The United Kingdom is a wonderful country filled with endless things to see, do, and explore.
While there are a lot of fun things to do in England’s iconic capital of London, the country is a vast territory that’s much more than just the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. From scenic natural spots to culturally enriching locations, this country is brimming with activities that are sure to impress any traveler.
If you’re on the lookout for unique things to do while in the country, you’re in the right place. This list will give you some tips on how to make the most of your UK trip with a collection of fun and exciting activities that you’re sure to treasure for a lifetime.
Let’s jump right into it!
Get creative at a paint-and-sip studio
The United Kingdom offers plenty of non-traditional cultural activities that can infuse your itinerary with fun, creativity, and excitement.
One unique activity you can try in England is a twist to the usual painting classes. The UK is home to paint-and-sip studios like Pinot & Picasso that merge community, creativity, and a touch of alcohol in one package. In this class, you’ll be given all the necessary art tools to create a painting. Instructors will also be around to guide you if you need extra help.
The great thing about this activity is that you can do it at your own pace and with the company you prefer. You can go solo and use your painting time as a time to reflect or connect with strangers. Alternatively, you can go with friends or a date and use the activity as a way to bond with them while expressing your creative self.
In any case, a paint-and-sip studio is a fun way to spend an afternoon in the UK. And besides the fun you’ll have during your painting session, you can also keep your newly-painted artwork at home and display it as a personal keepsake.
Hire a vintage campervan
The United Kingdom is a great base to set out on a road trip. Its interconnected road network, coupled with its fairly flat and compact geography, make it a safe and easy place for non-locals to drive around.
One particularly fun and unique thing you can do to elevate your UK road trip is by hiring a vintage campervan.
Many car hire services in the UK offer restored VW campervans to travellers looking to travel the country at their own pace. These services also offer route suggestions and add-on services for clients who’d request them, ensuring that they’re never left out on their own.
Furthermore, these campervans are equipped with everything you need to make the trip cozy and comfortable, like compact kitchens and beds.
If you have an international driver’s license and are looking to set out on a uniquely British getaway, then consider hiring a vintage campervan over the weekend and driving around the countryside. You’re sure to enjoy it!
Cross the Dark Hedges
Every Game of Thrones fan who happens to pass by Northern Ireland should make it a point to visit the Dark Hedges.
This natural tunnel found near Armoy is what the show’s fans would recognise as King’s Road, and traversing its line of ancient beech trees can make anyone feel like they were magically transported to the realm of Westeros.
While fans of the show hold a deep interest in the place based on their memory of the show, even non-fans can enjoy the scenic and atmospheric walk in the Dark Hedges. If you want to feel like you’re travelling amidst a fantasy world, then a visit to this place is something well worth considering.
Go on a free walking tour
When in big cities like London, Edinburgh, or Liverpool, consider walking around the city with a local guide.
These guides are trained volunteers who provide exclusive insights and stories of the places you’re visiting, which can be a great way to learn more about the town’s rich history and culture.
The great thing about these tours is that they’re entirely tip-based. You can adjust the amount you’ll pay based on what you feel it’s worth. Furthermore, there are several types of free walking tours you can join, from the typical touristy track to a more niche walking tour like a street art tour or a Jack the Ripper history tour.
In any case, by being a part of these tours, you can have a local guide show you around town and answer any questions you may have, which can make the town feel more fleshed out from your perspective.
Spend a day antique shopping
The Brits love holding onto old and vintage objects, and this demand is made visible by the large number of antique shops you can find anywhere in the UK. These antique shops sell vintage wares, old books, and quirky souvenirs that can become your next coffee table or shelf display back home.
Exploring these antique stores is a good way to spend time looking at and appreciating old-fashioned British goods. The thrill of finding an antique item for yourself can also be quite captivating. If you like the idea of rummaging through unique products, then consider going to a local antique store or flea market in a UK city—you may find treasure right then and there.
Dip in local baths and tidal pools
Another fun activity to do when in the UK is to dip in local watering holes. The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is the largest saltwater pool in the country, and it’s perfect for a refreshing swim while admiring the beautiful overlooking view of the Margate coast.
If you want to cleanse yourself in something more historically renowned, consider going to the town of Bath and soaking in any of the mineral-rich pools in the area. This town has an intact Roman bath smack in the city centre, where you can soak like the Romans of the past.
The UK loves its bathing culture, and if you want a rejuvenating experience that’s both traditional and relaxing, then this should be high on your bucket list of things to do while in the UK.
Trek the Jurassic Coast
Love a good hike? Want a scenic escape from the city? Then consider trekking the Jurassic Coast. This 95-mile hike features great shoreline views, dramatic rock formations, and beaches where fossils have been excavated in the past.
You don’t have to do the whole 95 miles for a good time; there are many shorter trails that any nature lover and geologists (and geologists-at-heart) can appreciate. You can also focus on key sights like Lulworth Cove or Old Harry Rocks to keep things short but sweet.
Taste different cuisines in local markets
British cuisine is a delight to many locals, but the multitude of unique flavours you can find in the various markets around the country is what makes the nation a gastronomic paradise.
In bustling centres like Borough Market, you can sample cuisine from all around the world, such as chicken jollof rice, tikka masala, and bibimbap. These food items are often made by people originating from these countries, which makes them masters at their craft.
If you travel for food, British markets offer a great dining experience that’ll surely leave you stuffed. The best part of it all is that many of these stalls offer food at affordable prices, meaning you won’t be financially set back once you’ve had your fill.
Laugh your heart out at a local theatre
Many parts of the United Kingdom, most especially London, are known for their local playhouses. From comedies to dramas, there’s bound to be a production running at any given time that can keep you and your family entertained on a quiet evening.
If you want to lift your mood with some good, old-fashioned live theatre, consider going to one of these playhouses and watching a show. There’s a wide range of scale when it comes to theatres in the UK, from large-scale venues with a large stage and massive production to more intimate settings that bring you close to the action.
In any case, visiting these theatres is a great and unique way to experience a traditional British pastime. If you want a truly unique experience, consider heading to the riverside theatre called Shakespeare’s Globe—a playhouse that specialises in stories and dramas based on the works of the acclaimed author himself.
Explore the UK’s bizarre museums
The UK has no shortage of weird and wacky museums. You won’t find any paintings by acclaimed artists or centuries-old artifacts here, just some peculiar oddities that’ll fill you with curiosity, shock, fascination, and, in some cases, pure disgust.
Some exceptionally weird museums in the UK include the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall, which has a vast collection of witchcraft tools and ritual items; the Jack the Ripper Museum, which features an interesting look into the life and crime of the notorious serial killer; and the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, which has a collection of just some plain weird stuff that look like they’d be part of a horror set film.
If you’re a lover of anything eccentric, then a visit to these museums may be something worthwhile to you. Just be sure to know what to expect before visiting these places—and do inform your fellow travelers in advance so that the visit won’t come as a shock to them.