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Spending time with your mates is something we all tend to take for granted because without them, life would be so much emptier and less fulfilling.

Spending quality time with friends enriches our lives, strengthens bonds, and creates lasting memories.

However, if you’re sick of hitting the same pub or coffee shop every week or perhaps want to find some healthier and more active ways to enjoy your time together, we’ve put together 5 activities that will only get better when shared with some good buddies.

1. Outdoor Adventures for Thrill Seekers

Hiking: The UK is wealthy with great hiking trails in national parks like the Lake District or Snowdonia and most locations offer routes fit for all fitness levels.​

Rock Climbing: Destinations such as Peak District and Cornwall provide challenging climbs with stunning backdrops. We’d recommend having a few lessons at a local climbing wall before tackling them though!​

Kayaking: Glide down the serene waters of the River Wye or the rugged coastlines of Scotland for a unique perspective of the landscape. Always a great laugh (especially if somebody falls out).​

2. Planning a Weekend Getaway

City Breaks: For such a small country, the UK has many different cities with thriving nightlives and world-class restaurants. There’s a lot of culture to explore too, but if you’re with your mates, you’re probably more bothered about the price of a pint than the quality of the art. 

Countryside Retreats: If the city seems a little too much like work to you, consider the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands for more tranquil settings and picturesque landscapes.​

Winter Sports and Group Ski Holidays: For friends seeking a unique blend of adventure and camaraderie, group ski holidays are ideal. Destinations like the French Alps offer exhilarating slopes and lively après-ski scenes and they are but a cheap flight away. 

3. Game Nights and Social Gatherings

Board Games: Classics like Monopoly or modern hits like Settlers of Catan can spark friendly competition.​ Or perhaps get the guys together for a night of gaming?

Axe Throwing and Mini-Golf Bars: Axe throwing venues have surged in popularity, providing a fun twist to the typical night out and we’ve also seen dozens of highly themed mini-golf courses spring up across the country in recent years, complete with fancy and quirky cocktails. If all else fails, meanwhile, there’s always bowling.

4. Local Festivals and Events

Music Festivals: Events like Glastonbury, Reading or the Isle of Wight Festival offer world-class live music and a vibrant atmosphere, as well as thousands of other activities you could never hope to finish off in just one weekend.​ 

Food and Drink Festivals: Sample local cuisines and beverages at events such as the Ludlow Food Festival or even itch your artistic bone at the Hay Festival if your mates are so inclined. ​

5. Pub Crawls

The Otley Run in Leeds: If all else fails, a good old-fashioned pub crawl is always a winner, as long as you stick to halves and take your time. If you’re looking for a decent route through numerous pubs, The Otley Run is an infamous Leeds legend.

The Monopoly Board Pub Crawl in London: An absolute classic. Visit pubs corresponding to the classic board game locations for a unique experience you’ll never forget (as long as you stick to those halves).

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