Things to do this summer
Last month, the UK celebrated this year’s summer solstice, marking the *official* beginning of summer, and seemingly the start of some good weather (finally!).
As a glamping retreat in Derbyshire, just outside the Peak District, summer is a special time for our guests to get to appreciate, some for the very first time, the joy of spending summer in the British countryside.
We’ve been thinking about some of the things we’re most looking forward to doing over the coming months, across the UK and no matter the weather. From picnicking in the sun to a classic rainy festival – us Brits sure do know how to enjoy summer come rain or shine!
In this blog, we’ll be taking you through 5 things we can’t wait to do this summer, and hope you can join us in our excitement…
1. Have a picnic
Perfect for couples, friends and families, picnics are underrated and so low-maintenance – you don’t even have to cook anything!
Of course, you can cook beforehand if you like, or you could head over to your local farm shop or store to grab some treats to bring along. Our favourite things for a picnic are classic British staples like pork pies, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, strawberries, grapes, scones – the list goes on.
Aside from the costs of making or buying anything, picnics are pretty cheap. Just head off to your nearest and nicest local park or national park (check for any rules before) and you’re good to go.
The best places near us here at Secret Wood Glamping would be Chatsworth Park, Linacre Reservoirs, Curbar/Baslow/Froggatt Edge, Longshaw Estate – to name just a few.
2. Host a BBQ
An absolute classic – nothing beats a British BBQ on a sunny day. Not only is it a great way to gather your friends and family, but it also makes for the perfect excuse to head over to your local butchers or farm shop for the freshest of produce.
You could also have a go at making your own Pimm’s, too, for the BBQ. We love the BBC Good Food Recipe, which you can find here.
So, keep an eye on the weather and set a date for your BBQ soon before summer ends!
3. Go to a festival
Whether it be for music, arts and culture, film, literature or children, festivals and carnivals really are an integral part of summer here in the UK.
Aside from our world-famous festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Download and Parklife (more can be found in this list here), the UK also has several small-scale festivals taking place across the summer months.
Near Secret Wood Glamping, we have the YNOT Festival nearby, as well as Buxton Fringe, Chesterfield Canal Festival and Bakewell Carnival – find more here.
You can find more here – and that’s just in Derbyshire! Have a good look around online and you’ll find some local to you or your upcoming holiday destination, we’re sure.
4. Visit your local National Park
At Secret Wood, we’re lucky to be right on the doorstep of the beautiful, world-famous Peak District National Park.
Known for its breathtaking views, landscapes and wildlife, visiting the Peak District is a popular activity in the summer months. However, although it’s definitely one of our favourites, it’s certainly not the only UK National Park worth visiting.
There are a total of 15 national parks in the UK; 10 in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland. Described as places of “Stunning natural beauty, beautiful wildlife and fascinating cultural heritage, make these living and working National Parks truly unique”, the UK’s national parks are the perfect summer spots to head out hiking, biking, walking, climbing, paragliding, birdwatching and even wild swimming.
Find your nearest national park here.
5. Go camping
You can do pretty much all of the above when you go camping. Ok, we may be a little bias as a glamping site ourselves, but we really do believe that the best way to enjoy the UK summer is through the great outdoors – and what better place to explore the outside world than by sleeping in it?
With our very own BBQ, hot tub, bell tent, picnic table, and the Peak District just a stone’s throw away (5 minutes to be exact), glamping at Secret Wood is a luxurious way to enjoy nature this summer – no matter the weather.
Our parting note: Just get outside!
Whatever you choose to do, do it outside. We spend so long cooped up in our houses, offices and cars, especially here in the UK, we should appreciate summer when it’s finally here.
Check out more information about things to do in Derbyshire and the Peak District here.
