Things To Do In The UK This Summer

Whether you fancy hitting up a festival or getting stuck into a quirky outdoor activity, there are be plenty of choices for how to spend your time across our island nation in the (hopefully) hotter months. Luckily for you, we've created a handy guide of the top things to do this summer in the UK, so you can spend your days wisely. 

Last edited by Izzah Kazi

Last updated on 17th April 2024




Surrey: Topgolf

Searching for fun things to do in the UK for families? Topgolf in Addlestone features high-tech golfing for you and the gang to get stuck into, complete with climate-controlled hitting bays and space for up to 200 people in their private hire areas. Plus, there are top-notch scran and drinks to keep you well-watered and fed throughout your afternoon - think loaded nachos or gourmet burgers with a cocktail to match.

London And York: StreetHunt Games

Embark on a self-guided mystery around some of the most historical streets in the city with StreetHunt Games. In The Case of Colombia's Finest, you'll be introduced to Jim Robusta who needs your help to solve a crime among caffeine, and as for its Will Breaker game? Expect to solve a series of brain teasers which will grant you access to your uncle's estate. The former puzzle also takes place in York, and tickets start from £16.50 per person. 

UK-Wide: Best Beer Gardens In The UK

Nothing says summer like sitting back, soaking up the rays and enjoying an ice-cold pint in your favourite local's beer garden. Up and down the country there are many plush, green spaces tooting benches, parasols and cosy nooks to enjoy a cocktail or two, and we've rounded up some of the best. You're welcome. 

Basildon, Manchester & Newcastle: TeamSport

Don't worry, your summer plans won't be hampered by any rain when you book into TeamSport in Basildon, Manchester, Newcastle and more. These once-in-a-lifetime things to do in the UK are fronting over 500m of indoor track, letting you race your nearest and dearest to the flag for the victory. Prices start from just £15 per person, with all sorts of package deals available, and there's even a bar for unwinding after the race.

UK-Wide: The Brunch Club

The Brunch Club are famous for throwing incredible themed bashes all over the country, from Spice Girls extravaganzas to Taylor Swift-themed afternoons. You can expect performances from stunning drag queens, over three hours of all your favourite hits and 60 minutes of free-flowing bubbles. Look forward to a menu featuring the likes of pizzas, wagyu burgers and French tacos. And if you're keen to get your yee-haw on, there's a Country Superstars Boozy Brunch for that, promising a mid-morning hoedown. 

UK-Wide: The Best UK Festivals

Up and down the country you can bet on finding some of the best festivals in the world, from Glastonbury to chicken eating competitions, we've got it all. Make your summer one filled with fields, parties and pals by snapping up tickets to some of these fun events. Think beer-tasting experiences, an entire weekend dedicated to chill and gin, plus a Brixton extravaganza.

UK-Wide: Flight Club

Gather the gang together and head to your nearest Flight Club for its famous Brunch Social. Across Shoreditch, Manchester Birmingham and beyond and from £30 per person, you'll be able to delight in a two-hour session complete with a whole bottle of prosecco per guest and complimentary orange juice carafes to make your own mimosas. There'll be some delicious pizza paddles to much on too, after battling it out with their social darts sampler. 

Nottingham: Entertainment Golf @ Riverside Golf Centre

To get involved in high-tech golf on an outdoor driving range, mosey over to Entertainment Golf at Riverside Golf Centre, where their Inrange-powered technology provides cutting-edge ball tracking and touchscreen monitors in every bay. Whether you want to come in swinging and beat all your mates on a group night out, or take on your other half in a head-to-head battle, this is the place to do it. Prices here start from just £6.75 each for 30 minutes, with a minimum of 60 balls provided in the price.

Manchester: What's On At GRUB

From boozy quiz nights every Wednesday to disco bingo with 90 minutes of bottomless drinks taking place every second Friday, GRUB is packing in a whole loads of summer events. They're also hosting a few Sour Sesh beer tastings throughout the season, with a tasting flight included in your £7 ticket. To top it off, you can dig into street food or sip cocktails at all times here as well.

UK-Wide: All Of The UK Bars On Boats

If the sound of enjoying a tipple or two on water floats your boat,  then hop on board one of the many boat bars across the UK for an afternoon spritz, pint or soft drink. From Bristol's iconic Thekla (imagine having drinks on a former cargo ship), to East London's Barge East, there's plenty to choose from. Some even have live music or offer fine dining. 

Birmingham: Seasonal Markets

Inject your summer plans with a ton of food-fuelled festivals at The Bond in Digbeth. Get stuck into barbecue-themed antics and beer-fuelled fun during the warmer months at this venue, or you might even find your new favourite burger from a street food vendor here. On top of that? Tickets start at £7.50 and include a whole lot more than just tasty eats - we're talking live music and fantastic DJ sets.

