Looking for things to do in Britain this February? This month is pulling out all the stops. From literature to film festivals, art to sport, take your pick from a wide selection of happenings. Throw in Dark Skies in Yorkshire, comedy in the East Midlands and art shows up and down the country, there’s plenty of things to do in Britain this February.
Nature puts on a star-studded display throughout the year, but February marks the start of the Dark Skies Festival in the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Pack your thermals for a stargazing safari, art or astrophotography workshops, plus mindful experiences.
One of the biggest and longest running comedy festivals in the UK, check out the jokes and boost your endorphins through the power of laughter. With over 700 shows taking place over 18 days, look out for events and performances dotted around venues in the city centre.
The Six Nations Championship for England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales will see matches take place at venues including the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Twickenham Stadium in London and Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
Coming to the National Museum in Cardiff in February until June is Gwen John: Strange Beauties, the first major exhibition of the Welsh artist in 40 years. With rarely seen sketches and drawings, John was seen as a pioneer for women in the arts.
From the 1930s to the 21st century, investigate the many faces shown in Lucian Freud’s sketches, in pencil, ink, and charcoal. The exhibition, Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting, includes etchings that have never been shown before at the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Get behind the scenes of the much-loved characters Wallace and Gromit with interactive experiences for all ages, storyboards and never-seen-before models and sets. The exhibition, Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, opens at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, London, in celebration of the studio’s 50th anniversary, for you to see the animation process – from the initial idea, to design, model making, filming and post-production.
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, which remain some of the darkest places in England, are once again running a joint Dark Skies Festival in February. Planned activities include night runs, canoeing and night navigation, astrophotography workshops, stargazing safaris and much more. Also look out for the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival and South Downs Dark Skies Festival in 2026, while Welsh Dark Skies Week will unite all eight of Wales’ protected landscapes for a starry show like no other, with dates and details to be confirmed.
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a toy? Head to Wembley Park and shrink to size and experience sets from Disney’s Toy Story, Cars and Monsters Inc. Get up-close to life-size characters from Inside Out and Coco as well, as you step into the world of Pixar and become part of the action.
If you like immersive art then you’ll love Lightport, a brand-new free event which takes place in Southport in February 2026. Showcasing installations and experiences by Lucid Creates, take a walk through Lord Street and its vibrant rainbows.
Get ready for a Viking invasion in York as the city’s Norse heritage is revived for a special week of storytelling and spectacle. Think performances, handicrafts, workshops and feasts for the whole family, plus plenty of amazing costumes to send a shiver down your spine. Missed out? Get your Viking fix year-round at JORVIK Viking Centre.
London hosts a Chinese New Year celebration each year, marking the occasion with a range of joyous festivities and a spectacular parade. The largest festival of its kind outside Asia, it is free to attend and usually takes place in Trafalgar Square, Chinatown and across the West End. Other major Chinese New Year celebrations in Britain are held in cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. 2026 celebrates the Year of the Horse.
With creative writing workshops, events, and talks from international best-selling authors, the Faversham Literature festival is offering 10 days of creativity. Taking place in the historic market town of Faversham, Kent, explore the area while you’re there.
The fastest-growing and third-largest film festival in Britain, with more than 350 events including new local and international film from all genres, from mainstream to art-house, classics to cult.
Classical concerts, virtuoso recitals and dance shows – with cash prizes for the stand-out performers. The Oxford Music Festival takes place from the last weekend of January and the first weekend of February.
Sing along to your favourite musicals, or learn some new lines at a fresh show, at one of Britain’s many stage shows up and down the country.
Like to break away from tradition? Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a difference with a tour of romantic filming locations. Why not take inspiration from Bridget Jones or Bridgerton? From spa breaks to stargazing to adventurous date ideas, there’s plenty of options for a romantic break with a twist on our shores this February.
