Summer is just a few weeks away and it will be time to bring out your bathing costumes, take the ice cubes out of the freezer and prepare to lay out in the sun and get a tan. If you have time off from work this summer, then you’ll want to put that to good use and visit some great spots in the country.

Go to the Races

Watching horses race is one of the most popular British pastimes and it is the second largest spectator sport in the region. Do you know how to predict the outcome of the horse race? There are online bookmakers which lay it all out for newbies: types of races and bets, trainers and jockeys to follow, as well as tips to make the most out of your winners. You can place bets on the biggest championships from your sofa or the train, but of course you can also take a flutter while you’re on the racecourse.

The UK’s biggest horse racing event, the Grand National, has taken place but there are many other, smaller races happening in the UK in the warmer months. From Warwick to Southwell and from Epsom Downs to Sandown Park, there will be horse races to attend in your best outfits, as you wait to see who is going to go home with first place.

Attend a Free Festival

The UK is famous for its festivals, with events such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and Wireless all making national news. These events are hugely popular and it will be difficult for you to get tickets as they will probably all be sold out.

The UK does have some free festivals and non-ticketed events, though, and you may be able to attend these if you register earlier enough. In July, there is the Lambeth Country Show which offers flower competitions, sheep displays and crafts stalls for you to visit. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August will be a stunning display of hot air balloons as hundreds of balloons are launched.

Visit the Beach

As an area made up of several islands, the UK has a great coastline with some incredible beaches for you to visit. Some of the best beaches in the UK are Whitstable Beach in Kent, Brancaster Beach in Norfolk, and Polzeath in Cornwall.

Beaches are brilliant places to visit because they offer such a large variety of outdoor activities to do. You can do some standup paddleboarding in Llanddwyn Bay Beach, horse riding at Putsborough Beach in North Devon or snorkelling with seals in the Isles of Scilly. The most adventurous will go sea-cliff climbing at Penally Range and Tenby Beach in Pembrokeshire.

As the weather warms up, you’ll want to plan your outdoor activities now. This way you can reserve tickets, make arrangements and find the time so you can enjoy your summer.