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
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
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
Get your gourd at Slindon Pumpkin Festival
Take park in this celebration of gourds and squashes, including an unusual form of pumpkin art, within a National Trust village in West Sussex.
Location: Slindon, nr Arundel, West Sussex
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
Wander into the Wilderness Festival
A ticket to Wilderness in Oxfordshire's countryside is like a ticket to a mini paradise where art, music, fine food and nature collide.
Location: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
July events: Standon Calling
Head to Standon in Hertfordshire for a three-day summer party featuring huge music acts, an on-site nightclub and bars that never close.
Location: Standon, Hertfordshire
July events: Wireless Festival
Enjoy three days of dancing to world class hip-hop and R&B acts at Wireless Festival in London’s Finsbury Park.
Location: Finsbury Park, 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
July events: Truck Festival
See big names in rock and dance music perform at an intimate festival on a farm near Oxford.
Location: Steventon, Oxfordshire
Join the crowds at All Points East
Huge headliners meet exciting new artists in London’s Victoria Park this summer as part of All Points East.
Location: Victoria Park, London
July events: British Summer Time
Thousands of music fans invade London’s largest Royal Park every summer for American Express presents British Summer Time.
Location: Hyde Park, London