Summer is on the horizon and you know what that means - glorious sunshine, BBQ’s, sunbathing in the back garden, twenty-minute queues at extortionate ice cream vans, making treasured memories with loved ones and beer gardens - it’s a wonderful three days whilst it lasts!

When you’re on the road you tend to spend a lot of this time away from home. But that is no excuse not to join in with the fun at the many events and festivals across England. There are probably some haulage and logistical opportunities too.

Royal Ascot : Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd June 2019

If you’re a fan of a flutter and enjoy the sunshine, Ascot Races are place for you.

Possibly the most prestigious race event in the country, enjoy the chance to make a few bets and do some celeb spotting, as the illustrious event is a notorious hotspot for the royals and A-Listers. Get the old autograph book out and you’ll be walking away with some signatures ready for eBay.

Ascot can be easily reached from the port of Portsmouth with just an hours detour up the M3.

Notting Hill Carnival, London : Saturday 24th - Monday 26th August 2019

Embrace the UK Caribbean heritage and join Londoner’s in the UK’s most famous carnival, as it returns to Notting Hill this summer for its 70th year.

Join the one million people to participate in the festivities, celebrations include outlandish Caribbean costume and music, with street performers and live bands appearing throughout the weekend.

Take the opportunity to widen your palate too with some authentic dishes from street vendors including jerk chicken and traditional goat stew.

Just an hour by road from the port of Purfleet, if you find yourself in the area this August, you’d be a fool to miss out.

Wimbledon, London : Monday 1st - Sunday 14th July 2019

Need we say any more? Everyone interested in tennis knows that Wimbledon is the creme-de-la-creme of the tennis competition world.

The annual tournament has taken place at the All-England club since 1877 and is one of the oldest sporting events. Make 2019 the year you join the crowds, because let’s be honest, it’s just not the same on telly.

Just up the Thames from the port of Purfleet, if you’re planning on travelling from the port in July make the trip a ‘Double’, give yourself a ‘Break’ and take ‘Advantage’ of the ‘Ace’ opportunity to watch a game live.

Henley Regatta : Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th July 2019

Does anything get more quintessentially English than rowing?

If you’re not sick of boats by the time you’ve come off the ferry, take a detour from the port of Purfleet to get the chance to watch the best rowers in the world compete to take home the Regatta cup.

If you manage to secure a ticket - have a scone on us!

British Summer Time, Hyde Park : Friday 5th - Sunday 14th July 2019

Our final London based activity is the British Summer Time festival that takes place in Hyde Park each summer. There is something for every kind of music lover. Acts include Florence and the Machine, Robbie Williams and Stevie Wonder. It will be a concert to remember! So grab your tickets and get the date on your calendar whilst there is still availability.

Again, less than an hour from the port of Purfleet, you’d be a fool not to attend.

Bath and Bristol Festival of Nature : Saturday 1th - Sunday 9th June 2019

Environment and nature fans - this is your calling!

Have you have ever been perturbed by questions like

• Why the sky is blue?
• What is the biggest fish in the world?
• Why do rabbits live underground?
• What happened to the dinosaurs?

If so, put your mind at rest by visiting the Festival of Nature where you can find all the answers and more.

The venue is only an hour and a half from the port of Portsmouth. Head over for some education, it’s just like being back at school, except this time it’s not boring!

Goodwood Revival : Friday 13th - Sunday 15th September 2019

Summer may be on its way out by September (although it is usually still warm and sunny), but there’s still some fun to be had. Classic vehicle fanatics - we’ve found your paradise, and even if you’re not the biggest car/bike lover - we guarantee it’s still a cracking day out!

The sister event of Goodwood Festival of Speed (an exhilarating motorsport event taking place on the 4th-7th July - go check it out), Revival specialises in all things vintage. Watch some of the most famous races in the game including the Whitsunday trophy, which takes place over the course of the weekend and marvel at the speed of vehicles that are probably a lot older than you!

Less than 30 minutes from the port of Portsmouth, you’d be a fool not to go and take a look.

Happy Summer!