It’s no secret that here at Big Cosie we love the winter. For us, nothing beats snuggling up on the sofa, Netflix on in the background a home-cooked meal on the table and our hooded blanket wrapped around us keeping us snug. However, as the weather heats up we’ve got to admit, there is something exceptional about a warm summer's evening. Be that sat on your balcony, a glass of crisp white wine in hand, a barbecue on the beach, or even a meal alfresco at your favourite restaurant. Or, even potentially even a late-night dip in a swimming pool or the sea.
A long balmy summer's night is filled with opportunities and we are sure that we are going to be taking every single one of them this year. Here are our top ideas to help you make the most of those long summer evenings, all with your hooded blanket in tow. You'll hopefully create some amazing memories and they won't cost the earth either.
Host Your Own Outdoor Cinema Festival
Outdoor cinemas have taken centre stage (pun intended) these last few years and it’s a great way to go out for the evening and spend some time outside. There are so many outdoor cinema events around the UK this Summer, but if one of these doesn’t take your fancy you can recreate your own at home for very little effort and cost. Hire a projector or, if possible simply move your TV outside (weather permitting of course). Set the mood by hanging up lanterns or solar ferry lights, scatter floor cushions over the grass or use camping chairs and wrap up in your hooded blanket to keep yourself nice and cosy.
We recommend a classic film for that feel-good factor. Think Grease, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter or any Disney film
Enjoy A Picnic with Friends
Picnics are so epic and shouldn’t be saved for just the daytime or even the weekends. Pack up your favourite snacks or ask everyone to bring a few bits, grab a picnic blanket and head either to your nearest park or the beach. You'll feel nice and relaxed, and the fresh air will help you get a good night's sleep. You could even theme each picnic e.g. one week a cheese and wine picnic, one a kids birthday party theme or whatever you fancy.
Create Your Own Splash and Slide in Your Garden
Something for the children (or big kids) in the family. Lay down some tarpaulin in the garden and keep the hose running while the kids (or adults, no judgement here) slip and slide their way down. Add a touch of washing liquid for hours of good old-fashioned fun plus, a great way to cool off after a hot day!
Host a BBQ
It might be a classic, but it’s a classic for a very good reason. You really can’t beat a BBQ on a summer's evening, the smell of food usually getting slightly charred, a crips beer in hand, or a soft drink for the kids and all of your friends, family or neighbours surrounding you.
Enjoy Dinner or a Drink on a Restaurant Patio
Soak up the sun at an outdoor restaurant, cafe or bar. Everything tastes better in the great outdoors, especially if there's a gentle breeze and great conversation with your partner or friend. Or, if you’re spending the evening with the kids find a pub which also has an outdoor play area, a win-win for everyone.
Go For an Evening Dip in the Sea or a Local Lake
If you’re lucky enough to live near the sea then this time of year you should definitely be making the most of it! An evening dip can be the perfect way to cool down after a long hot day or relax after a hard day in the office, bonus points if you can make it to the beach for sunset! With more than 7,500 miles of glorious coastline and an abundance of rivers and lakes, you should be able to find a place to take a cool refreshing dip even if it’s not the sea. You could even combine your evening swim with a beach/lakeside picnic or BBQ. Just pop your hooded blanket on after to keep you warm and enjoy a balmy evening.
Play Mini Golf
Whether you’re planning on going with a group of friends, the kids or your partner there’s something fun and nostalgic about a game of mini-golf, especially if you can find an outdoor course. Show off your skills or just have a general laugh about how awful you all are.
No matter how you spend your summer evenings, make sure you’re getting outside for a good old dose of vitamin D and a healthy lot of fresh air. Let us know your favourite summer activities in the comments below!
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