Image: Badminton Estate
With June just around the corner and the evenings getting longer by the day, this is the best time to make the most of the season and start scheduling your early summer plans. Whether it’s a spontaneous coastal trip, brunch in the sunshine or an outdoor cinema evening with friends, summertime always brings a fresh energy with it.
From botanical gardens in bloom to slow weekends wandering through markets and bookshops, here’s what we’re loving right now.
Image: RHS
Honing Heritage, designed by Nick Leitch
Gardens in bloom
If you were inspired by some of the magnificent displays at Chelsea Flower Show last week, late May and early June are arguably the best time to visit gardens across the UK. Everything feels greener, brighter and finally awake after the colder months, making it the perfect excuse for a slower afternoon outdoors. Bring coffee, pack a bag – check out our new Tropical XL Tote in Cantaloupe Orange – and take your time enjoying a quiet hour away from busy city streets. How about RHS Badminton Flower Show, an exciting new RHS show coming to the beautiful South Gloucestershire countryside 8-12 July 2026?
Image: Visit Brighton
Seaside Sunsets
Brighton always feels at its best when summer starts to arrive. The beach fills up in the evenings, outdoor tables spill onto the pavements and the whole city feels a little more relaxed. Spend the day exploring before heading to Preston Street – home to our Brighton store. Our friendly team will be happy to show you around and help you find some pieces to refresh your home. Why not pick up one of our cosy new throws and make your way to the seafront for fish and chips, ice cream or simply watching the sunset from the beach.
Image: Adventure Cinema
Outdoor cinema season
Outdoor cinema events are starting to appear across parks, rooftops and gardens around the UK, and we’re fully embracing it. Adventure Cinema has over 300 outdoor cinema shows including Mama Mia!, Wicked Sing-a-long, Star Wars, Encanto and many more, so check out a location near you and what’s screening. We love the idea of getting cosy with blankets and snacks, and our brilliant folding Admiral chair is the ideal compact lounger for this type of event. A feel-good film under the sky is the best way to welcome summer.
Images (L-R): Harbour Festival, English Heritage Clifford’s Tower
Plan a weekend away
Cities like York, Cambridge, Oxford and Bristol are great for slower weekends where the plan is simply to wander, stop for coffee and see where the day takes you. Whether you’re heading to Bristol’s famous Harbour Festival (17–19 July), punting along the waterways of Oxford and Cambridge, or exploring Clifford’s Tower and the medieval architecture of York Castle, this is the season for embracing the outdoors. And, why not visit one of our stores in these beautiful cities to discover what new collections could work in your home this summer?
Image: Forestry England
Camping under the stars
Whether you’ve managed to secure this year’s hottest festival tickets or are planning an off-grid getaway with friends, make sure you’re equipped with the comfiest sleeping solution – it really does make all the difference. From woodland escapes to laid-back weekends at your favourite campsite, our Sleepover range makes it easy to create an instant sleep or slouch space wherever you land. Our handy Roly Poly has been designed for spontaneous adventures, transforming any tent into a cosy space within seconds. Add plenty of cushions, warm throws and soft layers to create the ultimate snug setup for evenings under the stars.
There really is something about this time of year. Longer evenings, weekends away and homes that feel lighter and brighter. If you’re looking to give your home a little refresh or are in need of new outdoor furniture, check out our collections in-store, online or in our app.
