60 Fun Things To Do At The Weekend

Brunch

For those who can’t wait for lunch to get the party started, there’s always brunch. Ease yourself into a laid-back spread of great food, party in style with a boozy brunch, or check out the celeb hangouts to get a taste of their life. 

Embark on a food tour

From brunch, our minds automatically turn to food tours. Delighting palates across the UK, they’re a great way to while away a weekend. Satisfy your wanderlust by exploring a city, visiting its iconic landmarks and hidden gems, whilst a guide introduces you to the best bites of the city.

Hiking

Getting yourself outside is a lot more fun when you’re not braving all the elements on a Sunday morning. Wait until the sun is shining, grab your boots, and hit the trails. Whether you choose to explore what is on your doorstep or head out further afield, hiking is an incredibly rewarding way to spend a weekend.

Soak up the waves at the beach

This one’s location-dependent but, if you’re able to, heading to the beach can be a great way to rejuvenate yourself after a long week. Put those pennies to good use in Brighton’s arcade, eat fish and chips on Whitby’s seafront or explore Poole’s award-winning Sandbanks.   

Go to the zoo

As a child, going to the zoo was always a memorable experience, seeing exotic animals that we thought would only be possible to see abroad. As we get older, we tend to lose the thrill of such excursions, but it’s actually beneficial to make a trip for our mental health.

Go indoor skydiving

For those that can’t quite face the prospect of jumping out of a plane, indoor skydiving is the answer. With venues up and down the country offering plenty of weekend availability, it offers all the thrills of freefall without actually have to jump out of a plane. Gear up for the indoor wind tunnel and its incredible stream of updrafts that’ll keep you suspended - it is definitely a story to share once you are back in the office on Monday.

Have a spa day

Book a luxurious resort, spa or retreat in the city you live in. The UK has a blossoming spa scene with several award-winning venues that’ll provide the ultimate R&R for your weekend. We pride ourselves on sourcing some of the best spas in the country, so be sure to check out our selection.  

Dine on Britain’s tastiest tradition

It’s the quintessentially British tradition that everyone loves. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need an excuse to treat yourself to a spot of afternoon tea. Who could turn down delectable sweet and savoury treats, skilfully paired with cups of tea?

Have a picnic

If the weather is set to be glorious (rare in the UK we know), head to your local park, armed with your favourite treats and while away an afternoon. To really elevate the idea, why not consider throwing a themed picnic? It could include what food to bring or centre around specific costumes.

Visit a castle

One of the best things about the UK is that it’s truly awash with castles and palaces. Do some research and find ones that are close to you, and spend the weekend stepping back in time as you explore turrets and moats.

Enjoy a dinner out

You spend all week eating leftovers or quick, easy dinners that aren’t exactly Michelin star, making the weekend the prime time to treat your taste buds. Discover the latest taste sensation at one of the UK’s hottest restaurants, try a new cuisine you’ve always wanted to, or take yourself for a meal you know is going to be good at your go-to restaurant.  

Take to the sky in a hot air balloon

Raising the bar for things to do on the weekend, hot air balloon flights offer a unique and spectacular way to sightsee. With locations across the UK, watch the world unfold beneath your feet and create memories for a lifetime. 

Go to an escape room 

Put your relationship to the ultimate test or challenge your friends to an escape room. Solve puzzles, riddles and think outside the box as you attempt to escape before the time runs out. There's all kind of themes on offer - from prison breakouts and zombie attacks to space invasions and beyond.

Watch a sports game

While you may be limited to watching your favourite sport on TV during the week, the weekend is all about treating yourself to the experience of live sport in person. From rugby and cricket to football and beyond, there’s all kinds of entertainment out there.

Explore a country house

The UK isn’t just home to castles, there’s also an assortment of magnificent country houses floating around too. From Ashridge House Country Estate in the heart of Hertfordshire to Oakley Hall nestled in Hampshire, the UK’s stately homes are nothing short of extraordinary. 

Go to a theme park

You may have to brave a few queues but if you’re looking for a fun thing to do at the weekend, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to a theme park. Luckily, Britain is home to a wide variety of theme parks, filled with exciting attractions, heart-racing rides, immersive productions and more. 

Kick off the weekend with cocktails

Dress up nice, sip fancy cocktails and soak up the buzzing atmosphere of your chosen venue. Most cities also have a rooftop or skyline bar, which offer spectacular views of the city. If you want to really broaden your horizons, why not try a cocktail masterclass, where you can learn expert tips to creating your favourite tipple?

Tour a vineyard

The relationship between vine and man is one that has fascinated the world for generations. Available across the country, vineyard tours are really entertaining and involve the chance to taste some wines too.

