Every year on the 8th of June, BFFs far and wide come together to celebrate National Best Friends Day. And while its exact origin is unknown, the first official record of this wonderful day can be traced back to 1935, when the US Congress agreed to dedicate a day each year to honour close friendships, with many other countries hopping on the trend since then!

Friends are the family we choose, so it’s important to show our nearest and dearest just how much we love and appreciate them. National Best Friends Day provides the perfect opportunity to do this, as you and your closest confidantes can mark a physical day in the calendar to do whatever you like to celebrate your tight bond and make some new memories together. Whether that means a fancy meal with drinks, a trip to a luxury spa or just a night in with your favourite film and a bottle of bubbly, National Best Friends Day is all about thanking your bestie for loving and supporting you no matter what – warts and all!

Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Is there anything better than catching up with a friend over a perfectly brewed cuppa? Actually, there is – catching up with a friend over a perfectly brewed cuppa with cake! This delicious afternoon tea at Patisserie Valerie experience is a sweet way to treat your BFF to something special after a fun day of window shopping. Settle into the gorgeous surroundings of one of Patisserie Valerie’s 40 UK-wide locations and enjoy a sumptuous selection of sandwiches, finger fancies, indulgent cakes and pastries, expertly brewed teas and of course, fluffy scones with a jam and clotted cream.

Go to a Cocktail Making Class

Or are you after something slightly stronger to wet your whistles? Look no further than the pomp and glamour on display at Silviu’s immersive cocktail masterclass, hosted in the regal interiors of the 5-star hotel, The Rubens at the Palace. If you both love nothing more than clinking coupes together, this memorable experience will be just the tonic as award-winning Director of Bars, Silviu Stan, teaches you how to make a tantalising array of refined cocktails. Plus, you’ll also receive a variety of exquisite canapés and a glass of chilled Champagne each to raise a toast to your friendship!

Do a Cooking Lesson

If you’re hungry for fun things to do with friends, a cooking lesson should definitely be on the menu! This fantastically tasty pasta and Italian cooking masterclass at Ann’s Smart School of Cookery will have you and your fellow foodie learning how to create your very own classic Italian dishes from scratch. From focaccia to asparagus risotto and fresh spinach and ricotta cannelloni, you’ll soak up some delicious wisdom from the talented chefs as they guide you through the recipes of the day. Fresh ingredients and aprons will be provided, so without further ado, prepare to ready, steady, cook!

Have a Spa Day

Friends who pamper together, stay together – fact. So, this National Best Friends Day why not whisk them away for some much-needed R&R on a blissful spa day? Choose from our handpicked selection of tranquil spas across the UK and get ready to unwind in the lap of luxury. Depending on your choice of venue, you’ll both be treated to one or more of the following options – a rejuvenated treatment each, refreshments and unbridled use of the spa and leisure facilities on offer. All you need to do is don your fluffy robes, leave your worries at the door and relax.

Wine and Dine

As a wise person once said, good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends. Wine and dine your bestie in style with this fantastic dining experience at The Mayfair Lounge and Grill. Located within The Cavendish London, an opulent 4-star hotel, this elegant eatery promises an evening of culinary delights as you enjoy a three-course meal from their gourmet set menu and bottomless prosecco! Then, after dinner, make the most of your stylish London soirée with a sight-seeing stroll through St. James’s Park toward Piccadilly and the West End to top off a night to remember.

Go on a Glorious Getaway

For some serious one-on-one time with your best friend, there’s only one thing for it – a two-night escape full of fun and adventure! Pack your bags and choose from our fabulous selection of quirky, traditional and luxury hotels across the UK and Europe. Fancy a trip to the sparkling shores of Cornwall? No problem. After a chic city break in Rome? Say no more. Or how about an escape to the countryside in the Scottish Highlands? We’ve got you covered. Whatever your taste, we’re sure to have the perfect break to help you treat your special someone to a trip to remember!

Show your BFF how much you love them with a special delivery of tea and cake delivered straight to their door! This tasty afternoon tea at home gift box from Piglet’s Pantry is as cute as it is scrumptious and is guaranteed to spread a little joy. Bursting with sweet and savoury delicacies, this delicious afternoon delivery includes mini sausage rolls, a Scotch egg, a ham hock and cheddar tart, a selection of taste bud tingling cakes and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Plus, they’ll also receive two specialty teapigs tea bags for that all-important brew!

You might not be together in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night in together with a few tipples! We all became video call experts in lockdown, so why not set up a Zoom and order each of you one of these fantastic cocktail kits from Map Maison? Crafted by expert mixologists, choose either one 500ml bottle, two 200ml bottles or six 50ml bottles from MAP Lab’s impressive list of bottled cocktails. With cocktail equipment included, get ready to shake up a virtual storm and sip on creative creations such as spiced Tsurai Martinis to Maison Margaritas. Cheers!

Or, if they’re overdue some ‘me time’, pamper your pal from afar with this indulgently soothing Sleepy Head natural care letterbox gift. Take self-care to another level, this thoughtful gift box is bursting with all-natural goodies to help them relax and unwind at home. Tailored to help them get a restorative night’s sleep, this package includes gifts from celebrated wellness brands, including a Sleep Well Balm Stick by Scentered, Sleepy Head Bath Salt blends from Made by Coopers Apothecary and Lavender Soy Wax Melts and Organic Hemp Tea from Body and Mind Botanicals to name but a few!