August is one of the warmest months in the UK – and many of us will be wanting to make the most of the sunnier weather before autumn rolls around.
The good news is that there are plenty of fun events taking place across the country this month, as well as many simple ways to enjoy the great outdoors. From performing arts and foodie festivals to hot air balloon fiestas, river carnivals, and scenic walks, hopefully there’s something for everyone.
With that said, here are 10 things to do and places to visit in the UK this August.
1. Look to the sky at Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol
If four days of free family fun sounds good to you, then you might be interested in Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta.
The fiesta was founded in 1976 when a small group of like-minded balloonists came together to showcase their balloons. And today, the fiesta hosts over 100 hot air balloons and attracts around 500,000 people.
Early birds will enjoy the fiesta’s morning ascents, where hot air balloons are sent into the sky around 6am. You might like to grab a coffee from one of the traders on site before settling in to watch the balloons inflate up close and fly over the sunrise.
Alternatively, if you’re more of a night owl, there are evening balloon ascents too, as well as ‘night glows’ where dozens of tethered balloons are lit up in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music. There’s also entertainment to enjoy throughout the day including live music, police dog displays, and historical balloon shows. Check out the full programme here.
The Balloon Fiesta has become a significant icon of Bristol and remains free of charge to the public – in line with the ethos of how it was founded. This year, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will run from 9th to 11th August.
2. Watch inspiring performances at Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, London
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is London’s leading festival of outdoor theatre and performing arts. Expect to see groundbreaking displays of art, dance, and circus set against the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic places.
This year’s programme includes powerful installations of street theatre – including THAW, an eight-hour aerial production performed on a 2.5 block of ice, which is designed to highlight the urgent need for global climate action.
With such meaningful performances, it’s no wonder that the Guardian described the festival as an “unrivalled contribution to the happiness of the people of London”.
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival will take place from 23rd August to 8th September 2024.
3. Immerse yourself in an epic tale of England at Kynren, County Durham
History buffs won’t want to miss the unforgettable performance of Kynren: An Epic Tale of England in Bishop Auckland, County Durham this month.
Presented by 11 Arches, this 90-minute outdoor theatrical performance vividly brings to life two thousand years of history, myth, and legend with breathtaking use of choreography, equestrianism, stunts, special effects, and pyrotechnics.
From Boudicca’s battles with the Romans all the way through to two world wars (with plenty of Vikings, Tudors, Stuarts, and Victorians in between!), Kynren is a truly spectacular display of our nation’s rich history. To find out more about what to expect, head over to the 11 Arches website.
There are various performances of Kynren: An Epic Tale of England throughout August and in early September 2024.
4. Meet four-legged friends at the All About Dogs Show, various locations across the UK
If you’re mad about dogs, the All About Dogs Show might be right up your street. An event organised by dog lovers for dog lovers, at the All About Dogs Show you can chat to dog experts, enjoy the excellent arena displays, explore the over 100 trade stands, or simply relax.
If you have a four-legged friend of your own, why not enter them into one of the contests for the chance to win a rosette? There’s everything from agility and fastest recall to lure racing.
The All About Dogs Show will take place in Newbury, Newark, Norfolk, and Hylands Park over the bank holiday weekend this August. Find out more about what to expect on the All About Dogs website.
5. Uncover myth and legend at Wake the Giant Festival, County Down
Located on the picturesque shores of Carlingford Lough, Warrenpoint, is a charming Northern Irish town steeped in history and culture.
The tales of Fionn Mac Cumhaill (a Scottish giant who was led to the creation of the Giants Causeway in County Antrim) are deeply woven into the history of Warrenpoint. And the town’s annual Wake the Giant Festival, where residents re-enact epic tales, is the ideal opportunity to experience it all.
At this vibrant festival, you can learn about Warrenpoint’s unique heritage and legends; immerse yourself in live music and performances; and enjoy delicious food worthy of a giant at speciality food stalls. Plus, this year holds even more excitement with the addition of two new Giant Guardians, Wee Binnian and Carley.
Then, during the festival’s most popular attraction, The Giant’s Parade, get ready to watch and cheer giant puppets as they go by. This year, Wake the Giant Festival will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August. The event is free to attend.
7. Visit the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, mid Wales
If you fancy doing something a bit different this August, why not head to the World Bog Snorkelling Championships held in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales?
