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.
London and South East England
June events: Enjoy a flutter on the horses at Royal Ascot
Enjoy a quintessentially British day out at Royal Ascot – a highlight of the summer social calendar and one of the most exciting events of the year.
Location: Ascot, Berkshire
July events: Henley Royal Regatta
Enjoy the excitement and action of a classic English pastime in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside.
Location: Henley, Oxfordshire
See global superstars at the Isle of Wight Festival
See some of the biggest names in the business from the past, present and future at this legendary music festival in June.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
June events: Step back in time at Broadstairs Dickens Festival
The usually quiet coastal town Broadstairs comes to life to celebrate the life of Dickens at this week-long, eclectic festival.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
August events: Broadstairs Folk Week
Join in the fun – play the spoons, sing along with the many bands, shake a clog or head along to the Hobby Horse Club.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
October events: Enjoy local produce at Broadstairs Food Festival
Fresh, local, award-winning produce, live demonstrations and more in October. Simply delicious.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
August events: Trout ‘n About Food Festival
Take your pick from hand-crafted jewellery to award-winning sausages at this gourmet event in the heart of the Test Valley.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Enjoy free, live music at Southsea Bandstand
Is there a better summer afternoon than a fantastic free programme of music and dance in a beautiful natural amphitheatre looking out to sea?
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
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
July events: Whitstable Oyster Festival
One of the biggest events in Kent’s calendar, the annual oyster festival in trendy Whitstable is far more than a foodie’s fiesta.
Location: Whitstable, Kent
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
November events: Take a Christmas cookery class with a celebrity chef
Explore the world of Christmas food and drink with Michelin-starred celebrity chefs at the Taste of Christmas event in London’s Docklands.
Location: London
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
Enjoy a summer of waterfront events and festivals in Portsmouth
Enjoy a summer of waterfront events and festivals in Portsmouth.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
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
Bring the kids to family-friendly Victorious Festival
Enjoy a Victorious trip to Portsmouth at this scenic and buzzing music festival.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
