Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel

A well-known racecourse, Ascot was originated by Queen Anne in 1711. The Royal Ascot Races are some of the course's most...

A well-known racecourse, Ascot was originated by Queen Anne in 1711. The Royal Ascot Races are some of the course's most famous competitions. They're held each year in June and are quite high-brow, with guests dressing in their most formal attire. Women wear hats and do not expose their shoulders; men arrive attired in full morning dress with top hat.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Tue, Jun 18, 2013: 10:30am - 6pm Wed, Jun 19, 2013: 10:30am - 6pm Thu, Jun 20, 2013: 10:30am - 6pm Fri, Jun 21, 2013: 10:30am - 6pm Sat, Jun 22, 2013: 10:30am - 6pm

Continuing an age-old tradition, the Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers take an annual census of the swans living along...

Continuing an age-old tradition, the Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers take an annual census of the swans living along the Thames between Blackfriars and Abingdon. The Uppers ply the waters of the Thames in traditional rowing skiffs, and their task takes five days to complete. This unique event is held on the third week of July and is quite interesting to watch.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Mon, Jul 15, 2013 Tue, Jul 16, 2013 Wed, Jul 17, 2013 Thu, Jul 18, 2013 Fri, Jul 19, 2013

Sample a few of more than 400 British and imported beers. This event features organized tastings and plenty of samples...

Sample a few of more than 400 British and imported beers. This event features organized tastings and plenty of samples as well as food vendors aplenty. This festival is sometimes called, "the biggest pub in the world," and rightfully so. The streets are filled with convivial event goers and live music, and pub quizzes and traditional bar games entertain. TUBE: Earls Court

Hours: Tue, Aug 13, 2013: 5pm - 10:30pm Wed, Aug 14, 2013: Noon - 10:30pm Thu, Aug 15, 2013: Noon - 10:30pm Fri, Aug 16, 2013: Noon - 10:30pm Sat, Aug 17, 2013: 11am - 7pm

Roar! Europe's biggest street party transforms west London into a hive of music, food and fun each August long holiday...

Roar! Europe's biggest street party transforms west London into a hive of music, food and fun each August long holiday weekend. More than two million people boogie during this carnival, which Trinidadian immigrants launched after the 1950s race riots. Now only steel bands battle in this neighborhood, so chic that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant canoodled here in the rom-com classic "Notting Hill."

Hours: Sun, Aug 25, 2013 Mon, Aug 26, 2013

All aboard! The annual river race gains full steam among more than 300 contenders on the Thames. A whole range of...

All aboard! The annual river race gains full steam among more than 300 contenders on the Thames. A whole range of flamboyant vessels compete for the UK Traditional Boat Championship: gigs, skiffs, Chinese dragon boats, Hawaiian war canoes, Viking longboats, Irish curraghs, wherries, whalers and about anything that floats. Though heavily handicapped, the event often manages some thrilling photo finishes.

Hours: September 2013

London's biggest architectural festival unveils over 600 properties usually closed to the public. Admission is free,...

London's biggest architectural festival unveils over 600 properties usually closed to the public. Admission is free, though the Buildings Guide -- detailing options, dates, hours etc -- costs £4. Architects, art historians and engineers offer walks and talks throughout the weekend. Other events include a riverboat tour and an exhibition at the Barbican Art Gallery.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details September 2013

The month of all things aesthetic continues with Design Week, which overlaps slightly with the style maven invasion that...

The month of all things aesthetic continues with Design Week, which overlaps slightly with the style maven invasion that is Fashion Week. Events focus on the Victoria and Albert Museum, with the stunning Designers' Block, which takes over a stunning disused building in Hoxton once a year to showcase burgeoning new talent.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details September 2013

Don the black, slip on a pout and be sure to pack that credit card. Fashion Week is here, dahling! The fashionistas take...

Don the black, slip on a pout and be sure to pack that credit card. Fashion Week is here, dahling! The fashionistas take over London, throwing a range of events, mainly in aid of the industry. Some, however, are open to Jill Public, such as exhibitions, gallery and store events, plus the final sale of up-and-coming designers.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Sep 13, 2013 Sat, Sep 14, 2013 Sun, Sep 15, 2013 Mon, Sep 16, 2013 Tue, Sep 17, 2013

The London Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world. During its run, more than 300...

The London Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world. During its run, more than 300 films are presented, both long- and short-format. In addition, approximately 60 countries are represented at the various film showings. Along with audiences rife with cinema fans, the movies draw a number of stars and celebrities who come to promote their pictures. In addition to more well-known films, the festival offers works by relative unknowns.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details October 2013

This notable run starts off in Hyde Park and finishes up at the seaside city of Brighton. Entrants can drive cars only...

This notable run starts off in Hyde Park and finishes up at the seaside city of Brighton. Entrants can drive cars only that pre-date 1905, meaning that the run is quite slow, usually at about 20 miles per hour through the busy streets of London. There are great observance points at various locations along the London portion of the run, and usually the day before the race there's an outstanding display of vintage autos along Regent Street.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sun, Nov 3, 2013