Here are some of the top events, activities and things to do in Britain in September.
4 September 2026 – January 2027: Blackpool Illuminations, Lancashire, north-west England
This annual light show has been a major part of Blackpool’s appeal since 1879. The Festival of Light complements the traditional Illuminations with a contemporary take on entertainment made from light and art. The Illuminations are kicked off by a fantastic celebrity-packed Switch-on Festival Weekend with bespoke Illumination performances. Lightpool Festival, a spectacular walking route linking Blackpool’s most iconic buildings and history through light installation artworks, takes place in October.
5 September 2026: The Braemar Gathering, Aberdeenshire, northern Scotland
Enjoy the skills of the pipers and Highland dancers and the stamina of the hill runners, as well as the international athletes taking part in the heavy events. Sample contemporary Scotland with live music, top-quality arts and crafts and local food and drink at one of the Royal Family’s favourite annual events.
11 – 13 September 2026: Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, Saffron Walden, south-east England
Mark the start of the autumn gardening season with a showcase of gardens and harvest, run in association with English Heritage. From seasonal gardening tips to conversations with BBC Two Gardeners’ World TV presenters and the likes of apple pressing – there’s so much to learn and discover. Pick up your trough, pop on your gloves and tap into your skills as a horticulturalist. Tickets also include access to Audley End’s grand mansion, with state rooms, stables and beautiful parklands to be explored.
11 – 20 September 2026: Heritage Open Days, across England
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year in September buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.
11 – 20 September 2026: Jane Austen Festival, Bath, south-west England
Visit Bath during the annual Jane Austen Festival for an immersive Regency experience. Walk alongside other Jane Austen fans in the spectacular opening Grand Regency Costumed Promenade. Past events have included elegant guided walks and day trips, intriguing talks, music recitals and concerts, as well as workshops and dance classes.
12 – 20 September 2026: Open House Festival, London, England
Celebrate London’s architecture, housing and neighbourhoods during a two-week festival spanning the breadth of the city from Greenwich to Westminster. Gain access to beautiful buildings, unique spaces and landscapes as London opens its doors to visitors.
For a very British cultural experience, don’t miss the final night crescendo of the biggest classical music festival on earth, the BBC Proms. The legendary Last Night of the Proms is the culmination of an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral and classical music concerts taking place across London. Last Night of the Proms tickets are very popular, so plan ahead. The celebrations include BBC Proms in the Park, which take place in London’s Hyde Park.
This colourful annual festival has celebrated and promoted London as the design capital of the world since 2003. The festival showcases the work of contemporary designers, architects and artists, with striking large-scale installations and events popping up around the city.
13 September 2026: Great North Run, NewcastleGateshead, north-east England
A series of professional and junior athletics activities for the Great North Run has been developed over the last few years. The run starts in the city centre, winds past several iconic sights, and ends at the sea.
13 September 2026: Roald Dahl Day, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, south-east England
The official Roald Dahl Day takes place every year on the storyteller’s birthday, 13 September. A number of activities and events take place at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in his home village of Great Missenden.
13 September 2026: Ironman Wales, Pembrokeshire, west Wales
A spectacular course, often called one of the most challenging races in the world, that takes in stunning beaches and medieval fortresses.
16 – 20 September 2026: British Science Festival, Southampton, south-east England
Organised each year by the British Science Association, the British Science Festival shines a light on Britain’s top scientists. The festival lasts five days and past events have ranged from lectures and debates for adults, to hands-on activity for schools and families, to comedy, theatre and expeditions.
17 – 21 September 2026: London Fashion Week, London, England
The ultimate fashion industry event, where the world’s top designers showcase their latest collections in catwalk shows, plus curated talks, designer shopping and trend presentations.
One of the biggest foodie festivals in Britain, York Food and Drink Festival celebrates the best local and regional food and drink. Past years have hosted a great variety of day and evening events, from wine and food tastings to cookery demonstrations and hands-on workshops in some of the city’s iconic historic buildings.
19 – 20 September 2026: Abergavenny Food Festival, Monmouthshire, south Wales
Change the way you think about food at this mouth-watering festival – a melting pot of chefs, food producers, farmers, food writers and, of course, food lovers. Come with your appetite to make the most of the tastings, masterclasses and hands-on cookery demos, and you’ll leave full of foodie inspiration and a renewed appreciation for Welsh produce.
Set in the regal surroundings of the Chatsworth Estate, this festival brings together authors, actors and literature fans alike. With immersive performances, the festival is a follow-on from The Queen’s Reading Room charity book club, where Her Majesty Queen Camilla shares her favourite reads. Even queens can’t put a good book down…
Paying homage to Britain’s iconic literary sisters, the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing draws both writers and readers to the Brontë Parsonage Museum to celebrate women’s literature. Settle down for talks from much-loved authors, poets, and book agencies – as well as engaging workshops and fun, free activities for all ages.
