Things to do in the summer holidays

Fill your summer with exciting experiences, spend quality time with friends and family, and make the most of the money-saving benefits included with your Boundless membership.

From seasonal events in the beautiful gardens at Kew Gardens to discovering incredible wildlife at Edinburgh Zoo and West Midlands Safari Park, learning to paddleboard, or tackling the high ropes at Go Ape, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a fun-filled summer while saving with Boundless.

If you're looking for creative inspiration, Boundless Plus members can also enjoy discounted entry to outstanding museums, galleries and exhibitions with Art Pass, including this year's Art Fund Museum of the Year winner, The Box in Plymouth, and the other shortlisted venues.

Boundless savings on summer days out

Summer events at Kew Gardens

Sebastian Kettley © RBG KewBask in the sunshine or relax beneath the shade of the trees at Kew Gardens this summer and enjoy one of the UK’s most spectacular gardens. Stroll through the grounds at your own pace before treating yourself to a refreshing drink, a bite to eat, or an ice cream from one of the on-site cafés and restaurants.

Kew Gardens hosts a packed programme of summer events, including exclusive early and late openings for members, walking tours, as well as silent discos in the Temperate House and wellbeing experiences (additional tickets required).

Boundless offer

Boundless membership includes unlimited annual access to both Kew Gardens and Kew Wakehurst, making it easy to visit regularly and enjoy these unique landscapes. Members also get 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children and a 10% discount at all Kew shops.

Experience nature up close at WWT

Getty ImagesWherever you are in the UK, you’re never far from one of the nine WWT centres, making it easy to connect with nature and discover the incredible wildlife on your doorstep. These beautifully maintained wetland reserves provide a haven for an amazing variety of species, such as wading and migratory birds, frogs, newts and insects and small mammals. Every visit offers the chance to explore these fascinating habitats, spot something unexpected and learn more about the natural world.

Throughout the year, WWT centres host a wide range of events and activities, including guided wildlife walks, craft sessions and seasonal family experiences, such as pond dipping, canoe safaris and wildlife festivals. Event programmes and dates vary; visit each centre's website to see what’s on near you.

Boundless offer

As a Boundless member, you’ll get unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, free entry for up to five children, half-price entry for one extra adult, and 10% off in the on-site shops and cafés – making every visit even more rewarding.

Great summer activities for families using Kids Pass

Walk on the wild side with a visit to a zoo or wildlife park

Getty ImagesIf your family loves animals, using your Kids Pass membership is a fantastic way to save on entry to some of the UK’s best zoos and safari parks.

Enjoy up to 39% off at popular spots like Edinburgh Zoo, West Midland Safari Park, and Trentham Monkey Forest. With a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, these attractions promise a fun and educational day out, come rain or shine.

Boundless offer

Using your Boundless Kids Pass membership, get up to 39% off entry to West Midlands Safari Park for a wild summer day out to remember. Buckle up for a thrilling drive-through safari where you’ll encounter lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and cheeky monkeys. On foot, explore a host of immersive exhibits, from penguin coves and sea lion shows to a reptile house, otters, and the ever-popular lemur woods.

Test your head for heights at Go Ape

GO Ape Ashworth PhotographyGet ready for adrenaline-pumping fun at Go Ape, where treetop challenges and exhilarating zip wires await across stunning forest locations around the UK. These outdoor activity centres offer the perfect mix of adventure and nature, with high ropes courses designed to thrill explorers of all ages.

Experience the thrill of flying through the air on a ziplining adventure and discover some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes from a whole new perspective. From rugged mountains and dramatic quarries in North Wales to unique urban settings in London, Zip World offers a range of adrenaline-fuelled experiences for adventure seekers of all ages.

Take on the world-famous Velocity zip line in Snowdonia – one of the fastest in the world – or explore treetop courses, underground caverns and other exhilarating challenges at Zip World locations across the UK.

