Welcome summer! With warmer and longer days well underway, it’s time to get planning for that special summer day out! As we countdown to the school summer holidays, we’ve rounded up a list of the best summer activities and things to do 2024.
From frolicking in the sun to splashing about, there are all sorts of exciting things and fun summer activities to get up to this school holidays. This year, we’ve decided to bring you our biggest-ever guide to the best days out, with 30 incredible days out and ideas for things to do this summer!
We’ll be updating this blog with plenty more days out and ideas along the way, too, so don’t forget to check back in!
Summer Activities & Things To Do
Treasure Trails, Nationwide
Luckily, Treasure Trails has the perfect solution, one they’ve proudly provided for 20 years (it’s their anniversary this summer too!). Their treasure hunts offer a simple and exciting way to get outdoors and explore!
With over 1,200 treasure hunts, detective mysteries, and spy missions spread across the UK, there’s always a fun adventure waiting nearby. Picture this: your family exploring charming towns, quaint villages, and bustling cities, all while working together to uncover clues, solve mysteries, and find treasure.
Why Choose Treasure Trails?
- Unmatched Fun: Join the 3 million people who’ve enjoyed their Trails, earning thousands of 5-star reviews along the way.
- No Queues, No Rush: Enjoy a leisurely adventure without the hassle of crowds or time constraints.
- Affordable: For just £9.99, you get a day of wholesome family fun. Choose between the easy-to-use app or a printed version for a digital detox.
Planning has never been easier because your Trails can be downloaded straight onto your mobile phone and enjoyed the same day. But if you want to be ahead of the game this summer, why not order now? Secure a few days of family fun without breaking the bank!
Create lasting memories with your family this summer. Visit Treasure Trails and start your adventure today!
All over the UK!
Download a Trail for £9.99
Embark On A Great Garden Adventure with Shaun the Sheep
Join Shaun on an epic gardening adventure this summer as he learns from the friendly experts at all five RHS Gardens how to grow the best fruit and veg to keep him baa-rilliantly healthy!
Running between 20th July – 1st September, on selected dates at all five iconic RHS gardens! Families can join Shaun on his quest to learn how to grow the best fruit and veg at Mossy Bottom Farm from friendly RHS experts, with plenty of tomfoolery and fun for all to enjoy.
Throughout the summer holidays, families will be able to participate in a host of interactive activities across the gardens, including seeking out Shaun in the ‘Hide and Sheep’ zone. Little ones can make their very own model of Shaun to take home, plant some lamb’s lettuce and enjoy craft time before heading out for a garden walkabout!
Along with plenty of Mossy Bottom antics, each garden will also feature sculptures from renowned global art producers Wild in Art. Young and young at heart can track down three super-sized Shaun the Sheep artworks at each garden.
Discover unlimited free days out with an RHS Joint membership!
Make sure you’re getting the best value for money by checking out RHS Membership. Depending on family size, just two-three visits mean the membership pays for itself. Enjoy unlimited free days out to all five beautiful RHS Gardens and 220 Partner Gardens by becoming an RHS Member. Join today and save 25%.* Prices start from just £55.50 for a 12-month RHS Membership. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/join to find out more.
Members also receive free or reduced rate tickets to family events at RHS Gardens including half term trails, workshops, holiday activities and RHS Glow, as well as priority access to RHS Flower Shows, personalised gardening advice and a monthly subscription to The Garden Magazine.
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available to new members by annual Direct Debit in the first year. Activities change on a weekly basis, please visit our website for the full schedule and to find out more.
Event dates for each garden are:
RHS Garden Bridgewater: 20th July – 1st September
RHS Garden Harlow Carr 20th July – 1st September
RHS Garden Hyde Hall 20th July – 1st September
RHS Garden Rosemoor 27th July – 1st September
RHS Garden Wisley 20th July – 26th August
The best value for money is signing up to their membership. Prices start from just £55.50 for a 12-month RHS Membership
BeWILDerwood, Cheshire and Norfolk
Both sites are packed full of exciting fun, from flying on a zip wire to treehouses! Not to mention soopa slippery slides, high-flying wires, a Sky Maze, settling down at the Storytelling Stage and watching incredible live shows! It’s the perfect outdoor adventure to enjoy on a summer’s day, plus BeWILDerwood welcomes adventurers of all ages!
