Love to live: Your local area bucket list

We’re all dreaming of days outside with the family, a trip to our top restaurant and even a bit of physical retail therapy. Being out and about is not only good for our legs, but for our mind and soul, too.

That’s why we’ve come up with our UK bucket list – which you can do no matter where you live, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Follow our top things to do in the UK and you’re bound to find a hidden gem amongst your local area.

1. Support the British Food Community

We’re big advocates of our local area – and that includes local produce and suppliers. Like most of the UK you maybe be partial to an international favourite such as a mouth-watering curry or sumptuous pasta meal, but do you really know how good the restaurants are that feature the best of British? Make your next meal out one that supports British produce.

2. Take all that the beach has to offer

We all like to take a stroll along our nearest coastline, but how many of embrace it to the full? On that next sunny weekend why don’t you feel the freedom of paddling in the sea, try your hand at rock pooling and try that old classic – and build a sandcastle or sculpture.

3. Visit a new National Trust Site

We love a day trip alongside the National Trust! From castles to gardens and from abbeys to parks, there really is a plethora of days out at your fingertips. With over 500 Heritage properties on its books; you’re sure to be a short drive away from your next family day out.

4. Take a hike and enjoy a picnic

There’s something very under rated about a good ol’ walk in the countryside. Take in the fresh air, views and flora and fauna on your doorstep – whether it be the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, Wolds or Malvern Hills.

5. Explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Dotted across the UK, lie majestic beauties, referred to as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Showcasing the best that the British scenery has to offer, you’re sure to find peaceful stunning landscapes and fresh air aplenty. From Cornwall to the Forest of Bowland and Northumberland Coast, you’re sure to find at Area near you.

6. Enjoy a day trip to one of the ‘UK’s best places to visit’

Feel like you’ve seen the best your local area has to offer? Not to worry – we're sure you’ll find some inspiration on Time Out’s ‘Best places to visit in the UK’ guide.

7. Host a BBQ with your loved ones

An old British classic, we all love to gather with our loved ones, put on the BBQ, make a few salads, have a drink and celebrate our summer. What way to better capture our local community than embracing good food, good company and good weather?

8. Buy a homemade gift from a market stall

Some relish in the hustle and bustle of a market stall, some turn away at the thoughts of crowds, loud music and delicious street food. Ones thing for sure, our community spirit will be in full swing for market stalls later in 2020. Why not support local business and find a homemade gift you can treat a loved one with?

9. Embrace the day with a local food, ale or gin festival

Whether it’s a festival of ale, a celebration or gin or a blowout at the food stalls and trucks; make the most of what Britain has to offer on the food and drink festival front. Happening at cities, town, Stately homes and rural areas across the UK – you're sure to have a lavish day out.

10. Listen to a waterfall

Did you know the sound of water is proven to have a positive impact on our mental health? Well now you know! What better way to hear the sounds of fresh running water than visiting a waterfall near you – our local favourite is Gaping Gill in North Yorkshire.