5 things to do in July in the UK

If you are visiting the UK this month then be prepared to go into battle! There are battles happening on the ground and in the sky at the many festivals and events around the country.  If you are in London then you’ll have a chance to see the greatest tennis players battle it out in the world’s top Grand Slam, Wimbledon.  And if track is more your sport then head to the Olympic Park for the Athletics World Cup where 8 countries will be competing for big prize money. However if that is all a bit too much then why not join us for a serene Royal tour of London when Buckingham Palace opens it’s doors to visitors this month. Let us show you the impressive State Rooms where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate) had their Royal Wedding reception.

 

1  Watch Wimbledon  – 25 June – 15 July

It’s the world’s most prestigious major tennis tournament and it’s been running in London since 1877. The Grand Slam tennis tournament Wimbledon,  is the only major tournament that is played on outdoor grass courts. If you don’t manage to get tickets don’t worry – head to Murray Mound where you can watch the game and enjoy your pimms and strawberries and cream. There are plenty of places across the capital screening the games so check out the recommended places to watch the tennis.

And once the tournament is finished, why not take a tour of the club with a Blue Badge Guide.

2  Tewkesbury’s Medieval Festival – 14-15 July

Tewkesbury is a town in Gloucestershire with one of the best medieval townscapes in England as well as a beautiful 12th Century Norman abbey. In 1471 the penultimate and decisive battle in the War of the Roses took place here and since 1984 the people of Tewkesbury re-enact it every year.

Come along and you will see people dressed in traditional costumes (some camping in costume for the whole weekend!) medieval tents and stalls, dance and drama and a children’s area. This is the largest medieval gathering of its kind in Europe set in a beautiful part of the country  and it’s also free! Find one of our local guides to show you around the area afterwards.

 

3  Athletics World Cup – 14-15 July

This July come and see the USA, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Poland, China, Germany, France, Jamaica and South Africa compete at the London Olympic Park for a prize fund of $2million. Watch athletes participate in all eight field events including javelin and long jump and all track events from 100m to the 1500m. Enjoy the setting of the fabulous Olympic Park and afterwards take our private guided tour where you will hear the stories of medal-winners Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Sir Chris Hoy. We will show you the beautiful parklands, canals and waterways and artworks located across the park. More about this tour.

 

4  Sunderland International Airshow – 27-29 July

If you are visiting the North East this month then be sure to head to the Sunderland International Airshow. It is Europe’s largest free airshow and includes displays from the Red Arrows, fighter battle re-enactments, a fairground, helicopter flights, live music and a big firework display. You can watch the display from the nearby sandy beaches nearby and cliff tops.

Combine this event with a tour of this picturesque part of the  country. Find a tour.

 

 

5  Take a tour of Buckingham Palace – (summer opening : 21 July – 30 September)

Join us for our Royal London Tour this summer and will include a tour of Buckingham Palace. Every summer, for 10 weeks, Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence, is open to the public. Come and see for yourself the lavish and impressive State Rooms with great treasures on display and the beautiful Grand Staircase. Every year there is a special exhibition for a limited time. This year it is the Prince and Patron exhibition which celebrates Charles, Prince of Wales turning 70 and includes a display of handpicked art.

We can tell you the stories of the palace, uncover the lives of the monarchs who have lived there and show you the royal guards and their world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.