10 Magical Ways to Celebrate The Summer Solstice This Year

Whether you believe in the tales of fairies, mischief and portals between worlds, or simply love an opportunity to celebrate the longest day of the year, the summer solstice is a magical moment in time — filled not only with folklore and superstition but also a deep, ancient connection to the Earth. Marking the point when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky, it’s the day with the most daylight and has been honoured for centuries by cultures across the world.

From stone circles aligned with the sunrise to festivals steeped in ritual and fire, the solstice carries a mysterious energy — a pause between light and shadow, where the veil between worlds feels just a little thinner. It’s the perfect time to step outside, ground yourself in nature, and celebrate life, light and everything in between. 

So instead of letting the summer solstice pass you by this year, why not join in the magic and dip your toe in the celebrations? 

Summer Solstice Legends & Folklore

The summer solstice has long been wrapped in myth and magic. As the sun reaches its peak, ancient cultures saw this day as a time of great power, transformation, and even mischief. From Celtic kings to Slavic love rituals, here are some of the most enchanting legends linked to the longest day of the year:

• The Oak King and the Holly King (Celtic)
   In Celtic lore, the Oak King rules the light half of the year and battles the Holly King at the solstice. At midsummer, the Holly King wins, signalling the slow return of darker days.
   
• Litha and the Faerie Realm (Pagan & Wiccan)
   Celebrated as Litha, the solstice is believed to be when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, allowing faeries and spirits to cross into ours. It's a time for magic, fire rituals, and protection charms.
   
• Kupala Night (Slavic)
   A festival of love and fertility, Kupala Night includes jumping over bonfires, searching for mythical blooming ferns, and floating flower wreaths down rivers to reveal romantic fortunes.
   
• Sunna and the Chariot of the Sun (Norse)
   In Norse mythology, the goddess Sunna drives the sun’s chariot across the sky, chased by a wolf. The solstice marks her radiant strength before the days begin to wane.
   
• Persephone’s Return (Greek Myth)
   Though more often linked to spring, the solstice has been associated with Demeter’s joy at having Persephone home — a symbol of earth’s full bloom and abundance under the sun’s gaze.
   
• A Midsummer Night’s Mischief (English Folklore & Shakespeare)
   Drawing on centuries of folklore, A Midsummer Night’s Dream popularised the idea of midsummer as a time of enchantment, confusion, and faerie interference, especially in matters of the heart.

Ways To Join in The Summer Solstice Magic

The best way to experience the summer solstice is to join in on the magic, and there are plenty of ways for you to do that. Here are our top 10 ways to celebrate the summer solstice this year.

1. Witness the Sunrise at Stonehenge

One of the most mysterious wonders of the UK, Stonehenge is a place steeped in ancient energy and centuries-old secrets. Each year, thousands gather at this Neolithic monument to witness the sun rise perfectly in line with the Heel Stone – an alignment believed to hold spiritual and astronomical significance.

The atmosphere is electric yet reverent, as druids, pagans, and curious souls alike celebrate the longest day of the year. Whether you believe Stonehenge was a solar temple, burial site or celestial calendar, there’s no denying the magnetic pull of its midsummer magic. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the power of the solstice in its most iconic setting, visit Stonehenge and experience it for yourself – it’s a moment you’ll never forget.

2. Attend the Golowan Festival in Penzance

Held in the Cornish town of Penzance, the Golowan Festival is one of the UK’s most colourful midsummer celebrations. Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, this week-long event is filled with music, dancing, fireworks, and parades. 

At its heart is Mazey Day, a jubilant day of community spirit, giant sculptures, and folkloric performances. Celebrating creativity, tradition, and the power of light, it’s a joyful and unique way to mark the solstice with others — especially when the streets of Penzance come alive in a sea of colour and culture.

3. Glamping Stay

Glamping is a wonderful way to ditch the noise and distractions of everyday life and immerse yourself in the slow rhythm of nature. Unlike traditional camping, glamping pods offer a cosy and comfortable base — think plush beds, crackling firepits, and maybe even a hot tub under the stars. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with life’s simpler pleasures. 

On the summer solstice, it becomes even more special — just you, the open air, and the glow of the longest day of the year.

4. Experience the ‘Simmer Dim’ in Shetland

Up in the Shetland Islands, the sun never fully sets at midsummer. Locals call it the 'Simmer Dim' — a twilight that lingers through the night, casting the landscape in a soft, dreamlike glow. This natural phenomenon makes the solstice in Shetland unlike anywhere else in the UK. It’s a gentle reminder of just how powerful and beautiful the Earth’s rhythms can be, and offers a truly mystical setting for a late-night walk, storytelling session or moment of quiet reflection.

5. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Glide into the longest day of the year in a way that’s truly magical. A hot air balloon ride is not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but also a beautiful way to connect with the earth on a deeper level. As you rise gently with the sun or drift into the colours of sunset, there’s an almost sacred stillness that surrounds you — just sky, silence and awe. Sharing the skies with the sun, in perfect harmony, it’s a moment of pure presence and natural wonder, making it a powerful way to honour the solstice.

6. Foraging Experience

The summer solstice is all about connecting with the land and appreciating the generous bounty that nature provides. A foraging experience lets you explore this in a hands-on way — from identifying edible plants and herbs to understanding seasonal cycles. It’s a grounding, mindful activity that ties into age-old traditions of living with the earth, not just on it. You’ll come away with a basket full of wild goodness and a deeper respect for nature’s gifts.

7. Outdoor Yoga & Forest Bathing

Whether you choose to flow through sunrise salutations or simply lie beneath the trees in quiet meditation, outdoor yoga and forest bathing are powerful ways to honour the solstice. Surrounded by birdsong, sunlight and the grounding energy of the woods, these practices help restore balance, clarity, and peace. On the longest day of the year, when the earth is most alive, it’s a sacred way to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

8. Poole Harbour Lights Cruise

Watch the sun set on the solstice from the peaceful waters of Poole Harbour. This relaxing cruise gives you front-row views of the changing sky, as golden light gives way to twilight. With commentary on local landmarks, onboard drinks, and the sea breeze in your hair, it’s a serene and reflective way to end the longest day. There’s something truly magical about being on the water as day turns to night — especially on a day that celebrates light in all its glory.

9. Have a Sunrise or Sunset Picnic

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most meaningful. Pack a blanket, some fresh fruit, maybe a bottle of fizz, and head to a quiet spot to enjoy a solstice picnic. Watching the sun rise or set on this sacred day allows you to slow down and soak in the beauty of the moment. It’s a lovely way to honour the light, the season, and the little joys in life.

10. Make Flower Crowns

Channel ancient midsummer traditions and craft your own flower crown from fresh blooms and greenery. Whether you wear it for a solstice gathering or just as a way to feel more in tune with the season, the act of creating something with your hands from the earth is deeply symbolic. Plus, who doesn’t feel just a little bit magical wearing one?

So, whether you’re dancing amongst ancient stones with your flower crown in full bloom, or simply enjoying a quiet moment beneath the trees, the Summer Solstice is a reminder to pause, connect, and embrace the beauty of the natural world. However you choose to celebrate, it’s the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy some truly magical outdoor activities.