Tickets are flying out of the woods, so book yours now!
Cheshire and Norfolk
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Born to BeWILD (under 92cm): Free
Almost WILD (92-105cm): £20.50
BeWILD Now (over 105cm): £22.50
Still WILD (65 years): £14.50
Trentham Monkey Forest, Staffordshire
But did you also know there are over 140 free-roaming barbary macaque monkeys here?! You can wander through the woods and come face to face with them, but make sure you don’t approach or feed the monkeys! If you have any questions, the friendly guides are always there to answer your queries. Don’t forget to let loose on the 2 HUGE primate-themed play areas, too!
Outdoor summer activities are the best way to enjoy the fresh air, especially if it’s sunny! You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the house, would you?
Trentham Estate
Stone Road
Trentham
Staffordshire
ST4 8AY
Various hours depending on time of the year
1st April to 31st July 10:00 - 17:00
1st - 31st August 10:00 - 18:00
Child (3-14) from £9.50
Adult from £12.00
Aqua Parks, various locations
Discover an epic inflatable water park at Cardiff, Rutland or Lakeside and enjoy a day out at Aqua Parks! Tackle the incredible inflatable obstacles and make your way across the floating obstacle course, taking on slides, walkways, and more. It’s sure to be a splashtastic day out, and all three locations are open all summer long too!
You can also head to an outdoor water park or splash park to cool off on those hot summer days!
Chatsworth House and Farmyard, Derbyshire
Explore over 100 acres of a garden full of waterworks and sculptures, all before saying ‘hi’ to horses, goats and even guinea pigs in the farmyard. Don’t forget, you can even order a gourmet picnic to enjoy on the day for the ultimate summer day out!
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PP
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
House and Garden
Adult £35.00
Child £10.00
Farmyard and Playground
£8.00
Kynren and 11Arches Park, County Durham
Travel back through time and watch two thousand years’ worth of history unfold in front of your eyes, from the legend of Arther to Romans and Vikings. Discover 11Arches Park too, with immersive shows and experiences set across a beautiful park – a truly unique summer activity and thing to do this school holiday!
They also have a BRAND NEW pre-show this year, where you can visit the Viking Village! You’ll be able to talk and interact with the villagers as they go about their daily lives, visit the cookhouse, see them tend to the animals, prepare meals and watch the blacksmith at work in his forge producing real chainmail! Just be careful, as the Viking warriors are preparing for a raid!
Flatts Farm
Bishops Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7SF
27th July to the 14th September
Various times through the summer, please follow the link for more information
Child (4-17) : £16.00
Adult (17-18+) : £26.00
Mother Shipton’s Cave, North Yorkshire
Discover the magical world in the ancient forest and set off on an exciting adventure trail with plenty of scenes inspired by the much-loved kid’s stories. Go wild in the adventure playground, see what curiosities are hanging from the Petrifying Well, and make a wish in the Wishing Well. Just remember, don’t be late for this very important date!
Prophecy House,
Harrogate Rd,
High Bridge,
Knaresborough,
HG5 8DD
23rd March to 3rd November
Weekends and Bank Holidays 10:00 - 17:30
Term Time 10:00 - 16:30
Off Peak £30.00 per car
Peak £36.00 per car
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Pembrokeshire
Meet the roarsome lions and cheeky penguins, and you can even say hi to giant giraffes! Plus, see the adorable sloths, Tuppee and Lightcap, in their retirement home! Ooh, it’s time you met the new residents – the cotton-top tamarins – Ray and Raquel. They’re super adorable and one of the world’s smallest primates, so you have to check them out!
