We may only just be half way through the year but 2011 is certainly hotting up in terms of coach holidays to events. With the Chelsea Flower Show, Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National leaving Spring on a simmer – events for the rest of the year will leave you boiling and to help you decide where to go, we’ve cherry-picked the best for you…
Koblenz Flower Show – 15th Apr to 16th Oct 2011
For six months of the year, Koblenz comes awash with colour as it stages the BUGA Koblenz Flower Show. You’ll
find newly-designed Rhine promenades, fresh green areas and modern-looking historical parks. Over 2 million people are expected to visit this floral festival where a whole host of interactive activities and events are waiting to keep everyone entertained.
Ascot Ladies Day – 14th to 18th Jun 2011
Quite simply the highlight of the summer social calendar where you can not only celebrate all things British but enjoy a fabulous horse-racing event that’s jam-packed with tradition, heritage and pageantry dating back almost 300 years so get the girls together, don your best hat and sip champagne or Pimms as you enjoy this centuries old tradition of Ascot Ladies Day.
Wimbledon Tennis Championships – 20th Jun to 3rd Jul 2011
It would be fair to say that Rafael Nadal is unstoppable at the moment after winning his 6th French Open title equalling Bjorn Bjorg’s record BUT will he find success on the famous grass courts of Wimbledon? With Federer, Djokovic and Brit fave Murray all vying for the chance to lift the Mens Singles Trophy – now is the perfect time to consider Wimbledon coach breaks to soak up the atmosphere, sample the strawberries & cream and enjoy some outstanding tennis too!
Rhine In Flames – 2nd July 2011 onwards
For a firework display with a difference, the Rhine In Flames certainly leaves the
others in the shade set against the beautiful setting of the UNESCO listed Middle Rhine Valley. Not only will colourful fireworks fill the night sky, you’ll see illuminated ships, burning medieval castles and the route along The Rhine is lined with 2000 Bengal Town Fire Lights. Breath-taking acoustics and beautiful backdrops add to the atmosphere but be prepared for the thunderous roar of the firecrackers – they may make you jump!
Hampton Court Flower Show – 5th to 10th Jul 2011
Check out one of the world’s largest annual flower shows set against the backdrop of one of the greatest royal palaces in the UK – Hampton Court. You’ll see fabulous show gardens, the ever-popular Rose Marquee and lots of other gadgets and gizmos to add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your gardens at home!
British Grand Prix – 8th to 10th Jul 2011
There certainly seems to be no stopping Sebastian Vettel in his quest to be world champion for another season but will
Brit faves Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button put a spanner in the works providing a win at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone? There are very few sporting events out there that can rival the high intensity, glitz, glamour and adrenalin-fuelled drama of the British Grand Prix.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – 5th to 27th Aug 2011
This is certainly one of the major highlights in the Military Events calendar after recently celebrating its Diamond Jubilee. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is set against the amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and visitors are guaranteed a wonderful evening of spectacular music from Massed Military Bands, pipers, gymnasts, singers, dancers and so much more so sit back, relax and enjoy the displays.
Belgium Beer Festival – 2nd to 4th Sept 2011
There’s definitely no getting away from it, Belgium is the country of Beer and there’s no better way to sample what’s
on offer than visiting the famous Belgium Beer Festival that takes place in the Grand Square, Brussels. Make sure you leave plenty of time so you can sample a few of 225 beers from a variety of regional and national brewers. http://www.door2tour.com/events/belgium-beer-festival.aspx
Blackpool Illuminations – 2nd Sept to 6th Nov 2011
When many UK resorts go into hibernation for the Autumn/Winter, Blackpool is the exception with its dazzling display of Illuminations that line the promenade from Sept through to Nov. The spectacle of the Blackpool Illuminations leaves nothing to the imagination by using every kind of light display that you can imagine from lasers, neon and lightbulbs to fibre optics, searchlights and floodlighting – you might want to take your shades with you when you witness this dazzling display!
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – 1st to 2nd Oct 2011
This is billed as one of the hottest events in the European horse-racing calendar. Held every year on the first Sunday of October, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe attracts over 70,000 people from all over the world with billions more watching it on TV. You’ll see some of the world’s top thoroughbreds so don your finery, sip a few glasses of champagne and maybe have a little flutter!
Floriade 2012 – 5th Apr to 7th Oct 2012
Once again, Holland plays host to Floriade 2012, a magnificent floral event that happens once every ten years. This isn’t just a garden festival and flower show, Floriade 2012 is an international event with more than 100 participants from across the world showcasing the latest trends in gardening, horticulture and the environment. Here’s the perfect opportunity to discover the most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants and trees – a fabulous floral event for green-fingered enthusiasts!
Have any of these events tickled your fancy or have you experienced them before? We’d love to hear what you thought and whether it’s worth visiting them or not!