Places to Go

The ultimate guide to summer events in the UK 2022

Figuring out what you want to do while on holiday can take forever sometimes, which is why we have put together this great blog so you can see easily what is happening where and when in 2022. Alternatively, check out what is happening and book your holiday accordingly!

Please note that some places may be closed and events might be postponed or made virtual due to COVID-19.

Cornwall

Devon

Somerset

Dorset

Isle of Wight

Sussex and Kent

Pembrokeshire

Cornwall

Known for its dramatic coastline, 296 miles of coastal path and rich heritage of mining, Cornwall has an abundance of beautiful locations waiting for your visit. If you think an afternoon at the theatre might be nice, check out what shows the Minack Theatre have on for something a little different to what you are used to. Need something to keep the children happy? Newquay Zoo and Aquarium are a fun day out, as is exploring around Pendennis Castle with all the big guns dating back to the Tudors with events happening throughout the year. For the braver of us, a visit Bodmin Jail and the Jamaica Inn will show the darker side of Cornwall’s history. The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project are well known for their green fingers and spectacular creations, well worth a visit with all the family. If you’re after big views and locations to make all your Facebook friends jealous, we recommend Kynance Cove, St Michael’s Mount, Sennen, Tintagel Castle and the coast path between St Agnes and Chapel Porth. Are you planning on visiting Falmouth at some point? Keep an eye out for the Sea Shanty and Falmouth Beer Festivals, all of which are a lot of fun and brings the whole town to life. For a spot of shopping Truro has a lot of the bigger shops, whereas St Ives, Fowey and other smaller towns have more independent shops, supporting local and all. For the bigger key events in 2022 in Cornwall, check out the list below.

Porthleven Food Festival - 22nd - 24th April

Roseland Festival - 23rd April - 7th May

St Ives Food and Drink Festival - 13th - 15th May

Falmouth Classics Regatta - 17th - 19th June

Tunes on the Dunes - 24th - 26th June

Rock Oyster Festival - 29th - 31st July

Falmouth Week - 5th - 14th August

Boardmasters - 10th - 14th August

Fowey Regatta - 14th - 20th August

Cornwall Folk Festival - 26th - 29th August

All you need to do now is decide where to start. Happy holidays!

Devon

A county full of areas of outstanding natural beauty, darling fishing villages, and of course scones (just make sure the jam is on top while you are here). Fun family days out just got easier at Crealy Theme Park or The Milky Way Adventure Park. For something a little calmer there is the Model Village in Babacombe, the South Devon Railway takes you on a scenic adventure all around the South of Devon and has special events throughout the year. Walk over to Burgh Island at Bigbury-on-Sea at low tide and come back to the mainland on the sea tractor at high tide for a day of exploring the infamous Agatha Christie island. Do you have a budding archaeologist in the family? We recommend heading to Lyme Regis and searching for fossils on the beaches and in the Lyme Regis Museum. During the summer keep an eye out for the various shows going on, Mid Devon, Honiton and the Devon County Show are particularly good. If you just want to visit gorgeous little villages, Clovelly is a must (and they have beautiful Christmas lights), as is Lynton and Lynmouth (connected by the water powered cliff railway). Salcome, Beer, Sidmouth, Dartmouth, Topsham, Shaldon, and Slapton are also great places to poke around. For the bigger key events in 2022 in Devon, check out the list below.

Sidmouth Folk Fest – 29th July - 5th August

Little Big Festival - 12th - 13th August

British Firework Championships – 17th - 18th August

Dartmouth Regatta – 20th - 28th August

Sidmouth Airshow - 26th August

Plymouth Seafood Festival – 17th - 18th September

Dartmouth Food Festival – 21st - 23rd October

All you need to do now is decide where to start. Happy holidays!

Somerset

Head to the charming county of Somerset to explore the footpaths and beautiful views. See the countryside from a different perspective and take a trip on the West Somerset Railway, or wander through Cheddar Gorge and the caves beneath. For a palace and a castle check out The Bishop’s Palace and Dunster Castle, both known for their fabulous gardens too! If you’re after something a little more historical there is the Jane Austen Museum and the Fleet Air Arm Museum, both a lot of fun for the whole family. Somerset is home to the famous Longlet, and is well worth a visit if you love your wild animals. Let's not forget the Somerset County Show, a great family day out. For the bigger key events in 2022 in Somerset, check out the list below.

Bath and West Country Festival - 2nd - 4th June

Frome Festival - 1st - 10th July

Bristol Balloon Fiesta - 11th - 14th August

Jane Austen Festival - 9th - 18th September

Wells Food Festival - 9th October

All you need to do now is decide where to start. Happy holidays!

