Things to do this Summer

With the summer holidays fast approaching, we thought you may be in need of some ideas to keep the family entertained. So whether you’re based in the North, South, East or West, we’ve put together a collection of activities and attractions in counties across the UK.

Bedfordshire

If wildlife if your thing, Woburn Safari Park has over 80 species of animals to discover. If you don’t fancy risking losing your wing mirror on the Road Safari, there’s always the Foot Safari! 

Berkshire

The Queen spends most of her private weekends here…. Join her at Windsor Castle.  

Buckinghamshire

Fancy learning to ski? No need to travel abroad, Milton Keynes is where it’s at! At Snozone you can ski or snowboard on real snow, indoors! 

Cambridgeshire

Take a punt on the River Cam and take in the historic beauty of Cambridge in comfort 

Cheshire

Follow in the footsteps of the Roman soldier patrols and walk the Walls of Chester . 

Cornwall

No trip to Cornwall would be complete without a trip to the Eden Project. From the Mediterranean Biome to the Rainforest Canopy Walkway and Giant Bee, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. 

Cumbria

At England’s only true Mountain Forest - WhinlatterForest Park – you can walk, bike, Go Ape, run or simply relax. However energetic you’re feeling, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. 

Derbyshire

Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan masterpiece located near Chesterfield. Once you’ve toured the hall, explore around the extensive grounds with picturesque views and family play trails.  

Devon

Feel like a giant at Babbacombe Model Village as you explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens showcasing hundreds of model scenes, vehicles & people.

Dorset

Visit one of the South Coast’s most famous landmarks, Old Harry Rocks. Take in the iconic chalk stacks with a walk along the Jurassic Coast. 

County Durham

Visit one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England located in the heart of the Durham Dales. After making its way from the Pennines, the River Tees gathers pace then drops 21 meters into the pool below at High Force Waterfall. 

Essex

Explore the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through a range of exhibitions, shows and activities at the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey. 

Gloucestershire

See over 250 birds of prey at the InternationalCentre for Birds of Prey. You can even book in for an owl, falcon or hawk experience if you fancy getting up close. 

Greater Manchester

If science is your thing, head over to the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester. There are regular special events and exhibitions, as well as permanent collections dedicated to the development of science, technology and industry.

Hampshire

The Mary Rose, HMS Victory, and the Royal Navy Submarine Museum are just three of the many attractions at Portsmouth HistoricDockyard. This will keep young and old entertained for hours. 

Herefordshire

For a more relaxing day out, visit HamptonCourt Castle. Why not while away an afternoon strolling around the gardens before taking Afternoon Tea in the Orangery. 

Hertfordshire

Wander through 25 miles of lavender fields at Hitchin Lavender Farm. Here you can pick your own fresh flowers, or just sample head over to the farm shop! Flowering season is June till the end of August. 

Kent

Take a ride on the Romney, Hythe & DymchurchRailway, which has been operating for over 90 years. With world famous one-third full size Steam & Diesel locomotives, and even the opportunity to drive a train yourself, this Kent attraction is a great any weather activity.

Lancashire

A trip to Lancashire wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Blackpool Tower. With a glass Sky Walk, Circus and the famous Ballroom, Tower Dungeon, and even soft play for the kids, this will easily keep you occupied all day. 

Leicestershire

Discover gravesite of the long-lost Last Plantagenet King of England at the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester. If you’re still eager for more history, take a walking trail around the city, then head over to the Cathedral where the King was reinterred in 2015. 

Lincolnshire

Visit Lincoln Castle and take a 360-degree medieval walk around the Castle walls, follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison, and then immerse yourself in the Magna Carta story. 

Norfolk

Get away from it all at RSPB Titchwell Marsh. Go for a walk along the wide sandy beach and take in the reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons where avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers nest. 

Northamptonshire

For all the Gin lovers out there, visit the Warner Edwards Gin Distillery. With a G&T on arrival, the Curiosity Tour lets you soak up the beautiful countryside as the secrets and craftsmanship required to make each bottle of gin are unveiled.

Northumberland

The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England including around 37,000 pairs of puffin. It's also home to a one of the top grey seal pupping sites in England, with more than 2,000 pups born every autumn. 

Nottinghamshire

With over 76 aircraft and 4 covered display areas, immerse yourself in the history of aviation at Newark Air Museum.  

Oxfordshire

Visit White Horse Hill in Uffington, and see the iconic White Horse, formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk. 

Rutland

If you’re feeling energetic, a visit to RutlandWater has all you need to help you burn off that energy! There’s cycling, rock climbing and watersports to enjoy, or just take in the nature and wildlife if you fancy taking it easy. 

Shropshire

Step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town near Shrewsbury.  Meet real Victorians in their authentic cottages, buy goods from realistic shops and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops. They even do Fish and Chips traditionally cooked in beef dripping! 

Somerset

The Roman Baths in Bath are one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and definitely not to be missed. Imagine life as a Roman as you explore the baths and even try the natural Spa water at the end of your visit. 

Staffordshire

Thrill seekers rejoice! Alton Towers has it all – from the family friendly CBeebies Lane to white-knuckle rides like Oblivion and The Smiler. 

Suffolk

One for the beer lovers here. The Greene KingBrewery in Bury St Edmunds offers tours around the working brew house, then gives you the chance to enjoy a tutored tasting session. Who could refuse! 

Surrey

There are over 800 sculptures within ten acres of arboretum & wildlife inhabited water gardens at The Sculpture Park near Farnham. Everything’s for sale if you fancy taking one home! 

East Sussex

Built as a seaside palace for King George IV, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a lovely place to visit if you’re in the area. 

Warwickshire

No list of things to do would be complete without a mention of Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Discover where the bard grew up in Stratford upon Avon and enjoy history brought to life with live theatre on demand.  

Wiltshire

Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge. Located just North of Salisbury, advance booking is recommended if you want to guarantee entry at a specific time. 

Yorkshire

Whilst the York Maze is only open for the summer months, it’s definitely worth planning in.  It’s created from over 1 million, living maize plants and is the largest maze in the UK.