The summer time is the best period of the year for many. After all, you can wear shorts around the clock, the sun shines and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends.
That often means cracking open a few beers or enjoying a pint in a beer garden. But that’s not for everyone. Particularly these days where more of us are shunning alcohol, whether that be due to having gone through alcohol rehabilitation treatment, for health reasons, or just simply being more aware of the impact booze can have on a person’s life. Which does make the pub less fun, particularly if everyone’s getting drunk around you.
However, the summer isn’t exclusive to beer gardens and there are tons of great activities perfectly suited to the summer that don’t involve alcohol. But what are the best exactly? If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with friends over the coming weeks and months, here are five great options…
Outdoor Cinema Evenings
Movie nights are always great fun, but you can really up your game with an outdoor cinema evening. They’ve become hugely popular in the UK, cropping up everywhere, usually showcasing classic movies.
You’ll find them in the likes of parks, stately homes, rooftops, beaches and city squares and it’s a perfect option for a warm evening, taking along a picnic blanket, some snacks and really embracing the atmosphere.
You’ll find films of all genres from family favourites to cult classics, perfect for family, friends or a romantic date night.
Group Hikes and Nature Walks
We often don’t realise how lucky we are in the UK to have such natural beauty on our doorstep. No matter where we live in the country. There are countless trails, parks and hikes to enjoy, perfect for enjoying with friends.
Whether it be a Sunday morning stroll or a sunny evening wander to blow off the cobwebs after a hard day at work, it’s quality time in abundance and the chance to really connect with one another, far more so than just drinking pints in a pub beer garden.
What’s more, it’s great exercise, there are spectacular views and you can always finish off in a pub, cafe or by an ice cream van. The latter sounds especially good, doesn’t it?!
DIY Garden Games Tournament
If you’re lucky enough to have your own garden with space for hosting, you can sit out in the sun on your own terms. Alternatively, you could head to a local park too and get the games out. There are garden games to suit all folk these days, whether you’re a fan of boules or a fiend for giant Jenga.
If there are lots of you, you can break up into teams and add a bit of friendly competition, while you can set prizes too. And, of course, don’t forget the food and drink to make it a brilliant all-day affair.
Creative Workshops or Craft Picnics
Summer is the perfect time to try your hand at something creative. Across the country, workshops in everything from pottery to painting, photography to floral arranging, are popping up in outdoor or airy indoor settings. Booking a group session makes for a wholesome afternoon with plenty of conversation and shared laughter.
Alternatively, bring the artsy spirit outside. Set up a “craft picnic” in a park where everyone brings a small creative project — be it sketching, knitting, or scrapbooking. Pack some nibbles, a speaker for music, and a few cosy blankets for when the sun dips, and you’ve got yourself a perfect boho-style gathering.
Sunrise or Sunset Meet-ups
There’s something quietly bonding about watching the sun rise or set — particularly when shared in good company. Pick a scenic spot — a hilltop, beach, or urban overlook — and meet friends for an early morning breakfast picnic or a sunset catch-up.
Bring along a thermos of coffee or herbal tea, some pastries or snacks, and let nature provide the show. These quieter moments are ideal for meaningful conversations, reflection, and unwinding from the hustle of daily life.
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