Boundless offer:

Boundless members can enjoy 15% off entry (including Saturdays) at Go Ape and 10% off entry fees at Zip World with Kids Pass.

Experience the ultimate Blackpool adventure

Getty ImagesBlackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s most iconic seaside amusement parks, combining world-class roller coasters, family-friendly attractions and stunning coastal views. From legendary rides like The Big One and the Big Dipper to the cutting-edge thrills of ICON, there’s excitement around every corner, plus the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land that should appeal to younger visitors.

Alternatively, step into the spotlight at Showtown in Blackpool, an exciting interactive museum that brings the town’s legendary entertainment history to life.

Explore the stories behind Blackpool’s famous shows, performers and spectacular attractions through immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences designed for all ages. Blending culture, creativity and plenty of fun, it’s a fantastic choice for families looking to enjoy a day out with a difference.

Boundless offer

Save 39% off Blackpool Pleasure Beach ride wristbands and up to 30% off Showtown entry with Kids Pass (valid until 31 January 2027). Plus, enjoy up to 50% off entry to hundreds of museums, tours and attractions across the UK when you book through the Kids Pass app or website.

Cool off at a water park

Getty ImagesOn hot summer days, there’s no better way to cool off than with a visit to one of the UK’s top indoor or outdoor water parks. In Staffordshire, Waterworld is packed with more than 30 exciting rides and attractions, including Thunderbolt, the UK’s first trapdoor-drop water slide.

For more family fun, attractions including Alton Towers Resort, Gulliver’s, LEGOLAND Windsor, Crealy Adventure Park and Twycross Zoo also have splash zones and water rides, alongside their other thrilling rides and attractions.

Boundless offer:

With Kids Pass, a combined entry deal to Waterworld and Adventure Mini Golf is just £25.99 per person*, so you can enjoy big thrills without breaking the bank.

*On average, Kids Pass members save 13% off the gate price: £16.04 based on 2 adults and 2 children.

Discover award-winning museums and galleries with Art Pass

Visit the National Museum of the Year 2026 winner and shortlist

One PlymouthThe Box in Plymouth has been crowned the 2026 Art Fund Museum of the Year, cementing its status as one of the UK’s most exciting cultural destinations. Home to art, archaeology, natural history and interactive exhibitions, it’s well worth a visit. The other shortlisted museums were the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, the National Gallery in London, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, and V&A East Storehouse in London, highlighting the strength and diversity of the UK’s museum scene.

Boundless offer:

Now available with Boundless Plus membership, you can visit the winning museum and finalists of the Art Fund Museum of the Year for free with your National Art Pass, as well as many other museums, galleries, and heritage sites for free or with discounted admission prices.

Not yet a Boundless Plus member? Find out more about upgrading to Boundless Plus membership and the benefits it offers on everything from days out to restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Explore the Great Outdoors this Summer

Go for a walk

Getty ImagesOne of the greatest joys of summer is exploring the British countryside on foot, taking in spectacular scenery and spotting local wildlife along the way. And what could be better than discovering a tranquil picnic spot to pause and drink in the view?

From accessible, family-friendly trails to more challenging routes for experienced walkers, there are hundreds of well-marked paths across the UK to suit every ability and fitness level. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more strenuous adventure, there’s a route waiting to be explored. For inspiration, discover our pick of 20 of the best summer walks in the UK.

Boundless offer

To help plot your route, don’t forget that Boundless members get 35% off an OS Maps Premium annual subscription, providing access to every OS Explorer and Landranger map. Members also benefit from thousands of expertly plotted walking routes across the UK’s footpaths, tracks, and trails. For adventures off the beaten path, these maps can also be downloaded and printed, ensuring you can navigate confidently even in areas with limited signal.

If you’re a keen walker, you may be interested to learn that Boundless Plus membership includes access to the Ramblers walking community and routes.

