Five ideas for a day out this summer

The ongoing lockdown restrictions mean it is unlikely that many people will get to go on the relaxing holiday they have been dreaming of. As disappointing as this may be, traveling abroad is not the only way to make the most out of the summer months. There are plenty of fantastic local activities and exciting trips across England that not only abide by the current travel guidelines but are also fun and entertaining opportunities.  Read on to discover five ideas for enjoyable days out this summer.

A picnic on the beach

The current seasonal heatwave is almost begging people to pack their swimwear and head down to their local beach. There are plenty of coastal destinations to choose from across the UK, depending on each person’s starting location. During the busiest summer periods, some may prefer to find a more remote spot with less visitors. All around the country there are a number of quiet sea-fronts perfect for a peaceful family visit, a romantic picnic or an undisturbed sunset walk. Traveling to a lesser-known destination is a perfect way to explore new areas and discover hidden gems. 

Other people love the busy rush of popular beaches, like Brighton or Margate. With the social-distancing restrictions eased, a visit to one of these trendy sites could be a perfect day out for someone looking to entertain their children with an ice-cream van, a group of friends to walk down the pier or a playdate for puppies. Whatever the preference, there’s the right beach for everyone to enjoy a day out this summer. 

Road trip 

Social distancing doesn’t mean people have to stop travelling completely. The current restrictions prevent people from going abroad but exploring their own country is still a possibility. Taking a road trip across the UK could be a brilliant way to see new beautiful sites. It could be travelling from the south to the north of England, sightseeing across to Wales or discovering the stunning lochs in Scotland. 

Many UK residents don’t realise what is right on their own doorstep and how impressive the country is. Another option could be to investigate local areas and find hidden wonders. Many small towns and villages are the hosts of cobbled streets and old-fashioned restaurants that offer a feeling of being on holiday like strolling down the streets of Italy or Belgium. Other cities offer exciting atmospheres with lively markets and busy nightlife. There’s something for everyone – for instance, those who love horse races will have a full calendar with many options, which they can find out more on horsebetting.com – it just needs to be found.

Camping

For someone whose preference is grass over sand, an alternative outing idea could be to go on a camping trip. This is an opportunity for families to test out their survival skills and immerse themselves in nature. Camping offers a brilliant chance for friends to get away for a long weekend and share ghost stories around the fire, while eating toasted marshmallows. There are plenty of lovely camping sites around England, whether it be for caravans or tent pitching, and this allows everyone to discover a new part of the country and uncover breath-taking countryside views. 

For people who aren’t quite ready to get their hands dirty and sleep on the cold floor, an alternate option could be glamping: glamour camping, where they can embrace the scenery while staying in their own luxurious pod with a private shower and all the amenities one could ask for.

Tree top adventure

While long-weekend trips away are ideal, unfortunately some people must continue with their busy lives through summer and don’t have the time for overnight stays. A daytime outing suggestion could be a tree top adventure. Zip wiring through the forest and tree-to-tree climbing could be an exhilarating challenge for the whole family or for a group of friends to unleash their competitive nature and seek out a thrill.

Often, these centres are very family friendly and can also keep children busy while parents have a peaceful stroll through the gardens. A stop off at an onsite café can be a perfect resting point after a day of excitement.

Hiking

Finally, after months of sitting around the house, working from home, watching TV or home-schooling, it’s about time some people chose the option to get up and out, stretch their legs and get hiking. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone: it could be a family activity, a race to the top, to get everyone’s hearts pumping; a scenic stroll for people who just need some fresh air; an energetic dog walk or a personal challenge. 

Throughout the UK there are many different locations that are perfect for hiking, including the Lake District, the Peak District, Mount Snowdon or Glencoe. Physical exercise is the body’s medicine and key for keeping all kinds of people fit and healthy. Trekking can be done at each person’s own pace, it doesn’t have to be a race – but it can be.

With so many different options to pick from there’s no excuse to sit inside on a beautiful summer’s day. Anyone can take any of these five suggestions, make the most of their surroundings and have an amazing time.

The editorial unit