Summer in Britain is a bit of a magical time. When the sun’s out (even briefly), there’s something in the air that makes you want to get out, explore and experience something new. Whether you’re planning a big family getaway, weekend escape, or a simple day trip with mates, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the UK—you’ve just got to know where to look.
From quirky festivals and scenic hideaways to action-packed experiences and chill days out, we’ve pulled together 10 standout ideas of fun things to do in the UK to help you make the most of the sunny season.
Yes, the UK has beaches—and some of them are seriously underrated. From the white sands of Porthcurno in Cornwall to the wild beauty of Rhossili Bay in Wales, our coastline is dotted with fun places to see that don’t feel like typical tourist traps.
Pack up a picnic, grab your sunnies, and enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. Planning something bigger like a coastal birthday bash? You can hire deck chairs, parasols and cool boxes from Event Hire UK to create your own beach lounge, perfect for those cool experiences UK style events. As far as fun things to do in the UK this summer, it doesn’t get any better.
Summer means festival season—and not just the muddy music ones. From literary and foodie fests to dog shows and vintage car events, the UK has a summer calendar packed with quirky gatherings.
Many are low-cost or even free, and offer loads of fun stuff to do in the UK, especially for families or couples. If you’re hosting or planning your own mini-festival, we’ve got you sorted with short term furniture, marquee and bar hire—making those fun places even more comfortable.
Next on our list of fun things to do in the UK is to hop on a heritage railway and soak up the views. Trains like the Settle-Carlisle line or North Yorkshire Moors Railway give you a front row seat to the UK’s lush landscapes—without the motorway stress.
It’s one of those activities to do in the UK that’s both relaxing and a bit romantic, whether you’re into photography, nature or just want something slower paced.
From the Museum of Witchcraft in Cornwall to the Pencil Museum in Keswick (yes, really), the UK is packed with niche museums that bring out your inner curious kid.
It’s one of the most underrated fun things to do in the UK, and perfect for those classic “what if it rains?” summer days. Pair your outing with a cosy pub lunch or cream tea to round it off properly.
Open-air cinema has exploded across the UK over recent summers. Watch classics under the stars in stately home gardens, or catch live Shakespeare in a leafy park. These are brilliant, fun attractions in England that add something special to a regular film or theatre night.
And if you’re setting up your own viewing party? You can hire everything from chairs and sofas through to armchairs and catering kit for a truly cinematic setup.
More and more people are falling in love with outdoor water sports—and for good reason. From city canals in Birmingham to glassy lakes in the Lake District, paddleboarding and kayaking offer a fresh way to see the country from the water.
It’s active, social and one of the best activities in the UK to try in warmer weather. Don’t forget the waterproof phone case!
The UK has over 2,500 miles of national trails, and whether you’re walking the South West Coast Path or cycling Hadrian’s Wall, it’s a great way to connect with nature. Even better? These trails often pass through local villages, where you’ll find farm shops, country pubs, and fun things to go explore along the way.
For event organisers, walking festivals or outdoor fundraisers can be elevated with the right kit. Event Hire UK can help with checkpoint furniture, signage, water stations, and more.
History lovers, this one’s for you. Whether it’s Dover Castle, Tintagel, or the Roman Baths, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in England that take you back in time. This is one of our favourite fun things to do in the UK, without a shadow of a doubt!
These make great educational outings for families or even classy date-day plans. Many sites now have seasonal activities, escape rooms, or live re-enactments too—turning old stones into fun stuff to do in England.
Sometimes, the best summer plans are the ones closest to home. Whether it’s a birthday, BBQ or just a reason to enjoy a Pimms in the sun, garden parties can be as fancy or relaxed as you like.
You can hire tables, chairs, parasols, crockery, and even a mini bar setup from us for the perfect short term, one-off event. We provide nationwide delivery, so whether you’re in London, Leeds or somewhere in between, you’ll have the right gear to make it shine.
Tents not your thing? Glamping gives you the rustic peace of camping with a little more comfort. From shepherd’s huts to eco-pods, there are hundreds of glamping spots dotted across the country, offering best activities in the UK for people who want to unwind without losing their creature comforts.
It’s perfect for couples, families or even groups of friends looking to disconnect and recharge.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, festival, pop-up cinema, or outdoor games day, having the right equipment on hand makes a huge difference. At Event Hire UK, we offer short term hire on everything from catering kit and to comfy seating, through to tables and other temporary event equipment hire.
We support events across the UK, from casual back garden gatherings to full-scale festivals. Our team delivers, collects, and provides expert advice on setup—so you can focus on enjoying yourself, not stressing over logistics. Organising fun things to do in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive!
Summer’s short, so you want to make the most of it—and with so many fun things to do in the UK, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore. Whether you’re into nature, culture, food or just hanging out with your favourite people, there’s a day (or night) out with your name on it.
Need help setting the scene for your next big summer moment? From garden parties to pop-up picnics, Event Hire UK is here to help make it easy, memorable and completely stress-free.
