The Season Beckons

As all good traditionalists know, the remnants of the Season approach - with Wimbledon best known, but Henley and Royal Ascot being my favourites. The Boat Race has also been and gone for the year - with Cambridge defying the bookies and winning the 2010 race.

So - to Henley and Royal Ascot.

The Henley Royal Regatta was first held on the River Thames in 1839, with Prince Albert becoming the first Royal patron in 1851. Since Albert, all reigning monarchs have been patron - including HMQ.

The quality of the rowing is incredibly high, with competition from across Britain, the Commonwealth, and abroad. I've been to four Regattas and it's always a fantastic day out.

More can be found about the regatta here. If you don't have access to the Stewards Enclosure, there are two clubs with good reciprocal lists that also overlook the race, the Leander and Phyllis Court clubs. If you have the reciprocal, I strongly recommend Phyllis Court - there is something charming (and very English) about being charged an arm and a leg for some poached salmon and a pint of Pimms in the rain. Great spot to catch the end of the races too. After, the masses troop back to the Henley railway station for the journey back to London (via Twyford).

Royal Ascot - the last place remaining for the mass wearing of morning dress in British public life - also needs no introduction. Dating from 1711, HM and other members of the Royal Family arrive in horse-drawn carriages. The dress code for the Royal Enclosure is very strict, with gentlemen required to wear morning dress, complete with top hat, and ladies attired suitably and classically.