London

They say you can start to feel Christmas coming as early as October in the UK. To feel the true spirit of Christmas in London head to one or more of these very festive destinations throughout the capital and thank us later. You don't want to miss the cosy Christmas markets peppered around the city centre. Be it at Leicester Square, the Southbank Centre or London Bridge City, why not warm yourself up with a mug of mulled wine by the river while you browse the stalls and take in the festive atmosphere.

The Changing of the Guard or Guard Mounting is an exchange of guard duties at Buckingham Palace. Watch the ceremony as each set of guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats takes over from their brothers in arms. You can also catch ceremonial guard changes at Windsor Castle and at the Tower of London.

The Barclaycard British Summer Time music festival takes place every year in Hyde Park. The week-long event covers many musical tastes, from pop to rock to dance and hip hop. Find out more on their website.

The world's greatest flower show takes place in West London over a four-day period in May. Each year is different from the last but the vibrant small gardens and horticultural displays bring a splash of colour and scent to London's events calendar. Booking in advance is advisable.

To celebrate The King's birthday in June each year, the tradition of Trooping the Colour takes place on Horse Guards Parade and The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The ceremony of military pomp and pageantry includes a flypast by the Royal Air Force and a procession led by His Majesty.

Europe's biggest street festival takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend in West London. The huge Caribbean-themed party takes place over a period of three days with the main parade held on the Monday. Expect colourful floats, dressed up performers and lots of music.

The whole month of September is dedicated to celebrating London's famous river. The Totally Thames Festival takes place over a period of 30 days. With more than 100 different artistic and cultural events, the festival takes over the city spreading out for miles. In 2014 there were guided walks, tours and tall ships regattas, as well as theatre, cinema and many other exciting ways to enjoy London. All of these events take place either on or by the river Thames.