15 best activities to do this summer

Summer is here! Don’t waste any more time trying to figure out what your family and friends can do outdoors this summer and check out our top 15 best activities to do this summer in the UK!

Stand-up paddleboarding

Experience the peacefulness of summer waters through stand-up paddleboarding—an excellent opportunity for bonding, scenic exploration, and a touch of balancing excitement. SUP is a great activity for families of all ages looking for something brand new to try and have a couple of laughs over.

If you're in London, seize the opportunity to discover the Thames from a new perspective with Paddle Richmond’s SUP classes!

Archery

Explore the outdoors and acquire a new skill this summer through archery. This activity emphasises precision and tranquility, blending sport with meditative focus, making the amazing summer atmosphere enjoyable for all ages. Being surrounded by nature in the woods and learning a new skill with your friends or family is the best way to spend this summer!

Consider choosing Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre for your archery adventure. They are renowned for their expert guidance and provide an unforgettable archery experience surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Kayaking

Kayaking provides a fresh perspective to connect with nature up close. Whether navigating tranquil lakes or gentle rivers, paddling offers a blend of excitement and serenity, revealing a distinctive glimpse of the breath-taking scenery.

Explore this blog post for top recommendations on kayaking and canoeing spots in London. Read about other kayaking/canoeing spots here.

Walking tour around London

Discover the historic and lively city of London at its most vibrant with a guided walking tour. Summer enhances the beauty of the city’s parks and streets, creating an ideal opportunity to dive into its rich cultural heritage and history with loved ones. Not only that, but summer brings out the best in London with events and beautiful heritage at every corner, making summer the best season to find out more about the city.

For an immersive experience of London’s past and delightful treats, visit London Mystery Walks.

White Water Rafting

For adventure enthusiasts, summer’s swift currents provide a fun experience with white water rafting. It's an amazing opportunity to feel the raw power of nature while building connections as you navigate through thrilling rapids together.

Consider Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) in Cardiff Bay for your rafting adventure in the UK. Rafters can choose between challenging rapids or gentler flows, ensuring a thrilling experience for all.

Climbing

Outdoor climbing this summer lets you experience nature from a unique viewpoint. Suitable for various skill levels, it's an exciting way to challenge yourself and enjoy spectacular views with loved ones. Doing exercise and pushing yourself will allow you and your group to bond like you never have before.

Anglesey Outdoors offers an array of climbing activities suitable for all levels, with expert instructors ensuring a safe and enjoyable climb in the beautiful scenery Wales offers.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is an exhilarating water sport that combines elements of surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding. It involves using a kite and a board to glide across the water's surface while harnessing the power of the wind. Embrace the dynamic spirit of summer with kitesurfing, an activity perfect for adventurous groups and families alike.

If you're heading to the stunning North Devon area, don't miss out on visiting Nomadic Kitesurf.

Coasteering

Coasteering offers a thrilling blend of swimming, cliff jumping, and climbing along a rocky shoreline. It’s an adventurous way to discover the rugged parts of nature this summer, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a physical challenge with adventurous friends!

For an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Cornish coastline in South West England, consider joining Trevone Bay Adventures.

SUP Yoga

As the days grow warmer and longer, it's the perfect time to enjoy activities in a new environment. SUP yoga provides a peaceful escape into nature, offering a chance to recharge and tune into the energy of summer. For an added challenge and increased peacefulness, SUP yoga combines the practice of yoga with balancing on a paddleboard on water.

Waterborn offers an amazing SUP yoga program that will have you feeling calm, cool, and collected again. The sights and sounds of the great Devon outdoors will leave you with a great view as you practice yoga on the calm waters.

Orienteering

Orienteering offers an adventurous way to embrace the summertime outdoors. This activity blends navigation with running or walking, creating a fun and educational experience as you seek out specific locations in natural surroundings. Perfect for groups and families seeking an active and enjoyable day out in nature.

Reach new heights orienteering with Edusports. They offer several courses and lessons on orienteering, and their staff will ensure you see breathtaking views.

Surfing

Surfing is a top favourite way to experience the summer heat, while also getting to cool off in the water. Paddle out in the water without freezing and experience the amazing swells that come in the summer months. New to the sport- don’t worry! The waves come consistently and frequently in the summer, so it is the best time to start. Due to the several different coasts, england has some of the best beaches around for surfing. With the addition of longer days and the lively beach atmosphere, surfing will have you daydreaming about the open waves all day. .

Hang ten off the coast of Northumberland with NE Surf! No matter if you are a beginner or a pro they are a perfect fit for you.

Skywalk

Skywalk is a multi-level ropes course that will take you to new heights! Conquer fears and experience nature from a totally new perspective this summer. Kids and teens will have an amazing time exploring nature with a birds eye view as they climb high in the sky. The fun competitive nature of Skywalk is sure to bring out fun family rivalries between siblings which will have them pushing each other to go higher!

Feel accomplished this summer after completing one of Sandown Sports’ obstacle courses. Sandown Sports has rope courses for all ages, so you cna be sure that young ones will have an amazing time.

Sailing

There’s no better feeling than sailing along the open waves with your family and friends while exploring new destinations. The scenic views and amazing memories are worth the hard work it takes to sail.

Learn to sail away this summer with Hydro Abersoch and explore the never-ending open waves.

Windsurfing

If you like sailing and surfing and are looking for your next watersport-look no further! Windsurfing allows you to harness the power of the wind and glide across the water this summer with speed. Windsurfing involves riding a board similar in style to a surfboard, but with a sail attached to the mast which allows you to control the wind and propel yourself at lightning speeds.

Try windsurfing for the first time or sharpen your abilities this summer with Salford Watersports. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, they offer a variety of courses and sessions to suit all levels and interests.

Powerboating

Speed off with your friends and family this summer in style. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing fun family day, or looking to speed across the water, powerboating provides fun for everyone. You can even explore around and discover secluded beaches hidden from the public.

We recommend exploring off the coast of Abersoch this summer with Hydro Abersoch. They accept anyone ages 8+ for their powerboat courses, so fun for the whole family!

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Looking for a booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and outdoor activity centres share their passion with more people. We reduce your administrative burdens, so you can have more time to spend doing what you love. Find out more at our watersports page.

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out Best places for white water rafting in Wales and Top 7 places to go standup paddleboarding in London.

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