With the weather getting warmer, many people’s thoughts are now turning towards summer, and what to do for the holidays. And with people still feeling the pinch, staying in the UK is proving more and more popular. But staying at home doesn’t mean that you have to spend every day taking the kids to the local swimming pool or park. There are plenty of other options. So here are five of the best.

1. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August every year and during this time the Scottish capital becomes a magnet for the weird and wonderful. With thousands of performers and visitors descending on the city every year, this is one you’ll definitely want to book early for.

Every year there are hundreds of shows to choose from, ranging from big name comedians to small, independent theatre groups, children’s shows, dance shows, musicals, and much more. These take place all around the city in some sometimes very unusual venues. In fact, you are just as likely to find yourself watching a show in a cave or a derelict house as you are a regular theatre. And by the end of your time there, you won’t bat an eyelid.

2. Hiring a Canal Boat

Perfect for a more relaxing holiday, you can hire a canal boat at hundreds of locations around the UK. Britain’s canal network is very extensive and takes in some of the country’s most vibrant cities and stunning countryside, so there’s always something or somewhere to stop at and explore.

Canal boat holidays are also a wonderful chance to discover places that you would not normally visit, such as nature trails and wildlife reserves. You can take your bikes and cycle along the towpaths, or just go for a walk through country lanes. Best of all, dogs are welcome too, so it really is a perfect family holiday.

3. Visiting theme parks

Florida may have the most famous in the world, but there are plenty of good theme parks here in the UK, too. Alton Towers is the most famous, with its jaw-dropping rollercoasters and thrill-rides, such as Oblivion and Air, and its extensive gardens and ramshackle (some say haunted) mansion house.

However there’s also Drayton Manor, which is also in Staffordshire. This park is home to the UK’s scariest ride, Apocalypse, as well as Europe’s only stand up rollercoaster. For those who want something a little gentler, there’s also a zoo, as well as plenty of tamer rides which are suitable for children.

Or why not be traditional and try Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which is still a family favourite after more than 100 years, and pulls in over 6 million visitors every year. Dozens of rides and spectacular entertainment make Blackpool well worth a visit.

4. Hiring a cottage

Again, perfect for relaxing and taking things at your own pace. Hiring a cottage is a perfect option for family holidays or groups. You can go anywhere you like and stay as long as you need, and generally take things easy. Visit the Lake District and admire its spectacular scenery, or spend a week by the sea in Cornwall. Wherever you go, there’s sure to be plenty to do, and local villages and towns offer fantastic shopping, eating and drinking opportunities. If you’re lucky, you might even find a farmers’ market, and get the opportunity to try and buy local produce.

5. The Isle of Man TT

Not strictly speaking in the UK, but in the British Isles, the Isle of Man TT is a world famous motorcycle race which takes place every year around the beginning of June. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, it’s a must, a pilgrimage almost. Thousands of bikers and racing fans travel to the Isle of Man each year, roughly doubling the population of its capital, Douglas. And even if you’re not a fan of motor racing, the atmosphere is fantastic. Besides the many races, there’s fireworks displays, a funfair, the popular Bushy’s Beer Tent and, often, a display from the Red Arrows.

This is another one you’ll want to book early for. Hotels and B&Bs are completely booked throughout the fortnight, but Isle of Man residents often rent out rooms in their homes, so if you want to stay somewhere a bit more cosy, this is worth looking into.

Wayne Barker writes for Hire A Canal Boat – a canal barge hire company based in Nottingham in the UK.  Image by Alastair 2008