When the sun finally shows up, summer in the UK can be magic. If you know where to look. Whether you’re after something offbeat, outdoorsy, or just a new excuse to gather with mates, we’ve rounded up a mix of brilliant ideas to make this summer one to remember.
1) Host a Women’s Rugby World Cup Watch Party
Whether rooting for England or cheering underdog nations climbing the women’s international rugby rankings, host a themed get‑together. Decorate with team flags, bake rugby-ball cupcakes, stream the match, and hand out prizes for best kit or loudest sing-along. Whether at a club or at home, it’s an easy way to bring the buzz of the World Cup to your own space.
2) Stargaze Under the Milky Way
June offers peak stargazing conditions: the core of the Milky Way is visible on clear, moon‑free nights. Head to somewhere dark—Devon, North York Moors—or organise a gathering with telescopes and hot chocolate for a cosmic summer evening.
3) Dive into a Hidden Lido at High Tide
Discover Mousehole Rock Pool in West Cornwall: a tidal lido that fills only at high tide, twice daily. With sweeping views of Mount’s Bay, it’s the perfect secret swim spot—just time your visit right and bring a paddleboard for extra fun.
4) Catch a Film Under the Stars
Skip the sticky seats and head to an outdoor cinema. Across the UK, you’ll find pop-up screenings in castle grounds, on rooftops, in caves, or tucked away in forest clearings. Pack a blanket, bring a picnic, and settle in for a sunset showing of cult classics or new releases.
5) Visit an Eco-Farm or Nature-Lodge
Swap the usual hotel for an eco-lodge or off-grid cabin. Scattered across the UK, these nature-first stays offer everything from solar-powered huts to glamping pods in rewilded woodlands. Think compost loos, campfire cooking, and waking up to birdsong—not traffic. It’s a slower, greener way to soak up summer.
6) Learn to Forage Outdoors
Join a foraging walk with an expert and discover what wild treats are growing right under your nose. From seaweed on coastal paths to edible flowers and mushrooms in the woods, it’s part treasure hunt, part outdoor masterclass. Many courses finish with a campfire cook-up—turning your finds into a rustic meal you won’t forget.
The Summer Starts Here
Mix midweek pool dips with a weekend movie night. Add in cosmic evenings, wildlife adventures, and round it off with shared rugby‑filled nights. That’s a summer done right.
