This Week in the UK Scavenger Hunt Tasks - 09 July 2026

The news never stops, and neither do these tasks. Spot a shopkeeper using a portable fan or handheld fan to keep cool during the heatwave, Find a pavement cafe displaying a 'Stay Cool' sign or offering iced water to customers, and more feature alongside 28 more challenges drawn from this week's biggest UK stories.

Each task is tied to a real story, trend, or cultural moment from this week. Grab your phone, head outside, and see how many you can tick off.

This Week's Tasks

1. Spot a shopkeeper using a portable fan or handheld fan to keep cool during the heatwave.

* As the UK heatwave continues with temperatures hitting 33C and amber heat health alerts extending to northern England, many workers are improvising to stay cool.

2. Find a pavement cafe displaying a 'Stay Cool' sign or offering iced water to customers.

* With the heatwave spreading north and west, hospitality venues are adapting with cooling offers and shaded seating.

3. Capture a photo of a bus shelter advert promoting sun cream or cold drinks.

* Retail advertising shifts with the weather; this week's heatwave has prompted seasonal campaigns for sun protection and hydration.

4. Notice a public water fountain or hydration station being used by passers-by.

* During the heatwave, local councils have been promoting free water access; public fountains see increased use in hot weather.

5. Photograph a dog cooling off in a paddling pool or outside a shop with a water bowl.

* Pet owners are taking extra care during the heatwave, and many shops put out water bowls for dogs this week.

6. Spot a delivery driver's van with a sunshade or reflective screen on the windscreen.

* With the heatwave and power grid warnings, drivers are taking precautions; RAC issued heatwave driving advice this week.

7. Find a public information poster about heat health or staying cool, displayed in a pharmacy or community centre.

* The UK Health Security Agency issued heat health alerts this week, leading to visible public health messaging.

8. Capture a TV screen in a shop window showing the World Cup quarter-final highlights or match clock.

* The World Cup quarter-finals are underway this week, with major public interest; many shops display live scores.

9. Spot a pub or bar displaying a chalkboard with World Cup quarter-final match times.

* As the World Cup enters the knockout stages, pubs across the UK are advertising their screening schedules.

10. Identify a fan wearing an England football shirt while out shopping or in a park.

* With England in the World Cup quarter-finals (if applicable) or general tournament excitement, shirt-wearing is common this week.

11. Find a London Tech Week banner or branded stand outside a venue in London.

* London Tech Week 2026 takes place this week, with the Prime Minister delivering a speech at the event.

12. Photograph a person wearing a London Tech Week lanyard or badge on public transport in London.

* Thousands of delegates are attending London Tech Week this week; lanyards are highly visible on the Tube.

13. Notice a poster in a vet clinic mentioning the new Veterinary Ombudsman or cheaper fees.

* The government announced the biggest reforms to the vet sector in 50 years this week, including a new ombudsman.

14. Ask a passer-by if they have checked the NHS 30-minute waiting time rule on their phone this week.

* NHS rolled out a 30-minute appointment rule via the app; Wales Online urged patients to check it this week.

15. Spot a community noticeboard in a GP surgery or hospital celebrating the NHS hitting the 18-week waiting time target.

* NHS waiting lists fell sharply this week, and health centres may display the achievement.

16. Find a poster in a hospital or healthcare setting promoting SAS Week 2026 (Specialty and Associate Specialist doctors).

* NHS Employers is promoting SAS Week 2026 this week to recognise the contribution of SAS doctors.

17. Capture a newspaper front page showing a photo of the King opening the British Transport Police's new headquarters.

* The King officially opened BTP's new London headquarters this week, making front pages.

18. Spot a step-free access sign at a train station that has been recently installed as part of accessibility improvements.

* A report this week highlighted that improving public transport accessibility could boost the UK economy by £176bn, prompting new signage.

19. Photograph a mobile phone screen displaying a heatwave weather warning from the Met Office app.

* The UK heatwave continues with warnings in place; many people have alerts on their phones this week.

20. Find a public park with a 'Cool Zone' or shaded rest area sign put up by the council during the heatwave.

* Some councils have set up temporary cool zones during the heatwave, as reported this week.

21. Visit a supermarket freezer aisle and find a display of ice cream or lollies with a 'Heatwave Special' offer.

* Retailers are running heatwave promotions on frozen treats this week; see seasonal end-cap displays.

22. Spot a cyclist wearing a sun hat or using a parasol while riding, a rare sight during the heatwave.

* The extreme heat has led to inventive sun protection; articles this week note unusual behaviours.

23. Find a construction site with a welfare unit offering free cold water or ice packs for workers.

* With the heatwave and health alerts, construction firms have implemented extra cooling measures this week.

24. Notice an electric fan or air conditioning unit for sale prominently displayed in an electronics shop window.

* Sales of fans and AC units have surged during the heatwave; shops are showcasing them at the front this week.

25. Capture a tube passenger in London fanning themselves with a London Tech Week programme.

* Combining the heatwave and London Tech Week, delegates use event programmes as improvised fans.

26. Spot a newsagent front page headline about the World Cup quarter-finals or France yellow card controversy.

* Sky News reported France's failed bid to overturn a star's yellow card; newspapers are covering the story.

27. Find a retailer's window sign advertising sunscreen or after-sun lotion as part of a heatwave bundle.

* Pharmacies and supermarkets are promoting heatwave essentials this week alongside weather warnings.

28. Photograph a dog wearing a cooling vest or bandana, a trend seen more during this week's heatwave.

* Pet owners are investing in cooling gear for dogs; articles about hot weather pet care are circulating.

29. Visit a major railway station and find a digital board displaying a 'Heatwave: Travel Advice' message from Network Rail.

* Network Rail and RAC issued heatwave travel advice this week; station screens may show warnings.

30. Spot a public bin or recycling point with a sign reminding people to dispose of disposable vapes properly, following renewed environmental focus this week.

* The Guardian's article about bendy bananas and Brexit promises also touched on vape waste; but more broadly, vape disposal has been in the news this week due to new regulations.

How to Play

These tasks are designed for BucketRace, the UK's favourite scavenger hunt platform. You can play solo or in teams, and each task is meant to be completed in the real world. Snap a photo as proof, share it with your group, and see who can complete the most.

New tasks are published every week based on what is actually happening in the UK, so no two weeks are ever the same. Follow us for next week's challenges.