Events in and near Windsor

Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse hosts racing throughout the year from January to December, racing under both codes, jump and flat. Ascot Racecourse provides racing and entertainment for everybody, so, whether you are a first time racegoer ... more

There's always something on in England. No matter what time of year you make your trip, there will be a plethora of spectacular events to attend.

The world's top sporting events and vibrant carnivals, shows and concerts are held in England, and it's worth looking at an events calendar before planning your trip so that you can include an exciting event that particularly piques your interest. Many of the events are of such a world-class standard that tickets are booked up far in advance, so it's a good idea to secure tickets months ahead so you can ensure you'll be able to witness these exceptional occasions.

England's sporting heritage is rich, with many of the world's best loved sports originating in its villages and schools. The quintessentially English sport is cricket, which swept across the globe with the spread of the British Empire. The earliest version of the 'gentleman's game' was played as early as the 13th century, between the children of the farming communities of Kent and Sussex.

England has given rise to some top-class cricketers, including legends like W.G Grace, Don Bradman, Ian Botham and Viv Richards, and the current players strive to continue England's great cricketing legacy. You can attend the county season in the summer months from April to September, but it's not just cricket if you don't try to catch some international Test matches, such as the famous Ashes tournament against Australia.

Events in Manchester? Think no further that football. Football (or soccer, as some other nations call it) is a national obsession in England. No other sport inspires such discussion, emotion, loyalty and support as 'the beautiful game'. Watching a football match in England is a unique experience. August to May is the best time to watch some football, either the Premiership, Champions League, Championship, FA Cup, League Cup or the Conference divisions. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to rustle up a ticket for a Premiership match between, say, Chelsea and Manchester United, or you might get to see teams from the lower leagues battle it out. Just make sure you know which team you're supporting, because the lines between the different clubs' supporters are clearly drawn!

There's nothing quite as glamorous as a day at the races, and the highlight of England's horse racing calendar is undoubtedly the Royal Ascot. Like most events in Windsor, this one takes place at the Ascot Racecourse. The tradition dates back to 1711 and is equally a fashionable society attraction as it is an exciting horse racing meet. In case you're wondering if you have to be a lord or lady to watch the nail-biting finishes or attempt a flutter, you'll be glad to know that there is a wide range of ticket levels available, from the informal Heath to the Silver Ring where spectators dress up to the nines.

June is tennis time in England, and the Lawn Tennis Championships, one of the premier events in London, has crowds of spectators heading out to Wimbledon. Wimbledon is the only major grand slam where fans without tickets for play that day can queue up and still get seats for the main courts, but you'll have to camp overnight to get the coveted tickets. It's worth it if you're a tennis fan, though, because some of the best and most dramatic tennis is played at Wimbledon, and the atmosphere is electric. Don't forget to eat some strawberries and cream in between the exciting matches.

Popular events in England are not only sports-related: a vast variety of cultural, artistic and entertaimment shows and extravaganzas are held across the country.

One of the biggest events in London, the annual London Fashion Week, sees fashionistas from all over the world converging on the historical city to peruse the offerings of both established and cutting-edge designers each year. The collections, which are unveiled at catwalk shows, influence what people all around the world will be wearing for the next year. So if you're a serious fashion fundi, stay on top of the latest trends and get a ticket for your favourite designer's show.

One of the finest gardening events in London and the rest of England, the Chelsea Flower show comes to town every year in May. The five day celebration of gardening is housed in the Great Pavilion Nurseries, where you can marvel at the creative floral design masterpieces and spectacular plants, and get some advice on developing your green fingers from England's top plant specialists.

The Royal Albert Hall plays host to many events in London. One of these, the BBC Proms, comprises of over 70 Prom concerts and provides a treat for all classical music fans. The word 'Proms' comes from 'Promenade Concert', as some of the audience stands in a promenade area of the hall. There are over 1,000 standing places available at each Prom, and these tickets are at really low prices. Even if you don't book in advance, 500 'promming' tickets are reserved for sale on the door every night. The 'Last Night of the Proms' is especially famous, and is a fun, light-hearted concert featuring new works as well as traditional classics.