It’s July, and summer has officially arrived. Often the warmest month of the year, it’s a fantastic time to soak up the sun and make lasting memories. Luckily, there are many exciting events coming up and places to visit to help you do just that.
With that said, here are 10 things to do and places to visit in the UK this July.
1. Tonnau Tropical Garden Party, Isle of Anglesey
This July, the enchanted grounds of Carreglwyd Estate, on the Isle of Anglesey, will host a weekend of food, music and culture in the independent and community-led Tonnau Festival.
Tonnau, translating to ‘waves’ or ‘tones’ from Welsh, takes place across seven stages where you can watch music acts from around the world. The Rave Cave is ideal if you’re looking for something harder, while the Acoustic “slow stage” (Y Llwyfan Bach), set in a beautiful position overlooking the lake, takes a more relaxed approach. Or, for a break from the beats, you can lose yourself in the illuminated Magical Woods or grab a drink – there are plenty of locally produced beers and ciders on offer here.
With activities like the Roots Forest School available for children and teenagers, too, everyone can join in on the fun.
Tonnau Tropical Garden Party takes place from 11th – 13th July. You can book your ticket with Ticket Tailor below.
2. Look to the sky at Portsmouth International Kite Festival, Hampshire
If you’d like to feel uplifted by a sky filled with colourful kites this summer, then it’s worth taking a trip to Portsmouth International Kite Festival.
Portsmouth International is recognised as one of the best and most popular kite festivals in the world, with a magnificent range of uniquely designed kites taking to the sky.
The theme for 2025 is ‘The Sea’, so expect to see kites celebrating our wonderful underwater world. Held on the beautiful backdrop of Southsea Common overlooking the Solent, the wide open spaces and good winds are the ideal location for this beautiful and exciting day out.
There’ll also be craft stalls, refreshments, and kite-making workshops, so everyone can get involved.
Portsmouth International Kite Festival will take place on 26th and 27th July 2025. You can find out more on the official website.
3. Escape to the forest
If you need some mental rest and relaxation, why not take to the tranquil atmosphere of the forest this July?
Forest bathing, based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, as people experience its rejuvenating benefits. It’s about more than just being in natural environments. It encourages people to mindfully engage with the woodland: listening to the crunching of leaves underfoot, breathing in the fresh, earthy scent of pine trees, and noticing the sun peaking through the tree canopies.
In Castlewellan Forest Park in Northern Ireland, you can join Tony Bailie, an accredited Forest Therapy Practitioner, to be guided through a series of immersive, meditative activities.
Sessions will be held on the mornings of 10th and 31st July, and 21st August. You can book your ticket on the Discover Northern Ireland website.
4. Embrace culture at Birmingham Mela Asian Music Festival, Birmingham
Established in 2011, Birmingham Mela is the UK’s biggest South Asian music festival, with an audience now over 50,000.
Held in Victoria Park, Smethwick, Birmingham, the Mela Asian Music Festival will run over two days from 19th – 20th July.
Over 150 artists will take to the stage – plus, more than 30 food stalls, an arts and crafts village, a children’s funfair, mind-blowing visual arts, and plenty of shopping opportunities will be there to enjoy, too.
Day tickets are only £3.30, with the opportunity to book VIP, too. Head to the official website below.
5. Watch a medieval battle at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Gloucestershire
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the highlight of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1984. Today, it’s widely regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe.
The festival’s central attraction, a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury itself, is held on part of the original 1471 battlefield site. And there’s a wide range of period entertainment – including music, dance, archery, food and drink stalls, and the opportunity to meet fascinating characters from the past – to enjoy, too.
Tewkesbury town centre also bustles with associated events, and the streets are lined with dozens of authentic medieval banners for the entire festival.
Best of all, despite its size and popularity, entry to the festival is free, thanks to a team of hardworking volunteers. Tewkesbury Medieval Festival will take place from 12th – 13th July 2025. You can find out more on the official website.
6. Enjoy jazz and blues music, Edinburgh
If you like jazz or just love experiencing new music, then the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is one to add to your calendar this July.
This ever-popular festival started in 1978 and has since become one of the most iconic and highly regarded jazz festivals in Europe. The programme is designed to span the entire history of music – from ragtime to Chicago blues, modern jazz, and beyond.
