With summer right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of ways to make the most out of your free time while the weather’s nice. Unknown to most, the UK contains many outdoor attractions that rival any oversea national landmark popular with tourists. Make summer interesting this year by touring the UK in a campervan, discovering new places and hidden nature spots all the while travelling in your own choice of comfort. There are many who believe that campervans are an ideal way to be road ready as they compliment every aspect of a typical holiday. But if campervans are not for you, there are many other ways to enjoy the summer outdoors, you just need to look.

1. Campervans

A somewhat different way to spend a holiday for many people, especially for those use to sleeping in fancy hotels. Despite this difference, it may be a good idea to change up your traditional holiday theme and try something different-your guaranteed to make some memories whatever the outcome!

There are three main ways to begin your summer outdoors; either take on the huge project of converting a campervan from scratch by yourself, you can look into having a campervan converted or you can hire one from someone loaning out their campervan for a short period of time. Whichever one you decide, an important part of starting your journey is to plan it first. It is easy enough to go online and research the best places to visit in the UK, it does not matter which direction you are heading there is sure to be a nature attraction close by. Lulworth Cove in Dorset is a white pebble beach rich with rock pools and blue waters. Easy to access by the public, this is a perfect stop on your journey that allows you to appreciate the UK’s wonders of nature. If you’re route takes you somewhere further in land, why not stop off at one of the many locations in the Lake District. Hike through nature trails, past huge lakes and steep hills to fill your day with some outdoor sightseeing of the vast wildlife.

Now, if you are going to spend time in a campervan its best to be prepared. You’ll need a few basic essentials that may slip your mind, as they are everyday luxuries. First are wet wipes, so basic and yet incredibly essential. If you are sleeping in a camper with no running water, then wet wipes are your best chance at cleaning yourself, especially after spending hours inside a metal vehicle. Also make sure you take some thermal clothing in case the camper gets cold at night, even if it’s hot during the day, you’ll be glad for them when the sun goes down at night. Now travelling in a campervan can be quite an isolating experience, so make sure you take some games with you. This is for when you are relaxing in your camping spot at the end of the day, you can enjoy a fun game of monopoly, scrabble or cards (for those of you who prefer the basic games). These will keep you entertained and provoke healthy competition for you and your travel companion.

2. Theme Parks

Theme parks are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and spend your day taking advantage of the many rides on offer. Whether your a family with young children, older teenagers or young adults, theme parks provide fun and exciting activities. If one day isn’t enough for you, a few parks contain an adjoining hotel where you can stay and then start again the next day, enjoying all your favourite rides once again. Thorpe Park in Surrey is well known for its big, complicated rides that know how to get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. The main attractions are Stealth and Saw; both containing daunting drops and fast loops. A popular choice for any adrenaline junkies and ride enthusiasts. Another location is Alton Towers in Staffordshire. Known as the UK’s most popular theme park, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. Young children can experience CBeebies Land for as long as they like, while older visitors can test their nerve on rides like The Smiler and Oblivion. There are many theme parks around the UK to choose from as a great way to spend time during the summer.

3. Festivals

Of course festivals are an event that people wait for impatiently, buying their tickets months in advance, shopping for an appropriate outfit (or two) and organising travel. They are arguably the main event of the summer here in the UK, a place where people can dance, eat, enjoy music and socialise. They are also a favourite way to experience artists performing live. These outdoor events attract huge numbers of people, with 30 million people attending UK festivals in 2016 according to NME. Creamfields is a festival located in Warrington, a summer dance event of a multitude of music types, mainly house music. Another festival is Parklife at Heaton Park, Manchester. A summer favourite, Parklife includes dance music, street food, carnival rides and hidden bars of various themes.

Whichever festival you are planning to attend this summer, here are a few basic essentials to help you last the weekend. Toilet roll, baby wipes or both are a definite must. Everyone dreads those portable toilets and tries hard to stay away. But when you can’t hold it any longer its best to be prepared. Another essential you may not be aware of is an old phone, you’ll feel much more relaxed knowing your phone is safe at home away from harm, while your temporary phone is just that- temporary. Lastly, make sure you check the weather before you go, there is nothing worse than wearing sandals and it doesn’t stop raining the whole time you are there. The resulting mud from the rain definitely won’t help matters.

4. Beach

Although beaches aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the UK, there are a few locations that would surprise you. In any country, beaches are an ideal way to spend a summer’s day with the family, relaxing or playing games. Many also use their local beach to walk their dogs or some even travel to beaches as a day out to enjoy the outdoors with their animals. A great beach to look at is Durdle Door in Dorset, located along the Jurassic Coast. With its natural limestone arch, this beach provides scenic views and blue waters for everyone to enjoy. It’s £4 for a two hour stay on the carpark, or if you’re planning to stay longer it might be a good idea to park further away and walk to the beach. Studland Bay is a beach located in Dorset with white sand dunes and clear waters. The most popular naturist beach in the UK, it is a favourite with families. Why not take a picnic lunch and spend the day relaxing on the sand while the kids play, or you could take a quiet stroll through the dunes and spot any curious wildlife.

Make to most of your summer this year, try new things and visit new places. Get road ready and go on a UK adventure in a campervan, travel to your nearest theme park for some adrenaline spiking fun, enjoy a festival or spend the day at a beach when the weather is warm. Whatever you decide, take advantage of the season and plan fun ways to spend your time. Winter will be here before you know it!