What's On Our Radar This Week | Paddleboarding, Festivals & Summer Days Out

BY Natasha Bailey ON 28 July, 2026

Summer might be edging towards its final chapter, but there's still plenty of time to make the most of long evenings, weekend adventures and getting outside. Whether you're looking to escape to the water, discover a new festival or spend the day exploring with your four-legged friend, here's what's caught our attention this week.

Paddleboarding in the Lake District

There are few better ways to experience the Lake District than from the water.

Paddleboarding has become one of the region's most popular outdoor activities, offering a slower, more immersive way to explore some of England's most iconic landscapes. Early mornings on Derwentwater bring mirror-like reflections, while Ullswater and Coniston Water offer plenty of quieter spots to take in the scenery at your own pace.

Whether you're hiring a board for the first time or bringing your own, it's the perfect reminder that adventure doesn't always have to be fast-paced. Sometimes, the best views are found standing still.

Wilderness Festival Returns

If your ideal weekend combines live music, incredible food, outdoor wellness and a touch of escapism, Wilderness Festival continues to set the standard.

Held amongst the rolling parkland of Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire, the festival blends headline music acts with lakeside swimming, long-table feasts, woodland talks, comedy, wellbeing sessions and art installations. It's as much about slowing down and soaking up the atmosphere as it is seeing your favourite artists.

It's one of those rare festivals where muddy boots sit comfortably alongside beautiful dinners and morning yoga—proof that the best weekends don't have to fit neatly into one category.

Walkies at RHS Garden Wisley

Dog owners, this one's worth adding to your calendar.

Selected dates throughout the year see RHS Garden Wisley open its gates to four-legged visitors, giving dogs the chance to explore one of Britain's most beautiful gardens alongside their owners. It's a rare opportunity to wander the extensive grounds together, discover seasonal planting and enjoy a relaxed day outdoors.

With miles of paths to explore and plenty of space to stretch everyone's legs, it's an ideal excuse for a countryside day out with your favourite walking companion.

Heaton Food Festival

Few things bring people together quite like great food.

Heaton Food Festival has become one of the North West's most popular community events, celebrating independent food producers, street food vendors, artisan drinks and local makers. Expect everything from freshly baked pastries and wood-fired pizza to small-batch coffee, craft beer and sweet treats, all accompanied by live entertainment throughout the weekend.

It's the sort of event where you'll arrive planning lunch and leave with a bag full of local discoveries and plenty of ideas for your next dinner party.

Get Outside While Summer Lasts

One of the best things about this time of year is that every weekend offers something different. A morning on the water, an afternoon discovering independent food, a festival escape or a walk with your dog through beautiful gardens—it's all a reminder that you don't have to travel far to find your next adventure.

Wherever you're heading this week, we hope it inspires you to spend a little more time outside.