Council delivers a summer of fun
Thursday 17 July 2025: Medieval reenactments, fitness and an abundance of fun family activities have been lined up by Hillingdon Council to keep residents active and entertained this summer.
For young booklovers, the Summer Reading Challenge runs until 13 September, encouraging children aged 4-11 to get outside and enjoy nature, inspired by books. The theme this year is 'Story Garden, Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors'. Register for free in any of our libraries, which will also host themed events throughout the challenge.
Explore history with Cranford Park's popular Parkaeology event on 19 July, from midday to 4pm with interactive archaeology activities to uncover the park's past, and don't miss Family Day which returns on 27 July, from 11am to 4pm, and includes a medieval tournament, games, reenactments and stalls.
The Battle of Britain Exhibition and Visitor Centre in Uxbridge is hosting activities for history-lovers, with its monthly Speaker Series of talks, including three dedicated sessions on Polish Air Force Day, on Saturday 2 August, 10am to 4pm. For those with children, there are weekly family tours and 'Pipsqueaks' toddler reading sessions. Find out more at battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/whats-on.
If your aim is to keep active this summer, there are family swimming sessions at Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex, and soft play sessions for under 10s at Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre. Find out more at better.org.uk/hillingdon.
For those who crave fresh air, join a led walk, play tennis on one of our 33 courts or try an outdoor fitness class delivered by ourparks.org.uk.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "We've made it easy to keep the family entertained with a great line up of events and activities ensuring there's something for everyone.
"Residents and visitors can enjoy our parks, libraries, leisure centres and heritage sites - there are lots of things happening across the borough throughout the summer.
"Add to this our annual Holiday Activities and Food programme for children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and no one should be stuck for ideas for summer fun."
To find out more about the Holiday Activities and Food programme visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/HAF-programme.
For more information on summer events, activities, theatres and shows and to book, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/events.
