Some of them require you to dress up, which can be part of the fun, but others are easily casual. It’s the event that matters – and as long the notoriously unpredictable weather is on your side is easy to immerse yourself in the age-old traditions of England.

Here’s a short list of some of the best events in 2025

Glastonbury Festival 25-29 Jun

http://glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

One of the world’s most famous popular music festivals dating back to 1970. A bit of a squeeze for the most popular acts with around 200,000 attending. But it’s set on 1500 acres of farmland so there’s plenty of room to pitch a tent and enjoy the slightly hippie-ish culture. Acts this year include Neil Young, Rod Stewart, Kaiser Chiefs and Superegrass.

Henley Royal Regatta 1-6 July

http://hrr.co.uk

The world’s most famous regatta set on a wide and straight section of the River Thames. There’s over 400 races of international standard but it’s just the backdrop to a fabulous social day out involving food, conviviality and an opportunity to immerse yourself in this event which dates back to 1839. There’s lots of private enclosures and corporate entertaining near the finish line but the nice thing about Henley is that it’s possible to view it free of charge from the bank slightly downriver.

Wimbledon Championships 30 June – 13 July

http://Wimbledon.co.uk

The oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. The only major tournament played on grass and with a history dating back to 1877. It’s full of tradition – an all-white dress code, minimal advertising and a requirement for modest, polite behaviour from the spectators. Members of the royal family are often in attendance and, needless to say, it’s difficult to get tickets for the key, centre court matches. But its possible to queue up and get admission on the day for some of the minor games. Be warned – you won’t be alone doing this.

Formula 1 British Grand Prix 3 – 6 July

http://silverstone.co.uk

First held in 1926, it’s been an important event in the motor racing world since 1950. Set on the Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, it’s a key date for petrol heads with the the noise, the smells and the presence of the sport’s best racers all adding to the thrill of the competition. There’s a variety of tickets all available online with prices dependent on the particular day and culminating in the final Formula 1 world championship race on the last Sunday.

Cowes Week 2 – 8 August

http://cowesweek.co.uk

One of the largest and longest-running sailing regattas set around the lively town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Dating back to 1826, it involves around 40 daily races and 2500 competitors. But sailing is only one part of the story and there’s a host onshore events with a nautical theme ranging from parties to live music. Needless to say, nowhere near Heathrow or Gatwick and involving a ferry journey across the Solent. Easy to watch the competitions from the banks and it attracts around 100,000 visitors. Hotel rooms are at a premium.

Henley Festival 9 – 13 July

http://henley-festival.co.uk

Officially the Henley Festival of Music and the Arts it’s Britain’s only black-tie festival. Set on the site of Henley Regatta, run the previous week, it’s an eclectic mix of music, art exhibits, roving performers and some superb outdoor restaurants. Some the world’s major acts have performed there including Sir Elton John , the Beach Boys, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones. This year Diana Ross is scheduled to appear.

But that’s a shame because this mountainous country next to the black Sea, and south of Russia, has many attractions reflecting its ancient history as the gateway between Europe and Asia.

British Airways has just added flights to the capital Tbilisi as part of its summer schedule indicative of the interest in this country.

Tbilisi is one of Europe’s oldest capitals and has been the cultural and economic centre of the country for 15 centuries.

There is much for visitors to see, but the colourful domed, 17th-century baths, fed by naturally hot, sulphur water are a must, but the Metekhi Temple which sits high above the city on a cliff should also be included in any tour. The city is a veritable ancient melting pot with Georgian Orthodox churches, Armenian churches, a mosque and two synagogues.

Wander into the countryside and you are spoilt for choice. There are beaches on the black Sea and and wander further to the Caucasus mountains. you look at some of the highest mountains in Europe dominated by stunning glaciers. The countryside is littered with the most remarkable and unspoiled historical buildings – monasteries, churches, fortifications.

And one should never forget that a human skull dating back 1.8 million years, the oldest ever found in Europe was discovered at Dmanisi in southeast Georgia – overturning prevailing opinion on the origins of European humanity.

