The UK's Summer Hotspots

The first sunny weekend of the year, the BBQ’s dusted off , the paddling pool's out, and the picnic blankets are packed. The garden furniture's made its annual journey from the shed, and somewhere, someone's confidently telling everyone it'll definitely stay dry this time.

Sound familiar?

Summer in the UK might not always bring wall-to-wall sunshine, but it does bring out the best in us. The UK's Summer Hotspots Index is a fun exploration of the cities leading the nation's favourite seasonal traditions.

We've analysed 84 towns and cities across the UK, looking at everything from green spaces and family activities to camping culture and search trends, to uncover where people are making the most of summer living.

So, which cities are firing up the strongest BBQs? Where are picnic plans always on standby? And who’s embracing British summertime whatever the forecast? Let's find out!

Nothing says British summer quite like planning a picnic at the first sight of blue sky.

For this ranking, we looked at the average summer temperature, sunshine hours, rainfall, access to parks and public gardens, Green Flag Award spaces and local search interest in picnic-related terms.

1. London 

London takes the top spot as the UK's picnic capital. With strong access to green space, the most Green Flag Award sites in the ranking and one of the warmest average summer temperatures, it's no surprise picnic culture is thriving. Despite its fast pace, the capital's huge appetite for picnics suggests people are still finding time to slow down, head outdoors and make the most of the season.

2. Hastings

With some of the highest sunshine levels and excellent access to green space, Hastings is a place where making plans outdoors feels like second nature. The index suggests residents are quick to make the most of good weather when it arrives, embracing the kind of spontaneous summer plans that start with "shall we just eat outside?"

3. Harlow

Harlow claims third spot thanks to its strong mix of low rainfall, good access to green space and strong picnic interest. The ingredients for a great picnic are already there. When the sun comes out, it seems residents don't need much convincing to head outside.

4. Reading

Reading stands out for having the highest picnic search interest per person in the UK. While favourable summer conditions certainly help, it's the local enthusiasm that's really driving its position in the ranking. In fact, picnic food was one of the most searched-for topics, suggesting residents know that a great picnic starts long before the blanket hits the grass. The people of Reading certainly have their picnic priorities in check!

5. Brighton

Brighton rounds out the top five, with warm temperatures, countless sunshine hours and strong picnic interest. This seaside city has all the ingredients for a great picnic: good weather odds, sea views and a population that knows the value of eating picky bits somewhere other than the sofa.

Choose food that travels well

Some foods were made for picnics, others were made to create bug-filled blankets and damp spots not ideal for sitting. Wraps, pasta salads, pastries, fruit and picky bits tend to hold up best on the journey. And if you're bringing something homemade, portion it out before you leave.

A comfortable set-up goes a long way

A great picnic spot can quickly lose its appeal if everyone is shifting around on damp grass. A picnic blanket with a waterproof backing can make all the difference, while reusable cups, plates and containers make sharing food a little bit easier.

Remember to pack the essentials

It's usually the smallest things that get forgotten. Napkins, wet wipes, cutlery, hand sanitiser and a bottle opener can all come in handy once you've settled in. These VIPs of picnicking keep everyone clean and comfortable even after hours on the grass.

Keep food and drinks cool

A few hours in the sun can do a number on food and drinks. A cool bag or insulated bottle can help keep everything fresh for longer, especially on warmer days.

Dress for the weather

British weather has a habit of keeping everyone on their toes. Sunglasses and sunscreen are just as important as a light jumper or jacket, particularly if you're planning to stay out into the evening. And if the worst were to happen and a spot of rain threatens to put a damper on your fun, being prepared with some waterproofs gives you a reliable Plan B.

Add a simple activity

Games and activities designed for all ages that don’t weigh you down can be the difference between simple outdoor snacking and a full-on picnic party. A pack of cards, a frisbee, a book or a small speaker can easily help keep the good times going.

Summer is peak hosting season; it's the ideal time for garden get-togethers, family BBQs and finally dusting off the garden furniture and putting outdoor spaces to good use.

For this ranking, we looked at factors such as private outdoor space ownership, sunshine hours, rainfall and local search interest in BBQ and outdoor dining related terms to uncover the UK's at-home hosting heroes.

1. St Helens

With plenty of sunshine and 95% of homes having access to private outdoor space, residents in St Helens are perfectly placed to make the most of this summer. All that's left to do is dust off the grill, bring out the garden furniture and send the "fancy a BBQ?" text!

2. Eastbourne

Eastbourne takes second place thanks to its winning combination of sunshine, low rainfall and strong BBQ interest. With the weather often on its side and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, it's a town that's well suited to summer entertaining. Here, a garden gathering doesn't need much planning, just a sunny forecast, something sizzling on the BBQ and a table full of familiar faces.

3. Bedford

Bedford claims third spot thanks to its strong mix of garden space, favourable weather conditions and one of the highest levels of BBQ interest in the ranking. It seems like BBQ season is clearly taken seriously here!

