{"id":37141,"date":"2026-06-19T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T08:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=37141"},"modified":"2026-06-19T17:02:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T16:02:29","slug":"things-to-do-in-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do\/things-to-do-in-august\/","title":{"rendered":"18 awesome things to do in the UK in August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer’s in full swing and the UK is bursting with brilliant things to do in August 2026 \ud83c\udf3b<\/b><\/h2>\n

While the weather might not guarantee sunshine, there\u2019s a treasure trove of electrifying festivals, historic sights, charming hidden gems and one-of-a-kind things to do in August.<\/h4>\n

We\u2019ve got 18 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!<\/h4>\n
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1. Enjoy the last Bank Holiday until Christmas<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"AugustMonday 31st August is the final bank holiday until Christmas \u2013 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\u2019s on the agenda? Here are our top picks!<\/h4>\n

\u2600\ufe0f Manchester Village Pride<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

\u2600\ufe0f Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

\u2600\ufe0f Edinburgh Art Festival<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

\u2600\ufe0f Battersea Park in Concert<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

Planning a city break to the capital this bank holiday? Be sure to check out London\u2019s best beer gardens<\/a> for a weekend bev. And if the weather doesn\u2019t hold, no matter! London is packed with art galleries<\/a> and museums<\/a> to keep you, and whoever you are with, busy.<\/h4>\n

\u00a0Whatever you\u2019re 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!<\/h4>\n
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2. Brighton & Hove Pride Parade & Pride on the Park<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1st & 2nd August 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"BrightonBrighton, the UK\u2019s rainbow capital, is preparing for their biggest pride party yet \u2013 and you\u2019re invited! Get ready for the ultimate Pride celebration in the heart of this British seaside gem at the beginning of August.<\/h4>\n

With the theme of 2026 being \u2018The Power of Love\u2019, there will be plenty of opportunities to showcase solidarity and community spirit throughout the Pride Parade on the 1st August. Marking 35 years since Pride returned to the city in its modern format, the parade will kick off at Hove Lawns, wind its way through the centre of the city past over 300,000 spectators and finish at Preston Park. And the party is just getting started with over 150 LGBTQ+ performers throughout the weekend!<\/h4>\n

Pride on the Park main stage will be bursting with your favourite music artists, from the iconic Diana Ross to the lyrical genius of Raye and even a party-starting DJ set with Rupaul. Plus, Pride on the Park\u2019s dedicated Dance Stage will be packed with epic DJ sets, dazzling drag queens and so much more!<\/h4>\n

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3. Welsh National Eisteddfod<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1st \u2013 8th August 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"LlynLove Wales? The Welsh National Eisteddfod is an unmissable event that celebrates the country\u2019s native language and glorious culture. This year the festival is taking place in Llantwd, located in the north of Pembrokeshire countryside and attendees are in for a real treat<\/h4>\n

There\u2019ll be literature, visual arts, dance, music and plenty more to discover as the festival celebrates a tremendous milestone: 850 years since the very first Eisteddfod. And even if you don\u2019t speak Welsh, there is plenty to learn and enjoy about the Welsh culture. The event also offers translation services, giving everybody a chance to celebrate Wales.<\/h4>\n

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4. Cowes Week<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1st \u2013 7th August 2026
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\"CowesIf you\u2019re looking for an unforgettable seaside August experience, mark your calendars for Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight! From the 1st to the 7th August, this world-renowned sailing regatta transforms the charming town of Cowes into a buzzing hub of activity.<\/h4>\n

While the competitive racing out on the Solent is a spectacular sight to behold, you don\u2019t 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\u2019s cannons is an iconic moment of this annual event and can be experienced from land or sea! That\u2019s right, spectators can even watch from the water with a variety of boat trip options to catch all the racing action up close.<\/h4>\n

Meanwhile, ashore, both East and West Cowes come alive with a fantastic array of events and entertainment, as well as local businesses to explore. At the heart of the action is Cowes Regatta Village @ the Parade, where you\u2019ll find live music stages, pop-up bars and splendid views of the Solent. Or if you\u2019re eager to explore West Cowes itself, we recommend Smoking Lobster Cowes<\/span><\/a> for great seafood, Musto<\/span><\/a> for sailing gear and Holm<\/span><\/a> for lifestyle and homewear.<\/h4>\n

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7. Boardmasters Festival<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
5th \u2013 9th August 2026
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\"Boardmasters\"If you\u2019re yearning for beachside vibes, gorgeous 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.<\/h4>\n

Catch huge names in rock, pop and electronic music live on stage \u2013 headline acts for 2026 include Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and Kasabian! But when you\u2019re not spotting the surfing pros on Fistral Beach or dancing your heart out at the main stage, you grab some tasty festival grub and soak up the incredible Cornish atmosphere.<\/h4>\n

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Discover the ultimate guide to the UK’s music festival scene for 2026 here<\/a>.<\/h3>\n
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6. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
7th August \u2013 29th August 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"\"Heading to Edinburgh during the summer months? The entire capital is bursting with legendary activities throughout August, but an absolute must-see event that will quite literally shake you to your core is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Set right on the massive stone esplanade outside the historic Edinburgh Castle, this nightly spectacular is a breathtaking blend of military pageantry, music and cultural performance. The name \u2018tattoo\u2019 actually traces back to an old 17th-century Dutch phrase, \u2018doe den tap toe\u2019, meaning \u2018turn off the taps\u2019, which was a signal for local tavern owners to stop serving beer so soldiers would head back to their barracks.<\/h4>\n

Since then, the tradition has evolved hugely throughout the centuries. Today it is a huge, high-energy global celebration that hosts around 800 performers each evening. The second the show begins, you are treated to a magnificent wall of sound as the Massed Pipes and Drums march across the drawbridge in perfect formation. Expect gorgeous tartan attire as well as state-of-the-art light projections cast against the iconic castle walls. While the show is still deeply rooted in Scottish heritage, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is also a wonderfully warm gathering of nations, welcoming military bands, precision drill teams and cultural dancers from all across the globe.<\/h4>\n

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<\/b>7. Edinburgh Fringe Festival<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
7th August \u2013 31st August 2026
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\"EdinburghAugust is the perfect time to discover the UK\u2019s vibrant arts scene! And with the world\u2019s largest arts extravaganza returning to Edinburgh and summer sun bathing this historic city in gorgeous weather (fingers crossed), there\u2019s no better place for a UK staycation than the Scottish capital.<\/h4>\n

The epic Edinburgh Fringe Festival isn\u2019t your ordinary arts 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, historic streets of Edinburgh, buckle up for a month of belly-aching laughter and unforgettable performances you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/h4>\n

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8. Bristol Balloon International Fiesta<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
7th \u2013 9th August 2026
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\"BristolAugust is hot air balloon heaven in Bristol! The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes over Ashton Court Estate for three days of pure magic. We\u2019re talking a sea of colourful hot air balloons gently floating up across the sunrise \u2013 it\u2019s a sight you won\u2019t forget.<\/h4>\n

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! Adults and kids will both be mesmerised by the balloons in this unforgettable weekend in Bristol. And the best part? It\u2019s completely free to enter!<\/h4>\n

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9. Edinburgh International Book Festival<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
15th \u2013 30th August 2026
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A post shared by Edinburgh International Book Festival (@edbookfest)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n