There are no golden beaches, hardly any nightlife and a distinct shortage of large hotels to attract the package holiday industry – and that’s just the way the locals like it.

It’s a Canary Islands destination that attracts visitors who enjoy hiking, swimming off black sand beaches and quiet nights. There are only two direct flights a week from the UK although its easily accessible from other European points and regular local flights from Tenerife and Gran Canaria – plus of course ferry connections from Tenerife and nearby La Gomera.

Sleepy La Palma had a rude awakening in 2021 when a volcano on the Cumbre Viejo ridge erupted spewing lava down to the coast and isolating much of the south west section of the island. The lava was slow and there were no casualties but damage was extensive – ironically the stabilised lava flow has become something of a tourist attraction with trips from the capital to inspect the still-warm lava.

But the real jewel in the crown is the forested northern interior and the Caldera, an ancient collapsed volcano in the centre of the island which hosts a multitude of hiking trails. A walk around the Caldera is not for the faint-hearted but an experience not to be missed. Just remember to pack the hiking boots and get in shape before you depart.

There are some excellent black sand beaches at Cancajos and Puerto Naos and few sea-water swimming pools carved out of the coastal rock. Needless to say the sea temperature rarely dips before 19C.

We stayed at the H10 Taburiente Playa and flew from Gatwick with Tui. There was also flights from Heathrow via Madrid

A late starter in the industry compared to many other countries in the region, Oman is attracting increasing numbers of tourists particularly from the UK where it has strong historical trading links.

The projected doubling of flights from London by Oman Air is indicative of the push to increase this sector.

Besides stunning beaches, there are many attractions, including the world’s second largest cave at Majlis al Jinn, but an absolute host of cultural attractions. Almost every Omani city has a fort dating back hundreds of years. There are several world heritage sites, notably the stunning Bahla Fort which was built between the 12th and 15th century as a important feature of the frankincense trade.

It is rated as an extremely safe country although tourists, particularly women, are asked to dress modestly and not exhibit ostentatious public displays of affection. 

With some of the world’s finest collections on display, the UK policy is in stark contrast to that of other countries who administer an admission charge. The Louvre in Paris for example charges adults 17 euros although children are free.

Possibly because of this policy, numbers in Britain can be high, particularly for the more popular attractions such as at the British Museum and the Natural History Museum. If you want to see the Rosetta Stone or the Elgin Marbles there may be a bit of a crowd. Many also charge for specific collections.

The policy was introduced in 2001 when it was decided that museums should be financed by the state to make culture available to all.

An excellent list of free UK museums and art galleries can be found at moneysavingexpert.com and the size of the collection is quite astounding.

The top 10 UK visitor attractions 2023

1. British Museum – 5,820,860

2. Natural History Museum – 5,688,786

3. Windsor Great Park – 5,487,856

4. Tate Modern – 4,742,038 

5. Southbank Centre – 3,193,966

6. V&A South Kensington – 3,110,000

7. The National Gallery – 3,096,508

8. Science Museum – 2,956,886

9. Tower of London – 2,790,280

10. Somerset House – 2,727,677

Nestled on the edge of Mallorca’s Tramontana Mountains and surrounded by olive groves, its easy to miss as you take the winding road from Palma. A couple of minutes and you’re through.

But that’s a mistake. Better to park the car and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful hilltop village, so unlike the rest of the island.

Sir Richard Branson had a home and hotel here, Sir Mick Jagger stayed here for long periods and its most famous long-stay resident the author Robert Graves spent much of his life in the village, reputedly taking a daily swim in the cove just a gentle amble down to the Mediterranean Sea from his home.

The number of celebrities who’ve enjoyed extended stays in this historic settlement reads like a who’s who of the internationally famous.

Even now it attracts artists, musicians and writers who love to amble around its streets, frequent the many top-grade restaurants and just pass the time of day with their fellow creative spirits.

We flew to Palma airport with British Airways