Ultimate Guide To Summer 2024 Across The UK

Your summer starts here: we’ve gathered the best pop-ups, events and ideas from across the nation if you’re looking for things to do this summer. From sporting events to outdoor theatre, here’s exactly how to make the most of the sun this summer.

Summer Things To Do Across The UK 2024

Cornbury House Horse Trials

Founded by David Howden with the involvement of all the family, Cornbury House Horse Trials is an exciting event in the heart of the Cotswolds, where world-class eventing meets woodland festival vibes. With its visually stunning backdrops of Cornbury House and the Wychwood Forest (where the fabulous Wilderness Festival takes place earlier in the summer), Cornbury House Horse Trials encompasses spectacular equestrian action, as well as a celebration of local food and drink. Guests can expect exceptional hospitality in the form of The Endless Lunch in conjunction with Mirabeau rose, with the food provided by the highly acclaimed team from The Bull in neighbouring Charlbury. Also new for this year is the ‘From the Farm’ offering, as the estate brings together the best of the locals with Cornbury Farm, Bruern Farm and Honeydale Farm all showcasing the best of their produce. The perfect way to round off the summer season.

Details: 11-15 September, Cornbury Park, Charlbury. cornburyhousehorsetrials.co.uk

Park Fair

Returning to The Great Tew Estate in Oxfordshire this June is Park Fair, a three-day boutique festival filled with food, shopping, wellness, fairground rides and more. Enjoy an array of culinary treats from pizza to BBQ fare, catch chef demonstrations, sip wines from the South of France at the amie Wine Bar, listen to live music, and take part in yoga and sound healing workshops. The festival has activities for all ages too: children can get involved with silent discos, arts and crafts and dance classes.

Details: 21–23 June 2024 at The Great Tew Estate (Quarry Farm, Banbury Rd, Chipping Norton OX7 4BT). parkfair.uk

Ascot Racedays

Ascot promises to draw racing devotees and novices alike this summer. While the Royal meeting may have passed, there’s still plenty on the calendar for the rest of summer including the QIPCO King George Weekend (26 & 27 July) and the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup (10 August). Stand out from the crowd with out fashion edit.

Details: Throughout summer at Ascot Racecourse (High St, Ascot SL5 7JX). ascot.com

RSC Shakespeare At The Holloway Garden Theatre

It would be a shame to see Shakespeare inside at this time of year. Luckily, director Brendan O’Hea has an answer to that, presenting As You Like It in the RSC’s purpose-built garden theatre.

Details: 18 July–1 September 2024 at the RSC (Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB). rsc.org.uk

Embrace Summer In Wales

Embrace the essence of summer with your lungs full of fresh Welsh air at idyllic country house hotel, Grove of Narberth. The ‘Through the Seasons’ package offers a guests a chance to enjoy the region’s natural beauty with up to 30 percent off when you book direct. Think picturesque Pembrokeshire countryside, with luxurious country comforts in your bedroom, and plenty to explore beyond your doorstep.

Details: Stays at Grove of Narberth start from £390. For more information or to book, please visit grovenarberth.co.uk

The Summer Club At Four Seasons Hampshire

This July and August, Four Seasons Hampshire has teamed up with Paper London to open The Summer Club, a retro-inspired destination designed to celebrate summer and showcase luxury with a playful soul. Taking guests on a vintage swim journey, Paper London has decked out the Four Seasons Hampshire with summery goodness: think ice cream carts, surfboards, a beach hut serving colourful cocktails, parasols, deck chairs, towels in a green and pink stripe, croquet mallets, giant Jenga, picnic blankets and more. Plus a co-branded capsule will be available to shop, centring on sporty elegance, available at the Four Seasons Hampshire spa reception, paperlondon.com and on the second floor of Liberty London.

Details: From 8 July at Four Seasons Hampshire (Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Ln, Hook RG27 8TD). To book your stay and experience the Summer Club call 01252 853000 or book online at fourseasons.com

The Beckford Pub Crawl

Based in the south west or fancy getting to know the area a bit better? Do so with a pint in hand at any of the Beckford Group’s glorious country inns. All you have to do is visit any of their four country pubs – The Beckford Arms in Wiltshire, The Talbot Inn in Mells, The Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton Saint George and The Bath Arms in Longleat – to get your hands on an exclusive Beckford Pub Crawl card. Once you’ve got your card, stay at each pub and check them off with a stamp as you go. Once you’ve visited each pub, you can redeem a free night’s stay at your favourite.

Details: All summer across the four Beckford pubs. beckford.group

Independent Bookshop Week

Independent Bookshop Week will return in June, our favourite annual celebration of independent bookshops and booksellers across the UK and Ireland. From spoken word events in support of refugees to inspiring talks from a range of authors, garden BBQs to mystery bookshop crawls, and a plethora of mesmerizing bookshop windows, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Details: 15–22 June across the UK. See all of the events at booksaremybag.com

Glyndebourne Festival

This year, your summer season doesn’t start until the fat lady sings. Expect big voices at Glyndebourne, and even bigger shows: Carmen, Die Zauberflöte and The Merry Widow.

