Sporting events
We are a sports-mad country, with world-class sporting events occupying various fields in England across the year. There's the promise of the Rugby World Cup kicking off on English soil in 2015, the world's oldest football cup competition, the FA Cup, with away fixtures perfect for arranging a football break, and an impressive range of sailing, cricket and golf fixtures, to mention a few. Then, of course, there’s the Social Season, with horse racing, polo and tennis all jockeying for attention. If you have to pick, Ladies Day at Royal Ascot is one of the most famous race meet days of them all.
A thrilling day at Chester Races
You can’t beat a fantastic day at the races, so get dressed up and pick up your race card for a day of fun and socialising.
Location: Chester, Cheshire
September events: Test your fitness levels at The Great North Run
The Great North Run is an iconic half marathon with more than 54,000 runners registering to take part every year.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
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
June events: Cheer on a winner at the Northumberland Plate Festival
Put on your posh frocks and enjoy three days of racing and live music at one of the biggest events in the North East horseracing calendar.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Enjoy a feast of live music and sporting events in Nottingham
Prepare to rave about Nottingham’s headline music festivals and be bowled over by the city’s world-class sporting events.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
May events: Cheer on the cyclists at Lincoln Grand Prix
Take to the streets of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter to show your support for some of England’s top cyclists during a two-day festival of cycling.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire