Our Guide to Cultural Festivals in the UK

Culture, Top Tips

Exploring the UK’s cultural fairs and festivals is a fascinating and fun way to unravel the history and heritage of Great Britain, as well as an opportunity to experience traditional music, food, and performances.

In this article, we will highlight some of the best cultural festivals in the UK, showcasing their unique traditions and attractions, and providing tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore your own culture or a visitor seeking an authentic experience, these festivals are not to be missed.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

city walking tour in edinburgh, scotland — Edinburgh, Scotland

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place every August in the Scottish capital. The Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, with thousands of performers, including comedians, musicians, and theatre groups, showcasing their work in a wide range of venues across the city. The festival offers a diverse and exciting program, with something for everyone, from comedy shows and live music to theatre productions and dance performances.

View Our Scotland Tours Here

Glastonbury Festival

Every June in Somerset, The Glastonbury Festival is one of the biggest and most iconic music festivals in the world, with a lineup that features some of the biggest names in music, as well as up-and-coming artists. The festival also offers a wide range of other attractions, such as food and drink stalls, art installations, and workshops. The Glastonbury Festival is known for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere, making it a must-see event for music lovers.

Taste of London Festival

One for foodies, this festival takes place every June in Regent’s Park. The Taste of London Festival is a celebration of London’s vibrant and diverse food and drink scene, with a wide range of restaurants, chefs, and food and drink producers showcasing their products and dishes. The festival also offers a variety of workshops, demonstrations, and talks, as well as live music and entertainment. The Taste of London Festival is a great way to discover the best of London’s food and drink scene.

Hay Literary Festival

Every May in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye hosts The Hay Literary Festival, one of the biggest and most prestigious literary festivals in the world, with a lineup that features some of the biggest names in literature, as well as emerging authors and writers. The festival offers a wide range of events, such as book readings, panel discussions, and workshops, as well as live music and entertainment. The Hay Literary Festival is a great way to discover new authors and books and engage with the world of literature.

Notting Hill Carnival

the largest street festival in Europe takes place in London every August, with a parade of floats and costumes, as well as a wide range of food and drink stalls and live music stages. The carnival is a celebration of London’s vibrant and diverse Caribbean community, and it offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors, with a mix of music, dance, and culture. The Notting Hill Carnival is a must-see event for anyone interested in music, dance, and culture.

Start Planning Your Own Trip To A UK Festival

The UK is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and this is reflected in the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year. From music and arts festivals to food and drink festivals, the UK has something to offer for every interest and taste. So, if you are looking for a unique and exciting cultural experience, be sure to check out some of the best cultural festivals in the UK.

Of course, if you’d like the help of our expert travel planners for your time here in the UK, simply get in touch by filling in the form below.

Email Us

Let us know your questions!

Call Free

+1 (619) 404-6091

Step 1:

Fill out the form with the destinations & wish-list for your perfect trip. Our specialists will be happy to provide additional ideas & inspiration for your vacation

Step 2:

You will then receive a tailor-made tour itinerary which can be revised an unlimited number of times to ensure total satisfaction and the perfect vacation in England

Step 3:

Your guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point. You can count on us for 24/7 in-country support and everything else necessary for a wonderful & seamless tour

Request An England Tour Itinerary

With decades of experience curating and delivering the best private tours of England, we believe there is no finer way to explore the centuries of riveting history and culture, magical castles and royal estates, and outstanding natural beauty of England’s green and pleasant land than with your certified guide.

Email Us

Let us know your questions!

Call Free

+1 (619) 404-6091

Excellent tour planning and execution of our ten day tour of England! I worked with Amy on a 10-day tour of England for me, my husband, and a High School senior from London to Liverpool and back. The entire experience was fantastic. From the start of the planning process through the trip itself, Amy was very responsive and accommodating. She worked with us every step of the way, and it was a perfect trip!!!

My husband and I took tours with Doug, one to the Cliffs of Dover and Leeds Castle and another to Stonehenge and Bath. Our driver and tour guide was great, very knowledgeable about our destinations, and he had anything you needed in his car, including internet service. I would use this company again for future European tours

Travel with no worries! We booked five different transfers in England, Wales, and Scotland. Each driver was on time, courteous, professionally representing the company. Marta was wonderful when I emailed to make additions or changes to our itinerary. This company made it possible to have a trip with excellent drivers and no worries about all our different travel destinations.

I don’t know that I can accurately capture how amazed, pleased, and thoroughly blown away I was after a week of hopping across Italy and England. What the company was able to accomplish with an itinerary and how Declan did value-added stops was nothing short of astonishing. Thanks to you and Declan, I didn’t just make a memory. I made new friends. On behalf of my family, a sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you.’

Amy took our desire to visit England and put together a fabulous itinerary for my wife and I. Private Tours England took care of all the details for the driver, Blue Badge guide and booked all accommodations. We wanted the hotels to be one-of-a-kind boutique-style hotels, and Amy delivered that in spades. The hotels were all fun with just the right amount of quirky personality. Well done!

We booked a tour for Ireland, Scotland, and England. We had a fantastic time! The local guides were great! Very knowledgeable about all the local history for all the places we saw! We toured the Cliffs of Moher and Dover, saw the Cotswolds, spent time in the Scottish Highlands, saw amazing castles and ruins. We arrived in London a few days before the Jubilee and got to see London in all its splendor.