Father's Day 2018: 10 of the best things to do with your dad

With Father’s Day fast approaching on 17 June, we’ve done the leg work for you when it comes to treating your dad.

For football fans

Bonding over a ball, eh? For fans of the beautiful game, you can’t beat it. Those on a budget are in luck, as Sunday sees three matches taking place for the World Cup, offering four and a half hours of quality ball time. Of particular note is the Germany vs Mexico (group F) match, which is being screened by the BBC at 4pm. This is probably the second best match-up of the group stage, with a lot at stake. Other matches include Costa Rica vs Serbia on ITV at 1pm and Brazil vs Switzerland on ITV at 7pm.

For tipple drinkers

Many breweries and distilleries now offer tours and tasting sessions for dads who enjoy the occasional tipple. Favourites include the Black Sheep brewery situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, Strathisla in Banffshire, which is the oldest working distillery in the Highlands and situated on the banks of the Isla river, and Thatchers Cider in Somerset. Sadly, Thatchers doesn’t offer tours on a Sunday, but spaces are available for other days of the week, including this Saturday.

For fitness fanatics

Those who like a challenge might consider hopping on their bikes and stirring up some healthy dad/offspring competition. There are cycle routes throughout the UK for all abilities and with a good forecast predicted for the big day, there’s no excuse not to get out there. Sustrans provides a good introduction to the National Cycle Network and covers traffic-free, wildlife and art routes. Those seeking something more hardcore should check out our guide to the best bikepacking rides in the UK: a combination of mountain biking and lightweight camping.

For art lovers

The UK is incredibly fortunate to have a wealth of museums and galleries open to visitors, many of which cost nothing. Current highlights include Jenny Saville’s first ever museum exhibition in Scotland at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Egon Schiele and Francesca Woodman at the Tate Liverpool, whose Lichenstein exhibition ends this Sunday, Patrick Heron at Tate St Ives and Animals and Us at the Turner Contemporary in Margate, which explores the relationship between humans and other animals.

For history buffs

We’re fortunate in the UK to have incredible historical sites to explore and conserve. English Heritage is responsible for over 400 of these around England, while Historic Environment Scotland and Cadw are the major bodies protecting our heritage in Scotland and Wales respectively. The National Trust also cares for many of the UK’s historic homes and gardens and is the largest membership organisation in the UK. Some of the most popular sites include Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall and Leeds Castle in Kent.

For foodies

Explore the distinctive flavours of British fayre by taking your dad on a guided food tour. From street food tours in East London to a chocolate tour of Chelsea to exploring Billingsgate Fish market, there’s something for all tastes.

For horse racing aficionados

Sharing the excitement and drama of race day is a great way to say thanks to dad. Access to a premier enclosure, a complimentary drink and free programme are all part of buyagift's two-for-one race day package, applicable at one of 15 racetracks around the country, and reduced from £84 to £36 in time for Father's Day.

For the green-fingered

Monty Don wannabes will enjoy a stroll around some of our most loved gardens. Sissinghurst Castle, created in 1930 by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, is one of the most iconic gardens in the UK and is located in Kent. Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 as an apothecary’s garden, in a warm microclimate by the river Thames to train apprentices in medicinal plants, while Studley Royal Water Garden in Ripon, Yorkshire, is home to the majestic ruins of Fountains Abbey.

For avid aviators

A trip on a light aircraft is an experience not to be forgotten in a hurry. Pick from a selection of flight experiences, including flying lessons or simply touring. North Weald Flight Training in Essex offers a range of trial lessons, including a Glimpse of London From the Air experience, which takes in the capital's most iconic landmarks; from £169 for a 40 minute lesson for two people.

For nature lovers

A walk in the park, through fields, woodlands and along coastlines is a timeless and cheap way to while away the hours and get some quality dad time. There are plentiful of options for nature lovers, from a steady stroll, to something more strenuous. From the Peak District to Epping Forest, there’s always new ground to be broken, whether you’re based in the city or the heart of the countryside.