Folly Farm also has a fun-tastic barn to see, with all your favourite animals from piggies and donkeys to sheep too! And if you’re looking for summer activities and things to do, then pop over to the fairground, for jam-packed family fun!
Begelly,
Kilgetty,
SA68 0XA
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Family Ticket £91.20
Adult £24.65
Child £22.75
Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Bristol
Get ready for a sky-high adventure at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta this August! Perfect for families with kids, this vibrant event promises a spectacular array of colourful hot air balloons filling the sky.
Imagine your kid’s faces lighting up as they watch the balloons soar and dance above them! With exciting activities, delicious food stalls, and live entertainment, the fiesta offers a fun-filled day for everyone. Don’t miss the magical Night Glow, where balloons illuminate the night in a dazzling display, set to music. Pack your picnic, grab your camera, and join the fun at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta for a day your family will never forget!
Ashton Court Estate,
Long Ashton,
Bristol
BS41 9JN
9th - 11th August 2024
06:00 - late
Free and unticketed, but you will need a parking ticket
GreenWood Family Park, Gwynedd
Discover a brand new adventure at GreenWood Family Park and make a SPLASH on the UK’s first solar-powered water ride! Or be in control of your thrills on the WORLD FIRST people-powered rollercoaster – the Green Dragon. Feel the wind rush past as you zoom and turn through the woods. It’s the perfect outdoor summer adventure!
There’s more fun where that came from though, because you can also zoom and whizz down the 75 metre-long Forest Glider, soar to new heights on the TreeTop Towers or reach for the sky on a HUGE bouncy pillow! With totally mind-blowing eco-friendly rides and experiences, this epic forest family adventure park is a fan favourite for a reason!
Bush Rd,
Y Felinheli,
LL56 4QN
1st May to 30th September
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Off Peak: Over 1m - £20.00 and Under 1m - £7.00
Peak: Over 1m - £23.00 and Under 1m - £7.50
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, West Midlands
Rainy summer day got you stuck for ideas of days out? Head to the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham for a day out that promises plenty of fun no matter the weather! Plus, you’re just in time to meet their two adorable residents, Ozzy and Ola the sea otters – the UK’s first sea otters!
Not to mention there’s a total of 15 zones for you to explore! Plunge into the depths of the ocean as you wander through the 360° Ocean Tunnel that’s swimming with sharks. Discover curious jellyfish in their ethereal habitats and head to the Interactive Rockpool to stroke a starfish!
The Waters Edge,
Brindley Place
Birmingham
West Midlands
B1 2HL
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday 09:30 - 18:00
Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
From £20.00 per person
Hatton Adventure World, Warwickshire
Head over to Hatton Adventure World, a fantastic family day out full of animals, action, and adventure! Meet all of your favourite farmyard friends, build sandcastles in the sand, leap up high on trampoline beds, and loads more!
Want to experience a super adorable summer activity? Then make your way to the Guinea Pig Village! Where you can feed and stroke their cutest critters! Plus, there’s a HUGE indoor soft play you can experience fun in if the weather gets a bit dreary (parents are welcome too!).
There’s also the BRAND NEW foam party this summer and of course, navigating through the Maize Maze. Got what it takes to reach the centre?
Dark Lane
Warwick
Warwickshire
CV35 8XA
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Child (4-17) : £12.95
Adult (17-18+) : £12.95
Hans & Gretel, London
Now, anybody whose anybody LOVES sweet treats and delicious goodies. And there’s no better time to enjoy a jam-packed ice cream full of sweet goodness than in the summer! Plus, if you’re looking for a great place to get some food in London, then this is the place to be.
Introducing… Hans and Gretel is a visual and gastronomic feast for the senses! Step into a fairy tale world where you’ll find whimsical waffles, artisan lollipops, cotton candy and mouth-watering ice cream cones, every treat is crafted to delight your taste buds and spark your imagination. The enchanting decor, complete with gingerbread house facades and twinkling lights, transports you to a land of wonder and sweetness. Perfect for a family outing, Hans & Gretel promises a delightful adventure where both kids and parents can indulge in a sugary paradise
A delicious treat for the entire family, whether you’re a candy floss lover or ice cream slurper!
