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Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JHFree entry, no booking

Until 27 Sept · Colchester

Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate — Last Weeks

Free, glowing neon-sign sculptures fill Colchester's contemporary art gallery — catch this long-running show before it finally closes.

Walker Art Gallery, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8ELFree admission

Until 17 Oct · Liverpool

Vivienne Westwood: Designer in Focus

Rare pieces from Vivienne Westwood's five-decade career, including her early work with Malcolm McLaren, free to see at the Walker.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DHFree entry, no booking required

Until 27 Sept · Birmingham

Ozzy Osbourne (1948–2025): Working Class Hero

Ozzy's Grammys, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honours and gold discs, free at Birmingham's own museum — extended repeatedly, closing for good soon.

The Gallery, Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen, Bedford Road, Aberdeen AB24 3AAFree

Until 6 Dec · Aberdeen

Aberdeen Artworlds: The Linklater Collection

A free exhibition marking 50 years of the Linklater Collection, with Scottish Colourists, Joan Eardley and Anne Redpath on show.

The Whitworth, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ERFree

Until 15 Nov · Manchester

Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai and Hiroshige

The Whitworth's first Japanese print exhibition in over a century, built around Hokusai's Great Wave — free entry.

Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PTFree entry

Until 20 Sept · Newcastle

Treasure: Hidden, Lost, Found

A free family exhibition of hoards, relics and buried finds at Newcastle's much-loved natural history and archaeology museum.

Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ERFree entry

Until 18 Oct · Manchester

Michaela Yearwood-Dan: The Practice of Liberation

A major free UK debut installation of painting, ceramics and sound at Manchester's much-loved university gallery.

Museum of Making, Derby Silk Mill, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AFFree entry (donations welcome)

Until 4 Oct · Derby

Field to Fashion at the Museum of Making

British wool from fleece to finished garment, staged inside the world's first factory.

Towner Eastbourne, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ£5.50–£11 (under-25s free; pay-what-you-can first Friday of the month; Towner members free)

Until 18 Oct · Eastbourne

Comrades in Art: Artists Against Fascism

The definitive show on Britain's 1930s anti-fascist artists' movement, uniting eleven founding members' work with Nash, Knight and Pissarro.

Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Earlham Road, Norwich, NR4 7TJPay if and what you want

Until 4 Oct · Norwich

Living by the Rule: Contemporary Meets Medieval

An exhibition pairing contemporary artists with medieval monastic art and objects, exploring rules, ritual and rebellion.

National Museum Cardiff, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NPFree entry

Until 4 Apr · Cardiff

Ffasiwn at National Museum Cardiff

A decade of "anti-fashion" portraiture from the south Wales Valleys, told by the young people who lived it.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU£9 adult / £4.50 concessions, free under-21s; pay-what-you-can Sun 6 & 20 Sept

Until 4 Oct · Wolverhampton

Andy Warhol: Art Star

A major Tate/National Galleries Scotland partnership show of screenprints, paintings and photographs spanning Warhol's whole career.

Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ£14 (Art Fund members £7.25; under-18s, students & Gallery Friends free)

Until 1 Nov · Chichester

British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

Sixty-plus artists' takes on Britain's coasts and countryside, from 18th-century idylls to unsettled modern views, in a Georgian townhouse gallery.

Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, CH1 2DDFree entry, donations welcome

Until 27 Sept · Chester

Earth Stories: Plwm/Lead at Grosvenor Museum

A free exhibition turning lead mining and stone extraction on Halkyn Mountain into quietly powerful 2D and 3D work.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BSFree

Until 1 Nov · Derby

Wright of Derby: From the Shadows

Two of Joseph Wright's candlelight masterpieces return to his hometown for the first time in 80 years, free.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG£9.50 adult, £7 concession, free for under-18s (covers the whole park)

Until 18 Apr · Wakefield

Hold to This Earth: Contemporary Indigenous North American Art

Yorkshire Sculpture Park's first-ever group show, bringing 38 contemporary Indigenous North American artists to the Underground Gallery.

Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJPay what you want

Until 30 May · Norwich

Tree of Life — Seyi Adelekun

An immersive, hand-woven sisal-rope installation honouring trees as anchors of cultural memory, filling the Sainsbury Centre's East End Gallery.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DEFree entry

Until 20 Sept · Ceredigion

Brexit Wales, 10 Years On

Four Welsh photographers and artists mark a decade since the referendum with a free, thoughtful exhibition on what actually changed.

Talbot Rice Gallery, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YLFree entry

Until 27 Sept · Edinburgh

Anne Hardy: Feelings

A major new solo show fills Talbot Rice Gallery's grand Georgian rooms with immersive photographic installation and sound, free all summer.

