing to grab your ticket? Here are some of the headliners to get you hyped: Chase and Status, Barry Can’t Swim, Raye, The Maccabees and Cat Burns to name a few. See you there!
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11. New Forest Food Festival
16th & 17th August 2025
After an outstanding first year in August 2024, New Forest National Park is returning to host the ultimate foodie fiesta you won’t want to miss! This jam-packed weekend will be overflowing with fresh, local produce, talented artisan vendors and even internationally recognised restaurants – all nestled amidst stunning scenery and ancient woodlands. Maybe you’ll even spot a wild pony or two!
Situated right in the heart of the beautiful New Forest, expect creamy brie and tangy cheddar from artisan cheesemakers, buttery pastries from local bakers and refreshing local ales and gins from skilled brewers and distillers – perfect for a summer day.
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Check out the biggest (and tastiest!) UK food festivals coming up this summer here.
12. Reading & Leeds Festival
21st – 24th August 2025
Hey music lovers! August Bank Holiday weekend is all about letting loose and singing your heart out, and what better way to do that than at the iconic Reading and Leeds Festival? This legendary event throws a massive party across both Reading and Leeds, with huge headliners including Hozier, Chappell Roan and Bring Me the Horizon and much more!
It’s not just about the big names though! Reading and Leeds is the perfect chance to discover your new music obsession, see your old favourite crush live and make festival memories that’ll last forever. So grab your besties, pack your dancing shoes and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music madness.
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13. Between the Trees
21st – 24th August 2025
Feeling the call of the wild this August? Look no further than Between the Trees, a magical festival that brings together everything from live music and visual arts to science and nature.
Nestled amongst the Welsh woodlands, this nature-lovers paradise is all about good music and getting back to your roots. Think sparkling indie and folk tunes echoing through the trees, inspiring talks about science and the environment and even workshops to help you unleash your inner artist. So pack your walking boots, grab your besties and get ready for a unique adventure at Between the Trees this August!
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14. Greenwich & Docklands International Festival
22nd August – 6th September 2025
If you’re searching for sunshine, street performers and showstopping spectacles this August, then look no further than the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival in London. This free, open-air extravaganza transforms east London into a giant stage. With mind-blowing performances popping up everywhere across Greenwich’s parks to London’s Docklands, witness heart-stopping acrobatics against the city skyline.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is all about surprises and unforgettable experiences. Best of all, the majority of events announced so far are free with no ticket required!
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15. Notting Hill Carnival
25th & 26th August 2025
Love a good party with a side of Caribbean vibes? Look no further than Notting Hill Carnival! This London legend has been rocking the streets since the late 1950s, celebrating the rich culture of the British West Indian community. This massive street party is the perfect chance to soak up the August sun sunshine, the buzzing music and the sheer joy of people coming together.
Hit the streets on the last August bank holiday weekend and you’ll be dazzled by vibrant costumes, impressive floats and the infectious energy of this iconic parade. Boogie with friends (old and new!) to the heart-pumping steel bands and calypso rhythms. And let’s not forget the food – get ready to tantalise your taste buds with incredible Caribbean flavours from countless stalls.
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16. Meatopia
28th – 31st August 2025
Summer’s here and what better way to celebrate BBQ season than at a giant meat festival? Yep, Meatopia is back in London this August and it’s going to be a total sizzler! Discover high-quality, ethically sourced goodness cooked to absolute perfection by a dream team of live-fire chefs. With 70 grilling pros working their magic over wood and charcoal, filling the air with smoky deliciousness – your taste buds will be sure to thank you!
Plus, there’ll be workshops and demos where you can learn some pro-fire-cooking skills to take your next home BBQ to the next level. So whether you’re a burger boss, a BBQ champion or just love a good time with yummy flavours, Meatopia is a must-visit this summer.
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