ROTTERDAM

Marlies Dekkers is the dame of Dutch underwear. For the past 15 years she has been designing lingerie to make women feel beautiful and seductive, but also powerful and independent. Now the Kunsthal in Rotterdam is showcasing the history of Marlies’ delectable designs.

AMSTERDAM

The Hermitage Museum is best known for its paintings, but it also holds an impressive collection of over 40,000 photographs dating from 1840 to 1920. Images of St Petersburg, on show at the Hermitage’s Amsterdam outpost this summer, reveals different dimensions of life in Russia from city views to society portraits and the apartments of the last Tsars.

ISLE OF MAN

The world’s best motorcycle racers have been testing their mettle on the legendary TT course for the past 101 years. Last year’s centenary event saw a new lap record of 130mph (209km/hr) and this year is sure to be another hit with fireworks and RAF displays as well as the TT itself.

LONDON

All the greats have played at The Artois Grass Court Championship, which serves as the annual warm-up for Wimbledon. Reigning champion Andy Roddick, world number two Rafael Nadal and top-ranked Briton, Andy Murray, are the modern-day stars heading up this year’s 30th Artois Championship.

LUXEMBOURG

From free open-air concerts to street theatre, Luxembourg will be buzzing all summer. One of the highlights of the Summer in the City festival is on 22 June, the eve of the national holiday, when every year over 100,000 people crowd the streets to enjoy fireworks, live music, and parties.

JERSEY

The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has been pioneering conservation for nearly 50 years. The centre has already saved six species from extinction, such as the Assam pygmy hog and St Lucia whiptail lizard, and works tirelessly on projects worldwide. At Durrell, children and adults alike are entertained by the joys of the natural world and educated in the ways of its preservation.

MANCHESTER

Futuresonic 2008 is the cutting-edge urban festival of art, music and ideas. This year’s theme is based on unplugging the social networking phenomenon, featuring experimental new ways to communicate showcased in venues across the city. Meanwhile music will be provided by the likes of Luke Vibert, Venetian Snares and RZA.

HAMBURG

Perhaps best known for the Reeperbahn, Hamburg also has a wonderful network of lakes and waterways that give it a bright and breezy ambience in the summer. Hop on one of the iconic red and white flat-bottomed boats for a trip around Alster Lake and experience Hamburg’s wholesome heart.