The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DNFree

Until 20 Sept · London

Waldmüller: Landscapes

The first UK exhibition devoted to Austrian landscapist Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, with major loans from Vienna's Belvedere — closing soon.

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays, NE8Free

Until 17 Jan · Gateshead

Chitra Ganesh & Tish Murtha at BALTIC

Two free, drop-in exhibitions on Gateshead Quayside — a Brooklyn artist's UK debut and Tish Murtha's Tyneside photography.

The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AXFree entry (pay-what-you-can booking encouraged for priority access)

Until 4 Oct · Plymouth

Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour

The first major retrospective of British abstract painter Gillian Ayres, bringing together 26 works spanning seven decades at Plymouth's flagship museum.

Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE£10 (concessions available)

Until 4 Oct · Ipswich

Constable: Walking the Landscape

A major loan exhibition of John Constable's landscapes, including The Hay Wain, marking his 250th anniversary.

Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham, LL13 8BBFree entry

Until 31 Oct · Wrexham

Anthony Shapland: murmur

A major free solo show from Welsh artist Anthony Shapland exploring rural queerness through new film and light-and-sound work.

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Alexandra Road, Swansea SA1 5DZFree

Until 20 Sept · Swansea

Swansea Open 2026

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery's celebrated open-submission show, spotlighting a record 400 Swansea-connected artists across every medium.

Colchester Castle, Castle Park, High Street, Colchester CO1 1TJCastle admission (adult £13.95, child £8.50) plus £1 exhibition supplement

Until 31 Oct · Colchester

Museum of the Moon at Colchester Castle

A glowing seven-metre lunar sculpture by artist Luke Jerram floats inside Britain's oldest Norman keep for its final weeks on show.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, 18 High Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2RAFree entry (donations welcome)

Until 22 Nov · Canterbury

The Making of Marlowe: Poet, Playwright, Provocateur

An interactive Beaney exhibition on Christopher Marlowe's short, scandal- shadowed life, built around artefacts you won't see displayed elsewhere.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DHFree

Until 21 Feb · Birmingham

Every Thing Must Go: Joe Lycett

Comedian Joe Lycett's tongue-in-cheek debut painting exhibition turns extinct chocolate bars and lost buildings into art.

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XXFree

Until 20 Sept · London

TONIC FLOW: A Communal Chorus in Colour and Sound

A free sound-and-colour installation on the Southbank made with young refugees and asylum seekers.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TLFree entry

Until 31 Dec · London

Borough Market

London's most famous food market — a working cathedral to good eating by London Bridge, open most of the week year-round.

Camden Market, Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AFFree entry

Until 31 Dec · London

Camden Market

A sprawling canalside maze of food, vintage and independent stalls — open every day of the year.

Cardiff Market, St Mary Street, Cardiff CF10 1AUFree entry

Until 31 Dec · Cardiff

Cardiff Central Market

A grand Victorian indoor market in the middle of Cardiff, trading Monday to Saturday.

Grainger Market, Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5QGFree entry

Until 31 Dec · Newcastle

Grainger Market

A gorgeous Grade I-listed Victorian market hall in the heart of Newcastle, trading six days a week.

Kirkgate Market, 34 George Street, Leeds LS2 7HYFree entry

Until 31 Dec · Leeds

Leeds Kirkgate Market

One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, and the birthplace of Marks & Spencer — open six days a week.

St George's Market, 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NQFree entry

Until 31 Dec · Belfast

St George's Market

Belfast's beautiful covered Victorian market — food, crafts and live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

St Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQFree entry

Until 31 Dec · Bristol

St Nicholas Market

Bristol's best-loved market — independent traders and a famous lunchtime street-food scene, Monday to Saturday.

The Barras Market, Gallowgate, Glasgow G1 5AXFree entry

Until 31 Dec · Glasgow

The Barras

Glasgow's legendary weekend market in the East End — part flea market, part street-food yard, all character.

Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HPFree entry

Until 11 Oct · Gloucester

Pictures, Places & Story Spaces

A free family exhibition of art inspired by Gloucester's streets and buildings, with a cosy pop-up reading library for little ones.

Newcastle Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3DEFree entry

Until 8 Feb · Newcastle

Quayside Sunday Market

A long-running, year-round outdoor market on Newcastle's historic Quayside with independent traders selling handmade crafts, art and local produce.

Temple Newsam, Leeds LS15 0AEHouse admission £10 adult; gardens free

Until 23 Oct · Leeds

Reflections in Silver

Two new commissions of contemporary silver by Miriam Hanid and Yusuke Yamamoto, inspired by Temple Newsam's own silver collection and grounds.

