10 Unusual and Unique Days Out in the UK

Are you itching to find some of the UK’s most unusual and unique events scattered among the charming towns, villages and cities that make this country so great?

We have uncovered a calendar of quirky and interesting events taking place throughout the year, from unconventional food and wine festivals, to cheese rolling and bed racing, some of the most unusual days out in Britain.

Experience 10 unusual and unique days out in the UK we have picked out just for you…

1. Woolpack Sausage and Cider Festival, Hardknott

Try over 50 types of cider and sample 25 delicious flavours of sausage from local Butchers Bewley’s, Woodalls, Melville Tyson and Taste of the Lakes. Combine this with all the usual merriment at the Woolpack Inn and expect the very best from the 2017 winners of the CAMRA West Cumbria’s Cider Pub of the Year!

Many years ago, the ancient Romans used Hardknott Pass to travel back and forth from military bases, yet unfortunately for them the Woolpack Inn did not exist to provide them with refreshments. However, nestled alongside the River Esk, just south of Wast Water lake, this is still one of Cumbria’s oldest pubs and home to a joyous occasion.

This cheerful festival, joining friends together in the Eskdale Valley with live music and merriment, is a unique UK event that’s simply not to be missed! Our insightful Lake District Travel Guide can assist you with more fun things to do when visiting the area, whether it is a weekend break with friends or a week-long holiday with the whole family.

When: Friday 26th April – Sunday 28th April 2019
Admission: Free
Contact: Hardknott Pass, Eskdale, Lake District, CA19 1TH
T: +44 (0)1946 723 230; office@greendoor.me

2. Holker Chilli Fest, Cark-in-Cartmel

This unusual two-day festival, featuring specialist chilli companies from all over the country will either leave your mouth tingling on fire or hungry for more! With an array of delicious flavours to try and a beautiful setting within Holker Hall and Gardens near Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay, this red hot celebration will leave a lasting taste imprinted in your memory.

It is a unique UK event hosting local specialist food suppliers, catering showcasing cuisine from around the world such as Indian and Jamaican street food, along with a variety of quirky gifts. Let us not forget the much-anticipated chilli eating competition, cooking demonstrations and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

You can even bring along your four-legged furry friends to see what all the fuss is about, but be sure to keep them on their lead and watch they don’t encounter a spicy affair.

Get even more holiday inspiration with our guide to the best things to do in the Lake District.

When: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September 2019 10.30am – 5.00pm

Admission: £6.50 per adult, children free.

Contact: Holker Estate, Cark-in-Cartmel, Nr Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7PL
T: +44 (0)1539 558 328 F: +44 (0)1539 558 378 E: info@holker.co.uk

3. World Bog Snorkelling, Llanwrtyd Wells

This bizarre yet wonderful outdoor competition is amongst some of the most unusual things to do in the UK! It allows contestants from around the world to join together at Waen Rhydd bog on the outskirts of Llanwrtd Wells, ready for a wacky day of wading through the mud and mossy marshland to reach the finish line.

The World Bog Snorkelling Championships take place annually as well as the Bog Triathlon, which happens on Saturday 24th August 2019 and consists of a 3-mile run, 6-mile mountain bike ride, followed by a 60-yard bog snorkel, a tough challenge yet very rewarding at the final hurdle.

You can navigate your way to the site following the signposts, for those who don’t mind a mile-long walk, whilst there is also a shuttle bus from the town square to the bog for those that do. There are food and drink stalls, a bouncy castle and crafts for the kids, along with live music and a real ale and cider bar to satisfy your thirst, a unique day out even if you don’t take the plunge.

You should also know that fancy dress is encouraged!

When: Sunday 25th August 2019
Admission: Free
Contact: 01591610666; www.green-events.co.uk

4. Knaresborough Bed Race, North Yorkshire

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race offers something out of the ordinary, with fancy dress, a tough course and a ‘best dressed bed’ competition, by far among some of the most unusual days out in the UK. It started as an idea in 1966, derived from the enthusiasm of the newly-formed Knaresborough Round Table in attempt to raise money for a major charity. There were many ideas, such as tug-o-war, raft racing or even a chariot race, however this wacky idea of the bed race was decided and it turned into a huge success, drawing many visitors to the area each year.