4. Worthing

Worthing takes fourth place in the ranking, combining strong hosting credentials with some of the sunniest conditions in the UK. Here, summer entertaining feels less like an occasion and more like a regular fixture in the calendar. The group chat's already active.

5. Maidstone

Known for its mix of town and countryside living, Maidstone rounds out the top five hosting hotspots. The combination of outdoor space, good weather prospects and strong BBQ interest makes it a natural fit for summer entertaining. Around here, hosting season is clearly in full swing!

Create spaces people want to gather in

The best garden parties don't happen around one table. A mix of dining seating, relaxed seating and a bit of shade can help guests settle in comfortably, while giving people space to chat, mingle and move around naturally throughout the day.

If you want to add an additional layer of comfort, opt for plush outdoor cushions for your chairs and benches that make guests want to linger longer.c

Feed people before they're hungry

The BBQ might be the main event, but it rarely runs exactly to schedule. Put out a few snacks and nibbles early to keep everyone happy while the grill gets going.

A self-serve drinks station can also be a host's best friend. An ice bucket, cool table or garden bar set-up keeps drinks flowing and frees you up to enjoy the gathering rather than playing bartender all afternoon.

Don't forget the atmosphere

Good food gets people through the door, but atmosphere is what keeps them there. A few well-placed lights can completely change the feel of a space, helping it feel warm, inviting and just as enjoyable after the sun goes down. Add a good playlist in the background and you've got all the ingredients for a great summer evening.

Be considerate of the neighbours

A great host looks after more than just their guests. Keep noise at a reasonable level, especially later in the evening. And if you're planning something bigger, perhaps talk to those who might be affected ahead of time or even extend them an invite!

For some people, a sunny weekend means finding a spot in the garden. For others, it means packing up the car, lacing up their walking boots and heading off in search of fresh air.

For this ranking, we looked at the places best set up for embracing the great outdoors. Cities were ranked based on factors including campsite access, walking trails, summer weather conditions and local interest in camping-related searches to uncover where adventurous spirits are thriving.

1. Brighton

Brighton tops the ranking as the UK's biggest camping hotspot. For many residents, the perfect summer weekend seems to start with a packed boot, a walking trail and end around a campfire. The city's strong camping culture suggests there's no shortage of people ready to swap creature comforts for fresh air and adventure.

2. Eastbourne

Eastbourne takes second place, combining some of the best camping weather in the ranking with strong local interest. When sunshine is practically a local resident, it's easy to see why life outdoors has such appeal.

3. Southampton

With an impressive 356 walking trails, Southampton secures its spot near the top. The local camping crowd aren't short of ways to fill a weekend, whether that's pitching up for the night or setting off on a route that takes far longer than originally planned.

4. Bristol

Backed by some of the strongest camping interests in the ranking, Bristol is a city where camping feels less like an occasional summer activity and more like a regular weekend option. If there's a free weekend in the calendar, chances are someone is already suggesting a trip away.

5. Slough

Known for its excellent transport links and proximity to the countryside, Slough rounds out the top five. With the warmest average temperatures in the ranking and favourable camping conditions, residents are well placed to make the most of camping season. All that's left to do is load up the camping gear, pick a destination and make a weekend of it.

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the UK's landscapes. But a good trip usually starts before you arrive. Booking a campsite in advance is always a smart move, especially during school holidays, bank holidays or sunny weekends when popular spots can fill up quickly.

It's also worth checking the rules before you go. Not all land allows camping without permission, and every campsite will have its own guidance on fires, noise, parking and waste. Being a good camper means respecting the space around you, keeping an eye on your impact and leaving your pitch exactly as you found it.

Camille Parry, Senior Buyer for Argos Home & Seasonal says: "A successful camping trip often comes down to the small things people remember to pack. A torch or lantern, extra batteries, a power bank and a few spare pegs can make a big difference once you're on site, especially after dark or if the weather changes."

"Comfort matters too. A camping chair, warm layers, a flask for hot drinks and a cool box for food can help make a weekend outdoors feel much easier. The goal is to stay prepared without overpacking, so you can spend less time worrying about kit and more time enjoying the trip."

Most importantly, don't feel the need to plan every minute. Camping is one of the few holidays where slowing down is part of the appeal. Leave room in the schedule for a longer walk, an evening around the campfire, or simply sitting back and enjoying the surroundings.

Looking for a complete camping checklist? Explore Argos' camping essentials guide for everything from tents and sleeping bags to camping accessories.

Keeping children entertained can sometimes feel like a summer sport. But some places seem to make it a little easier than others.

For this ranking, we looked at factors like green spaces, child-friendly museums, costs of a day-out and search trends around family-friendly activities to uncover the nation's family fun capitals.

1. Telford

Telford takes the top spot as the UK's family fun capital, combining affordable days out, excellent access to green space and the highest level of family activity interest in the ranking. It's a place where family adventures feel built into everyday life. Around here, "what shall we do today?" rarely goes unanswered.

