Every summer has its own magic, but Summer 2025 was one for the books. From glamorous days at Royal Ascot to a seaside escape in Margate, sparkling wine in the English countryside, and cherished trips back to Boston and New York City, I packed this season with experiences that will stay with me forever.
Whether you’re planning your own adventures in the UK or abroad, here are seven highlights that defined my summer.
1. Chelsea in Bloom: The Kickoff to Summer in London
Technically, Chelsea in Bloom happens just before the official start of summer, but for me, it always feels like the season’s unofficial kickoff. The streets of Chelsea transform into a vibrant floral wonderland, with shops, restaurants, and hotels competing in a stunning flower festival.
Walking through neighborhoods lined with imaginative floral displays set the tone for the months ahead. It’s the kind of event that makes you slow down, snap endless photos, and appreciate London’s creative spirit. If you’ve never been, put it on your May bucket list—it’s a breathtaking way to start summer.
2. Ridgeview Winery: A Sparkling Day Trip in the English Countryside
One of the summer’s most delightful surprises was a day trip to Ridgeview Winery in East Sussex. We went for a friend’s birthday, and it turned out to be the perfect escape from city life.
Ridgeview is renowned for its award-winning English sparkling wine, and we enjoyed a guided vineyard tour followed by a generous tasting. The afternoon concluded with a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines. Between the sunshine, laughter, and clinking glasses, it felt like a quintessential summer memory. If you’re looking for a day trip from London that combines relaxation, food, and wine, Ridgeview should be at the top of your list.
3. Royal Ascot: A Day of Tradition and Elegance
It was such an honor to attend Royal Ascot again this year, and even more special to be in the Royal Enclosure. There’s something magical about the mix of history, pageantry, and high fashion at Ascot—it truly is one of the UK’s most glamorous events.
The atmosphere is electric, from the thunder of the horses racing down the track to the style on full display in the stands. Being part of that tradition, even for a day, felt like stepping into a living piece of British culture. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.
4. Margate: A Charming Seaside Escape
On one of the sunniest days of the summer, we made a spontaneous day trip to Margate, a seaside town on England’s southeastern coast. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—blue skies, gentle waves, and warm sunshine.
We strolled along the beach, explored the charming town, and visited the Turner Contemporary gallery, which was a highlight for me. Margate is also known for its seafood, and we happily indulged in fresh local catches. For anyone craving a coastal escape from London, Margate is an ideal blend of art, culture, and laid-back seaside charm.
5. Wimbledon: Electric Atmosphere From the 5th Row
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Wimbledon’s quarterfinals from just five rows back—a vantage point that made every serve, volley, and rally feel larger than life. The match between Novak Djokovic and Flavio Cobolli had the crowd on edge, and the energy inside the stadium was nothing short of electric.
Adding to the excitement, there was a touch of celebrity buzz: Hugh Grant was spotted in the royal box, and word has it he may have nodded off mid-match, which only added to the day’s charm. Wimbledon never fails to blend tradition, athleticism, and atmosphere in a way that feels uniquely British, and this year was no exception.
6. A Nostalgic Trip Back to Boston
No summer would feel complete without a trip back home to Boston. This time, I balanced catching up with friends and revisiting my favorite neighborhoods: Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, the North End, and Seaport. Each one has its own personality, and walking through them reminded me just how special the city is.
I also stayed at two fantastic hotels—the boutique Eliot Hotel (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia) and the modern YOTEL Boston (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia) —both of which I’ll be sharing more about soon on my blog and YouTube channel. Being back in Boston always grounds me, and this trip was a perfect mix of nostalgia, exploration, and connection.
A friendly reminder that if you’re planning a trip to Boston, you can check out my free Boston Guide on this blog!
7. A Family Adventure in New York City
To round out the summer, I took a family trip to New York City, which was as fun as it was memorable. We packed our days with walking tours and iconic sights, from Central Park and the High Line to Little Island, the West Village, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
NYC has a way of energizing you, and seeing it through the eyes of my family made it even more special. Sharing favorite spots and discovering new ones together was the perfect way to close out an incredible season. We also enjoyed a great stay at the Hotel Theta in NYC (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia) – stay tuned for a review coming to my blog and YouTube channel!
Final Thoughts: Summer 2025 Was One to Remember
Looking back, Summer 2025 was filled with moments that blended tradition, travel, and time with my favorite people. From flower festivals and horse races to seaside escapes and urban adventures, it reminded me of the joy that comes from balancing exploration with connection.
If you’re planning your own adventures in the UK, Boston, or New York, I hope these memories inspire you to create your own summer story. Here’s to carrying the warmth of these experiences into the seasons ahead.
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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