It extends over a 2.4-mile course, challenging contestants to the limit with an icy swim to finish through the waters of the River Nidd. The teams are led up a grassy bank and along the pretty waterside before passing through the Nidd Gorge, climbing the steep Castle Ings before riding the cobbled stones of the Marketplace. The beds are adorned, as are most of the contestants and everyone is in full spirits parading with the teams or simply enjoying the entertainment, with marching bands and dance performers.

It starts at Knaresborough Castle, where the ‘Best Dressed Team’ is determined, with first, second, third and even special commendations for those who endeavoured to truly impress even if they didn’t come in one of the first three positions.  The event is never cancelled either, even though the weather could make the course an additional challenge and quite dangerous at times. Legend has it a ‘Knaresborough Shadow’ comes out like a giant umbrella sheltering the event, which was proven in 2012, one of Britain’s wettest summers on record, when Knaresborough basked in a thin drizzle yet welcomed sunshine.

For more exciting things to do while you are holidaying in the area, browse our Yorkshire Dales Travel Guide and plan your next trip alongside this notable event.

When: Saturday 8th June 2019
Admission: Free
Contact: www.bedrace.co.uk

5. Whole Earth Man v Horse Race, Llanwrtd Wells

Interestingly this unusual event began in June 1980 following a chat between two men over a pint (or three) in the Neuadd Arms Hotel. Also taking place in Britain’s smallest town, this unstoppable event, as the name would suggest offers a race between man or woman and horse with its rider over a challenging course.

It came about when the landlord at the time overheard an intriguing conversations about the relative merits of men and horses tackling mountainous terrain. The race winds its way through magnificent scenery of the Cambrian Mountains, climbs steep inclines and crosses muddy marshlands.

The aim is to reach the finish line before the first horse, with trophies up for grabs for the first three placed runners in all open categories. It may seem tough, though you should know, it has been achieved twice in 38 years, an impeccable achievement when you consider the strength of a horse. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the race, a unique day out for everyone!

When: Saturday 8 June 2019 11:00 AM
Admission: Free
Contact: www.wholeearthfoods.com

6. The Wales Swim, Tenby

The Wales Swim is absolutely one of many cool and unique things to do in the UK, with its stunning location and a fantastic atmosphere you will most certainly want to be a part of.

Taking place during the sweltering summer months, when the Pembrokeshire coastline is sparkling under golden rays, is the big, competitive Wales Swim on North Beach in Tenby. This thrilling event welcomes families, friends and all ages to join the mass on this expansive sweep of sand to cheer on their loved ones or anyone brave enough to face the cool waters of the bay. Anyone who feels they are capable can enter to compete, the men and women are in separated into two categories participating for that first place medal.

This notable event enjoys an iconic harbour-side background, with plenty of places in the local area to grab a bite to eat or drink after the race. Choose from a variety of Tenby Cottage Holidays for a welcoming base to return to after you’ve experienced the exhilarating atmosphere at the Wales Swim.

When: Friday 5th July 2019
Admission: Free
Contact: 01437 765777; info@activitywalesevents.com; www.activitywalesevents.com

7. Bridport Hat Festival, Dorset

This celebration of hats offers you yet another exciting thing to do in the UK, showcasing some of the quirkiest, most creative and stylish headwear combined with live music, shows, games and fun for all the family. This lively and unusual event is run purely by volunteers with the aim of raising funds for Brain Tumour Research in the UK.

There are competitions held throughout the duration and to top it off, there is a huge hat-wearing photoshoot in Bucky Doo Square on Saturday 7th September, also known as ‘Haturday’, to mark the main day of the festival.

