Depending on where you live, school may or may not be finished for the summer. Here are some ideas for things you could do during the weekends or your time off in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoying summer weekends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe schools are now out here in Scotland, so it\u2019s proper summer holiday season. We’re excited to be heading off on holiday soon in search of some sun after a long winter and a spring with plenty of mixed weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we get back we’ll be planning some fun summer weekends this July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making the most of July weekends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSummer weekends do feel special, and it\u2019s good to make the most of the longer days and warm weather. I tend to chuck routine to the wayside in the summer holidays, and go with the flow a bit more. Another hour at the beach on a sunny day is more important than sticking to bedtime in my opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for some easy ideas for July weekends, here\u2019s a list of simple, low-key summer activities that are quintessential to this long-awaited time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to do at the weekend in July<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re spending the summer at home, or getting away somewhere, here\u2019s a list of easy ideas for things to do at the weekend in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Start by making a summer bucket list<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSit down with the kids or as a family at the start of July and plan out things that you want to do this summer. You probably won\u2019t do them all and that\u2019s completely fine, so make it a list of inspiration and ideas that you can refer back to for ideas over the coming summer weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 Go on a camping trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCamping is the archetypal summer activity, and the beauty of it is that there\u2019s a kind of camping to suit everyone. Whether you\u2019re more of a glamper or prefer to be in a campervan, or you like to get as far away from civilisation as possible, they key elements are a beautiful spot and good company. Have these and you can\u2019t go wrong (although packing a few essential home comforts won\u2019t hurt either).<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Marshmallows](\"https:\/\/almosttheweekend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/summer-campfire-smores-1024x562.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3 Eat s\u2019mores round the campfire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile you\u2019re on your camping trip, gather round the campfire to roast marshmallows and make s\u2019mores. If you don\u2019t come home with your clothes smelling of woodsmoke and everything sticky from melted marshmallows, then you\u2019re doing it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(If you\u2019ve never made s\u2019mores, and you\u2019re not from the US and don\u2019t have a clue where to start, then here\u2019s an easy UK Smore\u2019s Recipe<\/strong><\/a> .)<\/p>\n\n\n\n4 Crack open the ros<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSummertime calls for summer drinks, and there\u2019s nothing more summery than a bottle of perfectly-chilled and perfectly pink wine. I prefer the lightest of blushes with an ice cube dropped in. Pair with a good book and your feet up. Summer bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Things](\"https:\/\/almosttheweekend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/things-to-do-at-the-weekend-in-july-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Put together a summer playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you\u2019re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Head to the beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/almosttheweekend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/luskentyre-beach-1024x551.jpg\")
Luskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJoin in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Running](\"https:\/\/almosttheweekend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/running-through-sprinklers-1024x613.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJuly is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRaspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer weekends do feel special, and it\u2019s good to make the most of the longer days and warm weather. I tend to chuck routine to the wayside in the summer holidays, and go with the flow a bit more. Another hour at the beach on a sunny day is more important than sticking to bedtime in my opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for some easy ideas for July weekends, here\u2019s a list of simple, low-key summer activities that are quintessential to this long-awaited time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to do at the weekend in July<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhether you\u2019re spending the summer at home, or getting away somewhere, here\u2019s a list of easy ideas for things to do at the weekend in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Start by making a summer bucket list<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSit down with the kids or as a family at the start of July and plan out things that you want to do this summer. You probably won\u2019t do them all and that\u2019s completely fine, so make it a list of inspiration and ideas that you can refer back to for ideas over the coming summer weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 Go on a camping trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCamping is the archetypal summer activity, and the beauty of it is that there\u2019s a kind of camping to suit everyone. Whether you\u2019re more of a glamper or prefer to be in a campervan, or you like to get as far away from civilisation as possible, they key elements are a beautiful spot and good company. Have these and you can\u2019t go wrong (although packing a few essential home comforts won\u2019t hurt either).<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3 Eat s\u2019mores round the campfire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile you\u2019re on your camping trip, gather round the campfire to roast marshmallows and make s\u2019mores. If you don\u2019t come home with your clothes smelling of woodsmoke and everything sticky from melted marshmallows, then you\u2019re doing it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(If you\u2019ve never made s\u2019mores, and you\u2019re not from the US and don\u2019t have a clue where to start, then here\u2019s an easy UK Smore\u2019s Recipe<\/strong><\/a> .)<\/p>\n\n\n\n4 Crack open the ros<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSummertime calls for summer drinks, and there\u2019s nothing more summery than a bottle of perfectly-chilled and perfectly pink wine. I prefer the lightest of blushes with an ice cube dropped in. Pair with a good book and your feet up. Summer bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Put together a summer playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you\u2019re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Head to the beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJoin in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJuly is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRaspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sit down with the kids or as a family at the start of July and plan out things that you want to do this summer. You probably won\u2019t do them all and that\u2019s completely fine, so make it a list of inspiration and ideas that you can refer back to for ideas over the coming summer weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2 Go on a camping trip<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCamping is the archetypal summer activity, and the beauty of it is that there\u2019s a kind of camping to suit everyone. Whether you\u2019re more of a glamper or prefer to be in a campervan, or you like to get as far away from civilisation as possible, they key elements are a beautiful spot and good company. Have these and you can\u2019t go wrong (although packing a few essential home comforts won\u2019t hurt either).