With UK residents taking 928 million tourism day trips last year, spending almost £49 billion*, demand for experience-led days out closer to home shows no sign of slowing. In fact, the latest VisitBritain figures also show domestic tourism spending increased by 3% overall in 2025**, highlighting the continued appetite for memorable experiences across Britain.
Against this backdrop, Lakeside Shopping Centre is set to launch its biggest-ever summer programme for families, with TV personality and mum of two Ferne McCann helping to officially kick off the school holidays on Saturday 25th July.
As part of Lakeside’s A Proper Day Out campaign, the destination will showcase everything families can enjoy beyond shopping, from paddleboarding and kayaking to water zorbing, beach experiences, live entertainment, family fun and dining by the water. The campaign reflects growing demand for experience-led destinations, with VisitBritain research showing that 59% of domestic visitors choose where to travel based on the experiences available there***.
At the heart of the programme is Lakeside’s iconic 20-acre lake, which will once again become the centrepiece of an action-packed summer of activity. Alongside more than 250 shops, restaurants and leisure attractions, visitors will be able to enjoy a packed calendar of experiences designed to keep the whole family entertained throughout the holidays.
Visitors heading to Lakeside on Saturday 25th July will also have the exclusive opportunity to meet Ferne during a special Snap & Share session from 1:30pm until 2:15pm, where fans can take selfies, create content and say hello in a relaxed setting. No booking is required, with spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply head to The Quay to join in the fun!
Throughout the Summer Holiday launch party weekend, visitors can also enjoy live music from a retro VW DJ booth overlooking the lake, creating the perfect soundtrack to the summer celebrations.
Research shows 73% of children most enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends during the holidays****, making activities that combine adventure, play and quality time together increasingly appealing. As part of “A Proper Day Out”, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of summer activities throughout the holidays, including:
Paddleboarding, kayaking and water zorbing on Lakeside’s 20-acre lake with Fluidity (See website here for more details)
The Destination at Lakeside, complete with a beach, family entertainment and seasonal experiences
Live music, DJ sets and summer events by the water
More than 250 shops, including leading fashion, beauty, lifestyle and incredible home brands
A wide choice of restaurants, cafés and grab-and-go dining
Leisure attractions and entertainment for all ages
Ferne McCann commented: “I’ve visited Lakeside so many times over the years, both with family and friends, and now as a mum it’s somewhere we genuinely love spending time together. There’s so much more than shopping, so I’m really excited to help launch A Proper Day Out and celebrate the start of the summer holidays.”
Nancy Foster, Centre Director at Lakeside Shopping Centre, added: “This summer is all about showing visitors that Lakeside is so much more than a shopping destination. With our 20-acre lake, water sports, live entertainment, family attractions, restaurants and more than 250 stores, A Proper Day Out brings together everything families need for a memorable summer day out in one place.”
