50 Things to Do This Summer – Rain or Shine (UK Edition)
Planning summer activities in the UK can sometimes feel like trying to predict the lottery.
One minute it’s sunshine and iced drinks, the next you’re searching for a waterproof while pretending the weather app didn’t promise 24°C all week.
So instead of building your summer plans entirely around the weather, this list is packed with ideas for both sunny and rainy days, plus plenty of activities that work no matter what the forecast decides to do.
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly outings, cosy indoor plans, or simple ways to make the most of summer, here are 50 ideas to keep you inspired all season long.
Things to Do on Sunny Summer Days
- Have a picnic in the park
- Explore a canal walk somewhere new
- Visit a local beach
- Spend the afternoon at a nature reserve
- Go on a scenic countryside walk
- Visit a local farmers’ market
- Sit outside with a book and a cold drink
- Watch the sunset somewhere scenic
- Try an outdoor café you’ve never visited before
- Visit a botanical garden or flower field
- Explore a nearby town you’ve never wandered around properly
- Have a no-spend day outdoors
- Go fruit picking
- Spend time near water: lakes, rivers, or canals
- Take a photography walk and capture little summer moments
- Eat dinner outside for a change
- Go stargazing on a clear evening
- Visit a local summer fair or outdoor event
- Pack snacks and head somewhere scenic
- Watch the world go by from a sunny bench somewhere
Things to Do on Rainy Summer Days
- Visit a museum or gallery
- Spend an afternoon in the cinema
- Browse a bookshop for an hour or two
- Try a cosy café and stay longer than planned
- Visit your local library
- Have a movie marathon at home
- Put together a picky bits lunch and stay cosy indoors
- Start a colouring page or simple craft project
- Bake something easy and comforting
- Listen to an audiobook while the rain falls outside
- Declutter one small space at home
- Rewatch a comfort TV series
- Explore an indoor market or shopping arcade
- Try indoor mini golf or bowling
- Spend the afternoon gaming without feeling guilty
Things That Work Rain or Shine
- Visit a garden centre
- Go on a train journey somewhere new
- Explore a nearby village or small town
- Visit an aquarium or indoor attraction
- Take a self-guided walking tour of your local area
- Spend time photographing everyday moments
- Explore charity shops or independent stores
- Go for a drive with a good playlist on
- Watch the weather from somewhere cosy
- Plan a spontaneous day out and see where you end up
- Visit a food market or food hall
- Try a new coffee shop or bakery
- Spend time offline for the afternoon
- Have a slower day with no proper plans
- Remember that summer doesn’t have to be perfect to still be enjoyable
A Final Thought
British summers might not always go to plan, but that’s part of the charm.
Some days will be sunny and have the most beautiful sunsets, while others will involve rain tapping against the windows while you hide indoors with snacks and a comfort show.
Either way, there are still plenty of little ways to enjoy the season, whatever the weather decides to do next.
What is your favourite thing to bring, rain or shine, in the UK?
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Love a mooch at a garden centre, plus I can get coffee & cake
That’s a great list of ideas. Plenty to keep everyone occupied over the Summer.
I love eating outside, there’s something special about it somehow
I like the idea of exploring a local village or town. I’m sure there are plenty near us that are worth visiting.
I’d love to have more picnics, and enjoy finding new areas or places with great views to explore.
Like to mooch around London, freedom pass so no fares and lots of free exhibitions
Very good ideas here. I will try some of these.