Are you a UK resident or planning a trip there in 2025? Then get up and close and personal with the vibrant British culture by attending one of the best UK events for 2025 spanning garden shows, epic music festivals and historic sports games. With fun UK events happening up and down the country, you won't be bored on your UK holiday.

A Background Into The Best UK Events

Are there any major UK events in 2025?

Absolutely! 2025 is packed with unmissable events, from the world-famous Glastonbury Festival to the Edinburgh Fringe. Sports fans can revel in the drama of Wimbledon, while cultural enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival or May Day celebrations in Padstow. No matter your interests, there’s a UK event for you in 2025.

What's the best way to travel around these UK events?

a train station in the UK is great for getting to all the best 2025 events
The UK is well-connected by train, making it easy to hop between events without the hassle of driving. For rural locations like the Balmoral Highland Games, hiring a car might be your best bet. Planning ahead is key—book your tickets early, and aim to stay near your UK event to avoid last-minute stress.

22 Unmissable UK Events For 2025

The Best UK Events in January 2025

Burns Night

people celebrating burns night in scotland - one of the best events in the UK
Date: 25th January
Location: Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway, Ayrshire
What to Expect: Celebrate in the poet’s hometown with traditional haggis, whisky and ceilidh dancing all while raising money for charity at the Ayrshire Hospice Burns Supper. Don't forget your kilt!

What's included

For £85 per person, you get welcome drinks on arrival, a classic Scottish four-course meal with tea and fun live entertainment throughout the evening including:

  • A raffle
  • An online silent auction
  • The legendary 'Aye or Naw' game

Where to Stay: Brig o’ Doon House Hotel – A charming spot by the iconic Brig o’ Doon where the Ayrshire Hospice Burns Supper will be hosted.

Chinese New Year

chinatown in london at new year is one of the best events in britain 2025
Date: 29th January
Location: Chinatown, London
Ticket Prices: FREE
What to Expect: Experience lion dances, street food and vibrant decorations in the heart of London’s Chinatown. Trafalgar Square hosts live performances and a parade to welcome 2025, otherwise known as The Year of the Snake a year that symbolises wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation. Remember to follow tradition and wear red to bring luck for the new year.

Want to keep the party going after the Chinatown New Year Parade? We recommend visiting the likes of:

  • Ping Pong
  • Inamo Covent Garden
  • Tattu London
  • Hakkasan

Where you can eat themed menus and sip delicious cocktails.
Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire – A luxury hotel near the celebrations.

Celtic Connections

see celtic connections in glasgow 2025
Date: 16 Jan - 2 Feb 2025
Location: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
What to Expect: Scotland’s premier winter music festival brings traditional folk and contemporary sounds to Glasgow's best music venues from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to the Barrowlands. This is a true celebration of music where you can expect world-class performances spanning folk, world, indie, Gaelic and soul.
Where to Stay: Hotel Indigo Glasgow – Stylish accommodation in the city centre.

The Best UK Events in February 2025

Dark Skies Festival

Date: 14th February to 2nd March
Location: North York Moors National Park
What to Expect: Perfect for stargazing enthusiasts, this UK festival offers night walks, stargazing safaris, astrophotography workshops, and talks under some of the UK’s darkest skies to help you learn all there is to know about the night sky. It's held at national parks across England which are the darkest places in the country - great for unspoilt views of the night sky in all its glory.
Where to Stay: The Forge, Middleton – A cosy base with starry views.

The Best UK Events in March

Crufts 2025

watch crufts in birmingham 2024
Date: 6th March to 9th March
Location: NEC Birmingham
What to Expect: The world’s largest dog show celebrates all things canine, from agility contests to the iconic Best in Show competition.
Where to Stay: Hilton Birmingham Metropole – Conveniently located near the NEC.

St. Patrick's Day


Date: 17th March
Location: Armagh City, Northern Ireland
What to Expect: Known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, Armagh honours St. Patrick tons of fun St. Paddy's events including spanning music, art, theatre, film and dance. Armagh is said to be the home of St. Patrick, so on March 17 you'll see vigils and find 2 St. Patrick's Cathedrals that are worth the visit.

Where to Stay: Armagh City Hotel – A modern stay with a touch of local character.

The Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race

see the boat race as one of the best events in britain 2025
Date: 30th March
Location: The Dove Pub, Hammersmith, London
What to Expect: Enjoy the race with a pint in hand at this historic riverside pub. Known for its unbeatable views of the Thames, it’s a favourite spot for boat race enthusiasts.
Where to Stay: St. Paul's Hotel, Hammersmith – A boutique hotel just a short walk from the action.

The Best UK Events in May

May Day

may day in cornwall is one of the best uk events 2025
Date: 1st May
Location: Padstow, Cornwall
What to Expect: Step back in time with Padstow’s centuries-old 'Obby 'Oss festival, a totally unique May Day tradition. On May Day, the town bursts into life with colourful processions, folk dancing, and the iconic 'Obby 'Oss parade. This unique UK tradition is steeped in folklore and accompanied by lively music that echoes through the narrow streets.
Where to Stay: The Old Ship Hotel – A charming stay in the heart of Padstow, perfect for soaking up the festivities.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 

Date: 1st - 5th May
Location: Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch, Scotland
What to Expect: Tour one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries while enjoying whisky pairings, storytelling, and breathtaking views of the Cairngorms.
Where to Stay: The Craigellachie Hotel – A charming retreat steeped in whisky heritage.