Portsmouth: Buff Bingo Bottomless Drag Brunch

@ Popworld Portsmouth on Saturday 4th May 2024 and 7 other Saturdays

Grab your feather boa and get ready to ruffle some with tickets starting from £156 each to Buff Bingo Bottomless Drag Brunch. Bringing the sexy and the sassy straight to your seat, you can expect an afternoon packed full of rippling muscles and stunning queens. Enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco and mimosas, a burger of your choice and a complimentary dessert if its your birthday or you're visiting for a hen or stag. 

London: Rooftop Bottomless Brunch

If you're searching for fun bottomless brunches, London Bridge Rooftop has a fabulous one. It comes complete with free-flowing beer cans, prosecco, mimosas and other booze bevvies for 90 minutes, as well as delish burgers and live DJs. That's not all that's on offer here though, as they also boast dartboards and fantastic views of the city alongside their all-day menu and refreshing cocktails.

London: Drag Me To The Beach

@ The London City Beach on Saturday 15th June 2024 and 2 other Saturdays

London City Beach just shy of South Bank are playing host to Awesome Events this summer, who are topping off a Havana-themed pop-up with Drag Me To The Beach. Not only will you get a street food dish each and 90 minutes of bottomless booze, but also the chance to stick your toes in the sand and bask in the sun while being entertained by fabulous queens.

UK-Wide: YO!

Need summer plans? Now you got 'em with YO!'s awesome sushi school events, where they'll teach you knife skills, rolling techniques and a little bit about the history of these dishes. Learn how to make delicious Japanese treats, including everything from salmon and avocado hand rolls to cucumber maki from some of the best in the biz. To top it off, you also get a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival and lots of tasty snacks throughout, such as edamame, gyozas and more, all for £34.95 per person.

Durham: Fesshole Live

@ Durham Cricket Club on Wed, 5th Jun 2024 @ 19:30 - 21:30

This June, get ready for some belly laughs as social media sensation Fesshole Live is coming to Durham Cricket Club, costing just £18 per person for tickets. Fesshole's creator Rob Manuel will be hosting the hilarious show, with a first half that includes never-seen-before confessions, followed by stories from the audience which anyone and everyone can submit before the show.

Portsmouth: Chilli And Gin Festival 2024

You won't be short of things to get up to this summer when you hear that Portsmouth Chill and Gin Festival 2024 is coming to town (or should we say Fort Purbrook, to be precise). This flaming hot fiesta is packing a punch with cocktail masterclasses, live entertainment (think 90s and 00s throwbacks with a sprinkling of indie bands for good measure) and over 60 vendors showcasing artisanal produce. What's more, if you're feeling brave enough, there's even a chilli-eating competition to get stuck into.

Lancashire: Squirrels Lair Adventure Golf

@ Golf Kingdom Rossendale on Various dates from Friday 26th April 2024

The Squirrel's Lair is an 18-hole woodland-themed adventure golf course in Rossendale that boasts gorgeous views of the countryside. Soak them up while attempting the creative courses, designed to increase in levels of difficulty as you go. As the day turns to night, spotlights ultimate the grounds so the fun doesn't have to end, and tickets start from only £4.50 each. 

Woking: In Good Company

Fancy a bit of alfresco dining this summer? Company of Cooks is hosting "in good company" supper clubs, setting up shop at RHS Garden in Wisley. Treat your tastebuds to exclusive menus from Executive Chef Brwa Ahmad, who has created three delicious courses inspired by the garden itself, with the exact dishes changing every time. Tickets cost £85 per person, and include a complementary cocktail on arrival before digging into the indulgent meal.

UK-Wide: The Great Game Treasure Hunts

For those after unusual things to do in the UK, The Great Game Treasure Hunts are a great way to get your brain in gear, go on a unique tour and win a cool prize. Crack clues and solve puzzles until 'X' marks the spot, which is a pub where you'll get 20% off your bill. This is a great way to explore British cities like Birmingham, Cardiff, Durham and so many more, all for as little as £19.99 per group.

Birmingham: Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2024

This summer you'll get to drink £5 cocktails across 40 top-tier bars with Birmingham Cocktail Weekend, taking place from the 11th to the 14th of July. Purchase a £10 wristband and gain access to boozy discounts, food offerings and special events including exclusive tasting sessions. You'll even receive a free sample of Hendrick's gin when collecting your ticket from Hotel du Vin.

UK-Wide: UKG Bingo

All across the UK, from London to Nottingham and beyond, you can take part in the UK's largest event of its kind: UKG Bingo. With tickets starting from £16 each, you can enjoy an evening of heavy basslines and some of the top garage tracks spun by legendary DJs. There'll be an array of games to take part in to win some big prizes, dance competitions and more.