Get Directions
Unit 91,
Camden Market (North Yard),
London
Greater London
NW1 8AJ
Monday to Thursday 11:00 - 20:00
Friday to Sunday 10:00 - 21:00
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, London
Join Peppa Pig on an exciting bus tour around the capital city with the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with Brigit’s Bakery!
This fab experience combines the magic of Peppa Pig with the indulgence of a classic British afternoon tea, all aboard a beautifully decorated double-decker bus. As you tour iconic London landmarks, your little ones will be thrilled by Peppa Pig-themed activities and decorations, while you savour a delicious assortment of sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. With a fun, family-friendly atmosphere and scenic views of the city, the B-Bakery Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour promises a memorable outing filled with laughter, treats, and joy for both kids and parents alike!
6-7 Chandos Pl,
London,
WC2N 4HU
Monday to Sunday at 12:15 or 14:45
Adult £48.00
Child £38.00
Skuna Hot Tub Boats, London and Essex
Experience the ultimate summer adventure with Skuna Boats in London! These unique, self-driving boats offer an unforgettable way to explore the city’s iconic waterways. Whether you’re cruising down the Thames or gliding through picturesque canals, Skuna Boats provide a fun and refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.
Perfect for families, these boats are easy to operate and come equipped with everything you need for a delightful outing. Imagine soaking up the sun, enjoying a picnic on board, and making lasting memories with your loved ones. Skuna Boats combines the excitement of a boating adventure with the relaxation of a summer day out, making it the perfect activity for your family this season. So, pop on your swimming costumes and experience a summer activity like no other!
West India Quay
Off Hertsmere Road
Canary Wharf
E14 4AL
Monday 12:00 - 21:30
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday to Friday 12:00 - 21:30
Saturday 09:00 - 22:00
Sunday 11:00 - 20:30
From £25.00 per person
Hot Air Balloon Dining, Watford
Fancy eating dinner out of a hot air balloon? Head over to The Grove Hotel in Watford for an exciting dining experience like no other! While you won’t be taking to the skies to enjoy your food, these picturesque hot air balloons are definitely a unique experience you won’t forget plus the food looks delicious!
From indulgent afternoon teas with edible clouds and sweet treats to even a champagne tea, too! Plus, there are veggie and vegan options too! Not to mention, you can experience dining sensations under the stars – what can top that?
Chandler's Cross
Watford
WD3 4TG
Tasting Menu
25th May - 1st September: 19:30 daily
Afternoon Tea
25th May - 1st September: 12:00 and 15:00 daily
Nine-Course Tasting Menu £125
Child (4-12) £55
Afternoon Tea £65 Per Person
Champagne Afternoon Tea £75 Per Person
The Balloon Tree Farm, Yorkshire
Fancy a sweet treat this summer? Make your way to The Balloon Tree Farm, a fantastic pick your own fruit farm packed full of delicious fruit ready for you to come and pick!
Grab some strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and more all ready to be taken for a lovely snack! Plus, there are plenty of other strawberry picking farms near you that you can head to. It’s the perfect summer activity, and if there aren’t any more strawberries, there’s plenty of other fruits and veggies you can pick too.
Stamford Bridge Rd,
Gate Helmsley,
York,
YO41 1NB
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Pay for what you pick
Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire
Experience a slightly different day out at the farm at Butser Ancient Farm, a unique archaeology site that offers you a glimpse into life living in the Stone Age! Perfect for any little history buffs, it’s a great place to step back into the past, plus they’ve got an animal farm too!
