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Why summer is the best time to learn English in the UK
Summer is a fantastic time to learn English in the UK. You can enjoy mild weather, longer days and a lively atmosphere. Summer gives you the chance to practise your English in real life while exploring some of the UK’s best sights and events.
Pleasant weather and longer days
The British summer usually brings mild temperatures and sunny days. Longer daylight hours mean you have more time for outdoor lessons, social activities and sightseeing. Many English language summer courses in the UK include trips to local attractions, so you can use your English skills in different places and situations.
Must-see destinations, vibrant festivals and summer events in the UK
In summer, the UK is full of festivals, concerts and outdoor events. Cities like Brighton, Chester and Eastbourne have local celebrations, live music and seaside fun. This festive atmosphere helps you meet new people and practise your English with locals and other students from around the world.
Unique learning experiences: practise English outdoors
Summer English courses often have outdoor lessons, project work and fun activities.
One of the best things about learning English in the UK in summer is that you keep learning outside the classroom too.
You can study in lovely parks, at historic places or by the sea. Many schools have special summer courses for teenagers and adults, so you can find the best course for your age and level and use your choice of location to access the events and experiences that you love, whether that’s shopping, live music festivals, or cultural events you won’t see anywhere else.
Good weather, long days and your new friends help you use your English in real life every day.
We cannot give you a full list of things to see in your free time between classes, but here are some top favourites that our students really enjoy, divided up by our three English school locations in the UK, and the cities close by.
Contents:
- Brighton: Learn English and enjoy the British seaside
- Chester: Study English in a historic British city
- Eastbourne: Learn English by the Sea
- Choosing your English language course in the UK
- Getting away from it all (open spaces to relax and unwind)
Brighton: Learn English and enjoy the British seaside
Must-see attractions
Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier (sometimes still called Brighton Palace Pier) is one of the UK’s best-loved seaside attractions, with fairground rides, arcades and traditional snacks. It’s a must-see for anyone on an English language summer course in Brighton, giving students the chance to practise English while enjoying a classic British beach day.
Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s famous palace with its Indian-style domes and exotic gardens. Students who study English in the UK with us in Brighton can explore its beautiful rooms and relax outside with classmates.
Brighton i360
The Brighton i360 is a glass viewing tower that lifts you high above the beach for panoramic views. It’s perfect for students on summer English courses in Brighton at ELC as the i360 is only a 15-minute walk from our language school.
The Laines
Most of our students love shopping. Brighton’s Laines are a maze of narrow streets full of cafés, shops and street art. They’re ideal for exploring with friends and practising real-life English in the small, independent boutique shops during your English summer course in the UK.
Brighton Summer Events (July–August)
Paddle Round the Pier (early July)
This charity beach and watersports festival takes place each July and is the biggest of its kind. Students on summer English courses for teenagers or adults can join locals on the beach and chat in English in a fun setting.
Brighton Kite Festival (July)
Every July, Stanmer Park fills with colourful kites and stalls. It’s a relaxed day for students to enjoy nature, feel uplifted and hopefully practise English with classmates.
On The Beach Festival (mid to late July)
On The Beach brings famous DJs and bands to Brighton Beach every July. The best English summer courses in the UK aren’t complete without a bit of dancing on the beach with music!
Brighton Pride (early August)
Brighton Pride is one of the UK’s biggest Pride events, with a parade, music and street parties. Many students choose to learn English in Brighton in August just to join the celebrations.
Symphonic Ibiza Concert (late August)
Symphonic Ibiza mixes an orchestra with famous dance music for a unique seaside show. It’s a great way to celebrate the end of your English summer course in Brighton.
