Top 25 Activities to Do in 2025

Guest post by Dakota Murphey

1. Explore the UK’s beaches

We tend to travel abroad for beach holidays, but the UK has some incredible beaches of its own, so why not book a summer staycation? Head to the likes of Sussex, Kent or Dorset to enjoy a classic British seaside holiday.

2. Learn a language

If travelling more is one of your goals for the new year, 2025 should also be the year you learn a new language. Not only will you feel accomplished, but it will make navigating abroad much easier and help you gain a more immersive experience when travelling.

3. Walk St Patrick’s Way

Northern Ireland has some of the most spectacular countryside in the UK and walking St Patrick’s Way is one of the best ways to experience it for yourself. Spanning 82 miles between the cities of Armagh and Downpatrick, it connects the main sites that celebrate St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

4. Book a theatre trip

Head to London in 2025 to catch one of the amazing theatre performances held here. Why not check out The Producers, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or The Tempest with screen legend Sigourney Weaver—just a few of the memorable shows being performed next year. On a weekend break to the capital, there are plenty of cultural places within easy reach of London.

5. Sign up to a cake decorating class

Take the start of a new year to sign up for a class to learn a skill you’ve always wanted to try your hand at. Why not sign up for a cake decorating class in Brighton to finally master the art of awe-inspiring celebration cakes for birthdays, anniversaries or simply just because?

6. Wander Italy’s vineyards

Italy is renowned for its sun-kissed vineyards and delicious wine, so make 2025 the year you book a wine tasting and find your favourite tipple.

7. Cheer on the Red Roses

The Lionesses gave a phenomenal performance in the 2022 Euros and now it’s time for England’s women’s rugby team to shine. The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be hosted by England in the summer for the first time since 2010 so it’s the perfect year to grab your tickets and see the action live.

8. Try an outdoor activity

If the idea of rock climbing, hiking or kayaking has always appealed to you, try it out in 2025. The UK is home to numerous scenic routes that make it the perfect place to start an outdoor adventure.

9. Take up photography

Make memories that will last, and capture them along the way, by making a point to snap more photographs of your friends, family and experiences on a road trip at home or elsewhere in Europe.

10. Learn a musical instrument

From the guitar or piano to the drums or saxophone, there are so many great instruments to learn. Make 2025 the year you master musical expression.

11. Visit a distillery

Scotland is home to nearly 150 distilleries, producing whisky, gin and beer. Go distillery-hopping from Glasgow to Edinburgh or up to the surrounding islands to learn how these spirits are made.

12. Take an open water dip

Open water swimming has gained popularity in recent years. Try for yourself this year by heading to one of the UK’s most scenic spots.

13. Cosy up in a chalet

Break with tradition and hit the ski slopes in summer instead of the winter with an escape to the Alps. Our summer chalets are the perfect spot, surrounded by stunning Alpine views where you can ski, hike and picnic in the mountains.

14. Ride on a sleeper train

The Britannic Explorer is a luxury sleeper train that offers numerous itineraries from Cornwall, Wales and The Lakes, to name just a few. Make the journey just as exciting as the destination by travelling in style with this bucket list experience on a longer journey in the UK or interrailing into France, Spain, or elsewhere in Europe.

15. Get tickets to a UK festival

The UK has a great festival scene—grab tickets, dig out your tent and enjoy a few days of great music in the sunshine with your friends.

16. Volunteer somewhere exciting

Find a cause you’re passionate about and commit to a monthly volunteer activity either at work or in your spare time. In addition to meeting people and learning new skills, volunteering can evolve into exciting experiences at home or adventures abroad. 

Did you know? Oliver’s Travels donates 1% of their profits to Go Beyond, a national children’s charity, to gift free week-long breaks to disadvantaged kids across the UK. You can get involved right here and read about the OT team trip to Go Beyond’s Derbyshire retreat here.

17. Become a tourist in your own city

How well do you know your hometown or city? Whether you were born in the area or you’ve recently relocated, there’s always more to learn about where you live. Become a tourist and hit the landmarks and experiences that visitors rave about.

18. Plan a multi-generational trip

Plan that family holiday you’ve always dreamed of and invite extended family to make it a memorable occasion you’ll all treasure for a lifetime.

19. Set a personal challenge and live the dream

Make 2025 the year you tick off that travel budget list or fulfil a personal challenge such as running a marathon, completing a triathlon or overcoming your fear of heights by abseiling. It might also be time to make your dream of buying in Spain a reality.

20. Witness the wonders of the night sky

The Dark Skies Festival in Yorkshire is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2025. Visit the National Park for free between 14th February and 2nd March and enjoy a host of events, from canoeing in the dark to night-time fell running. 

21. Watch the British Grand Prix

Witness four action-packed days of sport unlike any other with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. It’s guaranteed to be an exhilarating festival filled with famous faces, in the cars and in the crowds.

22. Admire Van Gogh in Japan

A selection of over 60 of Vincent Van Gogh’s artistic masterpieces will be travelling to Kobe City, Tokyo and Fukushima in 2025 for a two-year exhibition. A great opportunity to see iconic art and tick off a new travel destination at once.

23. Roam the world’s first AI art museum

Europe’s first AI art museum recently opened at the Dead End Gallery in Amsterdam and showcases the creative potential of robots and machines. If you love art and culture, London has a fantastic lineup of exhibitions to look forward to in 2025.

24. Plan a solo adventure

Pick a location you’ve always wanted to visit and plan a solo trip for the perfect combination of personal growth and exploration. If you’re not sure where to start, a guided tour can really help if you know what you want to see.

25. Visit a Christmas market

Nothing imbues the charm and magic of Christmas quite like sipping glühwein in a European market. Take a Eurostar trip to France, arriving in under 40 minutes, then head to one of the many markets dotted around the country, from Lille to Strasbourg to Toulouse.

These activities to do in 2025 offer an incredible array of opportunities for personal growth, adventure, and memorable experiences. So, step outside of your comfort zone and make the most of the upcoming year. Plan where to go using our Villas Holidays 2025 page and view the whole portfolio of beautiful homes around the globe on Oliver’s Travels. When you’ve picked your favourite, contact our friendly concierge team to help book any extra experiences during your stay.

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