What’s on in June in London and the South West

The first official month of the summer season - June - is finally here! After a pretty wet and cloudy spring season, we’re crossing our fingers and toes for warmer, dryer and brighter weather amid one of the biggest months in our calendar.

From London and South West prides, Glastonbury and Isle of White festivals, Royal Ascot, Utilita Bowl and so much more, there are a myriad of opportunities to create unforgettable experiences with family and friends this month.

Keep reading to learn more about the hottest June events on the SWR network, how to get there and save money on your journeys, stays, food, and lots more with SWR Rewards. 

Explore the Jurassic coast on Dinosaur Day

1 June

There’s plenty of dino-related fun to be had across our network this Dinosaur Day. Take the family to the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site which stretches over 95 miles. 

Take a step back in time as you admire formations spanning across three geological time periods: Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous – dating as far back as 65 million years. 

And that’s not its only selling point - the Jurassic coast’s timeless beauty makes it  perfect for a day of taking in stunning views while relaxing on the coast. Some of the coastal must-sees include the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door, the ancient Corfe Castle and the Old Harry Rocks. Take a trip to Lulworth Cove to explore its charming village, and cool off in one of the UKs best wild swimming hotspots, Swanage Beach.

We’ve also put together a guide including lots of fun dino-activities to try around the South West, London and Isle of White including fossil hunting, museums, and even a dinosaur rollercoaster!

Have a royally good time at Trooping the Colour

15 June

Head to the capital on 15 June for the annual Trooping the Colour - a parade to celebrate the official birthday of the British Sovereign.

The event starts at 10am at Buckingham Palace and moves down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade. Members of the Royal Family will be travelling the parade route on horseback and in carriages before heading back to Buckingham Palace’s balcony to watch the Royal Air Force flypast at 1pm.

Learn more about the parade, the best places to watch it and how to get there in our dedicated guide. 

Get out and about on Father’s Day

Another year, another Father’s Day and another chance to make it the best one yet; there’s plenty to do in London and the South West to celebrate.

We’ve put together a guide filled with activities to suit every taste. From zip wires, crazy golf, theatre shows and more, check out our guide to the ultimate Father’s Day out. 

Don’t forget to browse SWR Rewards for money-saving things to do. These might tickle your fancy…

Going out for dinner in London? Save money on your bill with these options: get up to 25% off at Chicama, or 20% off at Gordon Ramsey chains including its Street Burger and Street Pizza restaurants. Browse all food and drink deals in London and other locations including Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and more. 

Activity-wise, there are heaps of options. Thrill seekers - enjoy deals on Thames Rockets, a supercar driving experience in Dorset, Thorpe Park and more. For a more chilled vibe, you could try Fullers Griffin Brewery, or hop on a Beryl Bike and explore the network on 2 wheels (get 25% off rentals).

We also have deals on shopping trips, hotel stays and more on our dedicated rewards website which features over 100 offers - have a browse. 

Catch a T20 cricket game at the Utilita Bowl

Throughout June

T20 at the Utilita Bowl, formerly known as the Ageas Bowl, continues in June with cricket fixtures spread across the month.

Cricket fan or not, these games - nestled in the beautiful Hampshire countryside - are well worth a watch at least for the electric atmosphere and buzz among tens of thousands of sports fans. Get 10% off tickets with SWR Rewards. 

Make the most of festival season

Throughout June

Festival season has officially begun - here's what’s in store this June. 

Music festivals 

Glastonbury - dubbed the 'daddy' of all festivals - returns 26-30 June. If you’re one of the lucky ones who managed to secure a ticket, we hope you get there safely and have a wonderful time!

If you didn’t secure one this time round, there are plenty of other festivals across the region to enjoy, including the iconic Isle of Wight Festival which runs between 20-23 June. Headliners include The Prodigy, Green Day, and Pet Shop Boys. Tickets are still available for this one! Read our guide to getting to the Isle of Wight Festival for some handy tips. 

Food festivals

We’ve got a great foodie local highlight to share with you - head to the Cheese and Chilli Festival across multiple locations on our network including Winchester. Here, you can indulge in cheesy and fiery flavours while enjoying an array of family-friendly activities including eating competitions, crazy golf and much more.

Discover all the best festivals on the SWR network this year in our ultimate South West festivals guide. Remember to read our top 10 festival tips to help your trip(s) go smoothly. 

Ride to Royal Ascot

18 - 22 June

Carrying on with the royal theme, Royal Ascot is just around the corner! Attracting many of racing’s finest horses, Royal Ascot holds a special week of races. 

Wear your fanciest frock and fill your boots with refreshments. There are various walk-up restaurants, on-the-go food outlets and bars to choose from. Keep a look out for the royals and celebrities, too!

Get 2-for-1 race day tickets with SWR Rewards. Getting to Ascot Racecourse by train is easy. It’s only a 7-minute walk away from Ascot station.

There are plenty of other race days and events at racecourses on our network to check out if you can’t make this one, or want some inspo for a future trip.

Catch a theatre show at West End live

22-23 June

Theatre fans, this one’s not to miss - head to Trafalgar Square to catch performances from London’s most celebrated West End musicals at West End Live 2024.

Theatre stars will perform some of London’s leading musicals and shows, and what’s more, the event is totally free and unticketed! We’ve done some research and it looks like people start queuing early in the morning as there’s limited space, so make sure you follow suit to secure a spot.

Getting to Trafalgar Square is easy from London Waterloo. Hop on a tube from there to Charing Cross, Embankment, or Leicester Square, or take a short stroll across the capital and take in its stunning sights. 

Do some free summer activities

You don’t need to spend money to have a good time, especially in the summer. The South West is home to a myriad of fantastic days out that won't need you to break the bank. Give these a go:

Head to a national park - The South West’s home to many stunning national parks. If you’re after a wholesome stroll, check our guide to the best national parks in the South West, including South Downs National Park, New Forest National Park and Dartmoor National Park.

Take some summertime strolls - There are plenty of free self-guided walks to try in London including the City of London Children's Trail and Designs of the Times. See our guide to find out more. If you’d rather a more peaceful atmosphere, our best walking trails in the South West guide is worth a look in. 

Have a picnic - England has some truly scenic picnic spots well worth visiting, including Gunnersbury Park, and Corfe Castle. We’ve put together a guide detailing 7 perfect picnic spots in the South West to help you decide where to go with your basket of treats. 

Go to the seaside - Some of the best seaside towns in the UK are in the south west of England. We’ve gathered a list of the top seaside towns on our network. Taking your dog? See our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in the South West.

If you’re looking for some kid-friendly spots, see our guide to free summer outdoor activities with the kids.

Plan your travel with South Western Railway

Now you’ve filled your June calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.

We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in July.