Things to do in South East England, England: The Best Events

A very warm welcome to Hampshire Wine School - an independent wine education company, not affiliated to any wine merchants or retailers. We run fun Wine, Champagne, Beer, Port, Gin & Tonic and Whisky Tastings and Wine & Food Pairing Courses in HAMPSHIRE (with venues in Southampton and Winchester) and NOW in DORSET (in Poole) for people who enjoy wine and would like to learn more about it. We also run professional staff training, corporate evenings, team building days and fun private events, as well as hen parties and stag dos. GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE from only £25, with FREE p&p and NO EXPIRY DATE. The perfect present, beautifully presented!

One of the top new independent film festivals in the world, the Satisfied Eye International Film Festival is a true celebration of film that brings together the best feature films, short films, animation and documentaries from around the globe. From Oscar and BAFTA winners, to Q&As and workshops, there is something for everyone, whether children and families or students and cinephiles. The event concludes with a gala red carpet awards ceremony which is open to all and is a chance for the public to see the next Scorsese or Street as they take the next step on their journey.

Said to be the world’s best known regatta, Henley’s remains a firm favourite in the social diary for those who love one of England’s most loved pastimes, rowing. Taking place on the River Thames, Henley Royal Regatta draws in the classic English gent, those wanting to experience a slice of authentic British life, and even the odd Olympian. Spanning two wars, this five-day event has taken place each year since 1839, over the first weekend in July, and consists of 200 races that are around a mile long each. As part of the ‘English social season’ the event comes with a strict dress code so it’s a jolly good excuse to dress up, pack the cucumber sandwiches, and break out the Pimms.

Lewes Bonfire Night is the biggest 5th of November celebrations in the world - totally transforming the usually peaceful town of Lewes. There are more than 30 processions through the narrow streets starting at around 5pm and going all night. Each procession has their own traditions, costumes, bonfire, fireworks and fire displays. The friendly rivalry between the processions keeps the night interesting as they spend the whole year preparing in advance.

Royal Ascot started in 1711 and has become one of the most valuable races where the world’s best horses compete for a top prize of over £5million. The British Royal Family has very strong ties with Ascot and Queen Elizabeth II attends every year. The event attract over 300,000 people each year in the month of June and is renowned for its formal and strict dress code of a hat or headpieces and summer dress for ladies and a suit, shirt and tie for men which makes Royal Ascot a bit of a fashion event in its own right.

A truly British event, the Epsom Derby is known as ‘the greatest flat race in the world'. Having taken place each June since 1779, it has an old world feel, which is probably why hundreds still throw on their finest, fascinators and all, to watch the thoroughbred colts and fillies race the mile-long track. Taking place in Surrey, on the Epsom Downs, it is known as the most prestigious and richest event out of the five classic UK horse races. This means that, with a television audience, it’s a must-attend event for celebs - even Charles Dickens is rumoured to have once enjoyed a trackside viewing. Literary genius or not, anyone can purchase a ticket and throw on their grandma’s pearls for a day at the races.