Laser tag

On the hunt for fun things to do at a party? Laser Tag could be the answer. Providing all the paintball fun with none of the associated bruises, assemble a team and let loose shooting each other.

Board game night

Chances are you already have a cupboard brimming with board games that are just gathering dust. So, bring out the big guns and spend the weekend gaming on old faves like Monopoly, Cluedo or Scrabble. If you don’t have them, don’t fret there’s plenty of dedicated pubs and cafes who cater for the gaming masses. 

Escape away from the week

Weekend getaways are popular for a reason - they give our brains the time to really switch off and a healthy dose of a location without getting too bored. Of course, you could whisk yourself away on a European city break, but there’s a wealth of short breaks in the UK available at your fingertips. 

Go on a treasure hunt

Sure, you could just go to a city’s attractions but isn't it more fun to uncover them as part of a treasure hunt? Stick to your local area and uncover hidden treasures you didn’t even know existed, or travel somewhere new and sightsee in an exciting way. 

Go to a cooking class

Even if you don’t consider yourself a food enthusiast or someone who particularly enjoys being in the kitchen, a cooking class can be pretty fun. Learn how to cook delicious dishes from across the globe, receive tuition from some of Britain’s most famous chefs or hone a specific skill. 

Spend the weekend in the clouds

Are you a fan of sightseeing but not walking? If so, a helicopter tour is a perfect way to explore a city from a fresh vantage point. While it should be noted an affinity for heights is something of a prerequisite for this activity, it’s guaranteed to be classed under unforgettable things to do at the weekend. 

Go on a bus tour

It may be said that exploring a town by foot is the best way to get a feel for a city, but a bus tour can let you sightsee with your feet up. Spend the afternoon playing tourist in your hometown, or even visit somewhere new for a change of scenery. 

Host a movie night

Invite some friends around for some movie magic. Stick on your favourite trilogy, get the popcorn ready, and you have yourself a weekend at the movies. Alternatively, if there’s a film you really want to see at the cinema, treat yourself to a Saturday showing.  

Go kayaking

There is really no better feeling than releasing stress with an hour or two spent on the open water in a kayak or canoe. There’s weekend taster sessions for beginners and for those who are more advanced, plenty of schools who provide boats to hire for a set amount of time.

Visit free museums

A sure-fire hit with curious minds is heading to a museum. You can either choose to visit London’s iconic string of free museums, or if you’re not local to the capital, find out from your council’s website the free museums on offer nearby. 

Browse the shops 

If you’re thinking ‘what fun things to do are there’, your mind will inevitably end up in the realm of retail therapy. The retail industry in the UK covers a wide array of shopping options, from vintage and independent to big-name brands and beyond.

Sleep under the stars

Forget the stresses of the week and unwind by staring up at pitch-black starry night sky. Head out into the countryside for the best views, pitch up a tent, or if you like your camping with a bit of style, treat yourself to a glamping getaway. 

Hit the bowling alley or play a round of mini-golf

Let the weekend play out in style with a good old game or two of bowling. No matter how old you are, roll some strikes, enjoy the atmosphere and engage in a bit of friendly competition. Alternatively, if the sun’s out, make the most of it and take your competition to the mini-golf course.

Plant a garden

Most garden DIY projects can actually be completed in just one weekend. If the sun is starting to make a more prominent appearance, get yourself out to the garden or look into allotments in your local area.

Take a boat trip

If you live anywhere near a river or the sea, there’s guaranteed to be a river boat cruise in some form awaiting. Whether it’s a sightseeing cruise, a fast-paced adrenaline-fuelled skim across the water, or even a dining cruise for a splash of class, your weekend should be considered incomplete without a nautical adventure. 

Learn a new skill

If you’re wondering what fun things to do on the weekend there are, learning a new skill is the answer. Self-improvement’s all the rage these days, making the weekend an ideal time to learn a fresh talent to show off at the next gathering.

Go to the Farmer’s Market

Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, chances are you won’t be too far from a farmer’s market. Enjoy a taste of the freshest produce around, source high-quality food that you won’t get at a supermarket, and know that you’re supporting the farmer directly. Plus, admission is normally free and there’s often plenty of complimentary samples to snag along the way too!  

Go to the theatre

Of course, London's West End is the natural place to go for a theatre trip. But, if you’re on a budget for things to do at the weekend, simply research and find the amateur theatres in your area that put on an equally good production. With all kinds of performances, from comedy to drama, you're sure to find something that's up your street.

Volunteer

If you want a fulfilling way to fill your weekend, you can’t go wrong with volunteering. Find a cause you’re passionate about and research ways you can get involved.

