Experiences you can gift this Father’s Day

It’s almost time to celebrate Father’s Day. Whether you know a new dad, someone who’s been a dad for decades or have a fantastic father figure in your life, 18th June offers the perfect chance to show your appreciation.

All out of Father’s Day gift ideas this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of unique options, from tasty dining spots to affordable experience days. Here are a handful of things to see and do across our network on Father’s Day 2023.

Get stuck in with a wonderful workshop in York

For a memorable personalised Father’s Day gift or experience, make your way to lovely York. The historic walled city is packed with creative businesses and venues where you can enjoy all manner of wonderful workshops and activities.

Is Dad a chocolate lover? Consider booking him into one of the Father’s Day workshops at the York Chocolate Story where he can have a go at crafting his very own decadent chocolate bar. There are also plenty of guided photography tours if he’s a dab-hand with his camera (including this night photography experience). Or, treat him to a mini spa treatment featuring locally-made products at the luxe No 1 York Spa.

Music lovers might prefer nabbing tickets to the kid-friendly York Proms Picnic Concert. Taking place within the Museum Gardens on Sunday 18th, it’s the perfect Father’s Day gift idea for the entire family. Pack up a picnic and enjoy an evening of classic tunes from famous musicals, followed by a fabulous fireworks display.

Cruise down the Mersey in Liverpool

For an activity the whole family will enjoy, hop on the train to Liverpool and make your way down to the Pier Head Mersey Ferries terminal. From there, you can enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise, taking in key landmarks on both sides of this world-famous waterway.

A great option for a family day out is the River Explorer Cruise. It takes you on a 50-minute journey complete with expert commentary highlighting interesting sites along the Mersey. There’s also a café on board if you fancy a hot or cold drink, plus you’ll find no shortage of spots to grab lunch or dinner afterwards in Liverpool city centre.

The award-winning Duke Street Market is a great shout if you’ve all got different tastes and dietary requirements. Or Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery is close by and is hosting a fantastic Father’s Day Sunday roast where all dads get a free beer (just remember to book a table in advance).

Keep costs low with a free day out in Glasgow

There’s no need to spend a fortune this Father’s Day – especially when so many of our cities have epic outdoor spaces. If the sun is shining, Glasgow’s countless greens and public parks are ideal for a picnic and some outdoor games.

Glasgow Green, just east of the city centre, features a vast expanse of grass that’s a sublime spot for throwing down a few blankets and enjoying some time in the sun. You could also wander through the breath-taking Glasgow Botanic Gardens or find a scenic corner to relax in Kelvingrove Park. And there’s always the Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum to explore if the weather turns a little drizzly.

Tuck into afternoon tea in Edinburgh

For something special for your dad, why not book a sumptuous afternoon tea somewhere in Edinburgh? It’s a wonderful Father’s Day gift for foodies, plus there are some pretty unique options to pick between in 2023.

Tuck into homemade sausage rolls and craft beer surrounded by a menagerie of fascinating creatures at Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo’s Father’s Day Gentleman’s Tea includes a stand-out spread and entrance to the zoo for £42. Tuck into your tea between 10am and 6pm, and then enjoy strolling around the enclosures admiring the zoo’s furry and feathered residents.

Elsewhere, you could also venture to the Grassmarket Community Project for their fabulous Father’s Day afternoon tea event. It will include tasty bites from their onsite café and a screening of the very fitting (and very funny) film Daddy’s Home featuring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Tickets cost £20 and need to be booked in advance.

Feeling inspired by our Father’s Day gift ideas? Remember, if you’re planning on travelling by train, book your tickets in advance online or on the TPExpress app.

June is a jam-packed month of events. Why not check out our other blogs for even more things to do this summer?