To help you make the most of your July, and take the sunny with the rainy, this month’s suggested events include a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities across the country.
The Queen’s House, Greenwich
4 July (onwards), London
It’s a big one for Queen Elizabeth II this year, with her, the nation and the world celebrating her turning 90. Join in the royal party and make a visit to the Queen’s House in Greenwich, London, where from 4 July the Queen’s House will be celebrating its 400th anniversary with a display of the Royal Museums Greenwich art collection. From maritime portraits and fine painted woodwork and ceilings, to a stunning marble floor from 1635 and Britain’s first centrally unsupported spiral staircase, there will be lots to see.
Torchlit summer evenings at Bath’s Roman Baths
1 July, Bath
A visit to the Roman Baths is a brilliant experience at any time, but this summer promises to be extra special, with guided, torchlit tours of the 2000-year-old baths taking place every evening throughout July and August. Doors will remain open until 22:00 and there will even be a chance for visitors to combine a tour with a two-course dinner at the Roman Baths kitchen, if they buy a special ‘twilight ticket’.
Northern Craft beer festival at Hawkshead Brewery
21 to 23 July 2016, Stavely, Cumbria
If you’re a fan of ‘craft beer’ (or curious to find out more), then why not head over to Hawkshead Brewery in the village of Stavely, where the brewery will be hosting its annual beer festival (inside a marquee, so there’s no need to worry about British summer weather). With a selection of breweries each showcasing three or four of their best beers, there will be a wide range of delicious drinks on offer. Situated in the picturesque Lake District, with food all day, live music, great beer and free entry – it’s sure to be a great few days.
The Royal Welsh Show
18 to 21 July, Builth Wells, Wales
Many agricultural shows take place every year across Great Britain, but this is the biggest of the lot. The Royal Welsh Show boasts the best of the best – the finest Welsh livestock and the highest quality Welsh food and drink. Alongside the feasting, the show boasts a range of exciting activities, including forestry, horticulture, crafts, sports and countryside sports, as well as a daily 12 hour programme of entertainment.
The Inverness Highland Games
16 July, Bught Park, Inverness, Scotland
Founded in 1822, the Inverness Highland Games is one of the more spectacular of the traditional Highland gatherings. Spectators can enjoy traditional Scottish music and dance, watch athletes from around the world compete in sports such as the ‘Scots hammer’, or witness dancers perform a ‘mass highland fling’. Gates will open at 10:30 and the activity-packed day will conclude in the evening with a boxing tournament and the post-games party. The Games attracted around 7,000 spectators last year and this year’s event is set to be bigger still!