Visit the National Trust gardens

Getty ImagesSpend a summer day exploring the beautiful gardens and grounds in the care of the National Trust. From walled gardens and glasshouses to tranquil lakeside paths and woodland walks and sweeping parkland, there’s something to enjoy at every pace. Many gardens offer accessible routes, family-friendly trails and cafés for a well-earned break.

For families looking for activities in the summer, the National Trust’s Summer of Play returns to many of its sites, this year supported by Pokémon. Free to attend with general entry, this event encourages free play and creativity.

Boundless offer

With a Boundless membership, you can enjoy a discount of 10% on National Trust Gift Cards via Daily Discounts. These cards can be used to explore more than 500 historic houses, castles, gardens and other sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to shop and dine in National Trust stores and cafés.

National Trust for Scotland

Getty ImagesFrom magnificent castles and gardens to dramatic mountains and beautiful nature reserves, the National Trust for Scotland manages some of Scotland’s most incredible places, including Glencoe National Nature Reserve, Culross Castle and Inverewe Garden.

Explore historic castles and battlefields, uncover fascinating stories from Scotland’s past, wander through ancient woodlands and even climb a Munro while taking in spectacular coastal and countryside scenery. Whether you're planning a family day out or a scenic summer stroll, a visit to one of the National Trust for Scotland’s top places is a fantastic day out for all ages.

Boundless offer:

With a Boundless Plus membership, you can enjoy unlimited access to over 100 National Trust for Scotland properties, including free admission for up to six children per visit and complimentary car parking.

Learn to paddleboard with friends

Getty ImagesTake to the water and discover Brighton’s beautiful coastline from a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with a fun introductory Virgin Experience Days session, available with savings of up to 20% for Boundless members.

A great introduction to paddleboarding for complete beginners, this fun and refreshing experience is a unique way to try something new with friends. Glide past the iconic Palace Pier, take in views of the historic seafront and enjoy a unique perspective of Brighton’s coastline while getting closer to nature.

Boundless offer:

Boundless members can save up to 20% on a Brighton Coastal Paddleboarding Experience with Virgin Experience Days.

Take a roadtrip

Getty ImagesDiscover some of the UK’s most rewarding road trip destinations, from the rugged Scottish Highlands to the golden beaches of England’s south-west coast.

Whether you’re hopping between chocolate box villages in the Cotswolds, driving the iconic Atlantic Highway, exploring Wordsworth’s Lake District, venturing through the mountains of North Wales or taking in the dramatic landscapes of the Yorkshire Moors, every route is packed with beautiful scenery, fascinating history and plenty of places to stop along the way.

Why not join Boundless’ Classic Vehicle Group and join motor enthusiasts on the road and at events?

Whatever your preferred mode of transport, load up the car or motorhome, plan your playlist and set off on an epic UK summer road trip.

Read on to see how this family enjoyed their first motorhome roadtrip adventure in Northern Ireland.

Boundless offer:

Members save 10% on motorhome hire with Swift Go.

Eat out for less with tastecard

Enjoy great-value al fresco dining

Getty ImagesSavour the warmer weather and long summer evenings with delicious food and refreshing drinks on rooftop terraces, beside the water or in cosy garden courtyards, all while saving with tastecard and Coffee Club.

Whether you're planning a family meal at favourites such as PizzaExpress and Prezzo Italian, grabbing an on-the-go bite at Burger King, Popeyes, and Krispy Kreme, or simply treating yourself to barista made drinks from a local café, you'll find plenty of great-value places to dine and drink outdoors.

Alongside year-round savings at a wide range of restaurants, your complimentary tastecard membership also gives you access to Coffee Club discounts, helping you save on barista-made drinks at major chains like Caffè Nero, as well as thousands of independent cafés across the UK.

Boundless offer:

Boundless members get free access to tastecard, including Coffee Club. This includes 2 for 1 meals, or 25% off your total bill across 1,000s of restaurants with tastecard, and 25% off barista-made drinks throughout the week with Coffee Club.

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}