<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3 Eat s\u2019mores round the campfire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile you\u2019re on your camping trip, gather round the campfire to roast marshmallows and make s\u2019mores. If you don\u2019t come home with your clothes smelling of woodsmoke and everything sticky from melted marshmallows, then you\u2019re doing it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(If you\u2019ve never made s\u2019mores, and you\u2019re not from the US and don\u2019t have a clue where to start, then here\u2019s an easy UK Smore\u2019s Recipe<\/strong><\/a> .)<\/p>\n\n\n\n4 Crack open the ros<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSummertime calls for summer drinks, and there\u2019s nothing more summery than a bottle of perfectly-chilled and perfectly pink wine. I prefer the lightest of blushes with an ice cube dropped in. Pair with a good book and your feet up. Summer bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Put together a summer playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you\u2019re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Head to the beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJoin in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJuly is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRaspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3 Eat s\u2019mores round the campfire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile you\u2019re on your camping trip, gather round the campfire to roast marshmallows and make s\u2019mores. If you don\u2019t come home with your clothes smelling of woodsmoke and everything sticky from melted marshmallows, then you\u2019re doing it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(If you\u2019ve never made s\u2019mores, and you\u2019re not from the US and don\u2019t have a clue where to start, then here\u2019s an easy UK Smore\u2019s Recipe<\/strong><\/a> .)<\/p>\n\n\n\n4 Crack open the ros<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSummertime calls for summer drinks, and there\u2019s nothing more summery than a bottle of perfectly-chilled and perfectly pink wine. I prefer the lightest of blushes with an ice cube dropped in. Pair with a good book and your feet up. Summer bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Put together a summer playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you\u2019re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Head to the beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJoin in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJuly is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRaspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4 Crack open the ros<\/strong>\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSummertime calls for summer drinks, and there\u2019s nothing more summery than a bottle of perfectly-chilled and perfectly pink wine. I prefer the lightest of blushes with an ice cube dropped in. Pair with a good book and your feet up. Summer bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Put together a summer playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you\u2019re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Head to the beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJoin in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJuly is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRaspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5 Put together a summer playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA good playlist is a summer essential, particularly if you\u2019re heading off on a road trip, or just for barbecues or kitchen discos. Keep playing it for your very own summer soundtrack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Head to the beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLuskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJoin in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJuly is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nRaspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spending time by the sea is the ultimate stress-buster, so head to the beach if you\u2019re able this July. Pack a picnic blanket, some chairs, a windbreak, and an icebox of drinks and snacks, and make a day of it by the seaside. In Scotland we need to pack wetsuits alongside our buckets and spades, but it doesn\u2019t spoil the enjoyment, especially as there are some amazing Scottish beaches<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n Join in with the kids and build some epic sandcastles this summer. Its simple creativity is a relaxing and fun way to while away an hour at the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t live near a beach, find a local swimming spot where you can enjoy a dip in the open air, whether it\u2019s a lake, outdoor pool or lido. Wild swimming has become hugely popular over the past few years and people swear by its mental and physical health benefits. (But remember, only swim where it\u2019s safe to do so!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the first couple of weeks of July, enjoy all the action from SW19 in London where Wimbledon<\/strong><\/a> is back in full swing. Strawberries and cream are basically compulsory while you watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids love nothing better than a dip in the paddling pool, and larger ones have become so much more affordable, that it would be rude for the adults not to have a go too. My absolute BEST purchase last year was a universal tap adapter<\/strong><\/a> for the hose, which means I can fill the pool from an indoor tap with much warmer water than the freezing outdoor tap. Or for some food old fashioned fun, set the hose up and run through the sprinklers.<\/p>\n\n\n July is peak soft fruit season: strawberries, raspberries and cherries are abundant now, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to live near a Pick Your Own farm, it\u2019s time to head into the fields and pick as many as you can. They never taste better than when they\u2019re freshly picked and warm from the sun. We picked a huge amount this year and made strawberry milkshakes, strawberry ice cream, and the awesome jam below. Delicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raspberry jam is probably the easiest jam to make, and it tastes sooo good. Basically summer in a jar. If you\u2019ve never made jam before, give it a go and you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n7 Build sandcastles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8 Swim wherever you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9 Watch Wimbledon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10 Get the paddling pool out<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11 Go berry picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12 Make raspberry jam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n