How to make the most of a British summer

Here in the UK, we have witnessed a surprising but very pleasant change in the weather. Turning from blistery cold climes, even in May, we are now enjoying glorious sunshine and temperatures of up to 27 degrees. However, being as temperamental as it is, we Brits know that this glimmer of warmth won’t last long. So here are some tips on how to make the most of a lovely British summer.

1. First thing’s first – get outside while you can! Forget TV and video games, it’s all about getting out there and doing the things we can’t the rest of the year. Even if you’re in a city, this country boasts plenty of green, open spaces where you can chill out, read a book, take a nap, or (as we are known for) have a cup of tea on the terrace. Don’t stay cooped up inside!
2. On that note, why don’t you play a bit of sport while you’re at it? We love sport here, and in the summer we most enjoy cricket, badminton, and tennis – Andy Murray’s success at Wimbledon has got us all dusting off our rackets. Whichever sport you choose, you can socialise and get fit at the same time.
3. Create an unforgettable summer soundtrack. We love our summer playlists, and we love summer festivals – there are almost too many to choose from! So far this season Glastonbury and T in the Park have enjoyed fabulous weather (no mud this year, wow!) along with incredible music from great British musicians, old and new. The result? Sunshine + music = unbeatable combination.
4. Top that off with some great British grub. Eat as much summer fruit as possible, like strawberries. They are only in season this time of year, and you can even find a local fruit farm where you can pick them yourself. They are absolutely necessary for your picnic in the park! And let’s not forget our prized barbecue, or BBQ. We can smell them everywhere! They are so easy to cook and are a great way to get together with friends and family.
5. Explore. Go places you never get the chance to in winter. Get on your bike and head down to the beach (yes, we do have some good ones!), or enjoy the peace of the countryside. Find out how beautiful our country can be: we tend to forget it all in winter.
6. Finally, and this is a practical tip – put on sun cream. It may sound silly to you but the sun is out there, ready to turn your nose shiny and red if you’re not careful. Trust me… I know from experience!