What's On June

A jaw-dropping collection of some of the world’s most desirable and cherished vehicles, a scrumptious English breakfast, an adrenalin-fuelled Sunday morning drive and the camaraderie of fellow motoring enthusiasts.  A car enthusiasts dream, the Goodwood Sunday Breakfast Club takes place on the first Sunday of the month from March to November  (except July & September) in the grounds of the historic motor circuit. Each meeting has a different theme where different cars and often motorcycles, trikes, trucks and buses are on display, and an organic breakfast is available to quell the morning hunger pains.  Previous themes have included open top cars, Japanese vehicles and classic sports cars.

Opened in 2005, the Spinnaker Tower soars 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour.  Three viewing decks give visitors amazing views for as far as the eye can see. The high speed internal lift travels at 4 metres per second, there is a panoramic lift or there are the steps, all 570 of them.

Abseil the Tower 13th April - 27th August.  Thrill seekers can book the ultimate Spinnaker Tower experience - an abseil 100m down the side of this iconic building! Following the success of the abseiling week in 2011, the Spinnaker Tower is running more dates in 2012 to give even more people this fantastic opportunity. Dates: 13th - 15th April, 5th - 7th May, 2nd - 5th June, 27th - 29th July, 25th - 27th August.

Brighton Racecourse is located in the centre of Brighton, with views of the Sussex Downs and Brighton Marina. Meetings take place between April and October, with the three day festival including the John Smith Raceday in August. There are two enclosures, and children under 16 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Mid-Summer Afternoon Racing 22nd May

Mid-Summer Afternoon Racing 31st May 

Summer Afternoon Racing 1st June

Beautiful and historic garden set in 200 acres of Grade II listed parkland and woodland.  The garden is home to fine selection of trees and shrubs including 80 champion trees and the renowned award winning collection of over 1000 rhododendrons, numerous azaleas and magnolias. At the heart of the garden Borde Hill House, a Tudor mansion dating from 1598, provides a a magnificent backdrop to the formal 17-acre Garden which is linked into a series of  ‘garden rooms’.  Lakes, fishing and a children's adventure playground can be found in the gardens.

British Eventing Horse Trials 26th & 27th May

Diamond Jubilee Garden Party 4th June. Licensed bar, Pimms and Mojitos tent, Live Folk Band ‘Jigalots’, Balloon Maker and Face Painter. Bring picnics and dress up for the occasion. 

In October 1066 the English were defeated by the Normans at the Battle of Hastings and now, thanks to an investment of £2.6 million, visitors can discover the story of the battle through a major new exhibition that uses, film, computer technology and interactive exhibits.  Visitors can can enjoy a new audio tour of the 100-acre battlefield and explore the ruins of the Abbey.

Falconry: Sport of Kings 3rd & 4th June - Marvel at a variety of beautiful birds in free flight, enjoy watching the powerful hawk hunt her quarry and savour the graceful swoops of the noble falcon.

Oxford Castle dates back to 1071, when it first incarcerated people and continued to do so until HM Prison closed in 1996. The old buildings have been preserved and the stories of violence, executions, escapes and betrayal, can now be told.

Best of Britain Weekend - Celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee weekend with a host of free family fun and entertainment at Oxford Castle – Unlocked:

National Town Criers Competition Saturday 2 June. Join Oxford Unlocked as they host Oxford Castle’s very first Town Criers Competition. Town Criers from around the country will be attending the day long competition to keep up this ancient British tradition. Trophies will be presented to the winner with awards given for the best dressed Town Crier and Escort. The day will end with a spectacular parade up the Oxford Castle Mound.

The Oxford Castle Big Lunch Sunday 3 June. It's called The Big Lunch and Oxford Unlocked would like to invite the people and friends of Oxford to join the fun at the Castle. Take along a picnic blanket and some food to share between 12pm and 3pm and enjoy an afternoon of free family friendly entertainment. Special lunch hampers will be available from Cafe 1071 located in the Castleyard.

Meet the Falconer Monday 4 June. Join the Master Falconer for birds of prey talks and handling sessions. Learn how these amazing creatures were used in the medieval times and have the opportunity to handle some of the birds.

Morris Mania Tuesday 5 June. A selection of vintage Morris Motors vehicles will be on display in the Castleyard celebrating the city's connection with the car industry. Family entertainment will take place throughout the day including Folk dance from Oxfordshire Morris Sides.  

Beaulieu offers a complete day out for all interests, with a National Motor Museum, Palace House and Abbey to visit. The National Motor Museum houses 250 varieties of vehicle. The 14th century family owned Palace is still lived in by the present Lord Montagu and house various family treasures, and the ancient Abbey was founded in 1204.

Queen's Jubilee Celebrations 2nd - 5th June. Old Time Fairground at Beaulieu In celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee, this 50’s themed event will have something for all the family to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend. Including: Drive-in of 50’s vehicles including cars, motorbikes, commercial and agricultural vehicles. Live music from Riverboat Days, a jazz duo playing acoustic music throughout the day. FREE old style fun fair rides including carousel, dodgems and swing boats. Old style fun fair stalls and much more.

Steam railway running for five miles from Wootton to Smallbrook Junction, via Havenstreet and Ashey.  All the carriages and most  of the locomotives have always been Isle of Wight based, and have been restored to pristine condition.  The oldest locomotive dates back to 1876, and oldest carriage back to 1864.

