On Sunday 21 June 2026 at 9:24am BST, the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the UK. Across that weekend, from late on 20 June through to sunrise and into the evening of the 21st, events range from large-scale gatherings at ancient sites to smaller, local rituals in and around London.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Stonehenge remains the focal point of the solstice in Britain. Each year, thousands gather overnight to watch the sun rise in alignment with the stones, a phenomenon built into the monument itself.

Access opens at 7pm on Saturday 20 June and continues through to 8:30am on Sunday 21 June. Entry is free, but logistics are strict. Parking must be booked in advance through English Heritage, and those arriving without a reservation will be turned away. Shuttle buses run from Salisbury and are the more reliable option.

Expect large crowds and a slow exit. There are restrictions on what can be brought in, including tents, alcohol and amplified music. Most people arrive prepared for several hours outdoors, often overnight, to secure a place for sunrise.

Official information: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/summer-solstice-2026/

Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire

Avebury offers a less managed alternative. The stone circle sits within a village and remains open access, allowing visitors to move freely among the stones rather than observe from a distance.

There is no formal programme, but the site fills from early morning. Parking in the village becomes limited, so early arrival is key. Compared to Stonehenge, the atmosphere is looser and less controlled, with smaller groups gathering across the landscape.

Glastonbury Tor, Somerset

Glastonbury Tor draws a steady crowd for sunrise without any formal event structure. Visitors walk up before dawn and gather at the top, where the views extend across the Somerset Levels.

There are no facilities on the hill, and the experience is entirely self-directed. Most arrive prepared for a short climb in low light and changing weather conditions.

Solstice at Wasing, Berkshire

At Wasing Estate, the solstice is organised as a guided overnight experience. The programme begins in the afternoon and continues through to sunrise, combining group ritual with periods of individual time across the grounds.

The central gathering takes place around a fire circle, with music and ceremony led by Chris Park of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. As night moves into early morning, participants join a torchlit walk to a hilltop viewpoint for sunrise.

Alongside the main ceremony, the estate remains open for quieter activities, including swimming and time spent in the surrounding woodland.

Website: https://www.wasing.co.uk/festivals/solstice/

Jazz Across the Heights, Surrey

For those not focused on sunrise, Jazz Across the Heights offers a later way to mark the day. The event runs on Sunday 21 June from 3pm to 10pm at The Barn at Botley Hill in Surrey.

Curated by producer Maria Semushkina, the programme runs across multiple stages and moves between jazz, soul, cabaret and global influences. Performers include Gavin Holligan, the Daniel Kabakov Jazz Trio, Ninotchka, Vero Cabaret and Wuntanara with a live African drumming set.

The site sits on elevated ground in the Surrey hills. Guests tend to stay for several hours, moving between performances, with food and drinks available throughout the afternoon and evening.

Book your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jazz-across-the-heights-summer-festival-in-surrey-tickets-1987697384384

London: Ways to Mark the Day Without Leaving the City

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is one of the most straightforward places to watch the sunrise over London. People begin arriving early, and the open view across the skyline makes it a consistent choice for the morning.

Hampstead Heath Ponds

The bathing ponds on Hampstead Heath draw early swimmers on the solstice morning. Entry follows the usual system, but numbers increase noticeably. It is one of the few ways to start the day in open water within the city.

Walthamstow Wetlands

At Walthamstow Wetlands, the solstice is marked with guided sessions including yoga and nature-focused walks. These take place within the reserve and offer a quieter setting than central London locations, with early-morning events such as a sunrise yoga session on Sunday 21 June 2026 (8:00–9:15am) led by Isaac Briscoe; meet at the main gate on Forest Road (what3words: speak.depend.gums) and bring your own mat.

Tickets: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2026-06-21-solstice-rising-yoga-wetlands

Chelsea Physic Garden

On Monday 22 June, Chelsea Physic Garden hosts a structured evening session combining outdoor and indoor elements. Led by yoga and sound meditation teacher Selina, the programme begins with a guided walking practice through the garden, followed by gentle movement and a sound bath using drums, bowls and voice.

The session runs from 6pm to 7:30pm and requires booking in advance.

Book it: https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/event/summer-yoga-and-sound-bath/

Swedish Midsummer in London

Swedish Midsummer falls on Friday 19 June 2026, with most public celebrations in London taking place on Saturday 20 June.

Hyde Park Picnic

An informal gathering takes place each year near Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park. From midday, groups assemble with blankets, food and flower crowns. There is no official organiser, but singing and group dances, including the traditional “Små grodorna,” usually take place.

It is open to anyone and operates as a bring-your-own format.

Organised Events and Dining

The LondonSwedes community hosts a series of events across the weekend, including a Midsummer dinner, brunch and after-party in Paddington at KuPP. These include a set menu, live performances and traditional songs.

Restaurants across London also mark the occasion. Ekstedt at The Yard offers a six-course Midsummer menu from 20 June, centred on seasonal Nordic dishes. Aquavit in St James’s Market runs a three-course Midsummer menu on 19 and 20 June, with food paired with aquavit and optional flower crown making.

Info and booking: https://www.londonsvenskar.com/celebrate-swedish-midsummer-london/

Nature in the City, Sea Containers London

Nature in the City is a Summer Solstice event of climate conversations taking place at the 12th Knot rooftop bar at Sea Containers London as part of London Climate Action Week. Bringing together voices from hospitality, food, farming and conservation, it explores how nature shapes cities and the role of industry in responding to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

The afternoon features talks on regenerative food systems, biodiversity, wildlife crime and the connection between rural landscapes and urban life, with speakers from across science, farming, investment and hospitality. Hosted by sustainability journalist Juliet Kinsman, the programme includes a live podcast recording of Funny Old World: What’s Giving Us Hope? and a closing set from climate comedian Dr Matt Winning.

Sunday 21 June 2026, 2pm–6pm (talks 3pm–5.30pm), followed by informal drinks. £20 charitable donation (includes welcome cocktail).

Book your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-in-the-city-at-sea-containers-london-tickets-1987679926166

Royal Trinity Hospice, Clapham

Royal Trinity Hospice hosts a community solstice event in its gardens, combining live music, refreshments and ribbon dedications in memory of loved ones.

The event is open to the public and runs as a daytime and early evening gathering, with the option to contribute to a longer-running garden installation.

More information: https://www.royaltrinityhospice.london/event/summer-solstice-26

Featured Image: Wasing estate, firecircle