Details: 16 May–25 August 2024 at Glyndebourne (New Rd, Lewes BN8 5UU). glyndebourne.com

Al Fresco Supper At RHS Garden Wisley

This summer, RHS Garden Wisley is running a special series of al fresco after-hours dinners and tours with spectacular views of the world-class garden. At the seasonally themed evenings, guests can nestle within the scenic surroundings of the garden and hear inspirational insights from the experienced garden team, followed by a thoughtfully curated seasonal five-course set menu crafted by talented chefs, showcasing the best of British cuisine.

Details: Throughout summer at RHS Garden Wisley (Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB). See the full line-up of events and book your spot at rhs.org.uk

Feast On Cloud 9 At The Grove

This Hertfordshire hotel’s iconic afternoon tea experience is back for the summer. Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove is a unique foodie experience inviting guests to dine within the beautifully designed, custom-made hot air balloons plonked in the hotel’s beautiful grounds. Elsewhere, The Grove’s ‘Everyman in the Garden’ secret cinema is also back for 2024.

Details: Read all about the experience plus how to book here.

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Explore 70 acres of mostly-grazed lands containing Henry Moore’s huge metalcast sculptures that practically cut through the treeline.

Details: All summer long at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens (Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Much Hadham SG10 6EE). henry-moore.org

Henley Royal Regatta

Splash around to cool down at the most prestigious regatta in the world. Henley’s 300 races take place over a serene six days along a picturesque stretch of the River Thames. Expect festival vibes with music and food, too.

Details: 2–7 July in Henley-on-Thames (White Hill, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2LY). hrr.co.uk

The Importance Of Being Earnest

The Royal Exchange Manchester sees its programming getting a little Wilde. The Importance of Being Earnest looks at how we curate ourselves – a prescient comedy from the 19th-century writer.

Details: 14 June–20 July at Royal Exchange Manchester (Old Bank St, Manchester M2 7PE). royalexchange.co.uk

Pub In The Park

Tom Kerridge’s much-loved food and music festival is back for 2024, visiting Marlow, Chiswick, Reigate and St Albans across four weekends, packed with fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Details: Throughout summer across the UK. Find all the details at pubintheparkuk.com

Wild Feasts At Oxmoor Farm

Enjoy an al fresco feast prepared by celeb chefs at Oxmoor Farm. You’ll be one of 50 served up bountiful plates by the likes of Amber Francis and Michelle Trusselle in the rolling Chiltern Hills.

Details: All summer long at Oxmoor Farm (Great Hampden, Great Missenden HP16 9RD). oxmoorfarm.co.uk

Summer Solstice At Stonehenge

Gather at sunrise to greet the summer solstice at ancient Stonehenge. The beauty of this event is seeing the morning rays splash the Heel Stone, marking the astrological midpoint of the year.

Details: 21 June at Stonehenge (Salisbury SP4 7DE). stonehenge-tour.com

It’s A (T20 Vitality) Blast

A cricket late promises unparalleled drama squeezed into a single innings – these are speedy matches to whet your wicket. Hosted at Lord ’s and the country over at county cricket venues.

Details: UK-wide from May 2024. See all the details at ecb.co.uk

Walled Garden At Holkham

Flower lovers should head to Holkham this summer, where the elegant Walled Garden awaits. A truly special place, Holkham is full of beautiful blooms, joyous birdsong, fascinating buildings to pop into and stunning vistas. It is open to visit every day, and a fun line-up of events – think walking tours, after hours evenings with wine and music, an oil painting workshop and plenty more – making a trip all the more worth it.

Details: Holkham is open all summer at Holkham Hall (Holkham Rd, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB). See all of the upcoming events at holkham.co.uk

Good Food Show Summer

The highly anticipated Good Food Show Summer is back for a summer foodie extravaganza, taking over the NEC Birmingham. Expect leading chefs and experts, live demos, endless shopping, and incredible dining experiences. The show-stopping chef line-up includes Nadiya Hussain, Lisa Faulkner, Michel Roux, James Martin, Gennaro Contaldo, Rosemary Shrager and plenty more.

Details: 13–16 June 2024 at the NEC (Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT). Discover more and secure your tickets at goodfoodshow.com

The Future: Sixes and Sevens At The Eden Project

A new exhibition is taking over the Eden Project’s gallery this summer, with admission included in your entry ticket. The Future: Sixes and Sevens showcases the future according to children through a powerful and immersive film by internationally acclaimed British artist and Turner Prize nominee Cornelia Parker.

Details: 24 May–2 November 2024 at the Eden Project (Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG). edenproject.com

Flower Workshops At Gravetye Manor

Fancy refining your flower arranging game this summer? Secure your spot on one of Gravetye Manor’s new flower workshops hosted by Head Florist Sharon Coote. Taking place in the oak framed Gazebo in the Little Garden, these intimate workshops will help guests master the art of flower arranging for all of your summer hosting needs.

Details: Workshops begin at 9 am and finish at approximately 1.30 pm. All workshops are £155 per person, with tea/coffee and pastries on arrival, a two-course lunch and wine included. See all of the dates and book at gravetyemanor.co.uk