England has one of the world’s most exciting summer calendars with a host of events many of them dating back hundreds of years. Best of all they are often within a stone’s throw of Heathrow providing an easy attraction for international travellers.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
