British Summer Social Season 2023 

The British social season is back in full force.  Are you wondering what to see where and where to be seen this summer social season? Take a look at our British summer social season guide below.

 

1Chelsea Flower Show 

Chelsea Flower Show 

When: 23nd – 27th May 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, retains its unrivalled status as the premier event in horticulture. For garden and landscape designers and their sponsors, specialist nurseries, florists and specialist sellers it continues to be the world’s most prestigious flower show.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is the place to see cutting-edge garden design, new plants and find ideas to take home. It is an event which draws a truly global crowd and is the ‘haute-couture’ of the international gardening scene. The flower show is having a year of firsts this year.

This year, the first wheelchair-accessible garden on the programme has been made by Horatio’s Garden. The garden’s goal is to show off the therapeutic properties of plants. The Royal Entomological Society’s insect laboratory is another new addition to the programme.
 

   Plan Your Visit:  Rhs.org.uk

 

 

2The Investec Derby

When: 2nd June – 3rd June

The Investec Derby is the birthplace of thoroughbred racing. 243 years, a different champion was crowned every time. This year, The Cazoo Derby is poised to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Making this historic event even more special.

No race on the planet is quite like The Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The Derby is for everyone, from racing royalty to racing rookies. We open our gates, arms, and hearts to the world. In a way, everyone rides The Derby, being part of it, getting carried away and taking that feel good carnival spirit back home.

 

Plan Your Visit: Thejockeyclub.co.uk

 

 

3Chestertons Polo in the Park 

Chestertons Polo

When: 9th June – 11th June

A firm fixture in London’s social calendar, Chestertons Polo in the Park brings world-class polo to the Capital. The unique, fast-paced format makes one of the oldest equestrian sports easier for both newcomers to follow and dedicated polo fans to enjoy the excitement. It’s not just about the sport, the ultimate summer social brings fashion, food, fun and family together; shop the latest trends, enter style competitions, enjoy delicious street eats at the Fulham Food Festival, relax in one of the many pitch-side bars or party hard with live music and DJ’s in the legendary Mahiki tent.

 

  Plan Your Visit: Polointheparklondon.com

 

 

4Cartier Queen’s Cup

 

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A post shared by Guards Polo Club (@guardspoloclub)

When: 23rd May – 18th June.

Guards Polo Club’s premier polo event, delivering plenty of high-goal polo at Smith’s Lawn and other associated grounds. This tournament attracts the world’s top players and their incredible ponies ensuring fast-paced play in every chukka. One of the most famous polo tournaments in the world, the Cartier Queen’s Cup competition brings together the sport’s finest players and their remarkable horsepower. Sponsored by Cartier for more than 10 years, this luxury brand brings its distinctive blend of elegance and style to finals day. Members and Non-Members can purchase both grandstand seats and Clubhouse hospitality for the breathtaking semi-finals and the sumptuous finals day. 

 

   Plan Your Visit: Guardschukkas.co.uk

 

 

5Glyndebourne

Glyndebourne

Image courtesy of Glyndebourne

When: 19th May – 27th August 

Glyndebourne is an annual opera house in the heart of the Sussex countryside. It all began with a love story in 1934, when founder John Christie met soprano Audrey Mildmay. Glyndebourne is now one of the finest and most celebrated opera houses in the world, delivering performances to some 150,000 people. Each summer, from May to August,  the Glyndebourne Festival stages, world-class opera during which audiences can enjoy opera in an indoor auditorium.

Glyndebourne offers the perfect opportunity to dress up for a day, with a tradition of a formal dress code. A key part of the Glyndebourne Festival experience is the 90-minute interval which offers a chance to enjoy a picnic in the gardens or dinner at one of the three on-site restaurants. 

 

  Plan Your Visit: Glyndebourne.com

 

 

6Royal Ascot 

Royal Ascot

Image courtesy of Royal Ascot

When: 20th June – 24th June 

This summer, the longest-running horse racing event returns. Revered across the globe, Royal Ascot attracts many of racing’s finest horses. Equally synonymous with sartorial elegance, being awash with exquisite fashion and fine dining. From the arrival of the Royal Procession as the clock strikes two to the communal singing around Ascot’s Bandstand, each of the five days is an event which must be seen to be believed. The royal enclosure is upheld by a formal dress code, hat, and tails are mandatory for men while women should be covered from knee to shoulder and finish their look with some hats or headpieces. On the other end, The Queen Anne Enclosure has a slightly looser dress code, but men are still expected to wear a full-length suit with a collared shirt and tie and for women, a formal dress. 

 

 Plan Your Visit: Ascot.com

 

 

7Wimbledon

wimbledon

Image courtesy of Wimbledon

When: 3rd July – 16th July 

It’s time to get the strawberries and cream out. The All England Lawn Tennis Club will host Britain’s favourite tennis event again this summer. The Wimbledon Championships are the third of the four Grand Slams in the tennis calendar. 2023 will see The Championships take place for a 136th time. The ladies’ singles final and the gentlemen’s double final will take place on July 15 and the gentlemen’s singles final and the ladies’ double final will take place on July 16.

 

Plan Your Visit: Wimbledon.com

 

 

8Henley Royal Regatta

Henley Royal Regatta

Image courtesy of Henry Regatta

Where: 27th June – 2nd July

A quintessentially British event that is not to be missed. Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly the best-known regatta in the world and a highlight of both the summer sporting calendar and social season. The Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over the week. With over 300 races of an international standard, which can include Olympic rowers, as well as crews new to the event. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Member, the Regatta is sure to offer you a great day out – with plenty of racing action, great food & drink and an electric atmosphere.

 

 Plan Your Visit: Hrr.co.uk

 

 

9Goodwood Festival of Speed

Goodwood Festival of Speed

When: 13 July – 16th July

Goodwood is arguably the world’s greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture. Held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House, the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is motorsport’s ultimate summer garden party, an intoxicating celebration of the world’s most glamorous sport. Nowhere else will you get so close to the cars and bikes as they blast up the Hillclimb track; nowhere else will you enjoy such unrestricted access to the machines and the drivers who made them famous.

 

 Plan Your Visit: Goodwood.com

 

 

10London Concours

 

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When: 6th June – 8th June

The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, is a luxurious automotive garden party hosted right in the heart of the City of London. This hugely exciting automobile extravaganza will see 80 of the world’s most precious cars gather in the gardens of the historic and beautiful Honourable Artillery Company Headquarters and will include a ferocious collection of horsepower arranged in specially curated and themed displays chosen by the London Concours Steering Committee. The three days offer entertainment on the lawns, beautiful retails chalets with luxury brands and artisan goods, and a delicious selection of food and beverages to match.

 

Plan Your Visit: Londonconcours.co.uk

 

 

11F1 British Grand Prix

F1 British Grand Prix

When: 7th July – 9th July

The Formula 1 Lenovo British Grand Prix returns as the biggest and fastest sporting event in the UK. This is your chance to get together, witness the best racing in the world and be thoroughly entertained. Tick this off your bucket list. It’s an unrivalled weekend festival of limitless fun, energy, and entertainment with plenty of on and off-track action.

Once the racing action finishes, Silverstone’s Official Party – Mahiki will keep pulses racing as you dance with DJs late into the evening. When darkness falls, the dance floor fills.

 

 Plan Your Visit: Silverstone.co.uk