2 Best Sights in The Thames Valley, England

The races run regularly throughout the year, and Royal Ascot takes place annually in mid-June. Tickets for Royal Ascot generally go on sale in November, so buy them well in advance. Prices range from £29 for standing room on the heath to around £90 for seats in the stands. Car parking costs £40 in advance or £45 on the day.

This traditional event, which dates back 800 years, takes place in Marlow during the third week of July. By bizarre ancient laws, King Charles owns every single one of the country's swans (just as his mother did before him), so each year swan-markers in skiffs start from Sunbury-on-Thames, catching the new cygnets and marking their beaks to establish ownership. The King's Swan Marker, dressed in scarlet livery, presides over this colorful ceremony.