5 travel experiences worth booking this summer
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IF you've been itching for an excuse to get out and explore this summer, this might be your sign to start planning some fun travel experiences.
Whether you're craving an adrenaline-fuelled getaway or a little bit of luxury closer to home, there's something out there for everyone.
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To help kickstart your summer bucket list, we've rounded up five brilliant travel experiences worth booking now, and there's something for every thrill seeker or family to enjoy while the sun's out.
Whatever vibe you're after this summer, our top five picks deliver on fun and plenty of adventure.
The best news? You don't have to leave the country (or break the bank) for any of these feel-good experiences.
Bug Jam Festival - Santa Pod Raceway
5
A must for motorsport fans
Credit: BUG JAM FESTIVAL
Book Bug Jam Festival
Looking for a new experience? There's nothing like a festival to tickle all of your interests.
Now in its 38th year, Bug Jam Festival at Santa Pod Raceway is a summer must for motorsport fans, music lovers, and festival-goers alike.
The weekend is packed with live drag racing, monster truck shows, comedy, family-friendly fun, and four music stages featuring acts like Noasis and Rick Parfitt Jr.
Kids aren't left out, there is a dedicated Little Buggerz zone with activities, inflatables and Bug Jam Beach. Children under five also get free entry.
This year's fancy dress theme is: Games!
From classic board games to video game heroes, let your creativity level up and bring your favourite characters to life!
Weekend camping is included with all weekend admission tickets, and track action ranges from Jet Car demos to Run What Ya Brung racing for VW owners. Get full event information here.
Hippodrome Circus
5
One of Britain's most historic venues
Credit: Hippodrome Circus
Book tickets
Why not experience the magic of the Hippodrome Circus?
It's an ideal trip for the whole family to enjoy this summer.
The Hippodrome Circus is one of Britain's most historic and atmospheric venues.
This summer, the famous stage will be lighting up for Around the World, a brand-new international circus spectacular from Jack Jay and Johnny Mac.
Running from July 9 to September 14, it's a show packed with thrills, laughs and jaw-dropping moments that's suitable for all ages.
Families can expect high-energy performances from across the globe, including death-defying motorbike stunts, dazzling jugglers, acrobats, and gravity-defying aerialists.
One of the major highlights includes a breathtaking Water Spectacular, featuring synchronised swimmers in the venue's iconic sinking ring.
Upham Inns: Boutique countryside pubs with rooms
5
Escape to the English countryside
Credit: upham inns
Get 15% off stays with code: BOOKDIRECT
Escape to one of Upham Inns' charming countryside stays for a luxury staycation and a slower pace.
Upham Inns' charming collection of country pubs with comfortable guest rooms is set in some of Southern England's most picturesque spots.
Guests can stay cosy by the fire during the chillier months, or soak up the sun in the pretty gardens and terraces in the summer.
From the New Forest and South Downs to the Surrey Hills and Winchester, these cosy inns provide the perfect getaway.
The beautiful countryside locations mean guests can enjoy scenic pub walks, visit local attractions, and enjoy plenty of local cuisine, with menus celebrating fresh, seasonal country cooking.
Book direct for the best rates and use code BOOKDIRECT to save 15% off your stay.
Plus, if you show this article at check-in, you'll receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco in your room.
Bluebell Railway
5
Book a steam train adventure
Credit: Bluebell railway
Book your next visit
Step back in time with a steam train adventure through the beautiful Sussex countryside on the Bluebell Railway.
More than just a train ride, visitors can hop on and off vintage carriages all day with a Rover ticket, which is perfect for exploring museums, exhibitions, and scenic stations along the route.
Enjoy additional activities, exhibits and tours for Railway 200 – the national event celebrating 200 years since the invention of passenger-carrying railways here in the UK.
The national exhibition train 'Inspiration' will visit the Bluebell Railway from 23 – 29 July 2025.
Families can take advantage of the 'Kids for a Quid' offer during most weekends and school holidays, where children travel for just £1 with a fare-paying adult.
Throughout the year, families can enjoy free extra entertainment on weekends, which includes Dinosaurs, Fireman Sam, classic car shows, Halloween fun, and a huge Santa Train event at Christmas.
For the adults, the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival hosts over 100 beers, cider and perry, and a great music line-up.
If sumptuous luxury is more your style, the first-class and Pullman coaches offer premium surroundings and delicious afternoon teas, or the Golden Arrow Evening Dining Train, which includes an extravagant three-course meal.
You can get 10% off an advanced full-fare adult all-day Rover ticket using the voucher code: CHECKLIST25 online**.
Stockeld Park
5
Take the kids on an adventure
Visit website to book tickets
If a family day of fun is on the cards this summer, Stockeld Park is Yorkshire's all-weather family adventure park for hours of fun. Stockeld Park is open on weekends and during school holidays and is nestled between Wetherby and Harrogate, packed with year-round attractions.
Some of the iconic attractions include an Enchanted Forest, a giant Yew Tree Maze, a Woodland Laser Arena, and the award-winning Indoor Playhive, which is one of Europe's largest indoor play centres at 20,000 square foot.
This summer, the park will transform into a daily festival with live entertainment, magicians, silent discos, and more.
Stockeld Park also guarantees fun whatever the weather with its inflatables guarantee, which gives customers a free return pass to the park if the inflatables need to close - valid until September 14.
Voted one of Europe's Top 10 Theme Parks by TripAdvisor, it's a brilliant day out for the whole family.
Follow Checklist for more travel tips and inspiration
If you are planning a summer getaway abroad, a UK staycation or want some travel tips follow Checklist.
You can follow @ChecklistSocial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign up for the newsletter and get the latest travel inspiration, tips and deals.
Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today.
**This code may be applied online to purchases up to and including November 2, 2025, for standard 3rd class travel only. It does not apply to special events.
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