UK-Wide: Wing Fest

One of the best summer events in the UK this 2024 has to be Wing Fest, taking place in London, Bristol, Derby and Sheffield. It's bringing a plethora of poultry-eating, thumping music and axe-throwing to celebrate its 10th birthday. Vote for your favourite food or enter an eating competition, then get down to DJs and live music. On top of all that? You'll get a free trucker hat on arrival, included in the price of your £22.50 ticket.

London & Birmingham: The Big Bakes

If you've been inspired by this quintessentially British pastime, then The Big Bakes are the events for you. In these 90-minute sessions, you will be provided with all the ingredients and equipment you need to create some tasty treats across cooking stations in a marquee. This competitive activity sees you go head-to-head with other pairs, making it onto our list of fun things to do in the UK for couples throughout summer.

Stoke-On-Trent: Factory Floor

For things to do this weekend in the UK, Factory Floor in Stoke-On-Trent has got you covered. Think themed nights out from Peaky Blinders to Mamma Mia, alongside quirky afternoon teas, live jazz performances and more on various dates across the summer months, all at a reasonable price with tickets starting from as little as £5 per person.

Sheffield, Nottingham, Lincoln, Derby: Gloryholes

In need of UK summer plans? Look no further than GloryHoles. This adult-only crazy golf course will have everyone competing with one another in a bid to win, with weird and wonderful themed holes across their multiple courses. And when you're done with putting, head to the arcade room or crackin' cocktail bar, where you may even find tasty slices of pizza as well as creative concoctions.

Brighton: Guided Bar Crawl

@ Walkabout Brighton on Every Saturday

Want to make the most out of the sunshine? Join in on a Brighton Guided Bar Crawl, ideal for stag and hen nights, birthdays or just an extra special night out. Walk through the cobbled streets and take in the glorious seafront as you explore the town's best bars, with the vibe of the night totally up to you. On top of that, your hilarious host will guarantee non-stop laughter throughout the evening. 

UK-Wide: Bingo Wonderland

How does an ABBA-themed bingo extravaganza sound to you? We thought so. Bag tickets starting from £13.50 each to Bingo Wonderland's events across the UK, from Burnley to Plymouth, and release your inner dancing queen by taking a chance on this fun-filled party. Expect an all-singing all-dancing evening complete with themed games, prizes and even a performance from the incredible live tribute band, Planet Abba.

Rothley: The Bell Rocks Festival

@ The Blue Bell Inn on Sat, 29th Jun 2024 @ 10:30 - 0:00

The sun's out, and you know what that means: The Blue Bell Inn's annual musical event, The Bell Rocks Festival, is back. Guaranteed to have your toes tapping all day long, this festival features live music, delicious barbeque goodies, an outdoor bar, and plenty of stalls to keep all the shopaholics entertained. Grab your best buds and head down for a fun-filled day in the summer sun.

UK-Wide: SUMMER PARTIES

From Nottingham to Newcastle, Ipswich and Belfast, there are plenty of places across the country to enjoy outdoor summer parties this year. Whether it's ABBA-inspired events, Taylor Swift-themed terraces or drag bashes in a pretty garden, there's lots of fun to be had. And the best part? Tickets start from just £12.50 each to some of these fun-filled afternoons, with great group discounts available too.

London: The BBQ Club

@ BBQ Club on Various dates from Thursday 2nd May 2024

The BBQ Club on Southbank will be hosting a six-course tasting menu showcasing some of the best local artisan supplies and seasonal produce from April onwards. Tickets to this mouthwatering event are £60; you'll be treated to watching delectable plates come to life over fire and members of the team will talk you through each dish. As well as tucking into the likes of an English Caprese Tear and Share, featuring blistered Nutbourne mini San Marzano on the vine, La Latteria stracciatella plus a confit garlic and thyme flatbread, there'll also be wine pairings, cocktails and soft drinks.

Winscombe: Thatchers Cider Tour

@ Thatchers Cider on Various dates from Friday 26th April 2024

Seeking fun things to do in England for young adults? Don't forget to stop off at the Thatchers Cider Tour on sunny Myrtle Farm in Sandford for a cracking day out. Learn how they craft their bottles, sample a couple of their favourite drinks and hear plenty of stories from the brand's history over their 100 years of making cider. Even better? Tickets are just £15 per person.

Wales: Explore These Gorgeous National Parks

From the Pembrokeshire Coast to Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, Wales has some pretty stunning national parks waiting to be explored. Whether adventurous activities or gentle coastal strolls are your thing, there's something to satisify you here. Even better? We've recommended all sorts of places to stay and where to eat and drink nearby.

Cornwall: Visit Some Beautiful Beaches

Searching for things to do in the summer with friends in the UK? Then head to Cornwall, a seaside paradise fronting turquoise waters and secret coves, from the dreamy Fistral beach to historic Port Isaac or leafy Lantic Bay. If you're undecided, then check out our guide to the top stretches of sand in the area.