Top Outdoor Event Spaces in Brighton
Brighton Seafront & Beach – main location for festivals, beach days and events
Preston Park – home of Brighton Pride and local fairs
Stanmer Park – known for the Kite Festival and open-air theatre
Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) – Shakespeare and shows under the stars
Hove Lawns – art trails, small festivals and meet-ups
Pavilion Gardens – peaceful gardens for relaxing between lessons
Cities and events near Brighton in the summer
London: Notting Hill Carnival (late August)
If you visit London in August, the Notting Hill Carnival is a must-see. It’s Europe’s biggest street festival, with colourful costumes, live music and Caribbean food. A fantastic day trip for students who study English in the UK in summer and want to experience London’s vibrant culture.
Worthing: Worthing Pride (July)
Worthing Pride brings colourful parades and live music to this seaside town each July. A smaller, friendly version of Brighton’s Pride - perfect for a relaxed day trip.
Chichester: Chichester Festival Theatre (June–September)
Chichester’s famous theatre runs its summer season from June to September, with popular plays and musicals. It’s ideal for students who want to see British theatre during their English summer course in the UK.
Chester: Study English in a Historic British City
Must-See Attractions
Chester City Walls
Walk the Roman walls to see the whole city. It’s perfect for students who want to study English in the UK while exploring local history.
Chester Zoo
One of Britain’s top zoos, it’s great for a day out with classmates on English summer courses in Chester.
The Rows
These medieval galleries are unique to Chester. They’re ideal for shopping and practising English with local people.
Storyhouse
This modern theatre and library often hosts open-air summer shows. A lovely spot for students to use English outside class.
Summer events in and around Chester (July–August)
Chester Pride (August)
The city centre comes alive with colour, music and a parade. Students on English summer courses in the UK can join the fun and meet new people.
The Brit Fest (early July)
A pop and rock festival near Chester - a great summer experience for anyone on the best English summer courses in the UK.
Chester Food & Drink Festivals (July–August)
The city’s squares host local food and craft markets throughout summer - ideal for practising English and trying British treats.
Top outdoor spaces in Chester
Grosvenor Park – home of the open-air theatre
Chester Racecourse – race days and big outdoor concerts
Town Hall Square & Cathedral Gardens – food and craft markets
River Dee & The Groves – riverside walks, picnics and small performances
Great cities and events near Chester
Liverpool: Liverpool International Music Festival (July)
Each July, Liverpool hosts a big music festival with local and international acts in Sefton Park. It’s a fun summer event for students on English summer courses in Chester who want to enjoy live music.
Liverpool International Music Festival
Manchester: Manchester International Festival (July)
Manchester’s famous arts festival takes place every two years but there are always summer gigs and street performances in July and August too - perfect for a cultural day trip.
Manchester International Festival
Wrexham: Focus Wales (May, early summer)
Focus Wales is a popular multi-venue music festival in Wrexham that kicks off the summer festival season. Great for students who want to experience Welsh culture and live music.
Eastbourne: Learn English by the Sea
Must-see attractions in Eastbourne
Eastbourne Pier
A classic seaside spot for students to relax and enjoy British fish and chips.
Beachy Head & Seven Sisters
Walk along these famous white cliffs during your English summer course in Eastbourne.
Towner Eastbourne
Modern art gallery with exhibitions and workshops - a cultural highlight for anyone studying English in the UK.
Summer events in Eastbourne (July–August)
Eastbourne Airbourne (mid-August)
This famous airshow fills the sky with displays over four days. A must-see for students on summer English courses for teenagers and adults.
Bandstand Concerts (July–August)
Tribute nights and firework shows by the sea - great fun after a day of studying English in the UK.
Outdoor Cinema & Theatre (July–August)
Watch films and plays outdoors with classmates and listen to some English while you relax under the stars.
Top outdoor event spaces in and around Eastbourne
Seafront & Beaches – Airbourne, bandstand shows, beach days
Eastbourne Bandstand – daily summer concerts
Princes Park & Helen Gardens – outdoor theatre and fairs
Western Lawns & Wish Tower Slopes – airshow viewing, small events
Near Eastbourne
Brighton: Brighton Pride (early August)
If you’re studying in Eastbourne, Brighton Pride is the biggest nearby festival. Just 35 - 40 minutes away, it’s a huge, colourful celebration by the sea.