Find more unusual things to do with our Bridport things to do Guide, choose to spend a break in one of our Bridport Holiday Cottages for a memorable trip in Dorset and enjoy this summer-ending party through the colourful streets of Bridport.

When: Saturday 7th September 2019
Admission: Free
Contact: 01308250350

8. Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth Harbour

Filling Weymouth’s famous and historic harbour-side with bustling kiosks, bubbling glasses of fizz and merriment, is this quirky, award-winning Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival.

Free to attend, you can sample some of the finest flavours of seafood washed down with a taste of English sparkling wine. There are nearly 100 stalls clustered around the colourful harbour, where you can explore a variety of mouth-watering dishes, sip Nyetimber as you glimpse the boats drifting by the seafront. You can listen to seafood experts, watch national chefs hard at work and experience something new and interesting.

This fun-filled event raises funds for the Fishermen’s Mission, which is a vital port of call for fishermen and their families. It is also a wonderful opportunity to gain more knowledge and understanding of the delicious seafood available just off the glimmering shores of Weymouth.

This enticing festival is within easy reach of some of our Dorset coastal cottages as well as our country cottages in Dorset, providing some superb places to stay in this stunning part of the country.

When: 13th July 2019 10:30am – 6pm and 14th July 2019 11am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Contact: www.dorsetseafood.co.uk

9. Cheese-Rolling, Cooper’s Hill, Gloucestershire

You need to be in seriously good shape to endure the extreme sport of cheese-rolling on Coopers Hill in the parish of Brockworth, this May Bank holiday. Dating back to the 15th century, this unusual event takes place on a steep, verdant hillside in Gloucestershire, where enthusiastic contestants chase a 9lb Double Gloucester cheese.

This runaway cheese has a one second head start on the runners, which can pose a serious danger to onlookers if it takes a slight wrong turn, as it can reach a blinding speed of over 70 miles per hour.

There are three races for men and one for women with a maximum of 14 racers for each, although some years have seen up to 40 taking part. The competitors launch themselves full throttle after the cheese though few have yet been able to succeed in catching it, therefore the winner is simply the first person to the base of the hill.

Experience this usual day out for yourselves and even take a look at some of our Holiday Cottages in Gloucestershire, for places to stay in the nearby area.

When: Monday 27th May 2019 12pm
Admission: Free
Contact: Cooper’s Hill, Gloucester, GL3 4SB; www.visitcheltenham.com

10. The Padstow ‘Obby ‘Oss, Padstow

This bizarre event, thought to be the oldest dance festival in Britain sees abundant crowds of bustling locals and tourists converge upon this chocolate-box town each May Day holiday. The ‘Obby ‘Oss or hobby horse to non-Cornish visitors, is thought to have derived from ancient pagan fertility festivals, be a relic of Celtic horse-worship or even a message to ward off any intruders to the area.

The town is decorated a vibrant shade of green intertwined with flowers and flags early in the morning of the event, a Maypole is erected and two dance troupes spring to the streets of Padstow, each led by a dancer in equine dress. Costumes are adorned with brightly coloured ribbons and sprays of cowslips and bluebells, a traditional celebration

This notable occasion does get rather busy, as you can imagine, so we advise you to get there early to beat the crowds. The car parks and old town streets are closed, so you are best to park in a field at the top of the town near Tesco, where a handy park and ride service is available for you to use. We have a catalogue of Padstow ottages waiting just for you, where you can enjoy the festivities then unwind with a Cornish getaway of your choice, browse our Padstow Travel Guide to learn how to best experience this fine area. Or to continue the theme, take a look at some our unique and quirky places to stay in Cornwall.

When: 1st May 2019
Admission: Free
Contact: Padstow May Day Obby Oss, North Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AF; 01841533449; padstowtic@btconect.com

Image Credits:Ethreon – (CC BY 2.0); Mark Anderson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jothelibrarian – (CC BY-SA 3.0); David Dixon – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Shawn Spencer-Smith – (CC BY-ND 2.0); Michael Warren – (CC BY 2.0); Bryan Ledgard – (CC BY 2.0)