6 Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice In The UK

The summer solstice marks the official starting point of the astronomical summer, occurring at the moment the earth’s tilt towards the sun is at its peak. As daylight hours are at their maximum and nighttime hour are at their minimum, it’s known as the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. So if you live north of the equator, this might be the best day of the year to gather your friends and revel in the midsummer sun at an all-day garden party (particularly as the forecast is looking hot). Alternatively, here are some other ways to mark it this weekend.

Summer Solstice 2025: How To Celebrate

When Is The Summer Solstice in 2025?

In 2025, the summer solstice will occur at 3.42am on 21 June 2025, but the whole day is viewed as a time of celebration. Although the day always falls between 20 and 22 June, the exact date and time shifts as it’s dependent on the Earth’s orbit, which isn’t exactly matched by the calendar year. 

History and Traditions

There is evidence that the summer solstice has been celebrated since the Neolithic Period, with stone circles (most famously Stonehenge) appearing to have been built around the movement of the sun. In Pagan traditions, the solstice is known as Midsummer or ‘Litha.’ 

Marking the peak of the growing season, celebrations often focus on fertility and abundance. Traditions also include honouring the sun while it is at its peak power, symbolising strength and vitality. Festivities often last all night long and include bonfire jumping, dancing, feasting and divination. 

It is also believed the boundary between our world and the divine is especially thin on this marked day, so the possibility of interacting with ghosts, fairies, and other spirits is at an all-time high. Flower crowns are typically worn as a result to ward off any malignant spirits. 

6 Summer Solstice Activities

Watch Midsommar or The Wicker Man

Keen to tap into the witchy pagan vibes of this year’s solstice? These cult horror favourites hypnotise viewers into a world of solstice nightmares. From Swedish holiday celebrations gone horribly wrong to maypole dancing and roaring fires, these films require a caution warning…

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Make Flower Crowns 

Why not go on a nature walk and collect some of your favourite wildflowers to make your own flower crown? There’s no better time to enjoy being in the great outdoors – better still if you can tap into your creative side and ward off bad vibes at the same time.

Bonfire Jumping 

Bonfire jumping is a common feature of Midsummer celebrations across Europe. Some traditions hold that the highest jump over the bonfire will be the height of the year’s crop. Others believe the ritual cleanses your body and soul. So whether you’re a competitive athlete or a spiritual guru, this is the activity for you.

Cast A Love Spell

With magical energies at their peak, many people use this day to set divine intentions. Use the magical power of this year’s solstice to strengthen your bonds with loved ones, set love intentions and maybe even try some pagan spells if you’re feeling brave!

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Visit Stonehenge 

Every year, thousands of people gather at Stonehenge to witness the midsummer sun rising behind the famous Heel Stone. Maximise your time under the sun’s healing powers and wake up early to catch this magical sunrise with fellow summer lovers. This day of sunlit opportunity is hard to miss – surrender to the rhythms of nature and immerse yourself in a day of love, connection, and warmth. It’s not just a scientific marker in the calendar, but a magical time of love and connection.

Go To A Yoga Class

The summer solstice is a key moment on a yogi’s calendar, and special classes and workshops often take place to mark it, hence why International Yoga Day also falls on 21 June. In London, Chelsea Physic Garden is hosting a special summer solstice yoga class and sound bath on 23 June, while Happy Seal Yoga is running a sunrise yoga flow on Scarborough South Bay on 21 June.