Don’t miss the British summer

Summer’s the perfect chance to grab your friends and chill out in Britain’s parks, gardens and wide-open spaces. Even in the heart of the city, you can still fill a picnic hamper full of treats, chuck in a Frisbee and a blanket, and enjoy it all against a backdrop of blue skies and greenery. From the vast expanses of London’s Hyde Park to the intimacy of Castle Park in Bristol, these sunny spots are a haven of relaxation amid the buzz of city life and the best place to relax, unwind and enjoy a little bit of downtime on a fun-filled city break.

From the vintage delights of Brighton’s Palace Pier, with its traditional fairground rides, tarot reading and quirky shopping, to the rush of windsurfing on Colwyn Bay, there’s more to the British seaside than meets the eye. Some of our finest beaches are easily accessible from major cities including London, Liverpool and Edinburgh, making them the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine, savour delicious seafood and even learn a new sport. And with 124 Blue Flag beaches –– the global standard for cleanliness and environmentally-friendly practices – in Britain offering everything from exceptional surf to seal spotting, you can be sure of clean water, safe swimming and some of the prettiest scenery imaginable!

In summertime, there’s nothing like relaxing with a cocktail as the sun goes down. For a bird’s eye view of major landmarks, live music and the best cocktails, craft beers and mocktails, head up to Britain’s buzzing rooftop bars. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine amidst the greenery at London’s iconic Sky Garden, chilling out to the latest tunes at Manchester’s YES or nibbling on Dim Sum as you gaze at the waterfront at Matou in Liverpool, there’s a rooftop bar to suit your tastes. And with new popups and terraces galore, there’s no better way to discover the spirit of summer in the city in 2019.

When it comes to summer adventures, there’s tons to enjoy in the British countryside. From exploring the idyllic Cotswolds by bike to discovering the subterranean secrets on a caving expedition in Cheddar Gorge, or just hiring a car and hitting the open road with your favourite playlist blasting, the countryside is awash with activities to enjoy in the summer months.  And with excellent transport connections, it’s all easily accessible too. So if it’s rock climbing, road trips or just an escape to the great outdoors you fancy, you’ll find it all in Britain.

Whether it’s the mouth-watering scent of freshly-made doughnuts on the breeze or the spicy tang of ribs washed down by an ice-cold craft beer, savouring new street food is one of the highlights of a British summer.  With unique takes on dishes from across the planet, a trip to Britain could see you munching on mozzarella sticks in Manchester, savouring Liverpool’s finest jerk chicken or enjoying the best deep-fried haggis at the Edinburgh Food Festival - and that’s all before you get a taste of London. From Camden Market to Bristol’s Harbourside, foodies seeking a true taste of summer need look no further than Britain.

June 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the LGBTQ+ movement, so there’s no better time to celebrate Pride in Britain. With a host of events, parades and concerts happening up and down the country throughout the summer, you might find yourself soaking up the sunshine in Soho at the London Pride parade, discovering the hottest new LGBTQ+ films at Queer Vision Film Festival in Bristol or checking out the latest acts at Manchester Pride Live. And when it comes to LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, you’ll be spoilt for choice, from London’s pop-up venues to Liverpool’s established classics.