London and South East England

Experience Paddington’s world at Christmas, complete with a huge Christmas tree, festive lights and Christmassy treats from the bakery.

See The Alnwick Garden in a whole new light this Christmas with its dazzling winter light trail.

You’ve seen it on screen in The Crown and The Da Vinci Code – now experience glorious Belvoir Castle at Christmas and step into a world of song and story.

Go ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ at this historic mansion and experience Yuletide in the Gardens too.

Head to Chester Cathedral to see this landmark transformed into a festive forest.

Discover a full-scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry alongside Tewkesbury Abbey’s own Norman heritage.

Expect toe-tapping live music at venues around Southampton at this fabulous festival supporting local creativity.

Organised by the British Science Association, this free festival celebrates the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science.

Head to Britain’s flagship boats and watersports show for hands-on boating experiences, talks, live music and family-friendly fun.

Almost 1,000 years after Hastings was immortalised in the Bayeux Tapestry, discover how the town’s schoolchildren are creating their own epic artwork at Hastings Contemporary.

From our language and culture, to our castles and cathedrals – discover William the Conqueror’s impact on England, told through unique documents and works of art at the British Library.

960 years on from the Norman invasion at Pevensey Castle, step back in time for a guided walk and tour bringing this dramatic period of history to life. 

Get to know Emma of Normandy and discover the pivotal role she played in Rye’s history at a new exhibition at Rye Castle.

Don your armour and ready your shields – Canterbury’s Medieval Pageant is back, with a one-off Norman theme. 

Find out what William the Conqueror thought of London – and indeed, what Londoners thought of him – at the Tower of London’s family-friendly summer shows, in front of the king’s own White Tower.

Get hands-on with Norman history at this cooking class and themed lunch at Newcastle’s Blackfriars Restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the city’s castle.

Experience the sights (and smells!) of medieval Gloucestershire at Berkeley Castle’s living history camp.

At one of Europe’s best-preserved Bishops’ palaces, discover the rise of the Prince Bishops of Durham in Norman England.

Peek into Exeter’s past on a free walking tour and visit one of Britain’s oldest Norman buildings along the way.

Ever wondered what life was like in Norman Norwich? The city’s castle has got you covered in its new exhibition.

Enjoy a week of Norman fun this autumn, crowned by Britain’s only re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings.

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.

For the first time since it was made, this medieval masterpiece lands back on British shores, chronicling the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

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.

Local seafood takes pride of plate at this free, family-friendly festival. Immerse yourself in Fleetwood’s maritime heritage, enjoy live cooking demos and watch the Fish King or Queen be crowned for the first time since 1939.

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.

Join more than 40 bands for a long weekend of toe-tapping shanty tunes. Free to attend, the festival encourages fancy dress. Will you go as a pirate, sailor or sea creature?

For 10 days of unforgettable events including stand-up comedy and live music, head to the Isle of Wight for one of the country’s most creative festivals.

Dust off your dancing shoes and prepare to boogie to the hits that made the 90s – with Atomic Kitten, Claire Richards and Louise all performing live.

Experience one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe as over 250 rides and attractions head to Hull.

Spot Santa by the seaside and spread Christmas cheer on the coast this August at Brid-mas.

Don your finest eyepatch and enjoy live music and pirate-themed festivities by the Sussex seaside.

Teddy Swims, Alanis Morisette, Michael Buble, Pet Shop Boys, and Pitbull take to the stage on the banks of Lancashire's picturesque Ribble Estuary.

Celebrate Scarborough’s maritime heritage with a three-day festival featuring delicious local food and live music.

The Story Trail is a free adventure through Brighton & Hove for all the family.

Expect smoky vocals, big hooks and catchy riffs by the seaside.

The Walled Garden at Holkham Hall is the ideal setting to celebrate all things food and drink in North Norfolk.

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

Whirligig, Weston-Super-Mare's award-winning festival of international outdoor arts, returns with a free programme packed with performances for all the family.

This revered folk and rock festival was established in 1980 and is still lovingly curated and hosted by the legendary Fairport Convention.

Celebrate the outdoors and enjoy the Lake District in all its glory with mountain sports, guest speakers, live music, food and drinks stalls at this inclusive festival.

Celebrate with the Exmouth Pride event in Manor Gardens, with live entertainment, music, stalls and workshops for a rainbow-themed day.