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Restrictions may not have lifted as much as we hoped, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun this summer, says Hannah Britt
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Three-quarters of us said we missed hugging the most over the past year and a half. So cuddle up, as “hugging stimulates happy hormones,” says psychologist Dr Audrey Tang.
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Make ice cream Whisk 300ml double cream, 175g condensed milk, 2tbsp ground coffee, 1tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt together, then place it in the freezer until completely frozen. See coffee-direct.co.uk for more fantastic recipes.
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Go go Glastonbury The famous festival has secured a licence to hold a one-off event in September for 50,000. We’ll see you down the front.
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Into the woods “Take the kids to a forest,” says Laura House, of childcare initiative Tiney (tiney.co). “Make ‘potions’ with petals, climb trees or make dens.” 5
Star gaze Can you see Orion’s Belt? What about the Little Dipper? Wait for a clear night and count the constellations. 6
Take the plunge Wild swimming is
refreshing, an endorphin boost and great exercise. Fancy a dip? Visit wildswimming.co.uk to find beautiful locations near you.
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On the trail Download the Love Exploring app to discover free nature trails in 50 locations across England. (loveexploring.co.uk)
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Cloud collecting Lie on your back outside and look up. Take photos of the clouds you see. Draw them. What shapes are they? Visit yakult.co.uk for more tips. 9
Feast on fish and chips Nothing
says British seaside like fish and chips. So why not treat yourself to a tasty dinner on the beach? Don’t forget the mushy peas. 10
Pack a yummy lunch and head to a sunny spot in your local park, or even out into the countryside. 11
Gardeners’ World Live The much loved BBC show is going on tour, and will be at Birmingham NEC from 26-29 Aug. Visit bbcgardenersworldlive.co.uk
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Find a friend Feeling a little isolated? Try the Amica app, designed to connect women and create friendships through common interests. Visit amicaapp.com
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Scoot scoot Fun and simple, scooting is great exercise. Scoot the National Cycle Network, safe, flat and traffic free across the UK. (microscooters.co.uk)
Have a picnic Have a hug
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Not able to get away? The Kinetic Sand Beach Kingdom playset, £20 (The Entertainer) allows you to create sand castles at home.
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The world needs a little kindness right now, so let it start with you. Smile at a stranger, or help someone who you see struggling with their bags.
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Create a cocktail Treat yourself to a refreshing Moscow Mule by combining 2oz vodka, 2oz ginger beer and the juice of half a fresh lime. Visit thebottleclub. com where you’ll find more inspiration.
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Go on a treasure hunt Crack the clues in a self-guided Treasure Trail. There are over 1,200 walking routes to choose from across the UK. Visit treasuretrails.co.uk
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Sunflower picking Is there anything more summery than a sunflower? So why not pick some to take home at a pickingpatch.com location. 19
You need a sheet, a projector, some throw cushions and some popcorn. Voila – the cinema has come to you.
Bring the beach to you Random act of kindness
There has never been a better time to get back on the dating scene
Outdoor movie night
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the to stayca places
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Britain the pu aroun farms
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