Chalton Lane
Waterlooville
Hampshire
PO8 0BG
April to October on weekends and bank holidays
Adult £12.30
Child £8.30
Coral Reef Waterworld, Berkshire
Dive into a world of aquatic fun at Coral Reef Waterworld, the ultimate destination for a family day out! Located in Bracknell, this tropical-themed water park offers an array of exciting attractions that will thrill both kids and adults. With exhilarating waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The little ones can explore the interactive play area while parents relax in the spa pools or take a refreshing swim. The vibrant, colourful decor and lively atmosphere create a sense of adventure and excitement, making Coral Reef Waterworld a perfect choice for a fun-filled family escape. Whether you’re racing down slides or floating leisurely, you’re guaranteed to make a splash and create lasting memories together!
Coral Reef Waterworld
Nine Mile Ride
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7JQ
Holiday Periods (Monday to Friday): 09:00 - 20:45
Term Time Hours:
Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 15:30 – 20:45
Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
Saturdays: 09:00 - 20:00
Sundays: 08:00 - 20:00
Adult £18.60
Child £13.20
Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard, Cambridgeshire
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard, opening from the 20th July – it’s the perfect destination for a day of family fun! Located in the beautiful countryside, Skylark offers a giant maize maze that challenges and delights visitors of all ages as they navigate their way through the intricate pathways.
Beyond the maze, the Funyard is packed with exciting activities, including pedal go-karts, bouncy castles, and farm animals to meet. With ample picnic spots and a delightful café serving delicious treats, Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard ensures a full day of laughter, exploration, and joy. If you’re looking for the best summer activities and things to do – this is it!
Check out all the other mazes in the UK!
Coral Reef Waterworld
Nine Mile Ride
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7JQ
20th July to 2nd September 2024
Adult £13.00
Child £15.00
Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
Fancy strolling through rows and rows of gorgeous purple flowers? Escape to the tranquil beauty of Hitchin Lavender Fields for a delightful family day out! Located in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, this stunning attraction offers endless rows of vibrant lavender, creating a breathtaking purple landscape perfect for exploration and relaxation. Families can wander through 30 acres of beautiful lavender fields, picking their own lavender to take home!
Cadwell farm,
Arlesey Rd,
Ickleford,
Hitchin,
SG5 3UA
Thursday to Tuesday 09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 21:00
Pay for what you pick
The Tunnel Tree Tops, Dorset
Looking for an adrenaline-fueled day out this summer? Head over to The Tunnel Tree Tops, an epic high ropes course high up in the trees, full of wobbly bridges, exciting crossings and even a breath-taking tightrope walk, complete with a thrilling zip wire to finish with!
Westover Hill,
Bridport
DT6 6BY
Monday to Wednesday 13:15 - 17:00
Thursday and Friday Closed
Saturday and Sunday 09:45 - 16:15
Adult £17.50
Child £12.50
Monopoly Lifesized, London
Step into the world of Monopoly Lifesized, a thrilling, larger-than-life experience in London that brings the iconic board game to life!
Perfect for families, this immersive adventure lets you and your kids become real-life players, navigating through oversized game pieces, vibrant sets, and interactive challenges. Work together to buy properties, build houses, and avoid jail as you race against the clock in this fun-filled, action-packed game. With engaging tasks and the chance to collect Monopoly money along the way, Monopoly Lifesized offers an unforgettable day of excitement, strategy, and laughter. It’s the ultimate family outing that combines the nostalgia of a beloved game with the thrill of a live-action adventure!
Monopoly Lifesized,
213-215 Tottenham Ct Rd,
London,
W1T 7PS
Monday Closed
Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 - 22:30
Tickets from £69.00
Wookey Hole Caves, Somerset
Discover the famous caves at Wookey Hole Caves and plenty more family fun! Explore the iconic caves, all before enjoying a game of crazy golf, or enjoying fantastic games at the penny arcade, and don’t forget to stroll through the Valley of the Dinosaurs!
The Mill,
High St,
Wookey Hole,
Wells,
BA5 1BA
Peak from 09:30 - 17:00
Off peak from 10:00 - 16:30
Child (4-15) £18.45
Adult (16-18+) £22.95
God’s Own Junkyard, London
Looking for a place to escape the summer rain in London? Step into a neon paradise at God’s Own Junkyard, a fantastic exhibition and gallery of hundreds of dazzling neon signs, and keep your eyes peeled for famous movie props too!
