Things to do

Craft a pretty paper lantern and parade through the streets of Dover at dusk. There’s a packed programme of events in the run-up, including workshops, family activities, artisan markets and live entertainment.

Christmas tree mazes, Britain’s longest ice rink and Santa himself – they’re all here at Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens this festive season. Refuel at the Alpine Lodge with ski-chalet décor, beer towers and views across the park.

No clocks are harmed in the making of this Brighton tradition, where participants carry handmade lanterns through the city before burning them on the beach.

Whether you’re a first-time hiker or right at home in the hills, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival has routes for all abilities. Get involved in the themed guided walks for the inside scoop on the island’s rich heritage and nature.

Rev up for fast-and-furious motocross action on Weston-super-Mare beach. The combination of world-class riders and challenging sandy terrain means you’re in for plenty of thrills and spills.

Get a front-row seat (if you dare) for some of the country’s top stand-ups, including Jason Manford, Laura Smyth and Hening Wehn, at the 15th edition of this bone-tickling festival.

Aerial acrobatics, foam parties and human falconry (yes, really!) – it’s all here at Between the Tides Festival. This family-friendly spectacle in Redcar puts outdoor arts centre stage.

Celebrate 10 years of The Etches Collection Fossil Museum with family-friendly activities, craft workshops and guided history tours. Plus, pick up a palaeontology-themed souvenir at the marketplace.

Take an urban safari on a lion sculpture trail through Portsmouth. The event is part of Portsmouth100, a year-long celebration marking 100 years since it achieved city status. 

This new family literature festival turns Southport into a living storybook over the October half-term. Young bookworms can enjoy live readings from famous authors, workshops and huge storytelling installations across the town centre.

Be wowed by show gardens and floral displays as Southport’s Victoria Park hosts Britain’s largest independent flower show. Along with beautiful blooms there’ll also be cookery demos, live music and special guests sharing top gardening tips.

See Southend transformed into an open-air art gallery at Britain’s largest street art festival. Admire the skills of more than 100 street artists as they create colourful canvases across the city.

Experience Scilly’s island spirit with 10 days of seaside adventures. Spot migrating seabirds on a kayak safari or take a shipwreck stroll to learn more about the isles’ maritime heritage.

Enjoy a world-class spectacle by the sea at one of the country’s premier air displays.

Head to the coast and sample dishes from different cultures and the best of British over a weekend full of food, drink and live entertainment.

Brighten up October at the Lightpool Festival, showcasing contemporary light and fire artists in the home of Britain's most famous seaside illuminations.

Welcoming writers from all genres, get stuck into the main festival and the Children's Festival, see your favourite authors and meet fellow bookworms.

Experience the magic of this multicultural city at one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.

Head to Canterbury for its vibrant three-week festival of music, events, talks and science in the historic heart of Kent.

Visit the opera house like no other, at country house Glyndebourne, near Lewes in East Sussex – a fixture on the summer festival scene.

Twice the size in 2025, Canterbury’s festive market transforms the city’s cobbles every winter for festive shopping, dining and merriment.

This stately home hosts the annual Glyndebourne Festival, where you get to dress up and picnic in the beautiful grounds.

Hot, hectic and hair-raising, this Northumberland tradition has wowed spectators for over 160 years…

Head to Bognor Regis for three days of fabulous folk music at the Southdowns Music Festival.

With moonlit walks, workshops, stargazing and more, celebrate the International Dark Sky Status of the North York Moors.

Test your endurance as you swim, cycle and run along Bournemouth’s iconic seafront.

Celebrating people, arts and culture, this festival features arts activities, large scale art installations, live music, dance and DJs.

Celebrate the city’s place as a UNESCO City of Film with this film festival at the National Science and Media Museum.

Northern England's longest-running literature festival brings big names and engaging events to this 17-day extravaganza.

Award-winning novelists, writing workshops and film screenings make up just some of the schedule at this packed autumn literature festival.

A 10-mile run along Portsmouth’s seafront, taking in the city’s attractions and bringing people together in celebration.

Maybe you’ll climb the ‘Volcorno’, hit the ‘Cobstacle’ Course, or go climbing on the ‘Corn-wall’?

Featuring a vintage fun fair, thrilling country shows and gourmet food – in the grounds of Chatsworth House.

Every summer, this two-week classical festival brings top-quality performers to the North York Moors.

Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.

Have fun at gin-tasting and cocktail-making workshops with some of Britain’s top distilleries.

Heavy metal fans will flock to the Damnation Festival, a two-day celebration of metal in the BEC Arena, Manchester.

Rock out for three days of live music at Leeds Festival, in Bramham Park, one of the biggest dates on the festival calendar.

Join in with the celebration at the UK’s biggest comic art festival, Thought Bubble, in Yorkshire.

Celebrate local food and drink at the popular Broadstairs Food Festival, in the beautiful Kent seaside town.

One of the loveliest folk festivals in England takes place on a farm on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, with three days of fabulous fun.

For a festival with a view, head to Victorious Festival in Southsea, Portsmouth, which combines great music with a great location.

Spend the weekend with Bear Grylls having an adventure the whole family will never forget at the Gone Wild festival at Powderham Castle, South Devon.

On 5 November, the streets fill with fire – for a remarkable traditional parade and bonfire.

Calling all sleuths! This annual literature and culture fiesta celebrates the legacy of Agatha Christie.

From impromptu street music to fantastic live gigs, this is guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community with colourful street parades, epic club nights and craft markets.

Paying homage to Britain’s famous literary sisters, the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing celebrates talented female authors.

Set within the majestic surroundings of Chatsworth, this festival brings together authors, actors and literature fans alike.

A weekly festival of live music, street theatre, children’s entertainment – and all for free.