High 5: Great British outings

Spring has sprung so it’s time to start planning your sun-drenched summer days. Here are my favourite five classic British days out:

Polo in the Park, Fulham
The World Series kicks off with three afternoon polo matches on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th June. Enjoy leafy park surroundings next to the swanky Hurlingham Club as you sip champagne in the gardens overlooking the polo field or sample classic cocktails in the Mahiki Bar and soak up the sunshine in your finest attire. As well as a host of international polo players, there’s usually a steady flow of celebrities and royalty.

The Championships, Wimbledon
This, the longest-running and most esteemed tennis tournament in the world, attracts around 500,000 spectators for two weeks of tennis, strawberries and cream. If you miss out on tickets to the tournaments in the public ballot, several thousand grounds passes are available each day. Be prepared to queue for your chance to bag one of these. If successful , you’ll be able to watch games from the No.2 Court standing enclosure, from unreserved seating and standing on the outside courts, and on the big screen at Henman Hill. Good-natured queuing with other tennis fans is a big part of the fun, of course.

Henley Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames
A highlight of the traditional English sporting (and social) calendar, Henley Royal Regatta has been held annually on the River Thames since 1839. The prestigious rowing event attracts thousands of spectators to watch 100 world-class races over five days. The atmosphere is how one imagines an Edwardian garden party to have been, in picturesque surroundings on the banks of the River Thames, with picnicking and Pimms aplenty.

Kew the Music, Kew Gardens
This musical extravaganza, in a World Heritage Site with over 30,000 species of plants, is not to be missed. Pack your hamper with cucumber sandwiches, Eccles cakes and homemade lemonade, and enjoy a summer picnic concert in the world-famous Kew Gardens. This year’s stellar line-up includes Bill Bailey, Bjorn Again, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland and Simple Minds.

Goodwood Revival, West Sussex
Step back in time at the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting. The vintage festival at the Goodwood Circuit on Lord March’s country estate pays homage to the fashions, racing cars and entertainment of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. You’ll see golden-age Grand Prix cars, sports and GT cars, as well as historic saloon cars and Formula Juniors. Not just for petrol heads.

Camilla Colley