As well as a local archaeology exhibition, Guildford Museum also contains an extensive collection of objects and pictures outlining the area's history. Trade, history and the lives of Guildford's famous former residents are all considered in this popular local museum.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
Guildford Castle keep stands proudly (thanks to a £4 million renovation) in its splendid grounds, which are open to the public all year round. Visitors can venture to the top of the keep to enjoy sweeping views of the town.
Available :
Daily
The Guildford House Gallery occupies a 17th-century townhouse on the High Street. The permanent collection includes work by Guildford-born artist John Russell, and the gallery also welcomes Arts Council touring exhibitions and displays by local artists.
Available :
Daily; not Mon or Sun
One of the few remaining 1930s lidos in the country, Guildford Lido in Surrey is a heated Olympic-sized swimming pool that proves popular every time the sun makes an appearance. There is also an onsite gym.
Available :
May - Sep 2013 (annual)
The Tithe Barn at Great Coxwell was described by William Morris as "the finest piece of architecture in England...unapproachable in its dignity, as beautiful as a cathedral, yet with no ostentation of the builder's art". It is now open throughout the year for history lovers to lap up.
Available :
Daily
Thousands of people carry flaming torches in an evening procession to the Cranleigh bonfire site in Surrey, where the Cranleigh Lions organise the fireworks that fill the night sky.
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
The Mayor of Basingstoke celebrates Guy Fawkes night at the War Memorial Park with lots of pyrotechnics and a huge bonfire. Wrap up warm!
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
Over 900 vehicles are on show at Basingstoke's War Memorial Park for the annual Basingstoke Festival of Transport. Motor enthusiasts can enjoy colourful displays of classic and vintage cars, trucks, ambulances and fire engines for free.
Available :
May 2013 (annual)
Hundreds of party people gather in War Memorial Park for live music and performance at the annual two-day Basingstoke Live festival. Local talent is well represented and music ranges from rock to jazz. Best of all, it's free.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
As part of its annual autumn tour, Glyndebourne on Tour (GoT) arrives at Woking's New Victoria Theatre for three spectacular productions. On the bill are Puccini's La Boheme, Donizetti's Don Pasquale and Handel's Rinaldo.
Available :
Nov 2013 (annual)
Basingstoke goes kite-crazy with its two-day festival dedicated to the hobby. Taking place at the Down Grange Sports Complex, the Basingstoke Kite Festival gives kite-fliers the chance to show off their flying skills or even design a new kite.
Available :
Jun 2013 (annual)
Held in beautiful Tichborne Park, the Alresford Agricultural Show prides itself on remaining traditional. It featuring livestock competitions, trade stands, horticultural displays, rural crafts and a dog show.
Available :
Sep 2013 (annual)
The Mid Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line, is a preserved steam railway line that runs between Alresford and Alton. Operated by a team of volunteers, the line is open to passengers who want to take a trip back in time.
Available :
Daily
West Dean festival is a perfect chance for families to enjoy music, performance and crafts together. Taking place in the beautiful West Dean Estate, an eclectic line up of bands complements activities like textile making, arts and cooking in the rolling South Downs.
Available :
Aug - Sep 2013 (annual)
Chichester Writing Festival, at West Dean Estate, comprises a weekend of discussions, debates, workshops with acclaimed authors, editors, agents and booksellers. This is the event for industry professionals and aspiring writers.
Available :
Mar 2013 (annual)
Adjacent to Windsor Great Park, Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and is arguably the most famous in England. The queen is remembered in the opening race of the Royal Ascot meeting, the Queen Anne Stakes.
Available :
Daily
Ascot Racecourse's annual Family Day returns to celebrate the Halloween half-term break. As well as featuring the first meeting of this year's jumps season, thrilling rides and spellbinding magicians entertain before a spectacular fireworks display lights up the skies at 6pm.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
The Ascot September Festival is arguably the best day in British racing. The final race in each of five QIPCO British Champions Series categories are run with the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes the highlight.
Available :
Oct 2013 (annual)
Royal Ascot is one of the grandest race meetings of the year and also a great social event. As much attention is paid to the fashions being worn as to the horses in the paddock.
Available :
Jun 2013 (annual)
The Glade Festival outdoor dance party, from the organisers of the Glade Stage at Glastonbury, aims to return to the spirit of Glasto 1972 - with funky techno. The event again takes place at the Matterley Basin near Winchester.