Make time for friends and family

During the week, it can be pretty easy to let life get in the way of seeing friends and family. This means an important part of the weekend is scheduling some quality time with your nearest and dearest. Pick up the phone and spend a few hours catching up on your loved one’s busy life, or even arrange an outing for you to go on together (there’s plenty of ideas right here). 

Laugh the night away at a comedy night

There’s a world of comedy out there, ready and waiting to be discovered. Find some modest clubs in your area and you never know, you might even get to see up-and-coming comedians. 

• Go swimming. An all-weather activity with both indoor and outdoor pools available, swimming is an activity that’s not only good for your health but also great fun. Who knows it might even become a regular Sunday occurrence? 
• Spend some time wildlife watching. During the week, people are too busy rushing around to take the time to appreciate the world around them. This weekend, head to your local park and watch nature in action. 
• Go skydiving. If you’re thinking about skydiving, you may as well go big and skydive from the highest point possible in the UK: 15,000ft. After freefalling for almost a full minute, descend gently for the last mile by parachute. 

• Join a film club. Perfect for keeping you occupied on the weekends, film clubs can introduce you to genres of films you might not instinctively watch. 
• Check out a concert. If a band or artist you like is playing a show on the weekend, why not get yourself tickets? 
• Visit a food festival. The British culinary scene has come a long way since the days of Oliver Twist, and food festivals are the country's tastiest expression of that. Whether you're a meat-eater, plant-based enthusiast, or beer aficionado, there is sure to be an event to suit your palette.

• Bake. When you just want to potter about in the kitchen, baking’s one of those activities you can satisfy a craving immediately and thrill later you who wants a mid-week treat. 
• Discover an underwater world at an aquarium. Ever looked to an aquarium for a weekend adventure? The UK is home to a wide array of venues, including SEA LIFE London, which houses one of Europe’s biggest collections of global marine life.
• Get inspired by the world of opportunities at Kidzania. Sprawling over 75,000 square feet, Kidzania is designed to empower and entertain kids from 4 to 14, across a variety of hands-on and engaging activities, from aviation to animal wellbeing. 

• Go ice skating. Okay so ice skating might be something associated with winter and Christmas, but in reality, it's an all-season pastime. With 14 rinks across the country, Planet Ice bills itself as Europe’s number one for ice skating, meaning you’ll be in safe hands. 
• Go to the cinema. Despite the plethora of streaming services available at your disposal, the cinema experience should never be turned down. Immerse yourself in the action of a film with surround sound, while indulging in a big old box of popcorn.  
• Go on a steam train. So much more than just a trip, this is an excursion. Forget the weekday commute and journey back to the golden age of rail travel: steam trains.  Northern Belle has it all: fine dining, world-class hospitality and the best of British scenery. 

• Don’t talk about the Flight Club. For a dose of healthy competition on the weekend, Flight Club is the place to be. With venues across the country from Birmingham and Bristol to London, the premise is simple: hit the bullseye. 
• Go to an art gallery. With the majority of art galleries not charging an entry fee, it makes for the perfect outing for art and non-art enthusiasts alike. 
• Take on Crystal Maze. Donning sensational satin bomber jackets, players must compete in a series of games and face mind-bending challenges across four zones. The experience will culminate in a final test in The Crystal Dome.

• Go to a drinks tasting. Whether your calling is wine, whisky, beer or gin, drinks tastings will have you socialising in style. Delve deeper into your tipple of choice and then cherish every last drop across various samples. 
• Try out a trampoline. When the stresses of the week are weighing heavy, the best solution is to bounce them away. From well-known multi-venue brands such as Oxygen Freejumping to local favourites, burn off that extra energy. 
• Visit a botanical garden. Whether it’s to soak up the summer sun, watch the leaves change colour in autumn or catch the first signs of spring, few things offer as much pleasure as wandering around a stunning garden. For those London based, Kew Gardens is the epitome of botanical garden royalty.

• Have a sushi date. Set the perfect ambience by setting up a spectacular sushi spread on the floor, just like the Japanese do. Create your own or get some in as a takeaway.
• Go-karting. Taking inspiration from all your childhood birthday parties, there’s go-karting circuits up and down the country. Have a blast racing around a track, navigating the apexes and tight-banked corners. 
• Try your hand at axe-throwing. Axe-throwing is all the rage right now and understandably so. A mecca for thrill-seekers, Go Ape provides beautiful backdrops as you set your sights firmly on aiming for the all-important bullseye.

Summary

Hopefully by this point, you’ve found one or two things to do on the weekend that’ll give you something to look forward to all week. While we have your attention, check out Virgin Experience Days, brimming with hundreds of great days out across the UK.