Things to do in Great Britain in 2013

From food to music, horse racing to history, The U.K. is known for its seemingly innumerable fetes and festivities, which take place on grassy fields and castle grounds just about every weekend throughout the summer months. If you’re holidaying in England this summer, be sure to pour a Pimms and enjoy the (hopefully) glorious British festival season at one of these events.

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Published: 4:00pm, 7 Mar 2013Updated: 3:38pm, 19 Oct 2016

June 18-22

Royal Ascot

We Hongkongers love a flutter on the ponies, and so if you’re in England this summer, a visit to the country’s most famous race meet is not to be missed. Filled with pomp, ceremony and plenty of bubbly, Royal Ascot is attended by the royal family each year, having been founded by Queen Anne in 1711. Almost as important as the races themselves is the fashion, with outrageous hats aplenty on display. Sha Tin Racecourse, this is not. There are three ticket categories: Silver Ring tickets, which are the cheapest with no formal dress code; Grandstand Tickets, which have more of a carnival atmosphere with live military bands, dining facilities and entertainment; and Royal Enclosure access, which are invitation only. Ladies in both the Grandstand and Royal Enclosure are required to wear hats (plus no strappy dresses, midriffs or too much leg), while the men in the Grandstand are expected to dress in suits and ties. Gents mixing with the royals have to slap on a posh morning suit and top hat.

Book your tickets before April 26 for early-bird prices.

Getting There: There is a train service to Ascot from London’s Waterloo Station, which takes about 45 minutes. A special service is put on for race days.

Have a Horsey Break

If you’re planning a trip to Ascot, why not go for the full equestrian experience with a stay at the Stafford London by Kempinski? The heritage-rich, 105-room hotel has recently launched a “Horcierge” room package that includes a two-night stay in one of their historical “carriage rooms,” which served as a thoroughbred stable in the 18^th century, as well as a two-hour guided tour around Windsor Park—the site of Ascot Stadium—where you’ll be able to take in Windsor Castle as well as the British wildlife. The package is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders and the package for two starts at 1,539 pounds. The centrally-located hotel is an excellent base in London; located in St. James, it’s a three-minute walk from Green Park tube station and close to many major sites, including Piccadilly Circus and Westminster. www.kempinski.com/london

September 20-22

The Great British Cheese Festival

Held on the vast, grassy grounds of Cardiff castle in the Welsh capital, revelers flock to the Great British Cheese Festival to sample—you guessed it—great British cheeses from artisanal dairies all over the country. Named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the U.K. and Ireland by The Independent newspaper, the festival marks the start of “National Cheese Week” (yes, it’s a thing) to celebrate Britain’s culinary heritage. In addition to tastings and wine and food pairing classes, there are games and other entertainments, such as “Cheese Skittles” and “Cheese Tossing.” If you can’t tell your cheddar from your caerphilly, you can also visit the “Best of British” market, where you can try British ice cream, ginger beer, breads, pates and wines; or the “Taste of Wales” market, where the culinary heritage of Wales is on display. Ciders, welsh fudge, liqueurs, teas, terrines and relishes—all from local craftsmen—are bought and sold here. Some 6,000 visitors attended the festival last year, and organizers expect it to grow in leaps and bounds as Britain becomes even more of a foodie destination.