Walk a marathon
A current trend floating around the social media verse is the TikTok Marathon Challenge. The premise is simple: gather your friends together and walk the equivalent of a marathon (that’s about 26 miles). Make sure the route is as scenic as possible and allow yourselves plenty of rest stops to refuel.
Go on a food tour
Food tours are undoubtedly one of the tastiest things to do outside. The capital is bursting with all kinds of delicacies - from Cumberland sausages and fish and chips to best-of-British cheeses and delicious desserts. Savour samples, explore historic monuments and be entertained by a fantastic local tour guide.
Sleep under the stars
Looking for things to do outside with kids? You really can’t go wrong with a night spent sleeping under the stars. While the idea of tent life may not be quite so appealing, glamping is sure to delight even the toughest of critics. Stay in an eco-pod, take advantage of all the on-site facilities and head out on lakeside walks with stunning views of the Lake District.
Have a spa day
If you thought spas were entirely outdoors, think again - Northern Ireland is actually home to the award-winning Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. Tucked away in 163 acres of lush parkland, succumb to the restorative effects of nature with access to the luxurious Thermal Village which includes outdoor spa facilities.
Try an outdoor escape game
A combination of all the best elements of escape rooms and treasure hunts, outdoor escape games are rapidly becoming more popular. One of the most fun things to do with friends outside, explore London and complete a series of challenges and puzzles across the two hour session. Incorporating the latest augmented reality and GPS technology, your mission will be to stop the spread of a virus for mind control.
Explore a National Trust garden
A day of exploring could not be in a better location than those maintained by the National Trust. Spend a day immersed in nature at one of the more than 200 gardens and parks maintained by the trust. Discover golden sand, wildflower meadows or rolling green hills - there’s a landscape for every taste.
Go Ziplining
We couldn’t talk about things to do outdoors without mentioning ziplining at least once. The go-to activity for thrill-seekers, there’s something unique about soaring through the air, suspended by a wire, soaking up unique vistas. Whether you’re flying through caverns or soaring across a treetop canopy, there’s all kinds of zip wire experiences across the UK, ready and waiting to be discovered.
Play tennis
There’s a reason people go for the classics, and tennis is the perfect example: the wide-open sky above, often free to play on and the closest one can get to feeling like a tennis player at Wimbledon. Simply select your opponent and head to your nearest outdoor tennis court or, if you’re looking to up your tennis game, work on your skills with a one-to-one lesson from an expert.
Attend an outdoor concert
For an outdoor event in the spring or summer, music fans can indulge their passion at an outdoor concert. Whether it’s finding tickets for your favourite band who happen to be playing outside or going big and hitting a musical festival, filled with established and up-and-coming artists to discover, outdoor music has a lot going for it.
Go Karting
When it comes to things to do outside with your friends, go karting is always a good idea. Feel the sun burning on your face, while the wind rushes through your hair and your heart races with adrenaline. The UK is home to an array of outdoor karting tracks including the iconic Three Sisters Circuit and Whilton Mill.
Drink with a view
Make the most of (rare) blue skies and add an alfresco twist to your cocktail night. Alongside classy waterside spots, you’ll also find rooftop bars that serve up everything from coffees to bottomless fizz and beyond. Not to mention, these rooftop bars offer incredible views of a city below.
Go skiing
If the weather and snow level permits, skiing is an excellent way to enjoy life outside. It’s fun, challenging and gives you a whole new perspective on things - not to mention the numerous health benefits are a huge advantage too.
Outdoor Yoga and Forest Bathing for Two
Discover peace and tranquillity in the beautiful woodlands of Brighton’s Stanmer Park, and experience the art of ‘Shinrin Yoku’ – also known as forest bathing. A unique antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life, this Japanese method of observing nature and breathwork is proven to reduce stress, improve memory and offer a calm and peaceful clarity.
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Discover beekeeping
Looking for unique things to do outdoors? Beekeeping is the answer. Taking place in the heart of London, discover the secrets of beekeeping with a guided inspection of a hive. See the bees up close, work with beekeeping tools and finish things in style with a unique honey beer and food pairing session.
