Picnics are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the sun
Most of us spend all year looking forward to summer, but when it finally arrives, we struggle to find the time in which to enjoy it.
Holidays are what we really want, but work commitments can make it hard to find more than a weekend to ourselves.
Here, we've put together some ideas for good days out to help you enjoy your free time over summer, however short it may be.
Have a day at the seaside
Although it rarely shows, we're guessing that you want to make the most of the sun. So why not try visiting one of Britian's beautiful beaches for a day?
Surprisingly, Britain has lots of sandy, picturesque beaches all over the country, so its not hard to find one close to you. Some of the highlights include Cornwall, Sandsend in Yorkshire, and Brighton Beach.
Make sure to check the weather before you go, so you can enjoy the sand and sea, without worrying about the rain.
Go on a roadtrip
It may seem a little teen movie-ish, but a road trip can be the perfect way to relax and have fun with friends. They can also be as long as you want, which means they're perfect for those with a time limit.
If you're really struggling for time, just make it a day trip. But for the those with the weekend to spare, try stopping over at a camp site and enjoying a night with friends.
Some of the best campsites include The Lake District and Cornwall, but why not be a little more adventurous and try wild camping in Scotland or Dartmoor, where they allow you to stay a few nights where you please.
Go to a theme park
For those a little less relaxed, try visiting one of Britian's array of theme parks. They're good for both families and friends, and the adrenaline rush means that you'll come away feeling like you achieved more than you thought you could on your day off.
Themeparktourist.com names the top three theme parks in Britain as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Alton Towers, and Legoland Windsor, but others that made the top ten list include Thorpe Park and Drayton Manor.
Go to a festival
This one might need a little more time, but if you're a music lover, it's worth getting down to a festival just for the experience.
Summer is the perfect time for festivals, so why not take advantage. Most of the big festivals now offer day tickets, and if its a smaller festival its not likely to be on for more that two days anyway.
Classic festivals include Glastonbury and Reading/ Leeds, but if being squashed between drunk teenagers isn't your thing then try something a little calmer, like The Wicker Man Festival or Latitude festival.
If you've already got festival fever, try seeing what's on in your area. Lots of major cities host their own festivals so why not go and take a look.
If a music festival isn't really your scene, why not try an arts or film festival. They have just as much to offer, and you'll come out feeling much more cultured than when you went in.
Have a picnic in the park
Finally, if you're feeling like staying a little closer to home, why not wait until the sun is shining and go for a picnic in the park.
Invite a few friends, or take the family, and have fun. Take some games and lots of food and just relax.
It's the perfect way to enjoy summer in a short space of time.
By Emma Cocker