Summer in the UK can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to weather, but there’s still plenty of things to do. Rain or shine, here are the ten best activities worth trying this summer.

Go to a festival!

There’s so many to choose from, happening all summer-long, up and down the UK. For many of them you may want good weather, but a lot of festivals have indoor stages so it’s not a total loss. 

Alternatively, pick a festival and book a hotel nearby, so if it rains at least you’ve got somewhere dry to sleep! Our picks this year would be 2000trees, Barn on the Farm, Boardmasters and Isle of Wight.

Many cities have day festivals as well, so it doesn’t have to be a costly activity if you’re a bit short on cash this summer.

Try and escape an amazing Maize-Maze!

Located all over the UK, there are different maze options for you to have a go at.

Maybe try and visit them all? If you’re really into it. Makes a really fun day out and isn’t something you do every day. Visit their website to find out more.

In a similar vein, Locked In A Room (which we like here in Bristol) have similar escape room challenges, and there's a big one that's just opened in London associated with Sherlock.

Get some culture!

The UK has loads of historic and interesting places to explore, and maybe you could use this summer to see a few of them.

In the Midlands there’s the picturesque Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of the bard himself, Shakespeare. There’s museums, you could catch a play at the RSC or take a boat out on the Avon itself.

Plus, there’s plenty of pubs and lovely beer gardens if you want to extend your day trip. It’s such a nice place, your parents won’t say no if you wanted to borrow the car to go here.

Visit the seaside!

There’s nothing like getting fish ‘n’ chips and eating them on a windy English beach while trying to guard them from the local seagulls – it’s a rite of passage really.

Check out the pier too, Brighton and Weston-Super-Mare have good ones, and risk losing a few quid for the chance to win a badly stuffed teddy bear. Again, it’s a ritual of the English seaside!

You could also take a less touristy approach and visit some of the beautiful beaches Cornwall, Devon and Wales have to offer. Go for a walk, grab a wave or even have a swim (weather permitting). It’s definitely worth it.

Catch a movie!

Okay, but it’s summer, you don’t want to be stuck indoors? You’re in luck. Cult Screens run an open-air cinema in loads of UK locations from Bristol to Birmingham, to Poole and Reading.

There’s various movies that have been shown including Dirty Dancing, The Shape of Water, The Greatest Showman, Jaws, Pretty Woman, The Darkest Hour and many more… there’s something for everyone, no matter what your movie-taste is.

Check their website to see what’s playing near you!

Immerse yourself in a Secret Cinema event!

It’s another one for the film geeks out there, but this is a little different. Imagine watching your favourite films as if you were really there, as if you are a part of it.

Secret Cinema bring you into the world of the movie you’re watching, act scenes live in front of you, making a 360-degree participatory world that gives you an unforgettable experience.

They’re currently presenting Blade Runner, and Romeo & Juliet is next, so grab your tickets here!

Find some furry friends!

If you love animals but unfortunately don’t have the time or money for one yourself, there’s plenty of ways you can get your fix of kitty snuggles and dog walks.

Websites like Cat in a Flat and Borrow My Doggy mean you can look after or spend the day with some cute pets, getting you out of the house while also helping a stranger – win-win!

Going on a summer walk is often more fun with a bouncy doggo by your side!

Get your game on!

It’s the World Cup so football is EVERYWHERE. There is no escaping it.

Instead of hiding away from it, get into the games! It’s a social event, get your mates round or head down the pub and make the most of keeping score. If you’re gonna sit down and watch the telly may as well do it with some friends, right?

Explore your city!

Living in a city sometimes means you never get to do the fun touristy stuff everyone else does, so now it’s summer this is your chance!

A lot of cities have free museums or art galleries, which can be a fun way to pass a rainy summers day. If London is local to you explore it, there’s so much to see: Kew Gardens, London Eye, Madame Tussauds… go see some of the local goings on, get out the house and be a tourist!

Swimming, kayaking, surfing… social sports, but also great for a hot summer’s day. 

There’s so many outdoor activity centres where you can try these sports and more, and you can have professional lessons there too. It’s new and different, but you might just find that you love it. 

Google it to see where your nearest water sports centre is, then put on a wetsuit and get started!