Engage in some yoga and forest bathing
Adding some real zen to things to do outside, forest bathing and outdoor yoga are guaranteed to have you appreciating the tranquillity of woodlands. Exploring the beauty of Brighton's Stanmer Park, walk through the forest with an expert instructor before experiencing the Japanese method of forest bathing and a beginner-friendly session of feel-good yoga. The perfect opportunity to get back to nature.
Reach new heights
Spending time outside doesn’t always have to mean spending time on the ground; hot air balloons are one of the most spell-binding things to do outside. Take to the skies where you’ll be able to breathe in spectacular 360-degree panoramas and uninhibited views for miles in all directions. Make sure to grab your cameras because wherever you look, there’s sure to be sensational photo opportunities.
Hit the beach
You really can’t avoid the beach when you’re thinking about outdoor activities. Embrace the beach life and bring your friends along for the day - build sandcastles, get fish and chips or ice cream and just listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Just think of all the beach vibes you can soak up.
Browse the Farmer’s Market
Few things can beat the sheer pleasure of eating homegrown produce from farmers themselves at a local Farmer’s Market. Going from stall to stall, you can treat yourself to a variety of sweet and savoury treats, all sourced from the good earth. Research the local events in your area or head out on a day trip exploring a nearby town’s offering.
Tour a vineyard
For wine lovers, there’s no better outdoor activity than escaping to the country and indulging their vino passion with a vineyard tour. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds, the Woodchester Valley Vineyard team will welcome you with a glass of wine before taking you on a tour and explaining the winemaking process. Round things off with a tutored tasting and you’ve got the stuff made of dreams.
Host a Garden Tea Party
Stuck for things to do in summer at home? If you have a garden, there’s no party quite like a tea party. Go big and order some decorations to really kick your tea party up a notch or just simply rustle up some dainty finger sandwiches, sweet treats and of course the tea. If you want to add some real sparkle to the occasion, you can even pour a glass of Champagne or prosecco.
Catch a fish
A list of things to do with your friends outside isn’t complete without one of the most popular outdoor pastimes: fishing. Okay so it requires a great deal of patience and skill but the sense of accomplishment that comes with finally catching a fish is truly unmatched. Not to mention the calm vibes of simply enjoying the peace and quiet of being outdoors.
Go on a treasure hunt
If you love nothing more than cracking puzzles and solving clues, then why not try a treasure hunt. Whether you keep things local and hit the lesser known landmarks of your hometown or explore a new city in a whole new way, treasure hunts make for a unique day out. Not a planner? Let the London Premier Tours team do all the work for you - simply choose one of their over 50 locations across the UK to embark on a treasure hunt in.
The Great UK Outdoor Treasure Hunt for Two
Get ready to experience a city in unique style, with an Outdoor Treasure Hunt for two people. This fun and challenging experience lets you test your detective skills in any one of over 50 areas across the UK of your choice. You’ll work as a team to undergo a challenge of mental and physical tests, including strategy, logistics and lateral thinking. See if you have what it takes to crack the puzzles and win the treasure!
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Have a BBQ or Bonfire
Delicious food, being surrounded by your loved ones and glorious weather - what more could you ask for? Ditch the takeaway night in and fire up the BBQ instead, dining al fresco. If the weather is not on your side, a bonfire is a fun alternative. Load up a hamper with hot or cold beverages, bring lots of wood and you’ve got everything you need for an ambient evening.
Paddleboarding
It’s an activity that’s well and truly exploded onto the scene over the past few years. Relatively easy for beginners to pick up, compared to its surfing and kayaking counterparts, paddleboarding can be done in a variety of locations. Try learning it in a flat water environment like a lake and then once you’ve nailed the basics, hit a more challenging setting like the ocean.
Foraging
Ever wondered about the origins of your food? Head back to nature and learn the basics of foraging and wild food, including how to differentiate the edible from the poisonous. You can even cook up a three-course lunch, using ingredients you gathered with your very own hands. Rewarding, right?
