Looking for something different to do? Whether you’re bored of the usual weekends, fancy trying a new hobby or simply want to get out and explore more of the UK, there are plenty of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered.
It’s easy to fall into the same routine of going to the same restaurants, visiting the same places or spending another weekend wondering what to do. But sometimes all it takes is trying something a little different to make your free time more enjoyable.
From wine tasting and pottery workshops to scenic railway journeys and outdoor adventures, we’ve put together 30 fun things to do in the UK that might inspire you to try something new.
You never know – you might discover a new favourite hobby, visit somewhere wonderful or meet some interesting people along the way!
1. Try a Wine Tasting Experience
You don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy a wine tasting. Many vineyards across the UK offer guided tours where you can learn how wine is made, explore the vineyards and sample different varieties.
It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon, particularly if you enjoy good food and drink.
2. Take a Pottery or Ceramics Class
Fancy getting creative? Pottery classes are a brilliant way to try something different. Learn how to shape clay, make your own pottery and perhaps discover a hobby you didn’t know you would enjoy.
Many studios offer beginner sessions, so there’s no need to have any previous experience.
3. Explore a National Trust Property
The UK is full of beautiful historic houses, gardens and estates. Spend a day exploring somewhere new, discovering its history and enjoying the surrounding grounds.
Places such as Chatsworth House, Castle Howard and Stourhead make wonderful days out.
4. Go on a Scenic Train Journey
Forget driving for a change and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of a train.
The Settle to Carlisle Railway, West Highland Line in Scotland and North Yorkshire Moors Railway offer some particularly beautiful journeys.
Take your time, enjoy the views and make a day of it.
5. Try a Cookery Class
Whether you’d love to master Italian cooking, learn how to make fresh pasta or improve your baking skills, a cookery class is a fun way to spend an afternoon.
You might even come away with a new signature dish to impress your friends!
6. Visit a Local Vineyard
The UK has a growing wine industry, with vineyards producing some excellent wines.
Explore a local vineyard, learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting. English sparkling wine is particularly worth discovering.
7. Take Up Paddleboarding
If you enjoy being outdoors and fancy trying something active, paddleboarding could be just the thing.
There are lessons and guided sessions available at lakes, reservoirs and coastal locations throughout the UK. You don’t need to be an expert swimmer or have previous experience, although you should choose a suitable supervised session and follow its safety guidance.
8. Go on a Ghost Tour
Discover the spooky side of Britain’s towns and cities with an evening ghost tour.
From historic streets and old buildings to tales of mysterious happenings, these tours offer a different way to explore somewhere familiar.
Edinburgh, York and London are particularly well known for their ghost walks.
9. Visit a Sculpture Park
Combine art and the outdoors with a visit to a sculpture park.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, for example, features impressive outdoor artworks set within beautiful parkland. It’s a lovely alternative to a traditional gallery visit.
10. Try an Archery Lesson
Have you ever fancied trying archery? Many outdoor activity centres offer beginner lessons where you can learn the basics and have a go yourself.
It’s something a little different, and you might discover you’re surprisingly good at it!
11. Go Stargazing
Sometimes the best experiences are the simplest.
Find a dark-sky location away from town and city lights and spend an evening looking up at the stars. The UK’s International Dark Sky Places include areas such as Northumberland National Park and Exmoor.
Check the weather and moon conditions beforehand for the best chance of seeing a spectacular night sky.
12. Take a Flower Arranging Workshop
Get creative with a flower arranging class. Learn how to put together beautiful bouquets, seasonal displays or table decorations.
It’s a relaxing activity and a lovely opportunity to learn something new.
13. Visit a Food Festival
Food festivals are a great way to discover local producers, sample different cuisines and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
From cheese and chocolate festivals to street food markets and regional food celebrations, there is something happening throughout the year.
14. Try a Dance Class
Whether it’s salsa, ballroom, swing or line dancing, trying a new dance style is a fun way to get moving.
Many classes welcome complete beginners, so you don’t need to worry about having two left feet!
15. Explore a Historic Market Town
There are so many charming market towns across the UK that are worth exploring.
Spend a day wandering around independent shops, traditional markets, historic streets and local cafés. Places such as Ludlow, Stamford, Rye and Bakewell are lovely choices.
16. Have a Go at Axe Throwing
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not try axe throwing?
