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It’s almost 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 10th–12th July. You can book your ticket with Ticket Tailor below.
2. Escape to the forest
If you need some mental rest and relaxation, why not take a trip 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 engage with the woodland mindfully: listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot, breathing in the fresh, earthy scent of pine trees, and noticing the sun peeking through the tree canopies.
In Winlatter Forest in the Lake District, you can join holistic therapist Hannah for a three-hour guided forest bathing experience, concluding with a shared forest tea ritual. , to be guided through a series of immersive, meditative activities.
The session is held on Saturday, 18th July, from 10am to 1pm. You can learn more on the Forestry England website and book your tickets using the button below.
3. 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 of over 50,000.
Held in Victoria Park, Smethwick, Birmingham, the Mela Asian Music Festival takes place on Sunday, 26th 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 closer to the date, too. Head to the official website below.
4. Watch a medieval battle at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, Gloucestershire
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival has been the highlight of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1983. 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, 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 11th–12th July 2026. You can find out more on the official website.
5. 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 17th–26th July.
6. 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 28th–29th July, you can step back in time and witness the Knights’ Tournament as four armoured knights clash in this 13th-century setting
At Birdoswald Roman Fort, you can learn about 2000-year-old Roman building techniques, and at Chesters Roman Fort, you can take a stroll around all four principal gates of its ancient hall, headquarters, courtyard, and regimental shrine.
For something entirely different, kick back and watch some live music at Audley End House, for four Sundays starting on July 4th and ending in August. You can find out more on the English Heritage website.
7. Admire beautiful blooms at the RHS Badminton Flower Show, Gloucestershire
The RHS Flower Show is famous for its iconic floral displays and varied entertainment programme. And this year, it’s heading to the historic Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire for the very first time. Nestled amongst 34 acres of stunning grounds and historic gardens, the vast country estate of Badminton is the ideal opportunity to breathe 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. This year, houseplants take the spotlight in themed Houseplant Terrariums, such as James Whiting’s Moulin Rouge! exhibit. And, if it’s gardening knowledge you’re after, the RHS Advice hub has experts on hand to answer any green-fingered queries. Plus, with plenty of children’s activities on offer, it’s a great day out for all the family.
The RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026 will run from Wednesday 8th July to Sunday 12th July. You can book tickets on the RHS website.
8. 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 celebrate its 8th edition in July 2026.
Come the 26th, 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. This year will also bring traditional flute and harp performances, bodhrán circles, and even Irish whiskey tasting
Belfast Tradfest is running from Sunday, 26th July to Sunday, 2nd August. You can book tickets on the official website.
9. 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 in July, 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 3rd to Sunday 5th 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 Thursday 9th, and return on Saturday 11th, 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.
10. Celebrate Pride, UK-wide
London Pride is an organisation dedicated to celebrating the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities and is proud to run the UK’s largest and most diverse Pride event.
This year, on Saturday 4th July, over 600 groups and around 30,000 participants are expected to march in the iconic London Pride Parade from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Palace.
There’ll be various stages dotted throughout the city – including in Piccadilly, Soho, and Trafalgar Square – with outstanding performances from musicians, DJs, drag artists, as well as a selection of delicious food and drink trucks, and fun stalls from major brands and small businesses alike.
If you’re coming with children, Victoria Embankment Gardens will have family-friendly activities running all day, including a LEGO building zone.
You might like to take part in the event yourself, or buy grandstand tickets for the best views of the parade.
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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