Isle of Wight Festival of Transport 3rd June. Admire the workmanship, enjoy the memories and expect to be surprised! A very special day to mark the The Queen's Diamond Jubilee! Featuring an array of railway and road vehicles of all shapes and sizes, the focus will be on transport from the last 60 years For Visitors - From a much loved old banger to a smartly polished classic … Every vehicle on display is someone’s pride and joy, and they want to show it off to you! if you just love cars and heritage transport come and see them all displayed! Plus there will be a full two-train service of steam trains reminiscent of Island transport 60 years ago, and a couple of steam traction engines will be in attendance. To complete the weekend there will be stuff for the youngsters with a bouncy castle and the Children's Play Area, a full range of refreshments, stalls and displays, plus the opportunity to visit the Carriage & Wagon workshop. Admire the workmanship, enjoy the memories and expect to be surprised!

Moated castle dating back to the 13th century and childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Later acquired by William Waldorf Astor who created the spectacular gardens, and a house of beautiful furniture, paintings and tapestry. The Yew Maze, a miniature model house exhibition, and an adventure playground are other attractions at this historical castle.

Tudor Jubilee Celebrations June 2nd - 5th.  Join in the merriment of a royal celebration when Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn celebrate Anne's coronation in a weekend of Tudor revelry. Tudor music, have-a-go archery and demonstrations from a variety of craftsmen of the period including a jeweller to the crown. Children can come in costume and join the parade to win a prize for the best dressed prince and princess.

Royal Half Term Fun June 6th - 10th. Younger visitors are invited to recreate the splendour of court life as they dress in Tudor costume plus interactive demonstrations on dressing a Knight from specialists on life in Tudor times. 

Castle & Leisure. Originally the site of a manor for the Saxon Royal Family, the site of Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, residence to six medieval Queens, the palace of Henry VIII and a 1920's country retreat. Visitors can journey through 1000 years of history in the Castle, and walk through the 500 acre parkland of gardens and attractions including a maze, grotto, falconry, and aviary, which is home to over 100 rare and endangered species.  Leeds Castle also has 9-hole, par 33 pay and play golf course.

19th & 20th May Home and Garden Weekend. Leeds Castle’s popular lifestyle fair offers a wide range of home furnishings, kitchen and cookery items, fashion, garden equipment, local produce and plants to buy. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment from Adam Chandler and Foley & Hepburn. Children's rides and face painting will also be available for younger visitors at a small additional charge. 

2nd & 3rd June Diamond Jubilee 1950s Weekend Rule Britannia! Celebrate all things British from the coronation year in 1953, at a former Royal palace! Enjoy the patriotic atmosphere all weekend with cream teas, 1950s cars and steam engines. Bring a picnic and watch the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant and flotilla at high water on Sunday afternoon, broadcast from London on a big screen. For younger visitors there will be patriotic crafts activities.

3rd June Diamond Jubilee Fireworks & Open Air Cinema Evening.  Evening with live music, vintage newsreel of the Coronation and highlights of the day’s pageant and the classic 1950s themed film “Grease”, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. A magnificent fireworks display accompanied by music will follow the film, concluding this memorable day.

Blenheim Palace is a stunning baroque Palace dating back to the 18th century. The Palace has been the family home of the Churchill family for over 300 years and subsequent Dukes have made differences to the structure and gardens. As well as the State Rooms and collection of carvings, porcelain, tapestries and painting, the 2,100 acres of parkland are also a huge draw, with sweeping lawns, formal gardens and a grand lake. 

Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend 2nd - 5th June. To mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, Blenheim Palace is hosting four days of fun packed celebrations, and a special Jubilee exhibition about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Enjoy Diamond Jubilee celebrations including Children's Characters Rupert the Bear, Noddy and Big Ears on 3rd, Bunbury's Celebrity Cricket Match and 'Afternoon Tea' on 4th, and Massed Brass Bands on 5th.  

Jubilee Garden Party 2nd June. The East Front of Hampton Court Palace Want to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with a street party but don't live on a suitable street? Then take your picnic to the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and join their Jubilee Garden Party! The 2nd June sees the launch of Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a long weekend of events and parties. The East Front gardens at Hampton Court will be turned over to the 1950s with tables and chairs set out ready for celebratory 'street parties', bunting hung from the trees, 1950s entertainers wandering around and traditional sports day activities for children and the young at heart. Seating at the tables will be available for about 600 people but you can picnic on the grass if you prefer. Food stalls will also be available if you'd rather buy on site. So pack your sandwiches and flask of tea and join the Hampton Court Palace community to celebrate the succession of Queen Elizabeth II sixty years ago!  

Hampton Court Palace Festival 14th-24th June.  Summer nights of open-air concerts in the spectacular setting of Hampton Court Palace. The Music Festival at Hampton Court Palace returns to Base Court for what has become one of the summer highlights at the palace. The Festival will be celebrating its 20th year with a very special line up. Liza Minnelli Thursday 14 June; Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra Friday 15 June 20th; Anniversary Classical Gala and fireworks Saturday 16 June; Van Morrison Sunday 17 June; Squeeze Tuesday 19 June; James Morrison Wednesday 20 June; Caro Emerald Thursday 21 June; Katie Melua Friday 22 June; Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Saturday 23 June; John Barrowman Sunday 24 June.