To find out more about what you can expect at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, check out the lineup on their website. This year, the festival will take place from 11th – 20th July.
7. Step back in time with English Heritage’s July events, UK-wide
This July, there are plenty of immersive events taking place where everyone can enjoy a taste of the Roman Empire.
At Warkworth Castle from 22nd – 23rd July, you can check out expert falconers as their hawks, owls, and falcons soar across Medieval-themed surroundings. From 29th – 30th July, knights’ tournaments and jousts are also held here if you’re looking to get immersed in the 13th century.
At Birdoswald Roman Fort you can learn about 2000-year-old Roman building techniques, and at Chesters Roman Fort, re-enactors will demonstrate the techniques that made the Roman military the most formidable force in the world.
For something entirely different, you might like to take the Taskmaster Challenge, from 19th July to the end of August. Or, kick back and watch some live music at Audley End House, for four Sundays starting today and ending on the 27th. You can find out more on the English Heritage website.
8. Admire beautiful blooms at the RHS Flower Show, South Yorkshire
The RHS Flower Show is famous for its iconic floral displays and varied programme of entertainment. And this year, it’s heading to Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire, for the very first time. Nestled in 87 acres of stunning grounds and historic gardens, the vast country estate of Wentworth Woodhouse is ideal for breathing in some summer gardening goodness.
Wander around award-winning garden designs, admire displays by highly skilled floral artists, and tune into captivating talks and creative demos by gardening experts. At the Bandstand, you’ll find a vibrant mix of live music – guaranteed to put a spring in your step as you browse artisan market stalls or bask in the sun with a refreshing drink. Plus, with plenty of children’s activities on offer, it’s a great day out for all the family.
The RHS Flower Show 2025 will run from Wednesday 16th July to Sunday 20th July 2025. You can book tickets on the RHS website.
9. Celebrate Irish song and dance at Belfast Tradfest
Described as “the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts, fiery pub sessions, and Ireland’s fastest growing summer school of traditional music,” Belfast Tradfest is set to offer its most ambitious programme yet in July 2025.
Come the 27th, Belfast’s pubs, bars, and halls will be hosting traditional music sessions featuring some of Ireland’s top performers. So whether you enjoy the sweet sounds of the harp or the hearty bellow of pipes, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
And if you want to get involved yourself, there are plenty of opportunities for that. Strap on your dancing shoes and head to a lively ceilidh. There’s one at the Titanic Slipways on Belfast’s Maritime Mile which promises to be particularly memorable. And, at the Ulster University campus, beginners and experts alike can take part in a range of musical workshops.
This year, Belfast Tradfest is running from Sunday, 27th July to Sunday, 3rd August. You can book tickets on the official website.
10. Celebrate Welsh heritage at the Conwy River Festival, North Wales
Thanks to its historic castle and idyllic estuary setting, Conwy has long drawn crowds from across the country – but July is arguably the best time to visit. For two weeks this month, the town comes together to celebrate its rich heritage at the Conwy River Festival, with nautical-themed games, water-based activities, and shoreside entertainment on the menu.
The first weekend – Friday 11th to Sunday 13th July – is the regatta celebration, and you can watch boats racing along the river, listen to live music, go kayaking, canoeing, or jetskiing in the harbour and, later, dance the night away at the marina.
The following week is the famous LA-LA Rally, an accompanied cruise from the Liverpool Arms in Conwy to the Liverpool Arms in Anglesey (and back again!). The boats depart Conwy on Wednesday 16th and return on Saturday 19th, with both power and sailboats welcome. In the evening, there’s a prizegiving for all River Festival events, with food and entertainment.
You can book tickets on the official festival website below.
Final thoughts…
July is officially summertime and an ideal opportunity to get outside and enjoy the best that the UK has to offer. And with so many fun and interesting events taking place this year, you’ll be stuck for choice.
For more ideas and inspiration for things to do this July, head over to our travel and art and culture sections. Here you’ll find everything from cultural and historic hotspots to staycation ideas in the UK.
What are your plans for this July? Have any of the ideas on our list sparked your interest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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