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Personally, nothing quite beats an evening of giggles, munchies and grounding at the beach. Whether I’m there alone with my thoughts or with friends reflecting and yapping, it’s where I feel most connected. The salty air, the sound of the waves, the shifting skies, it’s that space between stillness and play that makes the end of summer feel so special.
But if you live in the UK like me, you’ll know the weather doesn’t always match the Pinterest board version of summer. Plans rained off and summer vibes blown away. No wonder the shops are lined with Halloween decorations! The good news? That doesn’t mean we can’t lean into the little joys around us. The warmth of connection, community, and cosy rituals can still make this time of year feel full of magic, no matter what the weather.
So, I’ve put together a list of 30 gentle, joyful ideas to help you make the most of what’s left of the season of summer; no flights, no pressure, just a little inspiration to connect more deeply to where you are right now. Sunshine not required!
Your End of Summer Bucket List ☀️
Beach picnic
Pack a blanket, a flask, and a Jade & Joy collagen taster pack to share with your mates while the tide rolls in. Worried about the weather? No harm in bringing your comfies & waterproofs!
Visit your local farm shop
When was the last time you visited your local farm shop? Maybe even treated yourself to a little wholesome organic food shop? Get your bags-for-life at the ready and go to see what sweet treats they have. Lots of farm shops nowadays do have sweet treats, so you might even find a nice little cake or two!
Rainy-day film night
Let’s romanticise that rain with a movie night! Why don’t you go and grab your favourite sweet & savoury snacks whilst sitting back to watch a film? Stuck with something to watch? Why don’t you google top 100 films of all time, you could create a checklist of the ones you’ve watched!
Golden hour walk
Head to your local hill, park, or promenade to get those steps in! On your walk, why not take a moment for gratitude and make some notes of the things you observed on your walk that you are grateful for!
Mini home wellness retreat
A slow yoga flow (thanks youtube), a DIY or shop bought face mask, and your Jade & Joy Super Greens in a smoothie = a dreamy reset moment for the girlies who love their wellness!
Local art crawl
Explore community galleries, pop-ups, or mural trails. Inspiration is everywhere and you’ll be surprised at those in your local area that are free entry! Head to TikTok to find out what’s trending in your local area.
Fruit picking adventure
Pick-your-own fields are still open this time of year – perfect for filling a basket (and your camera roll!)
Café hop in your local area
Make a map of local cafés to try, grab a book, and journal along the way. Don’t fear the caffeine shakes, you can enjoy trying their cakes, too!
Breakfast Banquet
Invite your besties round for a breakfast banquet. Think buffet, but for the best (most important) meal of the day! Everyone can bring their own additions to the spread, it’s like bringing an all-inclusive to your kitchen!
Charity Shop Haul
Give yourself a budget and go and support your local charity shops. There really are some hidden gems to be found, including up market labelled clothes, sometimes it just takes a little patience and the initiative to go!
Bookshop treasure hunt
Pick something unexpected and read it somewhere new – like the beach or a bus stop. You can find some brilliant finds in those trusted charity shops.
Morning cuppa outside
Even just 10 minutes with your wellness powder and the breeze, an activity like this can change your whole day. Sitting still or whilst getting your steps in, take a nice deep breath.
Wild swim or paddleboard
Try a lake, lido or river near you. Layers and warm drinks at the ready. Where I live, I’m fortunate enough to live a close drive to the lakes… water activities not short of views, lucky me!
Plan a zero-spend day
Embrace library visits, local walks, community events or museum freebies. There are plenty of people who enjoy seeking out freebies on their birthday’s, too… 👀
Make a summer scrapbook
Use ticket stubs, photos, and pressed flowers to remember the season/summer of 2025! If you’re without a printer, lots of supermarkets have machines operating that allow you to send over your pictures directly from your phone to print!
Visit a botanical garden
Perfect for rainy days and plant lovers alike. Not forgetting, beautiful grounds for capturing pictures and summer memories.
Mystery day out with a friend
Plan a surprise itinerary and take them on a local joy-hunt. I don’t know about you, but surprises really are my favourite. Set a budget for one another and take it in turns to explore what’s to do in your area.
Sunrise journaling
Get up early, make a hot drink, and write whatever’s on your mind on the sand or in your car parked up by the coast. There’s something so grounding about being at the beach with the sound of the waves and the wind… (maybe it’s because I’m an air sign)
Create a smoothie bar at home
Stock up on fruits and try building your perfect ingredient list for your go-to smoothie (featuring our wellness powders, of course!)
Check out a local market or food fair
They’re often filled with great street food, crafts and live music. My favourites have got to be ‘artisan markets’ they are often filled with gorgeous, bespoke gifts hand crafted by wonderful small businesses.
Play tourist in your own town
Visit those spots you always say you’ll get around to. It might be that new café you’ve been meaning to visit or trying that specials dish in your local!
Have a no-phones day
Give yourself a real digital break and see what comes up. You could surprise yourself with how good you feel following it!
Start a mini book swap
Pop a box at the end of your drive or swap reads with friends and family. You’re only a whatsapp group away!
Big Super Market shop
If you know, YOU KNOW.
Reflect and set intentions for autumn
Journal your highlights, your lessons, and how you’d like to step into the next season feeling full of intent.
As the weather shifts and we start reaching for more, cosy layers, I think there’s something really beautiful in letting this season wrap up gently. No pressure to chase a ‘perfect’ summer (weather included); just chances to keep showing up for joy, however it arrives.
I’d love to know what’s on your end-of-summer bucket list, too. Tag us if you try any of the ideas above or if you’ve got your own rituals to bring that sunshine energy into your being this summer.
