Bracing hikes up cloud-scraping peaks, invigorating wild swims in sparkling lakes, and finger-licking fish and chip suppers along sun-drenched coves; summer in the UK is the perfect time to be outdoors.
When the sun is shining, our beautiful isle is a dream to explore. So we asked our followers on social media to share with us some of their favourite things to do in summer in the UK, as part of our Summer Holiday Watch campaign in partnership with the RSPB.
From kayaking in the Lake District to cycling in Somerset, read on to discover the best things to do in summer or click the button below to browse our collection of summer getaways.
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Spend the day at the seaside
Filey Beach and Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire
When the skies are blue without a cloud in sight, nothing beats a day spent with toes buried in the sand.
A great day out for kids, take a trip to the seaside and build sandcastles, paddle in the rolling waves and peer into rock pools teeming with curious critters. You can find some of the best free things to do in summer on the golden beaches of the UK.
Photos by: Naomi (left) and Sophie Cowling (right)
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Seton Sands, Scotland
Above, Marianne has captured her two boys playing on the sun-kissed sand during a traditional seaside holiday in Scotland. The coastline here flaunts a wild, untamed beauty, lined by softly sloping sand dunes, winding coastal footpaths, and towering cliffs.
Seals, dolphins and whales are commonly seen around these waters, but there’s also a chance of spotting otters, puffins, and white-tailed sea eagles with an average wingspan of 2.5 metres!
Photo by: Marianne Frances Tritton-Hughes
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Enjoy a picnic with a view
Friars Crag, Lake District
We adore this image sent to us by Amy, of her children enjoying a picnic breakfast beside the glassy waters of Derwentwater in the Lake District. One of her family’s favourite things to do in the summer holidays, they have chosen a picture-postcard setting to lay out their picnic goodies at the stunning viewpoint known as Friars Crag.
Described by acclaimed writer John Ruskin as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe, this unique promontory boasts clear views across the lake to Catbells and the Jaws of Borrowdale. There are several easy waymarked walks to this scenic spot from Keswick. Alternatively, you could have a Swallows and Amazons-style adventure by hiring a rowing boat, or catch one of the traditional, wooden Keswick Launches for a gentle cruise here.
Photo by: Amy Kay
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Step back in time at a heritage site
Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, and Chatsworth House in Derbyshire
With their resplendent facades bathed in golden light, the stately homes and grand gardens of the UK make for wonderful days out in the summer.
On the left, Debbie has encapsulated Hatfield House on a gloriously sunny day during a wander around its 40 acres of pristine grounds. And on the right, Sancha has taken an idyllic shot of Chatsworth House from its sweeping lawns – its honey-hued mellow stonework gleaming beneath a turquoise sky.
Photos by: Debbie Howe (left) and Sancha Caramelo (right)
The Copper Kingdom, Anglesey, North Wales
While searching for fun things to do in the summer in Wales, Marta and her family stumbled upon The Copper Kingdom on the Isle of Anglesey. Once the largest copper mine in the world, you can now explore this fascinating site on Parys Mountain via a network of self-guided walks.
The lunar landscape is extraordinary, a rich and vibrant palette of reds, oranges, pinks, browns, purples and greens. You can even venture into the enormous man-made crater, known as the Great Opencast.
Photo by: Marta L
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Kidwelly Castle in South Wales, Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire, and Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland
With a long history of battles, invasions and valiant defence, the UK is peppered with castles and mighty fortifications.
From the romantic ruins of Bamburgh Castle sprawling over boundless sands in Northumberland to the castles of Kidwelly and Goodrich, who have guarded Wales from their powerful hilltop strongholds, there’s a fortress for every history-loving traveller to discover on a balmy summer’s day.
Photos by: Les Cantello (top left), Catherine Orton (top right), and Lis (bottom)
Go kayaking on a shimmering lake
Wastwater, Lake District
Take in the sights from a different perspective by hiring a kayak. Both Rose and DeDe have sent in photos of their kayaking adventures across the glistening lake of Wastwater in the Lake District.
England’s deepest lake, this atmospheric body of water boasts one of the national park’s most compelling views of the peaks of Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain. If this sounds like it could be one of your favourite things to do this summer, discover more scenic spots for kayaking in the Lake District in our guide.
Photos by: Rose De Parker (left) and DeDe Parker (right)
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Chug through the countryside on a steam train
Goathland and Levisham Stations in Yorkshire, and Corfe Castle in Dorset
If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, why not embark on a magical journey on board a heritage steam train? All across the country, you’ll find nostalgic railway expeditions through some of the UK’s most captivating landscapes.
As you chug your way through national parks, beside lakes and rivers, and even up mountains, you will get to see our verdant land in all its summer glory, without working up a sweat.