2. Stockport

Despite not having a huge number of parks or child-friendly museums, Stockport takes second place thanks to its affordability and strong family activity interest. With the average family day out costing just £52.50, it's proof that family fun doesn't need to break the bank. Judging by local search trends, parents here are never short of ideas on how to keep the kids entertained.

3. Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent takes third place with more nearby parks and green spaces than anywhere else in the ranking. For families, that means plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, burn off some energy and make the most of the long summer days.

4. Portsmouth

With one of the highest numbers of child-friendly museums in the ranking, there's plenty to keep curious minds occupied in Portsmouth. Better still, a meal for two costs around £55 on average, compared to £80 in London, helping make family days out a little more affordable.

5. Wakefield

Wakefield rounds out the top five, with families showing some of the strongest interest in activities of any city in the ranking. It seems local parents are rarely short of ideas for keeping everyone entertained. But on the off-chance inspiration runs dry, we happen to know a board game or two that might help.

The Great British Summer doesn't always stick to the script.

One minute it's sunshine and blue skies, the next, it's a frantic search for somewhere indoors.

Fortunately, some places are better equipped than others for keeping the fun going when the weather has other ideas. For this ranking, we looked at family-friendly indoor activities, summer events and local interest in rainy-day activities to uncover the UK's all-weather summer champions.

1. Bedford

With a high concentration of indoor activities, a packed calendar of summer events and a strong interest in rainy-day activities, Bedford is a place that's ready for whatever the forecast has in store. Around here, a sudden downpour doesn't mean the fun has to stop; it just means moving on to Plan B.

2. Harlow

Harlow takes second place, thanks to its impressive mix of indoor attractions and summer events. The social calendar here seems to stay busy regardless of what's happening outside the window.

3. Stevenage

Similarly, Stevenage has one of the strongest selections of indoor activities and summer events in the ranking. For residents, spontaneity seems to be on their side. Even when plans change at the last minute, there's usually another option waiting nearby.

4. Salford

Taking the fourth place, Salford’s residents show some of the strongest interest in rainy-day activities anywhere in the ranking. It seems locals have fully embraced the art of making the most of whatever the weather throws at them. After all, if you spend enough time in the North West, you learn that waiting for perfect conditions isn't always an option.

4. Salford

Taking the fourth place, Salford’s residents show some of the strongest interest in rainy-day activities anywhere in the ranking. It seems locals have fully embraced the art of making the most of whatever the weather throws at them. After all, if you spend enough time in the North West, you learn that waiting for perfect conditions isn't always an option.

5. Nuneaton

Nuneaton rounds out the top five, showing that a fun summer doesn't always have to be about sunshine. With plenty of activities and events on offer, there's always something waiting in the wings.

Whether you're planning a picnic in the park, hosting a garden BBQ, heading off on a camping trip or looking for a rainy-day back-up plan, we're here to help you make the most of the season, whatever your version of summer looks like.

Looking for more ideas? Explore our camping checklist, garden essentials, or browse our range of family games.

The UK’s Summer Hotspots Index analysed 84 towns and cities across the UK to uncover the places leading the way across different summer lifestyles.

Five separate rankings were created, each focused on a different aspect of summer living: picnics, at-home hosting, camping, family fun and all-weather summer activities.

For each category, a range of publicly available data was sourced and normalised to allow fair comparisons between locations of different sizes.

The picnic capitals

Ranked using:

• Summer weather conditions, including average temperature, sunshine hours and rainfall, sourced from the Met Office
• Access to parks and public gardens, sourced from the ONS
• Number of Green Flag Award parks and green spaces, sourced from the Green Flag Award website
• Search interest in picnic-related terms, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

The at-home hosting heroes

Ranked using:

• Summer weather conditions, including average temperature, sunshine hours and rainfall, sourced from the Met Office
• Proportion of homes with access to a private garden, sourced from the ONS
• Search interest in BBQ-related terms, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

The camper club

Ranked using:

• Campsite availability, sourced from Campsites.co.uk
• Walking trail access, sourced from AllTrails
• Summer weather conditions, including average temperature, sunshine hours and rainfall, sourced from the Met Office
• Search interest in camping-related terms, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

The family fun capitals

Ranked using:

• Access to parks and green spaces, sourced from the ONS
• Child-friendly museums and attractions, sourced from WhichMuseum
• Average restaurant meal costs, sourced from Numbeo
• Search interest in family activity-related terms, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

The ‘rain or shine’ cities

Ranked using:

• Family-friendly indoor activities, sourced from Day Out With The Kids
• Summer events and entertainment availability, sourced from Eventbrite
• Search interest in rainy-day activity-related terms, sourced from Google Keyword Planner

Rankings reflect relative performance across the towns and cities analysed and are intended as a fun exploration of summer lifestyles across the UK.

Data is correct as of June 2026.