Banish those winter blues with these colourful dates for the diary
As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring begin to bloom, it’s time to fill your diary with vibrant events across the UK. From thrilling equestrian displays at the Royal Windsor Horse Show to the floral splendour of the Newbury Garden Show, there’s something for everyone this season.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly days out, cultural festivals, or outdoor adventures, our curated guide highlights the best events happening this spring. Get ready to embrace the fresh air, longer days, and unforgettable experiences that await!
March Events in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
Spring Family Raceday at Ascot Racecourse
Dates: 30 March
Venue: Ascot Racecourse
See the Jumps season out in style at Ascot’s Spring Family Raceday – a springtime extravaganza, where racing favourites meet family favourites.
Young racegoers can embrace the charm of countryside-themed attractions within the Queen Anne Enclosure. There are roaming entertainers to meet, face painting to enjoy and arts and crafts skills to learn. On the racecourse, you can witness the grand finale of Ascot’s Jumps season, featuring a card as varied as the family activities on offer. Revel in a high-value juvenile handicap hurdle and be sure to give a hearty cheer for the seasoned equine athletes during the Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
Newbury Garden Show
Dates: 12-13 April
Venue: Newbury Showground, RG18 9QZ
The Newbury Garden Show will be returning to the Newbury Showground in April and promises to be packed with even more beautiful blooms and quality plants at amazing discount prices.
The Newbury Garden Show will be full of ideas and products to spring your garden back to life. You will find an abundance of indoors and outdoors trade stands, selling everything from unique garden art sculptures, garden furniture and fire pits to bird tables, planters and a selection of other products from almost 100 leading exhibitors.
Inside the Food and Drink Marquee you’ll find a range of food and drink purveyors, including tastings and samples. From some of the UK’s finest wines and spirits to home-made cakes, fudge, nougat, chutneys, cheeses and pastries – you’ll find a great selection of mouth-watering treats available for purchase.
Wildlife Activities at BBOWT
Dates: Throughout spring
Venue: Across the UK
Birdwatching walks, nature trails, and educational programs focused on spring wildlife will be held by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) throughout spring.
BBOWT is the only voluntary organisation in the region concerned with all aspects of nature conservation. They give wildlife a helping hand to ensure it thrives across its three counties. As well as managing their nature reserves, this includes monitoring species and running special projects to support declining species such as water voles, or threatened habitats such as chalk grassland. They also advise other landowners about how to care for habitats and species.
Find your favourite wildlife activity
Windsor Fringe Festival
Dates: April-May
Venue: The Old Court artspace in Windsor, Berkshire
Celebrating its rich artistic community, the Windsor Fringe Festival offers a platform for emerging and established artists. Held at various venues across Windsor, the festival includes a diverse range of events such as theatre performances, art exhibitions, and literary readings, providing a cultural feast for attendees.
It is the policy of the Fringe to promote new talent within a varied programme, and to keep events low-cost or free. Over the years there have been major developments: their International Windsor Fringe Award for New Drama Writing started as a platform for local writing groups and now attracts hundreds of scripts worldwide. Another success is their ever-expanding Artists’ Open House scheme, with local artists showing their work in houses in Windsor. Keep an eye on the website for details of 2025’s plans.
Celebrate the Windsor Fringe Festival
Royal Windsor Horse Show
Dates: 7-11 May
Venue: Private Grounds of Windsor Castle
As one of the UK’s premier equestrian events, the Royal Windsor Horse Show showcases top-tier show jumping, dressage, and carriage driving. Set against the backdrop of Windsor Castle, attendees can enjoy world-class competitions, displays, and a shopping village offering equestrian goods and more.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show was first staged in 1943 to help raise funds for the War effort. It has continued to run every year since and is now the only show in the UK to host international competitions in Show Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Endurance.
Book at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Newbury Spring Festival
Dates: 10-24 May
Venue: Newbury, Berkshire and surrounding villages
The Newbury Spring Festival is a renowned annual event celebrating music and the arts. Over two weeks, various venues across Newbury host performances ranging from classical concerts to contemporary acts. The festival attracts both national and international artists, offering a rich cultural experience for attendees.
Over the last 40 years the Festival has grown hugely in size and quality building up a reputation of international status. The very best young musical stars appear alongside some of the world’s most distinguished and famous names.
Chiltern Hills Vintage Vehicle Rally
Dates: 18th May
Venue: New Road, Weedon, Aylesbury HP22 4NN, UK
This annual rally showcases a wide array of vintage vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, tractors, and commercial vehicles. It’s a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, food stalls, and activities for children. Enthusiasts and families alike can enjoy a day celebrating automotive history amidst the picturesque Chiltern Hills.
Spring Garden Tour at Waddesdon Manor
Dates: March-April
Venue: Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH
Experience the vibrant spring blooms at Waddesdon Manor with guided garden tours. Learn about the history and horticulture of the estate while enjoying the seasonal displays of daffodils, tulips, and other spring flowers.
For those eager to explore further, Waddesdon’s wider estate includes Eythrope, a private Rothschild garden boasting over 70 different snowdrop varieties. Introduced in the early 1990s, these delicate blooms flourish near the walled kitchen garden and in naturalised drifts beneath the trees in the parkland and woodland garden. Exclusive Eythrope Parkland Spring Tours provide an opportunity to enjoy these displays, available by guided tour only and including lunch and Grounds admission to Waddesdon.
The One in the Woods Danesfield
Dates: 16 March
Venue: Henley Rd, Marlow SL7, UK
This event offers participants the chance to explore the scenic woodlands of Marlow through various race distances, including a 10km Danesfield Dash, a 6.5km course, and a 1km fun run suitable for families. It’s an excellent opportunity for runners of all levels to enjoy the great outdoors.
Firelight
Dates: Throughout spring
Venue: Lopemede Farm, Long Crendon Road, Thame OX9 3SH
Firelight is a “feel-good event destination”, located on a 250 acre farm on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. They curate and host events and wellness retreats for individuals and corporate groups, providing healing practices and feel-good experiences that leave guests feeling happier and healthier than when they arrived.
Collaborating with the UK’s best wellbeing practitioners, entertainers and chefs, they host a year-long calendar of workshops, experiences and events to help guests connect with their inner joy. They like to have fun, and they aim to shift the perception of yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices as an overly serious practice.
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