It’s a surprisingly enjoyable activity, with instructors showing you how to get started safely. Many venues offer group sessions, making it a fun option for an afternoon out.
17. Take a Photography Walk
You don’t need an expensive camera to enjoy photography. Your smartphone is more than enough to get started.
Choose a new location, explore your surroundings and challenge yourself to capture interesting buildings, landscapes, wildlife or street scenes.
18. Visit an Open-Air Theatre
Enjoy a performance in a completely different setting by visiting an outdoor theatre.
From Shakespeare in historic gardens to summer performances in parks and castles, open-air theatre can make an ordinary evening feel rather special.
19. Try a Glassblowing Workshop
Watch skilled craftspeople transform molten glass into beautiful objects, or book a beginner experience where you can have a go yourself.
It’s fascinating to watch and an unusual experience you probably won’t forget.
20. Go on a Wildlife Watching Trip
The UK’s countryside and coastline are home to an amazing variety of wildlife.
Join a guided wildlife walk, go birdwatching or take a boat trip to spot seals, dolphins or seabirds. Depending on where you visit, you might even get the chance to see whales.
21. Visit a Lavender Farm
During the summer months, lavender farms offer beautiful scenery, lovely photo opportunities and often cafés and gift shops.
Mayfield Lavender in Surrey is one well-known example, while other farms can be found across the country.
22. Try Indoor Climbing
Fancy a challenge? Indoor climbing is a great way to test yourself, build confidence and try something active.
Most climbing centres offer introductory sessions, with equipment and instruction provided.
23. Go on a Brewery Tour
Discover how some of your favourite drinks are made by visiting a local brewery.
Many breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours where you can learn about the brewing process and sample their products. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic tasting experiences available.
24. Take a Guided Historical Walking Tour
Even if you’ve lived in the same town or city for years, there’s probably plenty you haven’t discovered.
Join a guided walking tour to learn about local history, hidden streets, famous residents and interesting stories you might otherwise miss.
25. Try a Painting Class
You don’t have to be artistic to enjoy painting.
From watercolour workshops to relaxed painting sessions, there are plenty of classes designed for beginners. It’s a lovely way to spend a few hours doing something creative.
26. Visit a Seaside Town Out of Season
The seaside isn’t just for summer.
Visit a coastal town in autumn or winter, enjoy a refreshing walk along the beach, explore independent shops and finish with a cosy lunch or afternoon tea.
Places such as Whitby, Tenby, Southwold and St Ives are worth visiting throughout the year.
27. Try a Murder Mystery Evening
Put your detective skills to the test with a murder mystery evening.
These events often involve a meal, characters, clues and plenty of opportunities to work out who the culprit is. They’re a fun alternative to a traditional night out.
28. Go on a Guided Foraging Walk
Learn more about the edible plants, berries and mushrooms growing in the countryside with an experienced foraging guide.
It’s a fascinating way to discover more about the natural world. Always go with a knowledgeable guide and never eat wild plants or fungi unless they’ve been positively identified as safe.
29. Take a Canal Boat Trip
Enjoy a slower pace of life with a trip along one of Britain’s beautiful canals.
You can book a short boat trip or, if you fancy a longer adventure, hire a narrowboat and explore the waterways over several days.
It’s a lovely way to see parts of the countryside from a completely different perspective.
30. Join an Organised Group Day Out
Sometimes the best way to try something new is to do it with other people.
Organised group days out take away the hassle of planning everything yourself and give you the chance to enjoy new places and experiences alongside people who also enjoy getting out and about.
From countryside visits and theatre trips to meals, social events and weekends away, there are plenty of opportunities to discover something different.
Make More of Your Free Time with Spice Social
Trying something new is even more enjoyable when you have people to share the experience with.
At Spice Social, we bring adults together through a varied programme of social events and activities across the UK. Whether you enjoy walking, eating out, theatre trips, weekends away, quizzes or simply meeting up for a drink, there’s always something different to look forward to.
You don’t have to organise everything yourself or wait for friends and family to be available. Our local groups make it easier to get out, try new activities and meet people with similar interests.
We welcome adults of all ages, whether you’re joining on your own or as a couple.
If you’ve been thinking about doing more with your free time, why not take a look at what’s happening near you?
Explore your local group and discover what’s coming up with Spice Social.