The Landing, The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DBFree entry

Until 26 Sept · Southport

QuARTet at The Atkinson

Four Sefton-based artists share the gallery in a free group show inside Southport's civic arts building on Lord Street.

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, 13 Dalston Lane, London E8 3DFFree

Until 10 Oct · London

Saturday Garden Volunteering at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

Free, welcoming Saturday gardening sessions in a much-loved community garden on an old railway curve.

Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DYFree entry

Until 15 Nov · Dundee

France-Lise McGurn: The Charm Offensive

A Dundee-trained painter's biggest UK show yet, spilling off the canvas and across both DCA galleries.

RSPB Fairburn Ings Visitor Centre, Newton Lane, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 2BH£3.50 kit hire (reserve trails free to explore)

Until 30 Sept · Castleford

Self-Led Pond Dipping — RSPB Fairburn Ings

Hire a net and tray from the visitor centre and go pond dipping along the reserve's wetland trails, self-led at your own pace.

Penwith Gallery, Back Road West, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1NLFree entry

Until 21 Sept · St Ives

Penwith Gallery Autumn Exhibitions

Three concurrent contemporary art exhibitions at St Ives's artist-run Penwith Gallery, housed in a former pilchard-packing works.

The Rail Yard, Kelvinbridge, Glasgow, G4 9HBFree to browse

Until 22 Feb · Glasgow

The Rail Yard Farmers Market

A weekly West End farmers market on the old Kelvinbridge railway yard, with Scottish produce alongside local crafts, street food and live music.

Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester M33 7ZFFree

Until 3 Oct · Manchester

ADORN: Sculptural Jewellery / Wearable Art

A free jewellery exhibition of 12 contemporary makers working in metal and glass, staged for Manchester's first-ever Jewellery Week.

Castle Terrace car park, Edinburgh EH1 2EWFree entry

Until 28 Feb · Edinburgh

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

One of Scotland's largest weekly farmers' markets, set below Edinburgh Castle — Scottish producers selling fresh produce, bread and cheese.

WWT Welney Wetland Centre, Hundred Foot Bank, Welney, Norfolk PE14 9TN£10 (adult) / £5 (child), plus admission

Until 29 Oct · Welney

Discover Welney

A guided introduction to Britain's largest seasonally flooded wetland, led by volunteers along fully wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and hides.

Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Dartmoor, Devon TQ13 7TAFree entry; donations to Devon Air Ambulance

Until 29 Oct · Widecombe In The Moor

Widecombe Artisan Craft Market

A weekly Thursday market of Dartmoor makers inside a 16th-century National Trust hall, free to wander with donations going to the Air Ambulance.

South Square Centre, Southgate, Thornton, Bradford BD13 3LDFree entry

Until 1 Nov · Bradford

Here, Somehow — Jenny Bratt

A tender first solo show of neighbourhood paintings by Joan Day Bursary winner Jenny Bratt, in a converted 19th-century cottage gallery.

Craft in the Bay, The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff CF10 4QHFree admission

Until 28 Oct · Cardiff

Enamel, Glass, Pâte de Verre: as Material Thought

A free exhibition at Craft in the Bay exploring enamel and glass as materials for ideas, not just decoration, from leading Welsh craft makers.

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BDFree with garden admission (Adult £14 / Child £7 / Family £35; free for National Trust members)

Until 8 Nov · Dorking

Moominvalley Trail at Polesden Lacey

A gentle garden trail through the National Trust's Surrey estate, meeting the Moomin family among the borders and woodland.

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP (Brewhouse Café and Bookshop)Free with normal admission (Outdoor & Tower ticket around £6; free for National Trust members)

Until 12 Oct · Sevenoaks

Babyccino Coffee Morning & Storytime at Knole

Weekly babyccinos, toys and storytime for under-5s in Knole's Brewhouse — a soft landing for meeting other parents.

The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG£25–£33 depending on time slot; under-16s free with an adult

Until 11 Jul · London

The Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry comes to London for the first time in 900 years, on loan to the British Museum in a major once-in-a-generation show.

Ham House, Ham Street, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey TW10 7RSIncluded with garden admission (National Trust members free)

Until 11 Oct · Richmond

Past Made Present — Ham House and Garden

Emerging furniture and product designers respond to William Morris inside a Stuart mansion and its riverside garden.

78 Derngate — The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House, 78 Derngate, Northampton NN1 1UHFree

Until 4 Oct · Northampton

Nine @ 78 Derngate

A free multi-artist exhibition of glass, sculpture, mosaics, painting and print running through the Mackintosh house and garden in Northampton.

