By Arabella Peterson Entertainment 29.06.2025

The Best Outdoor Activities To Do in the UK, From Coast to Countryside

Whether you’re craving sea air, mountain views, or a peaceful country stroll, these outdoor adventures showcase the UK at its most breathtaking.

Craving wide open skies, sea air, or a ramble through wildflower-covered countryside? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to swap screen time for green time, the UK is bursting with outdoor adventures that feel a world away – without needing your passport. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor activities to do across the UK this summer, region by region, including scenic walks, cosy campsites, cultural landmarks, and nature-rich escapes perfect for a weekend away or a spontaneous day trip.

London and the South East

Scenic walks

Even if you live in the heart of the city, you don’t have to travel far to be surrounded by beautiful wildlife. Get your heart rate up a bit by hiking the South Downs, or make it more leisurely with a stroll through Richmond Park among the free-roaming deer. Some other options less than an hour from London include Box Hill in Surrey, which boasts sweeping views and shaded woodland, and Epping Forest in Essex – with over 2,400 hectares of ancient woodlands to explore. Take advantage of the warm weather with some alfresco dining by setting a table and savoring a slow lunch en plein air.

Camping and adventure

For lovers of aquatic adventures, hire a canoe or kayak and paddle a stretch of the River Medway – a peaceful waterway with plenty of picnic spots and riverside pubs. If you’d rather take a dip, head to Barcombe Mills on the River Ouse, just outside Lewes, or swim at the Cuckmere Meanders in Seaford. For a relaxing countryside escape, check into an eco-yurt at Swallowtail Hill near Rye, or The Secret Campsite in Barcombe, both offering off-grid stays immersed in nature. And if it’s luxury glamping you’re after, Oxford River in Oxfordshire,or Ashby Farms in Kent pair plush comforts with lakeside views.

Other outdoor activities

Whether you’re after a phone-free weekend immersed in nature or the ultimate photo op, you’ll find both wandering through the Ashridge Estate when the beautiful bluebells are in bloom – but by the end of May they might be waning. In peak summer, you’ll be met with vibrant rows of purple at Mayfield Lavender Farm in Banstead, which is open June to August. Spend a sunny afternoon gathering strawberries, raspberries, or sunflowers at places like Garsons Farm in Esher or Parkside Farm in Enfield. Step back in time by touring historic stone circles like Avebury and The Rollright Stones, and Little Kit’s Coty House.

South West England

Scenic walks

With dramatic coastlines and rolling hills, the South West is made for walking. Hike a stretch of the South West Coast Path, especially the section between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove along the Jurassic Coast. In Cornwall, walk from St Ives to Zennor for moorland views and the occasional seal sighting, or wander through Trelissick Garden for something gentler. For inland adventure, explore the untamed beauty of Dartmoor.

Camping and adventure

Thrill-seekers can try coasteering in Cornwall, surfing in Newquay, or paddleboarding in Polzeath. If wild swimming takes your fancy, head to Sharrah Pool on the River Dart, a stunning natural pool surrounded by forest. Cyclists can take to the Camel Trail or the more rugged terrain of the Forest of Dean, great for mountain biking.

For overnight stays, pitch a tent under the stars in Dartmoor, or opt for more comfort at East Thorne Glamping near Bude. For something truly unique, check into a shepherd’s hut with a view, like the ones at The Shepherd’s Hut Retreat in Somerset.

Other outdoor activities

History lovers should add the Minack Theatre – a cliffside amphitheatre overlooking the sea – to their list, along with ancient sites like Chysauster Ancient Village and Stanton Drew Stone Circle, perfect for a wander steeped in local folklore. Try a stargazing night on Exmoor, one of the UK’s designated Dark Sky Reserves, where you can spot constellations without city light pollution. If you’re after a hands-on countryside experience, join a cider-making tour in Somerset or a foraging walk along the Cornish coast.

North East England

Scenic walks

The North East is home to some of England’s most underrated walking routes. Explore the beautiful Durham Heritage Coast, where wildflowers, sea birds, and rugged cliffs accompany you along coastal paths. Time a visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a tidal island accessible only at low tide via a causeway. Inland, you’ll also find tranquil woodland walks in Northumberland National Park, especially around Hareshaw Linn, a gentle walk that ends at a hidden waterfall.

Wildlife and nature

Wildlife lovers are spoiled for choice here. In late autumn and early winter, head to Donna Nook on the Lincolnshire coast to see grey seals and their pups. For birdwatchers, Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve near Flamborough is a summer highlight, home to puffins, gannets, and guillemots perched on towering chalk cliffs. Nature-lovers will also love Rising Sun Country Park in North Tyneside, with meadows and ponds, perfect for a slow, meandering afternoon.

Other outdoor activities

Explore local stone circles, like the Duddo Five Stones near Berwick-upon-Tweed, set against a wide and windswept rural backdrop. If you're after a day on the sand without the crowds, try Druridge Bay or Embleton Beach – stretching sands with hardly a footprint in sight. For something more active, hire bikes and cycle along the C2C (Coast to Coast) route, particularly the scenic stretches near Stanhope or Consett. And in late summer, don’t miss the Kynren open-air show near Bishop Auckland – a live-action spectacular retelling 2,000 years of British history with horses, fireworks, and storytelling in an outdoor arena.

Yorkshire and the Humber

Scenic walks

Yorkshire’s wild beauty is best explored on foot. Roam the heather-strewn paths of Ilkley Moor, or wander along the River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey, where woodlands, waterfalls, and the iconic stepping stones make it a favourite for walkers of all ages. For coastal charm, take the Cleveland Way between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby – a clifftop route with sweeping sea views and plenty of opportunities for a fish-and-chip reward at the end.

