Here Comes the Sun: 5 Ways To Keep Busy This Summer

The UK might be known for its rainy weather, but come summertime, there is a wealth of activities to enjoy that offer both relaxation and adventure. Summer is the perfect time to explore the UK’s castles, gardens, and coastlines, basking in the warm weather and beautiful scenery. Coastal towns beckon with their charming promenades, while local clubs and community centres provide opportunities for socialising and learning new skills. From serene coastal walks to relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone and all within a stone’s throw of our residential parks!

1. Explore the UK’s Best Castles and Heritage Sites

What better way to enjoy the sun than immersing yourself in one of the many rich historic castles and heritage sites across the UK? Enjoy a gentle stroll through picturesque castle grounds, soaking up the rich history and stunning countryside views. One of our favourite historical sites is the mystical ruins of Corfe Castle, only a ten-minute drive from our Cauldron Barn Farm Park in Swanage. In addition to the castle ruins, Corfe Castle, like most National Trust sites, has a delightful cafe, perfect for unwinding with an afternoon tea after a day of exploration. If you want to immerse yourself in history further, why not check out the Corfe Castle Model Village?

We know not all heritage sites might meet accessibility needs. If you are concerned about accessibility, Accessible Days Out provides a handy comprehensive list of castles and heritage sites across the UK that offer excellent accessibility. Visit their website to find the nearest castle or historical site to your park, ensuring a hassle-free experience, without compromising on accessibility.
 
Corfe Castle
 

2. Keep Fit this Summer at Your Local Sports Centre

With its long, warm days, summer is the perfect time to enjoy some gentle exercise. Whether you enjoy teeing off in the sunshine at your local golf course, playing a friendly game of lawn bowls, or taking a dip in the pool at your local leisure centre, there is something for everyone. All our parks are strategically located near various leisure and sports centres, providing the opportunity for gentle exercise and socialisation.

For example, our Greenacres Park in Kent is directly adjacent to the prestigious Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course. If golf isn’t your thing, why not try lawn bowls if you want to participate in a gentler alternative while still enjoying the sunshine, you can find the closest bowl club to your park here. Finally, check out the facilities at your local leisure centre – from swimming to low-intensity exercise classes; leisure centres are a hub for social events and exercise for all ages and abilities.
 
Sport activities for the Summer
 

3. Gardening Season is in Full Bloom!

What better way to soak up the sun than with a spot of gardening? Gardening offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with nature and spend quality time with friends or family, sharing tips and enjoying the fruits of your labour. Whether you enjoy tending to potted plants on your balcony or heading to the local allotment to tend to your fruits, flowers and vegetables – gardening is a great way to exercise and enjoy the warm summer air. Summer is the perfect time to start deadheading plants and keeping them cut back so they don’t overgrow the following year. Late summer, in particular, is the best time to plant autumn bulbs, such as cyclamens, colchicums and dahlias. Why not check out our gardening tips or get inspired by Gardeners World 23 summer potted-plant container ideas for your outdoor space?
 
Get gardening this summer
 

4. Discover the Joy of Summer Bird Watching

Summer is a fantastic time to go bird watching in the UK, the warmer weather and longer days provide perfect conditions for spotting various birds. Many species are more active and visible during summer, making observing them in their natural habitats easier.

Look out for swallows and house martins darting through the skies, or catch sight of majestic ospreys around lakes and rivers. Coastal areas are great for spotting migrating birds like sandpipers and whimbrels. Head to woodlands and heathlands to see warblers and redstarts. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or a curious beginner, summer offers a vibrant and rewarding bird-watching experience. Several of our parks are ideally situated near some of the best bird-watching reserves in the UK.

West Shore Park in Cumbria is located near the South Walney Nature Reserve, where a range of resident birds, including eiders, oystercatchers and ringed plover, can be spotted, as well as summer visitors such as arctic, little and sandwich terns! As an added bonus, the South Walney Nature Reserve is also home to Cumbria’s only grey seal colony!
 
Bird watching
 

5. Head to the Seaside for Sun, Strolls and a 99 Flake!

We can’t list summer activities without mentioning the nation’s favourite summer pastime: going to the seaside! Whether you enjoy taking a steady stroll across breathtaking coastlines or simply sitting back on a sandy beach and soaking up the sun with a 99 Flake – there is no place like the seaside in summertime. It’s no wonder that our coastal residential parks are so popular, given the UK’s collective love of seasides. If you enjoy relaxing on a sandy beach, you’ll be glad to know many of our parks are near some of the UK’s favourite beaches.

Selwood Park in Bournemouth is near seven miles of sandy beaches stretching between Sandbanks in Poole and Hengistbury Head in Southbourne. Dotted along the coast are multiple Blue Flag-awarded beaches and several piers, including Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier, offering classic seaside food, amusements and stunning coastline views. Want to find the closest beach or marina to you? Head to this helpful page on Cottage World to find the nearest Blue Flag beach to your residential park!
 
Visit the beach this summer
 

So, whether you’re a history buff, avid bird watcher, or just someone who loves the great outdoors, make sure you make the most of the sunshine this summer! All these activities are easily accessible from any of Berkeleyparks’ residential parks, making our parks the perfect base to explore from this summer. If you want to discover more about our UK-wide residential parks, contact our team today or visit our interactive map to find our closest parks to your desired location!

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