7 Things to do by yourself this summer

To some people, solo travel is an exciting way to make new friends and explore other countries – whilst for others it can seem really daunting. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy summer on your own!  

Whether you’re after adventure, self-care, or a way to make new friends, there are countless activities you can try by yourself this summer. We’ve discovered 7 activities perfect for any solo explorers looking to stay busy and make the most of their summer, no matter where you are. 

7 ideas for enjoying summer when you’re flying solo 

1. Go to a Comedy Show or Live Performance 

Everybody loves to laugh, right? Comedy is not only community building, its also a great way to enjoy a solo night out, without the pressure of other people’s attention. It’s usually easy to find shows that are free or at affordable prices, and you can also get to know and support your local comics! 

If comedy isn’t your thing, you could see if there are any slam poetry nights, community theatre productions, musical performances, or other events happening in your area. If you’re stuck on where to look, you can always use Eventbrite to search your local area for tailored events. 

2. Take up a Sport or Try Something New 

As the weather gets better, it’s easier to get outside and enjoy some exercise! Check out your local gym or sports centre to see if they are offering any classes or sports try-outs – lots of these events are also tailored at beginners and single exercisers.  

Group sports can also be a great way to make new friends in your local area and link a regular activity into your routine. If you want to find out more about opportunities where you are, Meetup has the ability to search by specific event types (including sports and fitness) across the UK. 

3. Have Fun Fruit Picking 

Farms across the UK will be opening their fields to the public and encouraging fruit picking all season long. This nostalgic activity is a brilliant solo date, where you can truly relax and appreciate some downtime in the sunshine. 

Why not bring your bounty home and try your hand at baking something too? Supporting local businesses and baking yourself a sweet treat at the end of the day is a win-win! BBC Goodfood has plenty of fresh summer recipe ideas for whatever fruit you can find, whether it’s a local blackberry bush or a pick your own farm. 

4. Volunteer in your Community 

Volunteering is a great way to spend your free time, do some good for your community, and add value to your CV. On top of all that, you will also meet groups of likeminded people in your local area, and come away with a sense of fulfilment. 

If you are staying in Manchester over the summer, check out our article on volunteering opportunities in Manchester. You could also set yourself a goal and fundraise for a charity that means something to you – for example, tackling the Yorkshire three peaks walk, training for a marathon, or even swimming the equivalent distance of the English channel! 

5. Create a Summer Reading List 

A good book is a summer staple – and can be the perfect way to get a bit of escapism in a gripping story. Why not set off to find your new favourite cosy spot to read in, whether that’s a local coffee shop or a hidden gem in the city. You’ll feel a lot more connected to the environment than if you were just listening to music in your headphones! 

Reading for fun can help you to wind down over the summer, but it can also be an opportunity to practice some self-care! Keep an eye on our socials for our top picks for the best wellbeing reads of the summer, including a comprehensive list of contemporary novels and self-help guides. 

6. Try Geocaching 

You might be surprised how much of your hometown you’ve never seen before, and there are lots of ways to explore safe routes and trails! Geocaching is a real-world adventure game, which involves other ‘players’ hiding caches in public, often with little tokens, toys, and a logbook.  

You can then use the app as an orienteering device to follow the trail and trade items with the cache, or just leave a note in the logbook! Geocaching has a large, active community who share tips and advice – and you can also set up your own cache. Before you go exploring, make sure to read and follow these safety tips and guidance to get the most out of your experience.  

7. Practice Self Care  

Nothing is more important over the summer than allowing yourself to wind down, do more of the things you enjoy, and look after your mental and physical health. This could be as easy as getting some regular exercise, writing a journal or online blog, or just pampering yourself!  

If you feel like really treating yourself, you could book onto a spa day or get a relaxing treatment – or you could make a day spa at home, with facemasks and a bubble bath. Even whilst you’re enjoying some solo fun, our services are available for you all summer long if you need any support. You can find out more summer self-care tips here.