Activities and Leisure

The UK has much to offer in terms of leisure and cultural activities - and often for free too.  Whether you wish to continue your hobbies or try something new with your spare time, there are huge benefits including making new friends, becoming part of the local communities, and improving your wellbeing. 

Outdoor activities: countrysides, beaches and greenspaces

In the UK, most communities have greenspaces. These are free and accessible open spaces like public parks, playing fields, sports facilities and play areas. You and your family can have a walk, exercise, have fun or just enjoy the open space there. Find out the closest greenspaces near you here: OS Greenspace

You can also plan a day out. In the UK countryside, there are beautiful beaches, national parks and other scenic areas that you can find on the National Trust websites. Many people like to visit the countryside for a day out or holiday, especially when the weather is warmer in the summer.

  • Don’t let the cold stop you: going out and staying active is a good way to keep yourself healthy and happy in the winter seasons!

City activities: museums, art galleries, and free activities

If you are a city-dweller at heart, there are many museums, art galleries, places of historic and natural interests, and other attractions that you can visit in cities. Many of these are free to enter, although there may be charges for special exhibitions. You can plan ahead by finding out about the locations, opening hours, and fee at these websites: 

Apart from museums and art galleries, there are also many festivals, events, and activities held in the cities. You can go to event websites like Eventbrite, Time Out, or Day out with the kids to look for activities that interest you. 


Libraries and community centres

Nowadays, libraries are so much more than a place to read and borrow books: there you can use computers and internet access. (You may need to book an appointment for this.) You can  borrow books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, ebooks, and use online resources. Libraries also offer programmes, activities, training or volunteer opportunities which you can join. 

To access all these for free, all you need to do is to register as a member of your local library. (Some libraries may ask you for a proof of identity or proof of address before allowing you to register.) You can start by finding out which library is near you:

Community centres are another good place to go to for activities in the neighbourhood. Community centres are multi-purpose hubs for people in the community. They often organise activities and programmes for people of different age groups including; children, teens, or elderlies. Here people can join activities and classes, and make friends in a safe space. 

If you want to know about your local community centre, and what is on offer there, the quickest way would be to ask your local friends to bring you there to have a look yourself. 

Churches: community activities, language cafes, clubs

Just like community centres, local churches in the UK are also places where local people gather. Most churches will have Sunday services and midweek activities where you can make new friends and find practical and spiritual support. Churches in your city or town may offer community activities, groups and language cafes - where you can get to know people with a similar background, interests, or practise speaking English together. 

You do not have to be a Christian to join in with church activities in the UK. The local churches will be happy to welcome and get to know you. 

Click here to browse the Welcome Network made up of churches dedicated and equipped to welcome refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants near you. 

Sports and other hobby groups

Many people in the UK enjoy sports as a hobby, whether watching, practising, or following a sport. Football is one of the country’s most popular sports and it is relatively easy to find an amateur club where you can play on a regular basis. If you have a favourite UK professional football team you will quickly have a talking point with your friends and neighbours. 

If you do not like football, there are many other sports clubs and gyms who will be glad to have new members joining. Ask your local friends for sports clubs suggestions, or go and attend some beginner sessions. You may find a new passion in some strange, wonderful sport that you have never heard of before! (Like korfball)

Festivals, holidays, and bank holidays

Look out for festivals and special events in the UK throughout the year. From New Year in January through to Christmas in December, associated celebrations will give you great insights into local cultures and heritages. In the UK, we have national bank holidays at Christmas, New Year, and Easter. There are also others called bank holidays which vary depending if you are in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When are the upcoming bank holidays?

National holidays may be celebrated differently across different areas in the UK in accordance with local heritages and customs. You can always ask your local friends about any upcoming festivals and how they celebrate to join in the fun. 

Celebrate holidays and festivals from your home country!
Special days from one’s native culture, even if they may not be observed in the UK, will always be significant. Some people may even feel more homesick than usual at these times. But being away from home does not mean that you have to be away from fun! There are simple ways with which you can mark these special days: 

  • Cook festive dishes and invite others (in your diaspora or your British friends) for a dinner gathering;

  • Create new traditions: tell your children stories and origins of these festivals, make decorations together, etc;

  • Join your family’s festive activities back home through video conferencing apps and programmes;

  • Schedule a cosy night in, with special treats and your favourite things to mark the occasion; 

  • Take care to greet and cheer those in your community. Look out for signs if someone is struggling emotionally and help them receive support;

  • Find out if cultural centres and councils are celebrating your cultural holidays too.

 We hope this website is helpful to you as you settle in the UK. But there is no substitute for having a local friend to make you feel welcome.