Lewes: Lewes Societies Fair (July)
Lewes holds a traditional fair in summer with local craft stalls, performances and family activities - a gentle day out for students on English language summer courses in Eastbourne.
Hastings: Hastings Pirate Day (July)
Hastings Pirate Day is a fun local tradition every July with people dressed as pirates, live music and seaside games. It’s quirky and popular for students wanting a break from Eastbourne’s calm beaches.
Royal Tunbridge Wells: Pub in the Park (July)
This food and music festival tours the UK and usually stops in Tunbridge Wells in July. It’s all about tasty street food and live bands - perfect for a summer day out.
Choosing your English language course in the UK
Here are some of the ways ELC students can enjoy English beyond the classroom:
Teen Summer Vacation Courses
In Brighton, Chester and Eastbourne, our summer courses for teenagers include a full social programme with activities, sports, cultural visits and excursions to nearby cities. Practise your English while exploring beaches, castles and local festivals.
- Brighton Summer English Courses for Teenagers (13–15)
- Brighton Summer English Courses for Teenagers (16–18)
- Chester Summer English Courses for Teenagers (13–16)
- Eastbourne Summer English Courses for Teenagers (16–22)
General English for Adults (16+)
All adult students can join an optional social programme with guided tours, local sightseeing and weekend trips - perfect for speaking English in cafés, museums or parks with your new friends.
25+ English Course in Chester
In Chester, students aged 25+ can choose a dedicated course in a quieter part of the school, with small groups and activities suited to their interests - plus the same fun social programme if they want it.
25+ Summer English course in Chester
50+ English Courses in Chester and Eastbourne
Our 50+ courses are designed for mature students who want to combine English lessons with a relaxed cultural and excursion programme. Enjoy visits to historic towns, gardens, museums and the countryside while using English naturally every day.
Getting away from it all
If you prefer to revise your vocabulary and practise your favourite phrases on your own, in peace and quiet, summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures in the UK.
Whether you’re based by the sea, in a historic city or near the countryside, you can enjoy fresh air, beautiful views and tranquility too.
If you’d like to add extra weeks onto your trip, we’ll be able to give you advice on where to go and where to stay.
One of the best places for summer walking is the South Downs National Park, which stretches along the south coast of England. The famous South Downs Way offers gentle hills, peaceful villages and stunning views over the sea and coastline - ideal for a day hike when you’re not in class.
South Downs National Park South Downs Way
In the north of England, you can explore parts of the Pennine Way, Britain’s oldest long-distance footpath. It runs through wild moorlands and rolling hills, with plenty of easy sections for beginners.
Close by, you can also discover beautiful countryside around Chester and North Wales. North Wales is perfect for hiking, with scenic riverside paths and breathtaking trails in Snowdonia National Park. Here you can climb Mount Snowdon or choose gentler routes through forests and valleys.
Cycling is popular too - from coastal bike rides along the south of England to countryside trails near historic towns. At the seaside, many students combine English with ‘plus options’ like water sports such as like paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking, or beach games with classmates. These outdoor activities help you stay active, make friends from around the world and practise speaking English in fun, real-life situations.
Globally recognised English education
Learning English in the UK means you are choosing a world-class education. UK English language schools are well known for their high standards and experienced teachers. A course here will help you gain confidence and improve your skills, and your certificate will be valued by universities and employers worldwide.
Ready for your British summer blast?
Whether you are looking for English summer courses for teenagers or adults, ELC Schools offer a range of options in Brighton, Chester and Eastbourne. Learn English, make friends from all over the world and explore the best of the UK this summer.
Find out more about our summer English courses:
- Summer Courses
- Brighton Summer English Courses
- Chester Summer English Courses
- Eastbourne Summer English Courses
You can also check out our current social programmes in each location to see what students are doing right now with their free time.