Adventure and landscapes

For an activity that feels straight out of a fantasy novel, head to Brimham Rocks, a surreal collection of balancing rock formations shaped by nature over 320 million years – ideal for climbing, or just soaking up the scenery. For more traditional outdoor adventure, cycle the trails of Dalby Forest, or tackle a leg of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, summiting Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.

Cultural outings

Art meets nature at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where larger-than-life works by artists like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth are scattered across 500 acres of parkland. Step into the past with a ride on a heritage steam train through the Yorkshire Dales on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. For something truly atmospheric, visit the ruins of Whitby Abbey – perched high above the town and famously linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula – or explore the ruined monasteries at Rievaulx or Fountains Abbey, both UNESCO-listed and breathtakingly

Wales

Scenic walks

Wales is a land of unspoiled beauty, where even short walks can lead to soaring views or hidden waterfalls. Take on Mount Snowdon, the country’s highest peak, via one of six routes ranging from challenging to leisurely, or explore the lush, fern-covered waterfall trails in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). For coastal explorers, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers stunning cliffside rambles, especially the stretch near Stackpole, where wildflowers meet the sea. Inland, the Four Waterfalls Trail near Ystradfellte makes a magical day out, especially in spring and early summer.

Camping and nature

From off-grid adventures to well-equipped hideaways, Wales is a beautiful country for outdoor escapes. Wild camping in Snowdonia (where permitted) offers true back-to-nature solitude beneath star-filled skies, while glamping in the valleys gives you creature comforts in the heart of the countryside – look to places like Fforest Farm near Cardigan or Humble by Nature in Monmouthshire for a more elevated experience. If you prefer staying active, base yourself near Afan Forest Park for access to world-class mountain biking trails, or wake up near the River Wye to combine your stay with kayaking, swimming, or foraging.

Other outdoor activities

Whether you're seeking adrenaline or tranquility, Wales delivers. Zip World in North Wales offers the world's fastest zipline with unforgettable mountain views, while coasteering along the Pembrokeshire coast combines cliff-jumping, scrambling, and sea swimming. For a more peaceful pace, canoe the River Wye, or paddle the Llangollen Canal, floating high across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. History lovers can hop aboard heritage steam trains like the Ffestiniog Railway or the Brecon Mountain Railway, while foodies and nature buffs will enjoy guided foraging walks in the Wye Valley. In summer, look out for open-air performances at castles such as Carew or Caerphilly, which transform historic grounds into vibrant cultural spaces.

Scotland

Scenic walks

Scotland’s landscapes are nothing short of cinematic. For city-dwellers, Arthur’s Seat offers a steep but rewarding climb right in the heart of Edinburgh, with sweeping views of the capital and beyond. Further north, the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye is a must for dramatic ridgelines and otherworldly rock formations. In the Highlands, trails around Glen Coe and Loch an Eilein offer a mix of atmospheric moorland, pine forest, and mirror-like lochs – a beautiful choice for those chasing solitude in misty scenery.

Camping and nature

Kayak across Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch, for a peaceful paddle past islands and forested shores. Or, lace up your boots and head into Cairngorms National Park, where ancient forests and wide glens provide a wilder kind of stillness. For wildlife lovers, summer brings puffin spotting to North Berwick’s Bass Rock and coastal cliffs, while lochside trails often yield sightings of deer, red squirrels, or osprey. Wild camping is legal in most of Scotland (with respect for the land), so it’s one of the best places in the UK for a true off-grid night under the stars.

Other outdoor activities

There’s more to Scotland’s outdoors than just hills and heather. Just outside Edinburgh, Jupiter Artland blends nature and creativity across 100 acres of sculpture-filled fields and woodlands – a dreamy day out for art lovers. For a more traditional cultural experience, hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train (aka the Hogwarts Express) in the Highlands, or explore castle ruins such as Dunnottar or Kilchurn, perched on cliffs or nestled by lochs. In summer, many castles and gardens host open-air theatre and music events, combining culture with Scotland’s long, golden evenings.

Northern Ireland

Scenic walks

From ancient geology to panoramic city views, Northern Ireland’s walking trails pack in variety and beauty. Hike the Giant’s Causeway, where thousands of basalt columns meet the crashing Atlantic – one of the UK’s most iconic coastal walks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Closer to the capital, Cave Hill Country Park offers a brisk climb with spectacular views over Belfast Lough and the Mourne Mountains. For gentler terrain, explore Glenariff Forest Park in the Glens of Antrim, where boardwalk trails lead you past waterfalls and fern-filled gorges.

Camping and nature

Immerse yourself in Northern Ireland’s natural beauty with a stay in or near Tollymore Forest Park in County Down. Its pine-scented trails, stone bridges, and Game of Thrones filming locations make it a magical place to hike, picnic, or even wild camp (where appropriate). The nearby Mourne Mountains also offer remote peaks and quiet valleys for more seasoned hikers. Wildlife lovers should head to Strangford Lough or Magilligan Point, where tidal flats and coastal viewpoints provide excellent birdwatching – look out for terns, seals, and even dolphins on clear days.

Other outdoor activities

For something unexpected, stroll the Gobbin’s Cliff Path – a dramatic walkway bolted to the cliff face, complete with tunnels and suspension bridges just metres above the waves. Or take to the water with a kayaking trip around Carrick-a-Rede or stand-up paddleboarding in Bangor, where sheltered bays make it ideal for beginners. Culturally inclined? Visit the Ulster Folk Museum for an open-air glimpse into rural life, or explore the sculpture trails and gardens at Antrim Castle Gardens. Summer in Northern Ireland also brings outdoor arts festivals like Stendhal Festival, just the place for soaking up live music and local food in scenic surroundings.