Dates for the Diary 2025: Our pick of the best summer events

Summer’s here and the cultural scene in the North of England and the South of Scotland is hotting up!

From the highly anticipated Borders Book Festival and the Genesis Scottish Open to the annual BVAC Classic Motoring Festival and Edinburgh’s vibrant fringe festival the next few months are packed full of exciting events and fun days out.

Take inspiration from our top picks – as well as a few places we’d recommend staying at nearby – for your next greater escape.

BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring 2025, The Scottish Borders

8 June 2025

Held in the grounds of fairytale turreted Thirlestane Castle in Lauder, the annual BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring brings together more than 1,000 vintage and classic vehicles of all shapes and sizes. With rallies, a children’s play zone, pipe band shows and artisan food and drink stalls, there’s plenty to keep you and your mini petrol heads thoroughly entertained. 

Stay nearby at: Dryburgh Stirling Two; Eildon View.

Borders Book Festival, The Scottish Borders

12 – 15 June 2025

For four days in June, Melrose comes to life with poetry performances, literary signings, stories, comedy, live music and all-age events and activities. Big names at this year’s festival include Gavin and Stacey stars Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb will join crime writer Ian Rankin, Monty Python’s Michael Palin and First Minister John Swinney.

Stay nearby at: The Potting Shed; New Ladykirk Farmhouse.

Genesis Scottish Open, East Lothian

9 – 13 July 2025

Known as Scotland’s golf coast, the stunning East Lothian coastline is studded with spectacular golf courses. Held at The Renaissance Club near North Berwick, the Genesis Scottish Open brings together the best players from the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour to compete for the coveted trophy.

Plus, in partnership with Fringe by the Sea, enjoy the golf with a side of music at ‘Fringe by the Tee’ which brings together stellar line up of music comedy and family fun headlined by KT Tunstall, Irvine Welsh and comedian Fred MacAulay.

Stay nearby at: Fenton Tower; The Stables, Saltcoats Steading.

Kynren at Aukland Castle, County Durham

Every Saturday from 19 July – 13 September

Travel through 2,000 years of history in a single evening at Auckland Castle’s Kynren – a spectacular outdoor live action show that recreates an epic tale of England’s colourful past. Watch Vikings storm ashore, battles rage and triumphs and tragedies play out; all performed by a cast of over a thousand actors supported by special effects and breathtaking stunts. Gates open two hours before the show so that spectators can enjoy the Viking Village, pre-show entertainment and food and drink from on-site Food Court.

Stay nearby at: Palace Garden Cottage; Churchill Cottage or another of the Auckland Palace Estate Cottages.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Midlothian

1 – 25 August 2025

The jewel in the crown of the cultural calendar, The Edinburgh Fringe festival is the largest performance arts festival in the world. Spanning three weeks, the Fringe celebrates the arts and creativity through thousands of performances from dance and comedy to cabaret, circus acts and children’s shows held in a plethora of different locations across the Scottish capital. And, if that wasn’t enough culture, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The Edinburgh Art Festival, The Edinburgh Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival also run in August.

Stay nearby at: Shepherd’s Cottage, Pentland Hills; Coldwells Farmhouse; Dalgety.

Fringe by the Sea, East Lothian

1 – 10 August 2025

Fringe by the Sea is a fully fledged 10-day performing arts festival held in the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick. With comedy, music, literature, film and family entertainment it features everything from headline acts to workshops and insightful talks.

Stay nearby at: Ploughman’s Bothy at Papple Steading; Fenton Lodge.

Lammermuir Festival, East Lothian

4 – 15 September 2025

Blending beautiful music and a harmonious setting, the Lammermuir Festival celebrates classical music in the quaint towns and villages strung between the Lammermuir Hills.Bringing together several of Scotland’s leading ensembles as well as internationally renowned musicians this festival is one of the best live classical music events in the UK.

Stay nearby at: Leuchie Walled Garden, Hillside Cottage.