It’s the perfect Instagram spot and stop on your London day out!
Unit 12,
Ravenswood Industrial Estate,
Shernhall St,
London,
E17 9HQ
Monday to Thursday Closed
Friday and Saturday 11:00 - 22:00
Sunday 11:00 - 18:00
Free
Tropical Butterfly House, South Yorkshire
If a tropical holiday isn’t quite on your list of things you have planned this summer, then discover the next best thing at Tropical Butterfly House! With exotic birds and butterflies flying free over your head, you’ll definitely feel like you’re in paradise.
Woodsetts Rd,
North Anston,
Sheffield,
S25 4EQ
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Adult £16.99
Child £15.99
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Lancashire
Immerse your family in the wonders of nature at the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre! Located in the heart of Lancashire, this vibrant wetland reserve is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking a fun, educational day out.
Explore the scenic walking trails, where you can spot an array of birds, from elegant swans to colourful ducks, and even playful otters. The centre offers engaging activities for kids, including pond dipping, wildlife workshops, and the chance to hand-feed some of the resident birds. With its stunning natural beauty and interactive experiences, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is the perfect destination for a memorable family adventure filled with discovery and outdoor fun!
Fish Ln, Burscough,
Ormskirk,
L40 0TA
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:00
Adult (18+) £16.50
Child (4-17) £10.72
Willows Activity Farm, Hertfordshire
Discover Willow’s Activity Farm, an awesome farm park packed full of plenty of family fun activities and events! Seet your farmyard favourites, explore the special Peter Rabbit adventure playground, and don’t miss out on loads of exciting events throughout the summer!
Kids will have an amazing time splashing about at Puddle Play, which is the perfect way to cool off! With water jets, puddles and streams offer endless water play and fun.
Coursers Rd,
St Albans,
AL4 0PF
Monday to Sunday 10:30 - 17:30
Tickets from £20.95
Upside Down House Brighton, East Sussex
Get ready for a topsy-turvy day out at the Upside Down House Brighton, a little house on the seafront with a twist – it’s totally upside down! Walk on the ceiling and discover this crazy optical illusion, plus don’t forget to pose for a photo!
As you walk through the house, you’ll find everything flipped on its head – from furniture hanging from the ceiling to rooms that defy gravity.
42-43,
Kings Road Arches,
Brighton,
BN1 2LN
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 20:00
Tickets from £7.95
Quince Honey Farm, Devon
Put a buzz in your step at Quince Honey Farm, a fantastic day out where you can even see the world’s largest Honeybee exhibition, Beeword!
Kids will be captivated by the interactive beekeeping demonstrations, where they can see bees up close and learn how honey is made. The farm also features a fab playground and beautiful gardens to explore. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious, locally-produced honey in the farm shop. With its blend of hands-on learning and outdoor adventure, Quince Honey Farm promises a buzzing good time for the whole family!
Learn about these tiny creatures and hold a frame of bees, plus enjoy some delicious and fresh honey too – yum!
Aller Cross,
South Molton,
EX36 3RD
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:00
Tickets from £15.00
Zip World Slate Caverns, Gwynedd
Discover an incredible subterranean playground at Zip World Slate Caverns, a unique underground course in a slate mine packed full of fun, from crossing rope bridges and flying across zip wires. there’s Bounce Below, an incredible underground play area full of bouncy nets!
Llechwedd,
Blaenau Ffestiniog,
LL41 3NB
Tickets from £68.00
That sums up our ultimate summer activities and things to do, now all we need are sunny days and warm weather – fingers crossed!
Looking for more things to do this summer holidays? Check out how to experience summer on a budget, completely FREE and the best things to do this summer!
Going off for a day out this summer? Don’t forget, you can use the hashtag #DOWTK for your chance to be featured not only on our Instagram page but also in our newsletter and blog!