Dorset

Spectacular coastlines line the southern edge of the county. Boasting a history that has shaped the views we see today, and with a name like the Jurassic Coast you have to spend at least one day along the front. Exploring the county on foot can be such a joy no matter the time of year, so why not try walking from Dorchester to Thomas Hardy’s Cottage or potter around Wareham and the old Viking battlements. Hop on the Swanage railway to see the area from a different angle and if you go on the right day there might be a special event or two happening, lots of fun for all the family! For a more hands on family day out, check out Sea Life in Weymouth or the Tank Museum in Bovington where there is something for all ages. Head to Highcliffe Castle for stately rooms, beautiful gardens and the private beach followed by the Furleigh Estate for a tour around the vineyard and a spot of wine tasting. The Dorset County Show is always something to look forward to. For the bigger key events in 2022 in Dorset, check out the list below.

TankFest – 24th - 26th June

Great Dorset Chilli Festival - 6th - 7th August

Bournemouth Air Festival – 1st - 4th September

Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival - 1st - 4th September

Bridport Hat Festival - 3rd September

Swanage Folk Festival - 9th - 11th September

Sturminster Cheese Festival - 10th - 11th September

Dorset Seafood Festival – 10th - 11th September

All you need to do now is decide where to start. Happy holidays!

Sussex and Kent

A county rich in history and famous for many reasons, Sussex is a delight to explore. Learn all about the Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey and get involved in the demonstrations and exhibitions around the Abbey. Other great days out with a hint of history involved include Heaver Castle, the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn, and Scotney Castle in Kent. For those of us that love to poke around towns and villages Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Eastbourne and Lewes are some of the best places, and if you’re in Lewes over bonfire night, be sure to check out their legendary celebrations . If you love your walking then The South Downs Way needs to be on your walking list, especially the section going past the Birling gap and Beachy head near Eastbourne, as is Ashdown Forest, the home of Winnie the Pooh. Check out Drusillas Park or the Rare Breeds Centre for a fun family day out surrounded by lots of animals. For the bigger key events in 2022 in Sussex and Kent, check out the list below.

Foodies Festival – 30th April - 2nd May

Beer and Cider by the sea – 20th - 22nd May

Black deer Festival - 17th - 19th June

Goodwood Festival of Speed - 23rd - 26th June

Battle of Britain Airshow - 24th - 26th June

Festival of Chichester - 11th June - 10th July

Qatar Goodwood Festival - 26th - 30th July

Beach Life Festival – 16th - 17th July

Loxwood Joust - 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th August

South Downs Folk Festival - 22nd - 25th September

Goodwood Revival - 16th - 18th September

All you need to do now is decide where to start. Happy holidays!

Isle of Wight

Only a ferry crossing away, the Isle of Wight is such a special place and really makes you feel like you’re going on an exciting holiday. From The Needles to Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House there will never be a dull day. For a theme park day out Black Gang Chine is the place to go, and a lot of fun for everyone. Days at the beach are always good fun and if you head to Compton Bay and Yaverland you can do a bit of fossil hunting while you’re there. Do you have a cheeky monkey coming on holiday with you? Why not visit Monkey Haven and see the rescue monkeys and other adorable faces. For shopping Cowes has a lovely selection of independent shops, and Newport has more of your regular highstreets shops. There are of course many walks you can go on and as half the island is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you are bound to be treated to some beautiful views. For the bigger key events in 2022 on the Isle of Wight, check out the list below.

Real Ale Festival – 30th April - 2nd May

Isle of Wight Festival – 16th - 19th June

Ventnor Fringe – 22nd - 31st July

Chale Show - 6th - 7th August

Cowes Week – 30th July - 5th August

Isle of Wight Literary Festival – 6th - 9th October

All you need to do now is decide where to start. Happy holidays!

Pembrokeshire

Starring the smallest city in Britain, St Davids, and boasting 186 miles of coastal path, Pembrokeshire is going to treat you. Outdoor activities are a must in Pembrokeshire. Coasteering, kayaking, surfing, horse riding and walking are just a few of the many amazing activities you can do on your holiday and are great family bonding experiences. St Davids is a gorgeous city, although you might mistake it for a village, and the cathedral and its grounds are worth a wander around. Another historic town you might quite like is Tenby with its views out to sea and over St Catherine’s Island (accessible by the beach low tide). We also recommend Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Aberiddy, Newgale, Broad and Milford Haven. Need to keep the children happy? Check out The Dinosaur Park, Manor Wildlife Park, and Oakwood Theme Park for action packed days. If you’re near Cardigan a trip to Cwn Deri Vineyard and Estate should definitely be on your list of places to go. For bigger key events in 2022 in Pembrokeshire, check out the list below.