The capital is a whirlwind of glitzy West End theatres, energetic East End markets, green swathes of royal parkland and architectural feats. Think gothic spires, Georgian townhouses and abstract skyscrapers resembling razors and shards – even gherkins. Step outside the 'big smoke' and relax in green spaces including Kent's (known as the Garden of England), the undulating Sussex downs and Hampshire's lush New Forest – pack your bike and riding hat. History lessons in the Home Counties transport you back in time with Irons Age forts, motte-and-bailey castles and Jacobean mansions. The scenic southeast coastline is a Hollywood star, making cameos in iconic films like Brighton Rock and The White Cliffs of Dover.
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London and South East England
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Celebrate Portsmouth's literary heritage at BookFest
Meet some of the UK's most beloved authors in an annual literary festival for the whole family.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
August events: Brighton Pride
At Brighton Pride you can enjoy a risqué drag act, dance till your heart’s content and eat fish ‘n’ chips by the sea all in the same day.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
October events: Watch a world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival
Book tickets to a wide variety of new and award-winning films at London’s most accessible and exciting film festival.
Location: London, Greater London
August events: Oxford Foodies Festival
Feeling hungry? Eat and drink your way around one of the UK’s biggest food festivals.
Location: Oxford South Parks, Oxfordshire
December events: Visit Hyde Park at Christmas and witness a Winter Wonderland
Gather the family and get your skates on for the UK’s biggest outdoor ice rink at London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Location: London
July events: Alice's Day
Rediscover the charm of Wonderland with a fun-packed day of events on Oxford’s unique Alice’s Day.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
June events: Revel in the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Visit Greenwich this summer for amazing sights and sounds at London's biggest festival of free theatre and performing arts.
Location: Greenwich, London
Get away at The Great Escape
The Great Escape brings hundreds of up-and-coming artists to 35 venues over three days in Brighton and Hove.
Location: Brighton, Sussex