Available :
Jun 2013 (annual)
The BMW PGA is one of the European Tour's biggest events, attracting all of Europe's top golfers and many from overseas. Beautiful Wentworth provides the perfect setting and the difficult run of finishing holes ensures there is plenty of drama.
Available :
May 2013 (annual)
Runnymede is an area of woodland and meadows, part of which is denoted a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215, which is why the British National Monument to J F Kennedy is sited here.
Available :
Daily
Goodwood's spectacularly fast track relives the circuit's post-war glory days with a series of historic car races featuring vintage vehicles in a contemporary setting. Many people dress up and revel in the romance of motor racing as it used to be.
Available :
Sep 2013 (annual)
The summer Glorious Goodwood week at Goodwood racecourse is one of the major events in the racing calendar. It was once described by King Edward VII as "a garden party with racing tacked on".
Available :
Jul - Aug 2013 (annual)
The Goodwood Festival of Speed at Goodwood House brings together some of the world's top drivers, past and present. They also bring their machines, with everything from steam power to the technology of Formula One.
Available :
Jun - Jul 2013 (annual)
Great Bookham's Polesden Lacey annually hosts the Polesden Lacey Shakspeare, an open air performance of a Shakespearian classic. This year it is the turn of As You Like It. Performances are preceded by Elizabethan fun and games.
Available :
Jul 2013; Weekends only (annual)
The Brooklands Museum tells the story of the development of British motorsport and aviation at its site from 1907. There are plenty of vehicles to marvel at.
Available :
Daily
The annual Audi International offers world-class polo in the regal surroundings of the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. The long-running event attracts attention from media-celeb spotters, and is traditionally attended by the Queen and Prince Philip.
Available :
Jul 2013 (annual)
Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst covers 135 acres of lakes, rivers, meadows and islands. Visitors can watch goats, nightingales and waterfowl, hire an electric buggie, take a free guided Health Walk, go coarse fishing or relax in the cafe.
Available :
Daily
Reading FC play their home matches at Madejski Stadium. The Premier League runs between August and May and full fixture lists can be found on the club websites. Please note: games may be rearranged due to cup or television commitments.
Available :
18 Aug 2012 - 19 May 2013 (annual)
The Reading Half Marathon is a well-established race that winds its way around the town before ending inside the Madejski Stadium. It regularly attracts around 16,500 participants a year and features the GreenPark Challenge 2.8km family fun run.
Available :
Apr 2013 (annual)
The social event for British apiarists and honey enthusiasts, the National Honey Show is a competitive exhibition of fine honey and other hive products, including waxes, candles, crafts and confectionery. Honey-loving visitors zoom to St George's College in Weybridge.
Available :
Oct - Nov 2013 (annual)
The Dorking Museum lies in the historic centre of the town, housing an eclectic bunch of displays for the local historian and others.
Available :
Wed, Thu, and Sat only
Have fun with science and technology at the INTECH family museum in Winchester. Engaging hands-on displays explore everything from tornados to recycling, while more than 100 interactive exhibits bring tricky concepts to light.
Available :
Daily
Within Windsor Great Park, the elegant Savill Garden spreads over 35 acres, and is considered to be one of the finest of its type in the northern temperate region of the world.
Available :
Daily
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park theme park return in the run-up to Halloween, mixing fun with chilling and bizarre entertainment. Visit the Circus of Horrors with its cavalcade of freaks and the three new horror mazes... if you're brave enough!
Available :
Oct 2013; Fri, Sat, and Sun only (various dates)
The Chichester Festivities music and arts event takes over venues throughout the town, including the Norman cathedral. Festival-goers can enjoy everything from classical music to jazz, comedy, fireworks and ghost walks.
Available :
Jun - Jul 2013 (annual)
The Chichester Film Festival, at the Chichester Cinema, offers a mixture of premières, retrospectives, previews and special events. Over the years the event has premièred work by directors ranging from Robert Altman to Tim Roth, and welcomed many star guests.
Available :
Aug - Sep 2013 (annual)
The Oracle is Reading's major shopping mall, with a lovely riverside feel. Home to two department stores (Debenhams and House of Fraser) and a host of high street fashion brands including Karen Millen, Morgan, Mango, Topshop and lingerie-specialist La Senza, there is a shop to satisfy every taste.
Available :
Daily
The Oracle is Reading's major shopping mall. Home to two department stores (Debenhams and House of Fraser) and a host of high street fashion brands including Karen Millen, Morgan, Mango, Topshop and lingerie-specialist La Senza, there is a shop to satisfy every taste.
Available :
Daily
08457 76 76 76
