Vegan Summer Guide UK 2025: BBQ food, festivals, books & more

Details and links correct as of May 2025

Summer’s almost here – and with longer days, warmer nights, and time off work (hopefully), it’s the perfect season to embrace the outdoors, indulge in good food, and make choices that are kind to animals and the planet.

Whether you’re already vegan or just curious about how to veganise your summer, here are some top tips for a sunny season filled with compassion, connection, and brilliant food.

Vegan BBQ Food

Vegan BBQ Swaps

No need to feel left out when BBQ season hits – supermarkets have seriously stepped up their game with new vegan launches this year. Look out for:

  • THIS Isn’t Pork Sausages – Made from pea protein, these sausages pack a serious flavour punch and taste great barbequed. (THIS™ | Plant-Based Food)
  • Richmond Vegan Ribs – A new 2025 release, perfect with sticky sauce and grilled veg.(Green People)
  • M&S Plant Kitchen Korean BBQ Skewers – Part of M&S’s Plant Kitchen range, offering a spicy twist on a classic. (Marks & Spencer)
  • Aldi’s Vegan Range – Including vegan peri-peri kebabs and jackfruit burgers, perfect for summer grilling. (Aldi Vegan Range).

Feeling nervous about being the only vegan at a BBQ? Bring something to share – you’d be amazed how many non-vegans are open to trying (and loving) vegan food. Offer to help cook your own bits, so you can avoid meat on your food. And if all else fails, steer the conversation to how good your food tastes – it’s the best advert for veganism.

Vegan Festivals & Markets

Attending a vegan festival or market is a fantastic way to support independent vegan businesses, eat amazing food, and meet like-minded people.

  • Swansea Vegan Festival – Brand new in 2025! Expect street food, eco-stalls, talks, and family-friendly fun.
  • Vegan Camp Out (Leicestershire) – A weekend of camping, live music, and inspiring vegan speakers.
  • Brighton Vegan Summer Fest – Beach vibes, tasty eats, and a great coastal day out.
  • Northern Vegan Festival (Manchester) – Set in the heart of the city with over 100 stalls.

Many festivals are free or low-cost, and you’ll leave full of ideas and probably a tote bag of treats!

Vegan Summer Reading Books

Summer Holiday Reading

Whether you’re on a staycation or soaking up the sun in your garden, summer’s a great time to unwind with a good book. Here are a few new and inspiring reads:

  • “How to Argue With a Meat-Eater (And Win Every Time)” by Ed Winters (Earthling Ed) – Empowering, clear, and ideal for anyone wanting to have better conversations about veganism.
  • “The Book of Animal Secrets” by Dr. David O. Wiebers – A fascinating look at the intelligence and emotional lives of animals.
  • For kids: “Lenny the Lamb Who Found His Voice” – A beautifully illustrated book about kindness to animals.
Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary Worcestershire Shropshire

Visit Our Sanctuary: Summer Tours & Pignic Experiences

We’re excited to announce that our Spring/Summer Sanctuary Tours and ‘Pig’nic Experiences are now open for booking! Come and meet the residents, hear their stories, and enjoy a peaceful day connecting with rescued animals. Bring a plant-based picnic, sit in the sunshine, and get to know our friendly pigs, goats, hens, and more.

Whether you’re new to veganism or a lifelong supporter, our sanctuary is a place to reconnect with nature, slow down, and be reminded of why compassion matters.

Vegan Summer Skincare & Sun Protection

Hot days call for high-SPF and hydration, but not at the cost of animals or the planet. Luckily, there are loads of brilliant UK-friendly vegan and cruelty-free skincare brands to keep your skin safe and glowing:

  • Green People – Based in the UK, their scent-free SPF30 is gentle and reef-safe.

  • UpCircle – A sustainable brand using repurposed ingredients like coffee grounds and fruit stones. Their SPF is vegan and packaged in recyclable materials.
  • Holland & Barrett – Their own-brand and stocked ranges include plenty of budget-friendly vegan aftersun gels and moisturisers.
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Vegan eco friendly summer travel ideas

Eco-Friendly Summer Travel

If you’re thinking of getting away, there are plenty of ethical ways to holiday without flying or staying somewhere that serves foie gras at breakfast. Some ideas:

  • Staycations – Explore the UK by train. Head to vegan-friendly cities like Brighton, Bristol, or Edinburgh, or seek out scenic spots like the Lake District (there’s even a vegan B&B in Ambleside!).

  • Glamping with a conscience – Check out sites like Ethical Escapes or Canopy & Stars for plant-based, off-grid stays.

  • Sanctuary visits – Whether it’s us or one of the other animal sanctuaries around the UK, supporting rescue work while enjoying a peaceful day out is a win-win.

Vegan Podcasts for Summer

Whether you’re walking, road-tripping, or just sunbathing, podcasts and music are the perfect companion. Here are some vegan-themed listens to uplift and inspire:

  • The Chickpeeps – Hosted by Evanna Lynch (Luna from Harry Potter), this one’s light-hearted and great for new or curious vegans.

  • A Sustainable Mind – More eco-focused, but often overlaps with vegan and ethical living themes.
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  • The Proof with Simon Hill – Deep dives into plant-based health, with a science-first approach.
How to help animals in the heat

Caring for Animals in Hot Weather

It’s not just us who feel the heat – animals need extra care too. A few simple actions can make a big difference:

  • Leave out water for wildlife – a shallow dish with pebbles works great for bees and birds.
  • Buy a Bee-Saving Kit or scatter some bee-friendly wildflower seeds to support pollinators.
  • Keep pets cool – Don’t walk dogs during the heat of the day (early morning or evening is best), and never leave animals in hot cars – not even for a few minutes.

Whatever your plans this summer, we hope you fill it with sunshine, good food, and kind choices. Being vegan isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress, joy, and living in alignment with your values. Here’s to a season of simple pleasures and doing good.

See you at the BBQ, the sanctuary, or in the shade with a good book!

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