Events

The British are famous for putting on glamorous and impressive events, many of which feature in 'The Season.' Historically running from Easter to when the grouse shooting starts in August - it now extends to late summer.Themed around the national obsessions of sport, music and the great outdoors, dates were fixed in the best diaries hundreds of years ago.

This year sees some regular and some once in a lifetime events for yacht owners to attend. Making this year a great time to be in the UK. Have a look through the events during March - June,  June - July and July to September  to see just how much is going on.

March ­- June

The Cheltenham Festival March  >

The Cheltenham Festival is the traditional opener to ‘The Season’.  Lying just 90 miles west of London, Cheltenham welcomes horses, jockeys and crowds from around the world to witness jump racing’s premier contest.

The Boat Race April  >

Another early Spring event is a uniquely British race that has seen crews pit their strength against the mighty Thames since 1829. Known as simply ‘the Boat Race,’ the rivalry between the great Universities of Oxford and Cambridge comes to a head as they compete in rowing eights through the very centre of London.

The Grand National April  >

The Grand National is one of the biggest horse races in the world – where thoroughbreds and their jockeys take on huge fences in a race of endurance and bravery. Held at Liverpool’s Aintree racecourse, crowds throng the course-side and exclusive private boxes may be taken with spectacular views of the course.

London Marathon April  >

On a Spring Sunday every year since 1981, a million Londoners take to the streets to witness one of the world’s greatest marathon races. Set against the most stunning backdrop, the course winds past famous landmarks such as the thousand­year-old Tower of London, as more than 35,000 runners manage to complete all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon.

Glyndebourne Festival  May to ­August >

Another quintessentially British festival is to be found close to Brighton in the beautiful countryside of the rolling South Downs. The name Glyndebourne is inextricably linked with fantastic operas old and new, as well as .ne dining (with menus created by Albert Roux) and of course, the very British tradition of picnicking on the lawn in full evening dress...

The Chelsea Flower Show May  >

The mild weather and long evenings of May draw many Britons into their gardens, and any gardener worth their salt looks towards Chelsea for inspiration. The Chelsea Flower Show is the .nest in the world, where entire gardens spring up amid the grounds of the old Royal Hospital, London. Since 1682 this has been home to the scarlet-clad ‘Chelsea Pensioners’ – veterans of past conflicts.

The Epsom Derby June  >

The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious .at race in the UK horse racing calendar. Preceded the day before with a glamorous Ladies’ Day, this sprint has taken place annually since 1780 on the Epsom Downs just south of London. In 2012 Her Majesty the Queen will attend the race to mark the start of her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. 

Royal Ascot June  >

Royal Ascot is perhaps most famous for extravagant hats and a formal dress code, but this is a serious date on the worldwide flat racing calendar. Now part of the Global Sprint Challenge, it attracts runners and riders from as far as Australia. But a visit to Royal Ascot (HM the Queen and her family visit every year) is still a grand day out, where the best-dressed and well-connected mingle in the Royal Enclosure.

June ­- July

Wimbledon June - July >

‘Wimbledon’ has long been synonymous with grass court tennis and the Championships held at the end of June each summer. This fashionable corner of south-west London becomes the showcase of tennis as the best players compete. This wonderful combination of a sporting and social event is a very British affair where famous faces and royalty are seen alongside sporting fans.

Henley Royal Regatta June >

Just up the Thames from Wimbledon, the Henley Royal Regatta is just as uniquely British. Bright-striped boat club blazers are worn on shore with pride as athletes compete in rowing sculls, fours and eights on the water. One can picnic on the river bank, enjoy a glass or two of the famous ‘Pimms’ cocktail, or enjoy a more exclusive view from the private Henley steward’s enclosure.

Goodwood Festival of Speed Early July >

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the largest motoring garden party in the world – a unique summer weekend that brings together an impossibly heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport ‘royalty’ to create the largest car culture event in the world. Lying close to Portsmouth on the south coast, the stunning grounds of Goodwood include an aerodrome which visitors may use.

The Proms Mid July – Mid September >

In 1895 a series of ‘Promenade Concerts’ were held with the aim of introducing classical music to as wide a popular audience as possible. Nowadays ‘The Proms’ is considered by many to be the world’s greatest classical music festival. Most concerts are held in the Royal Albert Hall in London, where the ‘promenaders’ stand on the floor in front of the orchestra. Others may prefer to take their seats in a private box and listen to wonderful music while taking in the incredible atmosphere.

Formula 1 British Grand Prix July >

In mid July the sleepy heart of the English countryside will be awoken by the scream of high performance engines as the oldest Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place at Silverstone in Northamptonshire. The drama of the Grand Prix, both on and o. the track makes for a thrilling sporting and social occasion, with stars taking to the pit lanes to wish their favourite drivers good luck as they take on the famously fast course. See also Formula1 > 

Cartier International Day Mid July >

Cartier International Day is the world's greatest spectator polo day. The main highlight is the afternoon match for the Coronation Cup, which features the very best English players. Held at the Guards Polo Club on Smiths Lawn in Windsor Great Park, spectators join in the fun by treading in the divots -even if they are wearing their Louboutin’s.

The British Open July >

The British Open golf tournament returns to the Muirfield golf course. Muirfield has always been regarded as one of the fairest tests of golf on The Open Championship rota so it is probably no coincidence that over the years it has produced a hugely impressive list of champions See also Muirfield >

July ­- September

Edinburgh International Festival August >

For the entire month of August (and a little beyond) Scotland’s great city of Edinburgh plays host to a series of arts and music festivals. The International Festival showcases the best of theatre, dance and opera, while the famous Fringe Festival continues to launch the careers of the world’s best comedians and performers. Whether you are passionate about food, modern dance or alternative comedy – there is something to delight all tastes.

London Fashion Week September >

London Fashion Week will showcase the Spring/Summer 2014 collections. Of course the excitement is almost as much about who’s in the front row as what’s happening on the catwalk. Avant garde meets sublime tailoring in this fashionable capital.

Goodwood Revival September >

 The Goodwood Revival is the closest one can get to time travel: vintage cars and airplanes are not the only taste of history – even the spectators come dressed in period fashion, from wartime 1940s uniforms to the swinging sixties. With a whole series of races, appearances by classic planes and extremely rare cars – this event is a must-see for those with a passion for vintage supercars.