Foraging, Cookery and Lunch with Totally Wild
Head back to nature with this fantastic Foraging, Cookery and Lunch for one with Totally Wild. You will join a professional forager to learn the basics of foraging and wild food, before cooking up your very own wild food lunch.
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Picnic
Pack a traditional wicker hamper with your favourite snacks and head to your go-to local outdoor spot, whether this be a park, river or beach. Enjoy the feast, people watch and make the most of the hopefully glorious weather. You could even turn it into a pot luck situation with your friends and assign one food category to each person.
Watch a movie outdoors
Open-air movie magic abounds at outdoor cinemas across the country, with a massive range of film screenings just about anywhere you could imagine. From timeless Hollywood classics to the latest blockbusters, the outdoor cinema world has plenty to offer movie buffs.
Horse Riding
Whether it’s a forested trail or along the beach, horse riding is one of the best things to do outside. Riding stables across the country offer all kinds of experiences for everyone from seasoned riders to beginners. Whatever you choose, make sure you take the time to appreciate the spectacular scenery.
Play Volleyball
Perhaps not as popular as its other outdoor sports counterparts football and rugby, volleyball is one of the team competitive sports you can play with friends or family. You can go to the beach and set up at one of the courts or even buy your own net to set up in a garden or park.
Go on a Segway
The latest in green technology, segways are a futuristic way to spend time outdoors. Keep things urban and experience a city like never before or go off the beaten track and access rugged terrains in beautiful forests. Zoom from site to site and feel like you’re one step ahead of the trend.
Coasteering
Exploring, the Atlantic Ocean and expert tuition from industry leading coasteering experts: everything you could ask for in an unforgettable day out. Exclusive to your group, celebrate being in the great outdoors by coasteering the very best of the UK’s surf city Newquay at your own designated pace and intensity.
Boat Party
If you’re after night time things to do with friends, a fun-filled soiree on a boat awaits. Often running through iconic cities like London, Leeds and Glasgow, boat parties offer spectacular views of cities lit up at night. And not to mention, fully-stocked bars with plenty of treats for the taste buds.
Stargazing
The night sky has fascinated people for generations but stargazing is one of the outdoor activities you don’t really appreciate until you experience it first-hand. Learn all about the night sky from the expert astronomers at Dark Sky Wales and discover the Brecon Beacons Observatory. For something a little bit ‘out of this world,’ this is a night you’ll never forget.
Nets Kingdom
Looking for things to do outside with kids? Look no further than Go Ape’s Net Kingdom. Ascend 30 ft into the canopy and embark on a 2 hour expedition discovering a world of nets, tunnels, slides and walkways. With an endless supply of fresh air, this is the ideal way to get everyone outside at the country’s biggest nets adventure.
Visit Kew Gardens
Home to the world’s largest collection of living plants, the UNESCO World Heritage Site should definitely be high on your things to do outside bucket list. Boasting 326 acres of diverse plant life, feel free as a bird whilst exploring the glasshouses and landscapes that have been shaped by over 200 years of history.
Forest Laser
When someone says laser tag, do you conjure up images of sweaty, dark-filled rooms? Think again. The next generation of laser tag can be found in forest laser tag. Armed with state-of-the-art Laser Tag guns, unlimited ammunition and decked out in Ninja Camouflage suits, you’ll feel immersed in all the action on the purpose-built forest battlefield. There’s even a pizza and drink to look forward to at the end of the session.
Find street art
No matter where you live, there’s bound to be some epic street art decorating the walls in your city or town. Grab your art-loving friend and head out on an expedition looking out for cool street art - you never know, you might stumble upon the perfect backdrop for an Instagram or a masterpiece from an iconic street artist like Banksy.
Catch a sports game
When it comes to fun things to do outside, one of the first things to spring to mind is catching a sports game. Whether you’re a hardcore fan of football, rugby or cricket, or simply a casual viewer, once the crowd goes wild, the atmosphere of a live game is truly unbeatable.
