Things to do

Test your endurance as you swim, cycle and run along Bournemouth’s iconic seafront.

Celebrating people, arts and culture, this festival features arts activities, large scale art installations, live music, dance and DJs.

This revered folk and rock festival was established in 1980 and is still lovingly curated and hosted by the legendary Fairport Convention.

On the Waterfront returns to Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head this summer, with a mighty line up of big-name artists.

Delve into 10 days of creativity bursting with spoken word, poetry, literature, film and more.

A fascinating fusion of surrealist art and magical practice, absorb never-before-seen pieces from a radical British artist.

An unmissable opportunity to see the monumental paintings of indigenous Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray.

There are over 750 yachts and 7,000 competitors at one of sailing’s biggest events.

Filled with musical heritage, this popular festival has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, and more recently Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi.

Northern England's longest-running literature festival brings big names and engaging events to this 17-day extravaganza.

Award-winning novelists, writing workshops and film screenings make up just some of the schedule at this packed autumn literature festival.

Get a taste of Somerset as local food producers and live music come together for an all-out celebration.

A 10-mile run along Portsmouth’s seafront, taking in the city’s attractions and bringing people together in celebration.

Catch some of the world’s biggest artists in August, at this musical extravaganza by the sea.  

The highly anticipated Good Food Show Summer is an annual summer foodie extravaganza.

Discover the sounds of days gone by, with soul-stirring historic concerts and choral ensembles.

The biggest LGBTQIA+ event in North Yorkshire, this annual festival takes place every June.

Maybe you’ll climb the ‘Volcorno’, hit the ‘Cobstacle’ Course, or go climbing on the ‘Corn-wall’?

The town celebrates the written word in this bi-annual event for book lovers.

From coastal paths with epic views to following in the footsteps of history, grab your walking boots for expert-guided walks and experiences.

Celebrate classical music at the South Downs Summer Music Festival in Alfriston, in the South Downs.

Head to Bognor Regis for three days of fabulous folk music at the Southdowns Music Festival.

Celebrate the South Downs National Park by giving it back to nature, with the ReNature Festival.

Mark your diary for the country’s biggest and one of its most popular Pride events, in Brighton.

Visit the opera house like no other, at country house Glyndebourne, near Lewes in East Sussex – a fixture on the summer festival scene.

This annual celebration of art, music, books and dance features talents from all over the world.

Featuring a vintage fun fair, thrilling country shows and gourmet food – in the grounds of Chatsworth House.

Every August, the otherwise tranquil Catton Hall transforms into one of Britain’s biggest heavy metal festivals.

A fun-packed day with entertainment for everyone.

Look out for fun-filled entertainment, street food and funfair rides, with great vibes and confetti galore.

Every July, Nottingham pulls on its dancing shoes for the finest rock bands, pop stars and DJs.

Enjoy classical music performances and cultural events, in venues throughout the pretty town of Corbridge.

Every summer, this two-week classical festival brings top-quality performers to the North York Moors.

Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.

Juicy lobster, succulent crab, and freshly caught mussels and oysters: it’s all on the menu!

Have fun at gin-tasting and cocktail-making workshops with some of Britain’s top distilleries.

Heavy metal fans will flock to the Damnation Festival, a one-day celebration of metal in the BEC Arena, Manchester.

Rock out for three days of live music at Leeds Festival, in Bramham Park, one of the biggest dates on the festival calendar.

Join in with the celebration at the UK’s biggest comic art festival, Thought Bubble, in Yorkshire.

Head to Penrith’s Wannasee Festival for family-friendly fun and live acts for all ages.

Classical music fans will adore Lake District Summer Music, a festival that’s been going for more than 35 years.

Dance yourself dizzy at Solfest, a much-loved music and arts festival held in North Lakes Country Park.

Join the parade and party at Margate Pride, as the Kent coast is lit up in rainbow colours.

One of the loveliest folk festivals in England takes place on a farm on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, with three days of fabulous fun.

Charming Broadstairs on the Kent coast comes alive to the sound of folk music every year with its popular Broadstairs Folk Festival.

For a festival with a view, head to Victorious Festival in Southsea, Portsmouth, which combines great music with a great location.

See the skies come alive with one of the country’s most spectacular air shows, set in one of the most beautiful coastlines, in Paignton, on Devon’s English Riviera.

Spend the weekend with Bear Grylls having an adventure the whole family will never forget at the Gone Wild festival at Powderham Castle, South Devon.

Celebrate with the Exmouth Pride event in Manor Gardens, with live entertainment, music, stalls and workshops for a rainbow-themed day.

Classical choirs and award-winning orchestras perform alongside rock bands, soul singers and more.