7 Family-Friendly Things To Do In Summer In The UK

Updated on 14/08/24

When school is out, you might be wondering how to keep the family entertained during the summer holidays. The great news is that, even without venturing abroad, there’s a whole range of things you can do in the UK that are suitable for the whole family.

Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the best summer holiday activities for families to make the most out of the nation’s sunny season.

Here are 7 family-friendly things to do in summer in the UK.

  1. Visit London’s historical landmarks and attractions
  2. Attend the capital’s festivals and summer events 
  3. Visit St Fagan’s National Museum of History
  4. Take a Thames River cruise
  5. Explore the English countryside’s top sightseeing spots
  6. Go on a private tour
  7. Visit The Georgian House In Edinburgh

1. Visit London’s Historical Landmarks and Attractions

The capital comes alive during the summer, which is why one of the best things you can do is to visit the many London attractions and historical landmarks.

Visiting these attractions in the summer holidays is great because, not only is the weather typically dry and mild, but the longer daylight hours mean that many outdoor attractions tend to extend their opening hours, giving you more time to explore and learn about the city’s history and heritage.

Examples of Famous Historical Landmarks and Attractions in London

London is packed with famous historical landmarks which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Here are some of the best landmarks to visit with the whole family:

  • Buckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in London and usually opens its State Rooms for public tours from late July to late September. 
  • The Tower of London – The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, with a history dating back over 1,000 years. During the summer months, you explore London’s iconic castle, get up close to the Crown Jewels and meet the legendary Yeoman Warders.
  • The National History MuseumThe National History Museum is a big favourite among visitors of all ages, exhibiting a diverse array of natural wonders and life on earth, including fossils, minerals, mammals and life-size dinosaur models. A great spot for the little ones interested in this side of history!
  • Imperial War Museum – The Imperial War Museum is the perfect place for the whole family to learn about the history of war and conflict in Britain, covering everything from World War II to the present day.
  • Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey is a must-see for tourists and history enthusiasts. Known as one the most historically significant buildings in the UK, the site has hosted coronations, royal weddings, and burials for over a thousand years, making it a living testament to British history. Discover our complete guide to visiting Westminster Abbey.

2. Attend the Capital’s Festivals and Summer Events

If you’re looking for something a little more lively, why not check out some of the most popular festivals and summer events in the city?

London hosts various events and festivals during the summer months for people of all ages, whether it be food experiences, music festivals, cultural festivals within historical landmarks or flower shows. London is also home to several famous sporting events during the summer, such as Wimbledon for tennis fans. 

The Best London Summer Events

Many popular festivals and events take place in London during the summer. Here are some of the best London summer events:

  1. Wimbledon Tennis Championships 

Tennis enthusiasts from around the world flock to London in late June and early July to see the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Championships. This very famous tournament is known for its exciting matches in the sunshine and iconic traditions like strawberries and cream and Pimms and prosecco, perfect for anyone of all ages who loves watching tennis. 

  1. British Summer Time Hyde Park

If live live music is your thing then attending music outdoor festivals such as British Summer Time in Hyde Park is a great choice. Across multiple weekends, BST put on incredible shows featuring legendary headliners & support from today’s rising stars, plus great food and drink and hospitality packages.

  1. BBC Proms

The BBC Proms is a classical music festival that runs from mid-July to early September at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring daily concerts, with the famous “Last Night of the Proms” being a grand finale.

It is one of the world’s largest and most renowned classical music festivals and the perfect summer activity for music enthusiasts across the world.

  1. Taste of London

For all you foodies out there, the Taste of London food festival is a fantastic place to visit, which showcases the city’s diverse culinary scene. Held in June, this event brings together top restaurants, celebrity chefs, and food vendors offering delicious samples of their cuisine. Another great activity for the whole family to enjoy during the summer holidays!

3. Visit St Fagans National Museum of History

If you’re looking for fun things to do in summer in the UK, Wales is home to one of Europe’s main open-air museums.