Visit the Historic Dockyard in Chatham
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor attractions in the UK, but you can’t go wrong with a journey back in time at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. There’s over 400 years of naval history to be discovered here across 10 galleries and three warships. A world of British maritime magnificence, there’s even outdoor play areas to entertain little ones.
Have a park bench coffee date
Doing things outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean an extravagant and expensive day out. You can keep things simple with a park bench coffee date. Grab a coffee from your local or even try somewhere new, hit the park and catch up with your best friend over caffeine.
Go to a theme park
Funnily enough, few things ignite the same power of adventure as a day at a theme park. And the good news is that the UK has plenty to choose from. Enjoy your day in a bustling park where you can enjoy some outdoor rides like roller coasters, explore attractions like zoos and be encircled by breath-taking views of a city. We’re particular fans of Alton Towers, with its adrenaline-charged rides, live shows and unforgettable attractions.
Try abseiling
Test those nerves of steel by trying outdoor abseiling. With experiences on offer in London and beyond, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sourcing the exhilarating sensation. Most involve taking the ultimate leap of faith from an outdoor platform, with some even giving you the magnificent backdrop of a bridge or tower.
London in the Sky
One of the capital’s latest and most talked about dining experiences, London in the Sky is not for the faint of heart foodies. Whether you go for cocktails, lunch, a sunset dinner or breakfast, you can expect an indulgent menu, accompanied with immaculate vibes and first-class views.
Kayaking for Two on Loch Lomond
Discover one of Scotland’s most magnificent locations from a whole new angle, with this Kayaking for Two on Loch Lomond. You and a friend will be given a safety briefing and some basic training, before heading out in your kayak to explore the loch at your own pace.
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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 plenty of locations up and down the country that provide the perfect venue for your kayaking experience but we’re fans of Scotland’s Loch Lomond. Explore Loch Lomond and its many islands, take in the views from your unique viewpoint on the water and follow guidance from an experienced instructor throughout.
River Cruises
If you’re looking for a way to freshen up sightseeing, then a river cruise is definitely the answer. Wherever you’re based, there’s sure to be plenty of cruises departing from piers near you. If you’re in the Yorkshire area, we suggest hopping aboard a delightful cruise of the River Ouse. With informative commentary from a local skipper, come away with fascinating facts and pictures of York.
Clay pigeon shooting
Clay pigeon shooting is the art - and Olympic Sport - of shooting at special flying targets. Available at an array of shooting grounds across the country, receive expert tuition from experts; alternatively, if you’re already seasoned shooters, host your own day in the rolling countryside.
Join an outdoor gym class
Grab your willing workout buddy and sign up for one of the myriad of outdoor gym and boot camp classes. This idea also works if you’re looking for things to do in summer at home - find a YouTube video, get those endorphins and a healthy dose of fresh air.
Visit the Zoo
Venture to tantalising tropical islands at some of the UK’s most popular zoos like Chester Zoo, ZSL London Zoo and Colchester Zoo. Marvel at all the resident animals, make the most of all the onsite attractions and simply enjoy the fresh air.
Spend the night in a Yurt
Camp with a difference and spend the night sleeping in a yurt. One of the most fun things to do with friends outside, the yurt promises a memorable glamping experience. Located on the edge of the beautiful Somerset levels, stunning views and wildlife sanctuaries are the order of the day.
Get busy gardening
If you’re lucky enough to have a garden and are not one for sitting still, one of the best things to do in summer at home is cultivate your gardening skills. Start off small and plant a few flowers to brighten things up, before gradually increasing to vegetable patches and beyond.
Go Skydiving
Saving the best one for last. We’re firm believers in not doing anything half-heartedly so if you really want to think about things to do outside, skydiving should definitely be considered. Experience the exhilaration of freefall from 7000ft with a tandem skydive, where you’ll take in incredible views of the surrounding countryside before the most adrenaline-fuelled moment of your life ensues.
