12 essential UK summer events every South African expat should experience
You’ve been in the UK long enough to know the drill with brollies and queuing. But have you actually done the British summer season properly? Here’s your bucket list sorted, with dates locked in for 2026.
The Boat Race – 4 April
Oxford versus Cambridge on the Thames from Putney to Mortlake. Over 250 000 people line the banks to watch this historic rowing rivalry. Free to watch, which means you can blow your budget on pints along the riverbank instead. A personal favourite as I live in Putney – watching the crews gather at the start line never gets old. Find spectator information at The Boat Race.
Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling – 25 May
People literally hurl themselves down a 1:2 gradient hill in Gloucestershire chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester at 80mph. It’s completely mad, utterly dangerous, and absolutely free to watch. Arrive early at Brockworth for a spot at the bottom of the hill. If you’re participating, make sure your medical insurance is up to date. More info HERE.
Chelsea Flower Show – 19-23 May
The world’s most prestigious horticultural show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Tickets start from £107 and sell out faster than Springbok jerseys before a Lions tour. RHS members get first dibs on the opening two days. Book HERE.
Queen’s Club Tennis – 15-21 June
The perfect Wimbledon warm-up featuring the world’s best players finding their grass-court form. Significantly easier to get tickets than Wimbledon itself, with a more intimate atmosphere at West Kensington’s historic Queen’s Club. Details HERE.
Royal Ascot – 16-20 June
Five days of world-class racing, ridiculous hats and champagne in Berkshire. The Royal Procession kicks off each day at 14:00. Queen Anne Enclosure tickets run £75-90, but if you’re after proper glamour, expect to pay significantly more. Full ticket information HERE.
Wimbledon – 29 June to 12 July
The Championships remain tennis’s crown jewel. Strawberries and cream are mandatory. The ballot closes months in advance, so you’re likely too late for 2026. Your best bet is joining The Queue – camp overnight in Wimbledon Park for ground passes released each morning. It’s a proper British experience complete with camping chairs, flasks and new friends. The finals weekend (12-13 July) is when the real drama unfolds.
Henley Royal Regatta – 30 June to 5 July
Six days of rowing excellence on the Thames at Henley-on-Thames. The dress code is strictly enforced (no trainers), and tickets go on sale 13 April. Saturday’s the busiest day if you want the full social experience. Click HERE for tickets.
British Grand Prix – 3-5 July
Silverstone hosts one of Formula 1’s most atmospheric weekends. The 2026 edition features a Sprint format. General admission tickets start from £70, though you’ll want grandstand seats if you’re serious about seeing the action. Book HERE.
Goodwood Festival of Speed – 9-12 July
Motorsport’s ultimate garden party in West Sussex. F1 legends, supercars and the famous hillclimb. Tickets sell out rapidly, so book early if you want to witness automotive history charging past Goodwood House. Get your tickets HERE.
The Open Championship – 16-19 July
Golf’s oldest major returns to Royal Birkdale in Southport. Watch the world’s best golfers battle for the Claret Jug on one of England’s finest links courses. Championship play runs Thursday to Sunday. More information HERE.
Glorious Goodwood – 28 July to 1 August
The Qatar Goodwood Festival delivers five days of top-tier flat racing. King Edward VII called it “a garden party with racing tacked on”, which remains the perfect description. The relaxed dress code makes it distinctly more approachable than Ascot. More details HERE.
Notting Hill Carnival – 30-31 August
Europe’s largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture across two days. Over a million people descend on Notting Hill for parades, music, jerk chicken and pure energy. It’s free, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely unmissable.
Getting stuck in
Book early. British summer events sell out faster than you’d think, and prices climb as capacity fills. Most require advance planning rather than spontaneous weekend decisions.
These aren’t just events. They’re the experiences that separate tourists from proper UK residents. Tick them off, then bore everyone back home with stories about strawberries at Wimbledon and champagne at Ascot.
Have you experienced any of these? Email editor@sapeople.com or share your British summer stories with us.