Found within the grounds of St Fagan’s Castle, a manor house erected in the late 1500s, St Fagans is one of Wales’ most popular attractions. Over 50 historical structures around Wales have been re-built at the Museum, including a medieval church, a Workmen’s Institute, and a Victorian school.

Visitors can purchase Welsh food from the 1920s Gwalia Stores, see the Clogmaker’s workshop, or look at the animals on Llwyn-yr-eos Farm. The museum also puts on regular exhibitions and live demonstrations that bring Welsh history to life.

With beautiful walking paths, picnic areas, and a play area for young children, St Fagans is an experience that’s both informative and entertaining for all ages – and it’s also free entry!

4. Take a Thames River Cruise

Another fantastic example of summer holiday activities for families is taking a Thames River cruise. This boat tour takes place on the River Thames, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy stunning scenic views of some of London’s most famous landmarks from the water, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and many more. 

There is a range of Thames River cruises available, including sightseeing cruises, evening and dinner cruises, afternoon tea cruises and river bus cruises. Whatever the reason for taking a Thames River cruise, it provides a relaxing, enjoyable and memorable way to see the city in all its glory. 

5. Explore the English Countryside’s Sightseeing Spots

For something a little more rural and away from the big city, we highly recommend exploring the stunning English countryside. The English countryside in the summer offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling and picnicking, and is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in dry, mild and (sometimes) sunny conditions. 

England’s countryside is also dotted with historic sightseeing sites, including castles, stately homes, and ancient ruins. Here are some of the best countryside sightseeing posts in England:

  • Stonehenge – Stonehenge is one of the most important prehistoric sightseeing spots in the world and holds incredible historical significance. Its construction dates back over 4,500 years, and its purpose continues to be a subject of debate, making it a captivating place for history enthusiasts. 
  • The Lake District – Located in northwest England, the Lake District is famous for its breathtaking lakes, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages, and is a true paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking serene landscapes.
  • The Cotswolds – Situated in the southwest of England, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty, famous for its honey-coloured stone cottages, rolling hills, and cute market towns.
  • Windsor Castle – Home to royalty and 1,000 years of royal history, Windsor Castle is an absolute must-see attraction for any royal enthusiast looking to get a countryside insight into the life of the royal family. 

Why not book an England countryside tour from London and discover these stunning sightseeing spots on your next Summer visit to England? Which brings us nicely to our next point…

6. Go on a Private Tour 

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or wanting to explore the plethora of historical landmarks across the UK, booking yourself onto a private tour is a fantastic way to explore these hotspots and educate yourself without the stress!

At Yellow Moon Tours, we’re able to create a unique and tailored private tour of London just for you. From Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace and from Stonehenge to Salisbury, we have years of experience in curating fun and informative private tours for families, couples, and solo travellers. 

If you’d like to book a private tour this summer or simply want to learn more about our other services, be sure to get in touch today.

7. Visit The Georgian House In Edinburgh

This New Townhouse in Edinburgh has been restored to portray the lives of those who worked and lived here in the late 18th and early 19th century. The Georgian House was a previous statement of luxury, where wealthy residents showcased their status through elegant architecture and elaborate interiors.

Today, visitors can step back in time, experiencing the contrasting lives of the affluent families who inhabited the house and the servants who worked tirelessly to sustain their lifestyle.

Children and adults can dress up in replica costumes and even wear them on your tour of the house. You can also get the feel of historical objects as you handle jelly moulds and replica quills, making it a fun activity for all the family.

And there we have it!  We hope this article has shown you some fun, family-friendly things to do in summer in the UK.

For general inquiries or questions, contact us today at info@yellowmoontours.com or on 02032903665 to book your private tour today, or check out our Instagram page for more updates.

Written by Kate Jones for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering private tours of London, private tours of Paris, New York private tours and Ireland private tours from Dublin.

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