Following the news that we’re officially allowed to travel freely within the UK, hotels have been booking up faster than you can say “quarantini.”
But at what cost? If you’re the perennially disorganised one in your friendship group (ahem), you’ll probably already know how frustrating it is when early birds snap up all the best hotels.
With the government recommending that people visit all the great places in the UK, rather than going abroad, we’ve compiled some of the best things you can do in the UK. No hotel? No problem.
1. Discover your local lido
It’s the happy medium between laps at your local leisure centre and dodging wildlife in the open water. That’s right, the lido is clean AND you still get to soak up the sun. If you’ve already had your fun at the famous lidos in Tooting Bec and Brockwell Park, mix things up with a trip to Bristol Lido in Clifton. The best part? It includes a spa and a dreamy poolside bar. We’ve also rounded up the best places to go wild swimming in London.
2. Go to the beach
In the immortal words of Nicki Minaj, “Let’s go to the beach-each. Let’s go get a wave.” If it’s golden sands you’re after, a trip to Holkham Beach in Norfolk is essential. While you’re in the area, you might as well pop by Winterton Beach, a favourite destination for seal spotting. We’ve rounded up the best beaches you can visit in the UK.
3. Throw a garden party
Following government guidance that 30 people can now gather together outdoors, garden parties are officially back. Crack out the bunting, light up the old barbie and have a cold one with the gang. CBA to prep all the food? Call on All In A Box, the celebrity-adored box that allows you to customise and build your perfect foodie box. They marinate the meats and prepare the freshest veg and moreish sides (they do BBQ in a box, roast in a box and special one-off boxes for occasions) and deliver it to your door with super simple cooking instructions.
4. Get lit at Latitude Festival
Located in the grounds of Henham Park in Suffolk, Latitude Festival is one of the dreamiest festivals going. As well as a joyous lineup (including Wolf Alice and Bastille), you can also mellow out to some of the finest poetry, literature and comedy out there. Sign us up.
5. Visit an Italian village…in Wales
Ever fancied a trip to Wonderland? The stunning village of Portmerion, located on the coast of North Wales, was specifically created to showcase its stunning natural scenery. Put it this way, you’ll soon forget you’re in the UK.
6. Go for afternoon tea in Harrogate
It’s well-known that Bettys is the home of afternoon tea, delivering an elite and oh so Instagrammable service. What could be better than a few mini tea-smoked salmon sandwiches, coconut & lime battenbergs and a glass of champagne? Oh yes, there’s also vegan and gluten-free options available. And tea! Don’t forget the tea.
7. Go canal-boating in Camden
Dodge the congestion charge by hopping on a Waterbus from Camden Town to Regents Park. Can every commute be like this?
8. Become a book fairy
You’re never too old for a treasure hunt. In fact, rumour has it that Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, partnered with The Book Fairies to hide copies of her prestigious photography book, Hold Still, around the UK. On your marks, get set…
9. Eat gelato on Brighton Pier
Put down that low-calorie ice-cream and get yourself to Boho Gelato, located by the Brighton sea-front. Enjoy the positive, seaside vibes with a luxe, Italian-style gelato in your hand.
10. Take a llama for a stroll in the Lake District
Upgrade your trip to the Lake District by booking a tour with Lakeland Llama Treks. That’s right, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery with an endearing, fluffy companion at your side. Guaranteed serotonin boost.
11. Get lost at Longleat Hedge Maze in Wiltshire
Lose yourself, find yourself, lose yourself again. It’s all fun and games at Longleat Hedge Maze, where you can run around like a child and no one will see you because a)the hedges are so high and b) they’re lost too. Very wholesome.
12. Meet your new feline friend at Mann Cat Sanctuary in Isle of Man
We’ve all, at some point in our lives, fantasised about running away and rescuing cats for a living. Indulge in that fantasy by visiting the Mann Catt Sanctuary, where you can make some beautiful new cat friends and help this amazing organisation to keep rescuing these precious animals.
13. Take the train to Hogwarts
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Just kidding, it’s actually the The Jacobite Steam Train but you can still see the overwhelmingly beautiful views as shown in the Harry Potter films. Including see the famous Glenfinnan viaduct.
14. Swim with sharks in Scotland
Forget dolphins, nowadays it’s all about swimming with sharks. In Scotland, no less! Head to Basking Shark Scotland for more details.
15. Eat (and Instagram) a rainbow bagel
Aesthetically pleasing and totally delicious, Beigel Bake‘s rainbow bagel has practically reached cult status. The Brick Lane bakery is also known for its authentic Jewish-style filled bagels, with choices including salt beef and smoked salmon.
16. Get a selfie at the Derry Girls mural in Belfast
Located in Derry’s city centre, the Derry Girls mural is an absolute must-see. Be warned, if you want your picture taken with the gang, there will probably be a queue.
17. Go to puppy yoga (because that’s a thing now).
Turns out ‘bunny yoga’ and ‘kitten yoga’ are also an option here. As well as helping to provide the calmest atmosphere for you to practice your vinyasa flow, Pets Yoga is great for helping socialise young animals.
18. Take a tour of the most colourful streets in London
Because rainbow streets are infinitely good for the soul. Start on Falkland Road in Kentish Town and see where the day takes you.
19. Columbia Road Flower Market
You know what else is good for the soul? Flowers. Lots of flowers. Head to Columbia Road Flower Market for all your floral needs.
20. Butterfly farm in Stradford-upon-Avon
Home to the UK’s largest tropical paradise, the Butterfly Farm is the perfect place to meet some new, fluttery friends.