Forget typical sports for the day and immerse yourself in this highly entertaining – if not slightly unorthodox – one-of-a-kind event.
In a unique test of skill and endurance, bog snorkellers must complete two consecutive lengths of a 55-metre water-filled trench wearing snorkels, masks, and flippers (and a wetsuit if desired!) in the shortest time possible.
Over 40 years since its beginnings in 1976, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships now attracts competitors from all over the world – including Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and even Australia.
This weird and wonderful sport makes for a fun – and definitely unique – day out. In fact, Lonely Planet described it as one of the world’s top 50 ‘must-do experiences’. Plus, if you decide to get involved, there’s a world title up for grabs.
The World Bog Snorkelling Championships will take place on Sunday 25th August, 2024.
6. Explore some of the UK’s most beautiful walking routes, UK-wide
Most of us enjoy a walk on a warm summer’s day. Feeling the sunshine on your face and breathing in the fresh air is enough to leave anyone feeling rejuvenated.
In the UK we’re blessed to have an amazing range of beautiful and varied walking routes, and there’s never been a better time to start exploring them. From magnificent coastal paths and vast forests to peaceful countryside meadows and stunning national parks – there’s something for every kind of walker.
Whether you decide to challenge yourself with a hike or would prefer to stroll gently with a picnic in hand, walking is good for the soul. For inspiration, check out our articles; 11 different types of walks to enjoy this summer and 12 rewarding activities to do while walking.
Alternatively, why not make a staycation of it? One of these 5 remote destinations for a UK walking holiday might spark your interest.
8. Brush up on your culinary skills at Oxford Foodies Festival, Oxford
If eating tasty food, dancing to live music, browsing artisan markets, and ordering from pop-up bars sounds like your kind of day out, then Oxford Foodies Festival is one to add to your calendar this month.
Learn how to make magnificent cakes with experts bakers and Great British Bake Off stars; sample new wines, cocktails, and champagnes; or watch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred, and top local chefs cook up their signature summer recipes. This year, there’s also a Thai Green Curry Cook School with celebrity chef Nigel Brown, as well as live-fire cooking with Lumberjaxe Food Company.
Once you’re full up, head over to the live music stage for a dance where you’ll find performances from the likes of Blue, Sister Sledge, and Symphonic Ibiza. .
There’ll also be plenty of fun events hosted in The Kids Cookery Theatre if you’re bringing little ones along.
Oxford Foodies Festival takes place in South Parks, Oxford, between 24th and 26th August. Check out the full festival timetable here.
If Oxford is too far for you, the Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Guildford Foodies Festivals are also taking place in August. You can find out more on the Foodies Festival website.
9. Reminisce over great music at International Beatleweek, Liverpool
If you’re a fan of the legendary music band, The Beatles, you might be pleased to know that there’s a festival in Liverpool dedicated to celebrating their music.
Liverpool is the city where it all began for the Beatles, and International Beatleweek is the ideal way to celebrate their legacy. Live music is the central focus, but with 70 bands from 20 different countries and fans from 40 countries, you don’t actually need to be a Beatles fan to enjoy this festival.
At The Cavern Club (famously the birthplace of the Beatles), three stages will come alive with music all day, everyday – with a different band appearing every hour. There’ll also be performances in various other venues across Liverpool, so guests can get a real taste of the city.
To find out more about what to expect, check out the festival lineup on the International Beatleweek Festival website. This year, the festival will take place from 21st to 27th August.
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10. Celebrate art and culture at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Fringe Festival is known for being one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture in the world.
For three weeks, Edinburgh comes alive with a new lease of energy, as various artists and performers take to the stage to showcase their talents. The festival has a mixture of free and ticketed events, ranging from comedy and theatre to dance and circus.
The city’s streets will also bustle with buskers, street performers, living statues, and delicious food vendors.
To find out more about what to expect, check out the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival programme. The festival will take place from 2nd to 26th August.
Final thoughts…
With plenty of sunny weather (hopefully!), August is the ideal time to make fun plans and enjoy lasting memories with loved ones. And luckily, with various events taking place this month, as well as many simple ways to explore the best of the UK, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For further reading, head over to the art and culture or travel sections of our website. Here, you’ll find everything from popular days out in the UK to staycation inspiration.