The much-awaited August bank holiday is just around the corner, and there’s a real buzz in the air. If you’re still wondering how to make the most of it, look no further. We’ve rounded up some fabulous ideas, along with a few of our favourite finds, for soaking up the last long weekend of summer.

Kinda chic: To fly kites

The weather this bank holiday is expected to be glorious: bright skies, calm air, and pleasant breezes. Few days in the UK are as perfect as these for flying kites, so it’s only right to seize the opportunity.

Giant kite - Butterfly, £14.95
 

Giant kite - Dragon, £14.95

Kinda chic: To be artsy in the park

Many of the world’s greatest artists found inspiration in nature, and the bank holiday weekend might just provide your own aha moment. Gather your sketchbooks and stationery, head outdoors, and let your imagination run wild. If you prefer something more tactile, DIY projects such as 3D model building and crocheting are a wonderful way to get creative while enjoying the sunshine. Reading outside is another underrated bank holiday activity and the perfect way to slow down while still feeling like you’ve made the most of your day.

Children's take-along sketchbook - Bear, £4.95

Crochet earrings kit - Fruits, £6.95

Make your own animal 3D model kit - Dolphin, £3.95

Make your own animal 3D model kit - Tortoise, £3.95

Make your own animal 3D model kit - Stegosaurus, £3.95
 

Bonus chic points if you’re able to make a whole day of it: think picky bits, sunnies, and cold drinks. Our picnicware and garden gifts range will have you sorted for the day.

Little fruit picnic basket - Watermelon, £18.95

Paper plates (pack of 8) - Unicorn, £3.95

Paper cups (pack of 8) - Unicorn, £3.95

Paper napkins (pack of 20) - Unicorn, £3.95

Insulated lunch bag - French Rose, £4.95

Hunter hip flask with 2 cups 220ml - Spirit of Adventure, £12.95

Kinda chic: To go birdwatching

Birdwatching is in, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Head to your nearest common with your binoculars and a trusty bird guide, and make a day of reconnecting with nature. It’s a lovely excuse to swap screen time for some fresh air and a little appreciation for the world around you.

Children's binoculars with pouch - Nature Trail, £9.95

Kinda chic: To bring back playground games

No matter the age or era, playground games are a great way to get everyone together and have a riot. Whether it’s hide and seek or hopscotch, the rules are simple, the competition is fierce, and the fun is guaranteed.

Catapult toy with 4 foam balls, £3.95

Chalks (set of 6) - Macaron, £3.95

Traditional skipping rope, £4.95

Kinda chic: To have a dessert potluck

A long weekend (to be honest, any weekend) calls for dessert. Gather your favourite people for a dessert potluck, where everyone brings their finest home-baked goods. If you’d like to stand out, use cute moulds and refer to our easy cupcake recipes for inspiration. Be sure to stock up on cake tins, as there will likely be plenty to enjoy on the day and send everyone home with.

Cookie cutter & mini spatula - Sausage Dog, £3.95

Cake storage tin - Fruits de Provence, £12.95

Kinda chic: To have a pizza-decorating competition

Homemade pizza never fails to delight. But it gets even more delicious when you get to be inventive with your toppings while also seeing who can come up with the winning combination. Make a small pizza base for everyone involved, and lay out a table of colourful toppings and sauces for everyone to mix, match, and get creative with.

Premium pizza tools set (4 pieces), £9.95

Wipeable cotton children's apron - Fairies in the Garden, £14.95

Two-tone utility apron - Indigo blue, £24.95

Kinda chic: To have a little self-care day at home

When in doubt, a self-care day never disappoints. Set up an at-home spa with candles, face masks, face flannels, drinks, and mani-pedi kits for you and your friends to enjoy together. 

Face flannel - Pear, £4.95

Glass tealight candle holder - Flowers, £4.95

Sweet treat candle - Strawberry jelly, £2.95

Sweet treat candle - Heart cake, £4.95

Sweet treat candle - Brandy snap, £5.95

Etched star champagne glasses 200ml (set of 2) - Clear, £19.95

Get the little ones involved with a spa station of their own, complete with stick-on nail polish, cucumber slices for their eyes, their favourite fruity drink, and some relaxing music. If they want to take things up a notch, temporary tattoos and jewellery to mix and match should do the trick, making the whole experience feel that much more glamorous.

Temporary tattoos - Mermaid, £1.95

Children's nail stickers (pack of 25) - Magical Unicorn, £2.95

Water-based children's nail varnish, £2.95

Whatever you have planned, the August bank holiday is your chance to press pause and unwind. Here’s to making the most of the weekend, with good company, plenty of fun, and just the right amount of downtime.