Photos by: Ann (top), Sally (bottom left), and Debbie Connor (bottom right)
Cool off with a wild swim
King’s Lynn, Norfolk
On a hot day, one of the best things to do in summer is to cool down with a refreshing dip in the invigorating waters of a lake, river or the sea.
The UK offers a wealth of dramatic backdrops to set the scene and tempt ramblers in for a wilderness splash. Norfolk is home to some of the best wild swimming spots in the UK, as Madeleine has found above during her holiday here.
Photo by: @maggg.a
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Wander amongst the sunflowers
Farmer Paul’s Sunflower Farm in Buckinghamshire
Who doesn’t love these towering yellow giants, happily swaying in the breeze? Throughout summer, these cheery flowers bloom across the country, creating the most incredible beauty that’s absolutely worth seeing for yourself.
For some of the best displays, head to one of the sunflower fields in the UK as Naomi and Tammy have done above and get your own Insta-worthy shots. Discover more fabulous UK farm parks in our dedicated article.
Photos by: Naomi (left) and Tammy (right)
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Pedal your way around the UK
Somerset Levels, Somerset
Grab your bike, don your helmet and head out on a cycling adventure along one of the many country lanes or traffic-free trails of the UK. With so many photos sent to us via our competition, this activity is clearly one of the best things to do in summer in the UK, whatever your age.
This snap by Lance was captured on the Somerset Levels where there are several well-known cycle paths to enjoy, including The Strawberry Line, The Bittern Trail and South Somerset Cycleway.
Photo by: Lance Bellers
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Dip your toes in a waterfall
Radnor Forest in Wales and the Peak District
Although impressive year-round, visiting a waterfall comes highly recommended during a summer staycation, according to our followers on social media.
These majestic forces of nature are not only mesmerising to watch, but offer welcome respite after a ramble through the countryside on a scorching day. Throw off your boots and dip your toes in the cool, bubbling waters – bliss!
Photos by: Hannah Alexander (left) and Gem (right)
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Delve into a mysterious cave
Rydal Cave, Lake District
When you need to escape the heat, why not head deep underground into one of the UK’s caves? Emma did just this on her day out in the Lake District and ventured into the subterranean world of Rydal Cave.
Found on the slopes of Loughrigg Fell, this abandoned 19th-century quarry can now be explored for free. And not only is the cave full of mystery, but the views over Rydal Water are breathtaking.
Photo by: Emma Cale
Catch an epic coastal sunset
Talacre Beach in North Wales, Llandwynn Island in Anglesey, Ilfracombe in Devon, and Sandbanks in Dorset
The hour before the sun finally dips below the horizon is a special time, and there’s no better place to watch the sunset than from a beach in the UK. Bury down in the sand and watch the sky paint a masterpiece, engulfing the entire landscape in a burnt orange and dusky pink glow.
As the sun peacefully slips beneath the waves, the sea is lit up in the warmest hues and looks spectacular caught through a lens, as demonstrated above by the remarkable images sent to us via our social channels.
Photos by: Adam Williams (top left), Brian Parry (top right), Darrian Lilley (bottom left), and Lisa Wroe (bottom right)
Hire a surfboard and ride the waves
Croyde Bay, Devon
A summer holiday beside the sea is the perfect opportunity to participate in some on-the-water activities. If you fancy giving surfing a go, then the foaming waves of Devon are a great place to start.
If you’re new to the sport, why not hire a board and take some lessons at a surf school? There are plenty dotted along the coastline, with some of the most popular surfing beaches in Devon including Woolacombe, Westward Ho!, and Croyde – as pictured above by Trudie.
Photo by: Trudie Davidson
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Polzeath and Newquay Beaches, Cornwall
Another top spot for water sports holidays in the UK is Cornwall, where you’ll find the two surfing beaches above, sent in by Tina and Katie.
The county’s north coast is where the most reliable surf can be found, including the king of the UK’s surf scene, Newquay. You’ll find waves and reef breaks for almost every ability here – you can sometimes even find yourself weaving through barrels to rival Malibu!
Photos by: Tina Saunders (left) and Katie (right)
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Indulge in an ice cream
Barry Island, Wales
Finally, a sizzling summer’s day wouldn’t be complete without a delicious ice cream. A classic holiday treat and the perfect reward for a day spent hiking or sightseeing, a little pot or waffle cone of this frozen, creamy goodness takes you back to your childhood for a short while. The lovely image by Vicks above is making our mouths water!
Photo by: Vicks
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Explore the UK this summer
There’s no better time to head out into the Great British outdoors than in summer! Our collection of summer breaks in the UK includes a variety of settings where you pop your feet up and relax after a day of fun activities. From romantic retreats to exciting family escapes, start planning your next summer adventure.
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