Favourite Days Out Summer 2026
Ready to spring into summer? Whatever kind of day out you’re looking for, from sporting events to town festivals, and from agricultural shows to village fetes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In August we’re supporting the Blakesley Show again and this year we’re excited to be celebrating the local farmers in our community. If you visit the show ground in Blakesley near Towcester on Saturday 1 August, please pop over and have a drink with us.
Below is a selection of some of the events you’ll want in your calendar:
JUNE
Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July: Wimbledon. A whopping 55,000 Slazenger tennis balls are used over the course of this prestigious tennis tournament. Play is over 14 days and Wimbledon remains one of the few major sporting events where you can queue to buy tickets on the day.
Tuesday 30 June to Sunday 5 July: Henley Royal Regatta. The Henley course is 1 mile 550 yards long, the equivalent to 2,112 metres, making it the longest as well as the best-known regatta in the world, where spectators are treated to over 400 world class races.
From June: Knebworth House Alfresco Garden Performances, Hertfordshire: Summer is the perfect time of year to experience an outdoor, dramatic experience under the stars, this year including performances of Shakespeare, tribute shows including Queen, and adventure cinema. Bring a picnic or enjoy hot food, snacks, and the on-site bar.
JULY
Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 July: Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Silverstone. The Formula 1 British Grand Prix is the biggest and fastest sporting event in the UK. For Formula One fans, these four days of racing are the highlight of the F1 year.
Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 July Newport Pagnell Carnival. The biggest and oldest running Carnival in Milton Keynes promises two days of live music, stalls, classic cars, and a dog show.
Saturday 4 to Saturday 11 July: Princes Risborough Town Festival, Marlow: This festival week celebrates community spirit with fun activities for all the family.
28 July to 1 August: Qatar Goodwood Festival: The world-famous, 5 day flat-racing festival, affectionately known as Glorious Goodwood, is set in the rolling Sussex countryside
Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August: Stowaway Festival, Stowe, Buckinghamshire: This three-day music, arts and wellness event is held at Blackpit Brewery in Stowe in Buckinghamshire. A camping-only festival, you can expect music, dancing, wild swimming, and yoga
AUGUST
Saturday 1 August: Blakesley Show: This celebration of countryside and rural life features equestrian and livestock classes, trade exhibitors, plus a gymkhana. A summer highlight for lovers of the country life, and a long-standing favourite event for us at Michael Graham.
Sunday 1 August to Friday 7 August, Cowes Week, Isle of Wight: The Uk’s largest and longest-running sailing regatta, this event attracts around 1,000 boats and 8,000 competitors for 7 days of competitive sailing. The towns of Cowes and East Cowes are taken over with pop up bars, food stalls, and retail villages.
Thursday 27 August: Bucks County Show: This one-day agricultural event offers a variety of countryside traditions, livestock and horse competitions, displays, and motorcycle stunts.
Saturday 30 August: Evenley Fete and Dog Show: A traditional fete on one of the largest village greens in the country with everything from Morris dancers and cream teas to human fruit machines and hook a duck. Not to mention this year the return of the ever-popular dog show!
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 5 September, Mixbury church fete: After some years as a fantastical fete in the grounds of Mixbury House, Mixbury is returning to its roots with a traditional village church fete.
Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, Big Olney Food Festival: One of the market town’s most anticipated events, this long weekend street party celebrates comedy, food, and music. Organised by volunteer group Olney Events, funds raised go to local charities.
Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 September, Kop Hill Climb: This historic motorsport and family festival in Princes Risborough is a celebration of motoring and a chance to see priceless rare cars and bikes, all whilst raising money for the local community.
