SUMMER LOVING- 5 THINGS TO DO IN THE UK THIS SUMMER

BY CHICHI MORRIS

It is of little wonder that the faces of everyone I walked past today seemed to have a happy glow, an excited smile and a soft nod to say hello. 

The tide has turned, what seemed like endless showers of rain has quickly turned into birds chirping happily, the sun rays blessing us with its golden goodness, summer dresses blowing in the wind, legs out, arms out and those pretty freshly manicured toes peeking through pretty sandals greeting the fresh breeze for the first time in months. 

Straw bags come out as we reshuffle our closet, bringing to the fore easy light fabric clothing, short shorts and floral dresses, of course not forgetting the proverbial “hot girl summer” swimwear.

It is summer! Where the seaside is alive with funfairs, cotton candy, ice-cream, fair rides and the traditional British fish and chips is indulged in. Summertime means fun time and below are 5 ways to enjoy the glorious rays alone or with friends and family. 

Afternoon Tea

Freshly baked scones, hand-finished sandwiches, cakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries are perched nicely on a cream tea stand. Accompanied by clotted cream, fragrant tea and jam- rhubarb of ginger whatever your flavour of choice may be. It doesn’t matter how you like to spread your cream and jam, be it the Cornish or the Devon way, this is a great way to enjoy summer with your nearest and dearest.

Tea rooms are dotted all over the county but for some of the finest experiences savouring the deliciousness presented, the names that spring to mind are; afternoon tea at the Ritz London, a colourful Ladurée Parisian Patteserie experience or relaxing at The Harrods Tea Rooms after a long day shopping at Knightsbridge. 

There is nothing quite as exciting as sparking those taste buds to life with a variety of flavours, from sweet to savoury and even with the sun shining bright, nothing stops a lovely cup of fragrant tea, of course champagne to accompany this trolley of afternoon bubbly goodness. 

Picnic 

With the sun has come a new buzz of picnicking businesses springing forth. I have seen some magnificent arrangements, complete with the most glorious flowers and gold accents. This new wave of picnic services caters to big and small gatherings. So you can have a perfectly done setting to celebrate a birthday you may have had to spend alone due to restriction or share some exciting news with your close circle. The choice is yours!

Alternatively, one can also pack a good old fashioned picnic basket, complete with berries, cream, sandwiches and some fizz and get together with friends and family after many months of staying apart and experiencing one another mainly through technology which can sometimes be a barrier to feeling human energy. Sharing food is one of the sure ways we have bonded over the years as humans. Food, laughter, good wine and nature’s great green scenery is perfect to reconnect and enjoy good vibes.

Explore Stately Homes

Visiting stately homes is by far one of my favourite past times. I feel a sense of time travel when I walk down the high ceiling hallways and view the exquisite paintings all encased in rococo and gilt frames. The magnificent chandeliers are breathtaking and the soft furnishing, a sight for sore eyes. The cherry on top for me is the perfectly manicured and intricately designed gardens. These homes exude opulence and the initial inhabitants sure did know how to enjoy life, mindfully. 

My favourite stately home is Osborne House. “Osborne is the palatial former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, located on the Isle of Wight” It has the most beautiful front garden, complete with spiral staircases leading to a long line of trees. The best spots for magnificent outdoor photography of the perfectly manicured gardens and opulence. Indoor photography is not allowed as the whole point is to savour the experience of exploration. The best feature is the private beach of the Isle of Wight, clear blue sea that resembles a water body from the Mediterranean, with sand so beautiful in colour attractive to sunbathers, and of course the private tray of food and drink guaranteed to appear at a click of one’s fingers. Stately homes are a must-visit if you enjoy a bit of history laced in all the fine trimmings life has to offer. 

Visit The Coast

Sun, sea and sand are one of the hallmarks of summer. What better way to soak up the rays than to sit by the beach- white sand beneath your skin, the wind in your hair and endless scenery of the blue sea. Visiting the pier and arcades is always nostalgic and reminiscent of childhood fun. Also, exploring the cafes, shops and of course sampling the fish and chips by the coast, always be on your guard for those pesky seagulls, many times my chips have been snatched in one fast-flying swoop from right underneath my nose. 

Coastal Towns are dotted all around the UK, from Hastings to Hampshire with so many buzzing activities to choose from. There are ancient churches to explore, art galleries to mesmerise your senses in, retail therapy to indulge in, lovely evening coastal walks and an evening skyline to observe or enjoy a romantic summer break at a luxurious seaside boarding house.

Forest Walks in National Parks

The sight of bluebells carpeted at the base of a forest trail is one of the most beautiful sights to behold. Being one with nature invigorates with fresh positive energy and with the sun beaming its golden rays, it’s only fair to say being one with the trees is a high summer recommendation. 

The National Trust has a good number of National Parks and Forests to pick from. My favourite is Westonbirt Arboretum. I remember the first day I visited, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the air. So fresh, crisp and clean, only second to the air quality breathed at the Gower Peninsula in Wales, wow! I highly recommend both.

Our relationship with the British weather is one of “take it as you see it”, we know things can change rather rapidly, so it’s best to make hay while the sun shines as they say- seize every sunshine opportunity and get out there, enjoying the sun, seemingly freedom and a chance to interact with friends and family, whether in a garden exploring nature, picnicking by the lake, sailing on the Thames or savouring a good ‘ol forest walk with your bestie- enjoy while we have our dearest beloved sun.