Things to do out and about in local cities
This summer may not be the traditional British summer filled with beach visits, festivals, extended getaways and late nights surrounded by all our mates. However, no matter where you live, you can still make the most of the sunshine and socialise at the same time. Here are just a few things you can do around the country with friends, housemates or family to make this heatwave season one to remember.
Check out a drive-in cinema
While conventional cinemas aren’t the best option to take advantage of the weather, outdoor drive-ins are the perfect solution. Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, plenty of drive-in picture houses like Luna Cinema, At The Drive In and more have popped up in London, Manchester, and many other cities across the country.
The way it works is simple. Just book your tickets and movie snacks online and rock up to the cinema. You’ll be allocated a spot for your car, and your food gets delivered straight to you. With so many critically acclaimed blockbusters on show, you’re bound to find a brilliant movie you’ll all love. To hear the movie audio crystal clear, tune your car radio to the right frequency and crank up the volume to feel every action sequence. Oh, and don’t forget to crank up the AC too!
Al fresco dining
There are few things more summery than dining outside on a picturesque patio with family. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, paella, or even a cheeky Nandos, there’s no shortage of restaurants to visit in every city. While it may be trickier to escape abroad this year, eating al fresco at a quaint bistro or café is the best way to bring the holiday vibes home Just make sure to call up and book an outdoor table in advance to avoid disappointment when you arrive.
Browse an outdoor market
We love outdoor markets and boot sales. They’re great places to bag yourself a bargain, and an ideal way to spend a morning during the summer season. With many outdoor markets reopening up and down the UK, it’s a good time to grab your wallet and get browsing. More and more market stalls are encouraging contactless payment, so don’t worry if you’re trying to avoid using cash right now.
Top tip: head down early to beat the crowds, and you’ll get the pick of the best items on offer at the same time!
Explore the nature on your doorstep
No matter where you live in the UK, you’re never too far away from a brilliant outdoor space, and there’s never been a better time to explore. Whether it’s a forest, nature reserve, hiking route or sweeping coastline, there are many gorgeous places to visit and breathe in the fresh air. Try finding a route you’re not familiar with and discover just how beautiful your local area is. Better yet, take a picnic, some ice-cold drinks and a couple of friends, head out and reconnect with gorgeous surroundings and peaceful quiet.
And don’t forget, no matter how far you venture from home, you can always keep track of your data usage with iD Mobile. Simply open the app to monitor your allowances wherever you are – it doesn’t matter if you’re not on WiFi, keeping tabs on your usage won’t cost you a thing.
Competition time…
We’re giving two lucky iD Community members the chance to win a £100 Currys PC World voucher. All you have to do is tell us your favourite town or city to visit in the UK and why!
Let us know your answer in the comments below, and you could be in with a chance of winning. The competition closes on Thursday 20th August, and we’ll select two winners at random. Good luck!
T&Cs apply.
Winner Announcement
Thank you to everyone who entered this competition, it was great to see all of your entries. Some very interesting stories and great pictures.
Without further ado, I am pleased to announce the winner of this competition is.... drum roll please.....
Keep your eyes peeled for our next competition, who will win next time?
