Blog

Best summer events in the UK

May 17, 2018

It’s amazing what a difference a bit of sunshine can do for your mood. Make the most of the better weather over the summer by checking out some of the best UK summer events this year!

1. Royal Ascot 19th – 23rd June
uk-events

What is Royal Ascot?
Arguably the best known and most popular racecourse, Ascot is host to a week-long series of races. The main draw is that the event is attended by members of the Royal Family (notably the Queen) who arrive in a procession with great fanfare and watch the races from the Royal Enclosure. It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up, sip champagne and have a flutter on the horses!

Where is Royal Ascot?
Located in the heart of Berkshire, Ascot Racecourse is located between Reading and Twickenham.

Tickets to Royal Ascot
You can book online through various agencies, or direct at the official Royal Ascot Site

Getting to Royal Ascot
Ascot is easily reached by road or rail; there is ample parking onsite and trains run regularly from Waterloo, Reading and Guildford. Since this is a really special event, why not arrive in style? Hire a luxury car with your own private Royal Ascot chauffeur for ten hours – free WiFi and a drinking bottle are included so you can have a stress-free, comfortable journey and feel like a queen for a day!

2. Stratford upon Avon River Festival 30th June – 1st July

What is the River Festival?
This is a free festival that regularly attracts thousands of visitors to the area. Featuring live music, family fun events (including a climbing wall, swingboats and fairies), crafts, fireworks and narrowboats, this is a really lovely way for the whole family to spend a weekend together.

Where is the River Festival?
Stratford upon Avon is located between Worcester and Northampton, and the River Festival takes place in the centre of the town within walking distance of the Stratford Butterfly Farm. While you’re there, don’t forget to search out Shakespeare’s birthplace for even more culture!

Tickets to the River Festival
This is a free event with no need to book ahead. If you’re planning to stay for the weekend, you should start looking for accommodation early as it will fill up quite quickly.

Getting to the River Festival
Stratford upon Avon is well served by rail and road networks. By car, you can get there via the M1, M40, M42, M5, M6, and M69 motorways, and regular rail services run on the London Midland and Chiltern services.

3. Wimbledon 2nd – 15th July
uk-event-wimbledon
What is Wimbledon?
This iconic tennis tournament is something every true Brit should visit at least once; it is exceptionally popular with UK nationals and tourists alike. Quintessentially British, it’s best enjoyed with strawberries and cream and a glass of Pimms.

Where is Wimbledon?
Located in south-east London, between Twickenham and Croydon, Wimbledon is within easy distance of the capital.

Tickets to Wimbledon
Tickets can be bought online the day before each day’s sessions, or you can enter the public ballot for tickets. Or you could invest in a long-term ‘debenture’ ticket, which will set you back in the region of a mere £15,000-£50,000…

Getting to Wimbledon
The easiest way to reach the tennis courts is from Southfields tube station, via the District Line, from where a frequent shuttle bus can take you directly to the grounds. Alternatively, you can walk from Wimbledon tube station in about 15 minutes.

4. Great Yorkshire Show 10th – 12th July

Set in acres of green fields, countless exhibitors show off their livestock, farming equipment, food and drinks. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with regular stops for cups of tea, ice creams and venison burgers and see rare-breed chickens, enormous bulls, cookery shows, equine events and more!

Where is the Great Yorkshire Show?
The Show is held each year just outside Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Tickets to the Great Yorkshire Show
Tickets are already on sale and can be bought here.

Getting to the Great Yorkshire Show
There is plenty of parking available if you choose to drive (follow signs for the Showground when you approach Harrogate off the A59 or A64), or you might prefer to take the train to Harrogate and use the frequent, free bus shuttle service from the railway station.

5. Cowes Week 4th – 11th August

What is Cowes Week?
Cowes week is one of the largest and longest-running sailing regattas in the world, featuring over 40 races each day and over 1,000 boats. Entrants range from hobbyists to Olympians and all put on a great show.

Where is Cowes Week
Cowes week takes place on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight.

Tickets to Cowes Week
This is a free event but book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Getting to Cowes Week
If you live anywhere other than the Isle of Wight, you’ll need to take a flight or a ferry to reach the island. Regular ferries run from Southampton and there is no need to book if you are travelling as a foot passenger; if you are planning to drive, make sure you make arrangements for where to park once you arrive as space is limited.

6. Castle Howard Proms 19th August

What is Castle Howard Proms?
Enjoy live classical music, popular classics, Proms’ favourites and songs from the music halls, watch a Spitfire flyover and finish the night off with a fantastic firework display! Located on the sweeping lawns of this stately home, bring a chair and a picnic – good fun for all the family.

Where is Castle Howard Proms
Castle Howard is located north of York, just off the A64 on the way to Pickering. It is close to the Yorkshire Arboretum, which is a pleasant place to spend a few hours on a summer’s afternoon.

Tickets to Castle Howard Proms
Tickets are available to buy on the gates or online here.

Getting to Castle Howard Proms
Public transport options are limited as the event runs beyond the time of the last bus, but it is easy to reach by car and there is ample parking.

7. Creamfields 23rd – 26th August

What is Creamfields?
2018 is the 21st anniversary of this British dance music festival, which takes place in the countryside between Liverpool and Manchester. Live acts and DJs play throughout and it’s less muddy than Glastonbury!

Where is Creamfields?
The festival takes place in fields just off the A56 in Daresbury, Warrington – it’s well signposted from the M62.

Tickets to Creamfields
Buy your tickets here.

Getting to Creamfields
Creamfields is easy to reach by car, train or bus and there’s a shuttle bus service (for which you can reserve tickets) that runs from Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington.

OUR SERVICES