Things To Do In The UK This Summer

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Bringing together the finest chicken wing traders to battle it out across three categories, Wing Fest wings cost £1.50 each across their fun summer festivals, so you can try as many as possible to vote for your favourites. But that's not all that's on offer, as you can get involved in further poultry-eating action via wing-eating contests and hot wing challenges too.

For further entertainment, expect everything from water splash zones to live music, DJs, BBQ cooking demos and more.

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. 

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.

Show the kids where their food comes from this summer at Rebecca's Kitchen. In Malt Kiln Farm Shop in the oh-so-beautiful village of Stretton-under-Fosse, it sources everything directly from local suppliers with meat prepared by its super skilled butchers. 

The whole fam can tuck into everything from fry ups and succulent roasts to richly flavoured sausages, soups and sandwiches. Make an occasion of it with an afternoon tea, packed with delicate finger sandwiches and tasty pastries.

Catch 22 Jams is a vibrant and dynamic live music venue located across the UK, offering a unique space where up-and-coming artists and established musicians come together to perform.

With a focus on jazz, soul, and funk, Catch 22 Jams is known for its eclectic music nights, showcasing a variety of genres and sounds. It's a place where the music never stops, and the atmosphere is always electric, perfect for those who love discovering new talent and enjoying top-tier live performances.

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. 

This summer, get the gang together and dive into one of the UK's most exciting paintball experiences at Pro Paintball. Packed with high-stakes battles, thrilling game modes, and the chance to win cash prizes, it's the perfect outdoor adventure for the season.

With budget-friendly packages, premium equipment, and a whole arsenal of surprises, it's time to lock, load, and dominate the battlefield.

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.

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.

These walking disco parties take you on a totally unique tour across London or Edinburgh, getting an opportunity to soak up all the sights while you wear headphones and dance to tunes from the 80s, 90s or 00s. You can expect plenty of flash mobs and hilarious commentary on the side too, with tickets starting from as little as £23 per person.

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. 

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.

Maison Dieu is back and better than ever - explore its 800-year legacy with expert-led tours starting at just £8. Families can get hands-on with the Dragons, Ghosts and Gargoyles experience, where medieval mischief meets interactive fun.

With events and live sport also on offer, it's the perfect place to mix history with a great day or night out. Think live wrestling (from £12) and a Frankie Valli tribute act (from £20) - although keep an eye out for even more to come.

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.

Why settle for the usual night out when you can paint your way through it? Thirsty Work is serving themed Sip and Paint Parties across Sheffield and Chesterfield, combining cocktails with creative chaos.

Dance to Mamma Mia, channel your inner detective at The Traitors edition, or paint your beloved pet - all while sipping and socialising in some of the area's coolest venues. From laid-back wine nights to rowdy weekend takeovers, this is the ultimate excuse to get the gang together.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

From the Balfour Winery, the Garden of England has never looked more glamourous. Set among the sweeping vineyards of the Hush Heath Estate, it's the dream ticket for a lavish lunch, wine-soaked dinner or tasting tour.

Whether you head here to sample some of its finest creations or want to sit on the terrace and take your time over a bottle or two, be sure to check out the menu. Head chef Dan Austin's signature dishes, from Ashmore cheddar soufflé to braised ox cheek pithivier, are paired perfectly with vintage tipples by head winemaker Fergus Elias.

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.

This summer, Guy Ritchie's Wiltshire estate reopens its gates for an unforgettable luxury getaway. In collaboration with Carousel, the WildKitchen summer series is back, offering an exclusive escape for just sixteen guests at a time. Running from May to September, the experience features a star-studded lineup of guest chefs cooking up spectacular, live-fire feasts at Guy's lakeside WildKitchen. Guests will enjoy a two-night stay in one of eight beautifully appointed bedrooms, including two new suites with breathtaking views of Cranbourne Chase's stunning natural beauty.

The weekend is all about indulgence and adventure, with intimate chef's tables, where culinary heavyweights like Alex Nietosvuori, Charlie Tayler, and Masaki Sugisaki will serve one-off tasting menus under the stars. After sunset, guests can unwind with a nightcap back at the farmhouse. Activities range from wild swimming and yoga to culinary workshops and scenic walks, all paired with a seasonal bar menu featuring delicious bites like kimchi toasties and wood-fired flatbreads. 

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.