With the warmer weather finally here (and hopefully rain not stopping play), June is packed with events to get you out and about. There is something for everyone whether it’s music festivals and sporting events to outdoor entertainment and royal days out, you won’t be bored for things to do in the south west. And as we come into summer, why not visit one of the most beautiful vineyards in the UK.
Queen’s Jubilee
An occasion 70 years in the making, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are sure to be a highlight of summer 2022. Around the UK, millions are set to join in on the royal festivities, alongside lots of other exciting activities planned across our bonus four-day weekend. With a bumper bank holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, why not take part in the festivities? We’ve rounded up the top things to do in London and Windsor for the Queen’s Jubilee, as well as travel advice for the weekend.
Royal Ascot
Carrying on with the royal theme, it is that time of the year and the highlight of the British summer social calendar, Royal Ascot.
Attracting many of racing’s fine horses, Royal Ascot oozes class, elegance and exquisite fashion, so it’s no surprise that this event is a favourite of royals and celebrities alike with Queen Elizabeth II a regular attendee. Tickets for Royal Ascot are still available, so book quickly to avoid disappointment. Getting to Ascot Racecourse by train is easy as it’s only a 7-minute walk away from the station.
There are plenty of other race days and events at racecourses on our network if you can’t make Royal Ascot.
Queen Anne Enclosure
Summer solstice at Stonehenge
Stonehenge. It’s a landmark that’s gone down in the history books for its iconic mythology. One of the most popular spectacles at Stonehenge is the summer solstice, where the sun rises behind the heel stone (the ancient entrance to the stone circle) and rays of sunlight are channelled into the centre of the monument. In 1971, the organisers of Glastonbury Festival even decided to time the start of their legendary weekend to coincide with this magical natural event.
The other big draw is the number of people that attend turning it into one very large party that goes through the night until sunrise. Want to tick this off your bucket list? Then book your train to Stonehenge today.
Festival season is back
Speaking of Glastonbury Festival, the 50th anniversary is finally here! Years in the making, the festival promises world class entertainment and the chance to make memories alongside the people you love. If you were lucky enough to get tickets, look at how you can get trains to Glastonbury Festival and do your part to help the environment.
Missed out on Glastonbury tickets? Then you’re in luck as tickets are still available for another iconic festival happening in June, the Isle of Wight Festival. As one of the UK’s longest running music festivals, the Isle of Wight Festival is a firm favourite of many, making it a great weekend activity or family day out. Read our guide to getting to the Isle of Wight Festival once you’ve bought your festival tickets.
Before you head off, we’ve put together our top 10 festival tips to make sure your weekend goes off without a hitch.
Remember to pitch up early - and head for the high ground if you can
Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival
If you prefer your festivals a bit smaller, then head to the first Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival. With the stunning setting of the Sidmouth Parish church, immerse yourself in the sounds of the best in Jazz, Blues, Roots, Soul, Latin, Funk and much more! Headliners include the world-renowned Ronnie Scott's All Stars and the legendary UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris.
The festival will also take over the town with performances, workshops and masterclasses in various streets, gardens, hotels, restaurants, and pubs.
Vitality Blast
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a day at the cricket and not to be missed is the popular Vitality Blast, also known as T20 Blast. This fast-paced, 14-match tournament with the UK’s top counties is split into traditional north and south groups. Each team plays seven matches at home and seven matches away, with the top four in each group moving on to the quarterfinals. It’s then a battle between the best teams to see who can take home the winning trophy.
Matches are being played at both The Kia Oval and The Ageas Bowl, plus this year a free shuttle bus service will run directly from Southampton Airport Parkway and Hedge End stations to The Ageas Bowl so you can go car-free.
Cricket match at The Ageas Bowl
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
As the oldest and most prestigious tennis event in the world, the Wimbledon Championships is one of the highlights of London’s sporting calendar, making for a great day out or weekend activity this summer. If you were lucky enough to secure a ticket in the ballot, then find out how you can get a train to Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
No courtside tickets to Wimbledon? Then in Wimbledon tradition you can join the Queue outside the stadium on the day you’d like to attend (or the night before if you’re really committed) and queue for Show Court tickets. We've got the next best thing if that isn’t for you - check out our best spots to watch Wimbledon when you can't get tickets.
Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival
The two-day festival is back with exciting events taking place over the weekend. From local traders and artisans to celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations, this is a weekend perfect for the whole family.
Showcasing local and regional food, you’ll see inspiring demonstrations of creative cooking by Jean-Christophe Novell and Lesley Waters to name a few, as well as sharing some of their cooking tips for you to try at home. The festival is just a 15-minute walk from Hinton Admiral station, so you can work up an appetite before you get there.
