The Great River Race
Wikimedia Commons/Motmit
Nothing spells vacation like a 22-mile rowing race on the River Thames. Every year in September, rowers of all nationalities and experience come together for The Great River Race from London's Docklands, Greenwich, to Ham, Richmond. Over 300 teams have competed in this race every year since 1988, and because of the mix of experienced rowers with the novice, there is a tone of intense competition as well as casual fun. If this sort of thing strikes your fancy, don' t worry about hauling a boat across the pond, because rentals are available.
The Great River Race
5 Pegaxis House
61 Victoria Road
Surbiton Surrey KT6 4JX
011 (+44) 020 8398 9057
greatriverrace.co.uk
The Chelsea Flower Show
Wikimedia Commons/Micahel Walter/Troika
Every year in May, London hosts the world's most famous display of horticulture and gardening, the Royal Horticulture Society Chelsea Flower Show. For $45 a day (discounted 3-hour tickets are available), you can wander through the creations of the cream-of-the-crop gardeners and nurseries. You can pick up on the newest gardening trends or just enjoy the sights and smells of this fantastic festival.
Royal Horticulture Society
80 Vincent Square
London SW1P 2PE
011 (+44) 0845 260 5000
rhs.org.uk
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
Flickr Creative Commons/garryknight
The Greenwich and Docklands International Festival offers free outdoor performances and exciting street entertainment in one of London's most impressive open-air theatre events. The festival is a four-day, not-to-be-missed event taking place every June in London. In 2009, the festival launched a 4-year thematic plan beginning with water in 2009, earth in 2010, fire in 2011 and air in 2012. Each festival's events and showcases will be in response to that year's theme, so expect some environmentally friendly performance art during your 2010 London vacation.
Greenwich and Docklands Festivals
The Borough Hall, Royal Hill
London SE10 8RE
011 (+44) 020 8305 1818
festival.org
