Flowers, furlongs and fireworks to savor
Accessible Events
IT’S TRUE most of us lack the means and motivation to sit center court at the Wimbledon final. An amazing array of Britain’s annual events are accessible, however, that each in their own way capture and reflect British tradition.
COURTESY OF THE BRAEMAR GATHERING
1 HOGMANAY,EDINBURGH
See in the New Year at Hogmanay. Scotland’s capital is the scene for Europe’s largest New Year’s Eve party. The city center is a three-day riot of parades, street markets, concert stages and more. www.edinburghshogmanay.org
2 CRUFTS, BIRMINGHAM
Some 28,000 dogs of every variety compete in the greatest dog show in the world. The Kennel Club’s four-day winter event at the National Expo Centre is nirvana for dog enthusiasts, and surprisingly easy to attend. www.crufts.org.uk
3 OXFORD-CAMBRIDGE BOAT RACE, LONDON
Since 1829, competing VIIIs from England’s rival universities have rowed the annual spring race. A festival air fills the four-mile course on the River Thames. Free to all, and a highlight of Britain’s sporting calendar. www.theboatrace.org
4 CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, LONDON
The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual May showcase on the grounds of London’s Chelsea Royal Hospital is quite simply and deservedly the most famous flower show in the world. Go early in the day. www.rhs.org.uk
COURTESY OF LLANGOLLEN FESTIVAL 2010
5 LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD, WALES
Held every July in the North Wales market town, the Llangollen Eisteddfod is the premier choral music competition in the world. Folk dancing, ensembles and soloist competitions, too, decorate the weeklong program. Pavarotti got his start here. www.llangollen2010.co.uk
6 KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES, ASCOT
Spare the hassle of Royal Ascot, but visit the course on July 24th for the 60th running of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes—Britain’s premier flat race for three-year-olds and older. Park early or take the train, then stroll out to the infield and catch the action on the rail. www.ascot.co.uk
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7 COWES WEEK, ISLE OF WIGHT
The largest and oldest regatta in the world gathers off the Isle of Wight, as it has since 1826. In 40 races a day, more than 1,000 boats compete. Some 100,000 spectators gather to watch the sailing, the social activities and each other. www.cowesweek.co.uk
8 BRAEMAR GATHERING, ABERDEENSHIRE
The first Saturday in September, the granddaddy of highland games gathers in the Grampian Highlands as it has for 900 years. The Queen is patron and chieftain, in attendance with sundry of the Royals holidaying at nearby Balmoral. www.braemargathering.org
9 LONDON TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN, LONDON
500 pre-1905 automobiles set out from Hyde Park on a 60-mile course to Brighton seafront the first weekend in November. The RAC’s annual run is the world’s oldest motoring event. Just find a friendly pub along the route and enjoy the show. www.lbvcr.com
10 LORD MAYOR’S SHOW, LONDON
For 800 years the colorful Lord Mayor’s procession has wound through the City streets from Mansion House. The three-mile-long parade begins with an RAF flyover and ends with London’s grandest fireworks of the year. And it’s all free. www.lordmayorsshow.org