As the summer draws to a close with what looks like one final blast of actual summer weather, we imagine that you, much like everyone here at Not In The Guidebooks, are rushing to make last minute plans to make the most of the August bank holiday.
With all that in mind, the team has come together to compile a collection of our favourite day experiences in the UK that you can organise last minute, to make your bank holiday a unique, memorable one.
1. The London Gelato Experience
Whilst the weather this summer hasn’t exactly been screaming ice cream, it does actually look as though August bank holiday might treat us to a little sunshine (as of right now). Uncover the hidden gems of London’s gelateria scene. While the city may not be famous for its weather or ice cream, a closer inspection reveals a rich collection of extraordinary gelato, sorbet, and ice cream that can rival the world’s best.
On this unique food tour of London, you’ll immerse yourself on the history and culture of the city whilst getting to taste some of the very best ice creams, sorbets and chocolates that can be found in the Soho and Covent Garden area.
As a small group tour, you will have the complete attention of your guide as you wander the bustling streets, combining an opportunity to dig a little deeper into the history of the world-famous streets, with the added bonus of some sweet treats along the way.
2. Paddleboarding on the River Torridge
For those with a love of the great outdoors and the means to reach the stunning scenery of North Devon, UK day experiences don’t get much better than a relaxing paddleboard on the calm, peaceful River Torridge.
Your expert guides will pick out routes based on the tide and what you would like to see, whether that’s taking in mysterious shipwrecks and rugged coves, or simply drinking in the pastoral landscapes further inland.
3. Private Food Tour of York
York is a city famous for its beautiful architecture, but what many visitors don’t realise during their time there is that it is also somewhat of a culinary hidden gem.
On this private three-hour food crawl you’ll discover the best-kept secrets in the city, from cosy pubs to innovative bars and restaurants, all serving up some of the best food York has to offer.
What links all the establishments you visit are the incredible local people behind the scenes, all passionate about bringing stunning food to the city. Your local guide will ensure you get a taste of this hard work and determination as you indulge in some of the very best food, drink and conversation with the people who make the York food scene so special.
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4. Packhorse Picnic and Wellness Day
Now, time for something a little more offbeat. If you’re in and around the Lake District over bank holiday, and fancy taking some time to reconnect with nature and an opportunity to reset, then there is a wonderful wellness experience awaiting you in the picturesque town of Ambleside.
Spend a full day exploring the countryside, making a campfire by the side of Rydal water, working on your breathwork and yoga in peaceful, private woodland, and connecting with the horses who will carry your equipment for the day as you wander.
Take some time for a wild swim and lunch made over a campfire and simply enjoy your day a local host who will ensure a memorable day in the Lake District, leaving you feeling calm, refreshed and rejuvenated.
5. Secret London Bike Tour
From the calm of the Lakes back to the bustle of the capital, this secret London bike tour is designed to show off the very best sights in the city, many of which you may never have even heard of before.
Your guide will show you, along routes that avoid the worst of London’s traffic, to the most fascinating corners that many tourists miss such as Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, London’s curry capital on Brick Lane and much more.
You’ll also see some of the most iconic spots of the city, but will also learn the bizarre tales and facts that bring the city to life. And of course, you’ll finish as any good London tour should, with a pint in a quintessential East London pub.
6. Coasteering in Cornwall
Back to the south coast now for an experience designed for the adventurous amongst us. Join an expert local guide who will take you scrambling, climbing and leaping across the rugged Cornish coastline, for an adrenaline rush pumping way to spend your bank holiday.
Explore whirlpools, gullies and take daring leaps into the sea on routes that have been tried and tested by your guides, so all you need to do is drink in the incredible scenery and enjoy the thrill of the experience.
Located in Newquay, this experience is a must for anyone who might be spending time exploring Cornwall over their long weekend.
7. Gin Tour of London in a Classic Mini Cooper
Combining to of the most quintessentially British concepts, this tour of London takes you to the heart of its love affair with gin, as you cruise the streets in a classic Mini Cooper.
Over the two hours, you will explore some of London’s most fascinating corners as your chauffeur for the day regales you with stories ranging from the Dickensian to the modern day, inevitably turning heads as you pass pedestrians in this iconic classic car.
You will visit three spots to taste and understand the process behind crafting gin, and you will meet the local people who are at the heart of the resurgence of gin in the UK.
Here at Not In The Guidebooks, we work hard to bring our customers experiences that take them off the typical tourist trail and get them to the beating heart of the destination they are visiting. Whether it’s an epic wildlife holiday in Costa Rica or a unique day experience in London, with Not In The Guidebooks you can be sure that when you visit somewhere you don’t just see it, but you experience it like a local.
06/07/2023 