Chelsea Flower Show

visit the chelsea flower show in london as one of the best uk events 2025
Date: 20 - 24th May
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, London
What to Expect: Explore the world’s most prestigious garden showcase in this grand historic setting. Highlights include cutting-edge garden designs and a chance to mingle with horticultural experts.
Where to Stay: The Egerton House Hotel – A floral-inspired boutique hotel nearby.

The Best UK Events in June

Glastonbury Festival

Date: 25th - 29th June
Location: Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset
What to Expect: Music, mud, and magical moments at the UK’s biggest festival. Explore the lesser-known Healing Fields for yoga, sound baths, and a dose of calm amid the chaos.
Where to Stay: The Thatched Cottage Inn, Shepton Mallet – A cosy retreat with rustic charm.

Trooping the Colour

one of the best uk events for 2025 is the trooping of the colour london
Date: 1st, 8th, 15th June
Location: Horse Guards Parade, London
What to Expect: This spectacular ceremony marks the official birthday of the British monarch, with military precision and royal pageantry.
Where to Stay: St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel – A grand stay fit for a royal occasion.

Stonehenge Summer Solstice

Date: 21st June
Location: Stonehenge, Wiltshire
What to Expect: Welcome the longest day of the year with spiritual celebrations at this iconic prehistoric site. Expect druids, music, and a magical sunrise.
Where to Stay: The Antrobus Arms Hotel – A charming boutique stay nearby.

The Best UK Events in July

Wimbledon

wimbledon is one of the best uk events for 2025
Date: 28th - 11th July
Location: Centre Court, Wimbledon, London
What to Expect: Nothing beats the electric atmosphere of Centre Court. Grab a Pimm’s and cheer on the world’s top tennis stars in style. Whether you get tickets the event itself or just want to watch the games in the area, you're guaranteed a fun atmosphere with tons of other like-minded folks.
Where to Stay: Hotel du Vin Wimbledon – A peaceful haven in leafy surroundings.

Oasis Reunion

watch the oasis concert this year in manchester
Date: 11th July
Location: Heaton Park, Manchester
What to Expect: The legendary Manchester band are reuniting after 25 years to sing all their hits including Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger and Roll With It. This is their homecoming show so tickets will be hard to get, but definitely worth it.
Where to Stay: Quay Apartments Manchester – Handy location in the city centre with friendly staff at check-in.

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Best UK Events in August 2025

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

people dancing at the edinburgh fringe 2025
Date: 2nd-26th August
Location: Throughout the city
What to Expect: This underground venue hosts some of the most daring and avant-garde performances of the Fringe. Perfect for those seeking the unexpected.
Where to Stay: House of Gods Hotel – A boutique gem with a rock-and-roll edge.

Notting Hill Carnival

Date: 24th - 26th August
Location: Ladbroke Grove, London
What to Expect: Dive into the heart of the action along Ladbroke Grove, the pulse of the carnival. Expect vibrant parades, pulsing steel drums, and mouth-watering jerk chicken.
Where to Stay: The Laslett – A chic hotel that reflects the area’s artistic vibe.

The Best UK Events in September 2025

Balmoral Highland Games

visit the highland games in scotland as one of the best uk events 2025
Date: 6th September
Location: Braemar, Aberdeenshire
What to Expect: Held near the Queen’s Balmoral estate, this traditional event features pipe bands, Highland dancing, and caber tossing in a regal countryside setting.
Where to Stay: The Fife Arms, Braemar – A lavish hotel with bold design and Highland hospitality.

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The Best UK Events in October 2025

Halloween

experience halloween at thorpe park as one of the best events in the uk
Date: 31st October
Location: Thorpe Park, Chertsey
Tickets: From £36
What to Expect: Halloween in the UK has been growing more and more popular. If you're brave enough get tickets for Thorpe Park's legendary Fright Nights. Combining high-octane rollercoasters with some of the country's scariest horror mazes, expect to hear screams from every corner of the park. Get lost in a labyrinth, dodge killer clowns, and escape the clutches of an evil toymaker in between joyrides in the dark on the UK's tallest, fastest, and most weightless coasters.
Where to Stay: Foxhills Club & Resort – A tranquil escape just a short drive from the spooky thrills.

The Best UK Events in November 2025

Bonfire Night

Date: 5th November
Location: Ottery St. Mary, Devon
What to Expect: Forget fireworks—here, flaming barrels are rolled through the streets in a fiery and thrilling tradition. It’s unlike any Bonfire Night you’ve seen before!
Where to Stay: The Tumbling Weir Hotel – A tranquil spot to recover from the heat of the festivities.

Birmingham Christmas Market 

visit the birmingham christmas market
Date: 7th November - 23rd December
Location: Victoria Square, Birmingham
What to Expect: The UK’s largest Christmas market serves up bratwurst, glühwein, and festive cheer in this charming city-centre location.
Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel, Birmingham – An iconic building with stylish interiors and top-notch service.

The Best UK Events in December 2025

London New Year’s Eve Fireworks

see the london fireworks at new year
Date: 31st December
Location: Southbank, London
What to Expect: Watch the iconic fireworks display from the Southbank with Big Ben as your backdrop. It’s an unforgettable way to welcome 2026.
Where to Stay: Sea Containers London – Sleek riverside accommodation with unbeatable views.

Will You Attend One Of The Best UK Events 2025?

Now that you've got a taste of some of the best UK events for 2025, will you take a trip to experience them in person? Whether you're dancing strip the willow at a ceilidh on Burns Night, singing your heart out to Wonderwall at the Oasis reunion or watching the epic Highland Games in Aberdeenshire, you're guaranteed a lot of fun. Just make sure to book ahead to ticketed events as no doubt they'll sell out fast.

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