London and South East England

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

From grassroots comedy to provocative documentaries, this festival screens the best independent and arthouse films.

Glide across the ice at this family-friendly festive experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Royal Pavilion.

Experience The Making of Harry Potter on a whole new festive level, with spectacular decorations and displays.

This year, Bamburgh has decked its halls in tribute to our favourite Christmas songs in its latest festive experience, A Christmas Carousel.

Take a walk through the enchanted illuminated trail in the castle grounds and look out for Father Christmas along the way!

From Santa's magical grotto to the twinkling lights of the funfair, cosy alpine cafe and ice rink, Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland has something for all the family.

Unwrap unique gifts, shop local crafts and decorations, and sample the festive food and drink on offer at this family-friendly Christmas festival.

Found in the heart of Bristol city centre, this Christmas market boasts unique stalls, live entertainment and Santa himself.

Expect to find around 40 stalls selling everything from food and drinks to gifts and decorations, from local North East traders.

Expect twinkling lights through the streets and wooden chalets decked out with gifts, snacks and plenty of festive cheer. Enjoy a mulled wine and snap a picture with the Christmas tree.

With quirky gifts to treat yourself or someone else for Christmas, head to Coventry’s Christmas Market to enjoy hot food and delicious treats.

Don your heavy eyeliner and black leather for Whitby’s proud celebration of all things gothic.

Classical concerts, virtuoso recitals and dance shows – with cash prizes for the stand-out performers.

This vibrant cultural celebration includes classical music concerts, guided tours and talks by famous authors.

Welcome to 10 days of mouth-watering food and drink experiences across the Isles of Scilly.