Surprising things to do around the UK, this September
From Van Gogh, to Dracula, forest bathing to surfing – the 10 best days out
1. Icons of the Sky Festival, Longleat, Wiltshire
13 -15 Sep
Longleat is always a lovely place to visit and this new festival is three days of air displays, from balloon launches, to Spitfires and Tiger Moths, aerobatics and wing walkers. To book, visit longleat.co.uk
2. Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival, Isle of Wight
20 – 22 Sep
This is a new one - a steampunk festival, with live music and entertainment, grand promenade parade of steampunk fans, teapot racing and a Top Hat and Corset Dinner. How good does that sound! Visit iowsteampunkfestival.co.uk
3. Cardiff Music Festival
27 Sep – 20 Oct
Cardiff comes alive later this month, with a new music festival which offers three weeks of gigs, installations and pop-ups, stretching right through the city. Leftfield, Orbital and Lauryn Hill are headlining, plus lots of upcoming local talent. Visit cardiffmusiccity.wales
4. Jane Austen Festival, Bath, Somerset
13 - 22 Sep
I couldn’t leave this annual event out. September always means Jane Austen in Bath, with tours, concerts and Regency activities, plus the famous Grand Regency Costumed Promenade. Visit janeausten.co.uk
5. Wigtown Book festival, Scotland
27 Sep – 6 Oct
I wish I lived nearer, as this looks great. Visit Scotland’s book town for its famous literary festival, where hundreds of authors across all genres speak and take part in events, for adults and children. Visit wigtownbookfestival.com
6. Autumn Equinox Forest Bathe, Sutton Hoo, Wiltshire
21 Sep
Join an unforgettable forest bathing experience, to mark the Autumn Equinox, at ancient Sutton Hoo - through Top Hat Wood and into the Royal Burial Ground. Take a slow walk and conclude at sunset with a guided meditation and tea ceremony. Book a place at nationaltrust.org.uk
7. Van Gogh: Poets And Lovers, National Gallery, London
14 Sep – Jan 2025
To mark its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery is staging its first Vincent Van Gogh exhibition, bringing together the most treasured Van Gogh paintings from across the globe. Visit nationalgallery.org.uk
8. Secret Spot East Coast Classic Surf Competition, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
14 – 15 Sep
Surfing in Scarborough, you say? Yes, it’s not just about Cornwall - the Secret Spot East Coast Classic Surf Competition returns to Cayton Bay, after 11 years, with demos, stalls and music alongside the competition. Visit secretspot.co.uk
9. The UK Dracula Film Festival, Derby, Derbyshire
20 – 22 Sep
To mark the 100th anniversary of the premiere of the play Dracula, in Derby, the city hosts the UK Dracula Film Festival. Celebrate the bloodsucker with talks and films. For more, visitderby.co.uk
10. Mid Devon Walking Festival 2024, Devon
14 - 29 Sep
Another one for fans of the great outdoors - the first-ever Mid Devon Walking Festival offers something for everyone - including those with accessibility and health needs - to explore the region’s beautiful countryside. Check out the walks at middevon.gov.uk