Summertime is the season that brings people out into the sun to spend time with friends, making memories that’ll keep you smiling well into autumn. No matter your budget, there’s something magical about those long evenings and warm afternoons that just screams adventure. Here’s how to squeeze every drop of joy out of the season without falling into the same routine.

Dive into outdoor adventures

The weather in the UK frequently gets a bad rap – but when summer hits just right, the British countryside becomes absolutely stunning. So Instead of just talking about that weekend getaway you never book, it’s time to do something about it.

Taking a hike or even paddleboarding to the different countryside pubs is almost a rite of passage, working up a sweat then rewarding yourself with a Sunday roast or big slap-up meal. The Peak District, Lake District, or even the South Downs offer trails that’ll challenge you without requiring mountaineering skills. The best part? These adventures create those “remember when” stories that you’ll be telling for years.

Wild swimming is another activity that has exploded in popularity, as well as historic lidos for those who don’t fancy braving the rivers and lakes. These offer a different challenge, acclimatising to the cooler waters and make for a refreshing summer session for when you fancy something different.

Experience the UK’s vibrant festival scene

While the festival season in the UK is dominated by its holy grail – Glastonbury – there are many more festivals worth shouting about all across the country. From inner city offerings through to big three or five-dayers, there’s something that caters to practically every music taste out there.

Leeds and Reading have become a more eclectic choice, offering something for everyone wrapped up in a more rowdy weekend festival setting, while Kendal Calling and All Points East provide more curated line-ups.

Then you’ve got the food festivals, which are great for groups to explore and try new dishes together. Whether your friends go crazy for artisanal cheese or can’t stop sampling sourdoughs to try and replicate at home, they’re fantastic spots for groups to spend time together.

Enjoy unique social spots

There’s been a rise in the number of social spots that have evolved beyond the simple ‘pint and chat’ formula to crack the code of modern socialising. These can include listening parties revolving around love for one specific album, bookshop bars with no background music so patrons can chat at lower volumes, and even more community focused spaces that specialise in conversation between strangers.

The beauty of these venues is they attract people who want to engage properly rather than just scroll through their phones. It’s refreshing to find spaces that encourage genuine connection whilst offering something different from the standard night out formula.

Add a twist with games

Sometimes the best summer evenings are the unexpected ones where you try your hand at playing something new. Jackbox games are a great startpoint for those friends who have plenty of inside jokes, while padel is having its own moment if you’re more actively competitive. Then you’ve got giving slingo a go – a mix of bingo and slots – that needs to be seen to be believed.

Those laugh-until-you-cry moments come from spontaneity, so it’s worth keeping an open mind and rolling with whatever summer brings your way. Summer 2025 is yours for the taking, so stop just saving plan ideas from social media and start planning your own with friends.