Venues across Birmingham city centre and suburbs, West MidlandsMostly free; some tours ticketed

Until 20 Sept · Birmingham

Birmingham Heritage Week

Ten days of rare access to Birmingham's hidden history — tunnels, catacombs and buildings usually closed to the public.

Camden Art Centre, Arkwright Road, London NW3 6DGFree entry

Until 17 Jan · London

Liz Larner: A Hard Line to Bend

The sculptor's first UK institutional show — ceramic "asteroids" and radical material experiments, free to visit.

Venues across Coventry city centre, West MidlandsFree entry (Heritage Open Days)

Until 20 Sept · Coventry

Coventry Heritage Open Days

Ten days of free tours and rare access across Coventry, from timber-framed cottages to the War Memorial's Chamber of Silence.

Ironbridge Gorge, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF8Free entry to most events; some activities separately ticketed

Until 20 Sept · Ironbridge

Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival

Ten days of guided walks, a coracle regatta and free heritage open days across the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge.

Royal West of England Academy, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PX£8.90 (£4.45 with National Art Pass)

Until 3 Jan · Bristol

RWA 173rd Annual Open Exhibition

Bristol's major open-submission show, with 500+ contemporary works spanning painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media.

Cwmdu Caravan and Camping Site, St Michael's Close, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1RPCamping plus event ticket, typically from around £60pp for the weekend — see gostargazing.co.uk for exact 2026 pricing

Sat 12 – Tue 15 Sept · Crickhowell

AstroCamp Autumn 2026

A weekend camped under Brecon Beacons dark skies, with guided stargazing, talks and telescopes provided for beginners.

RSPB Minsmere, Sheepwash Lane, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3BY£9 adult / £5 child (non-members; includes reserve entry and a hot drink)

Until 21 Nov · Westleton

Discover Minsmere in Autumn

Guided walks through the RSPB's most famous Suffolk reserve, timed for migrant birds, fungi and the last of the autumn colour.

Venues across Cardiff — community centres, gardens and allotments (see foodcardiff.com for full programme)Free

Until 31 Oct · Cardiff

Good Food Cardiff Autumn Festival

A seven-week city-wide festival of free, community-run food events — harvest celebrations, cooking demos and grow-your-own days across Cardiff.

Various locations across the High Weald, including Rye, Battle, Robertsbridge and Forest Row, East Sussex and KentFree

Until 20 Sept · East Sussex

High Weald Walking Festival

Free guided and self-led walks across the Kent and Sussex High Weald, from Rye Harbour wildlife rambles to easy family strolls.

The Old Savoy, home of The Deco Theatre, Abington Square, Northampton NN1 4AEFree, booking required via the box office

Sat 12 – Tue 15 Sept · Northampton

The Old Savoy: Behind-the-Scenes Heritage Tour

Free guided tours inside Northampton's glorious 1936 art deco super-cinema, as part of Heritage Open Days.

London-wide — 800+ buildings across all 33 boroughsFree to volunteer

Until 20 Sept · London

Open House Festival — Volunteer Stewarding

Steward a building for a shift during London's landmark architecture festival, opening 800+ extraordinary buildings free to the public.

Venues across St Ives, Cornwall (St Ives Theatre, St Ives Library and Guildhall box office)Free street entertainment; ticketed events from around £10

Until 26 Sept · St Ives

St Ives September Festival

Two weeks of music, art, theatre, talks and walks across St Ives' galleries and seafront venues, from folk and jazz to comedy and poetry.

Venues across East Devon, from Exmouth to AxminsterVaries by event (individual bookings; some free)

Until 20 Sept · Sidmouth

Taste East Devon Festival

A nine-day trail of tastings, feasts and foraging across East Devon, from a River Cottage mushroom feast to an apple-pressing party at Whimple.

Streets, parks and open spaces across Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1Free

Until 8 Nov · Brighton

The Story Trail

Thirty giant, artist-painted BookBenches turn Brighton and Hove's streets and parks into a free citywide trail.

Croome, near High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DWFree entry (Heritage Open Days)

Mon 14 – Fri 18 Sept · Worcester

Croome Heritage Open Days

Five days of free entry, tours and talks at the National Trust's Capability Brown landscape near Worcester, including the rarely-open Panorama Tower.

Sedbergh, Cumbria, centred around The Black Bull, Main Street, Sedbergh LA10 5BLFree walks; ticketed wellbeing sessions

Mon 14 – Sun 20 Sept · Cumbria

Sedbergh Walking & Wellbeing Festival

A week of guided fell walks, sunrise starts and wellbeing sessions in England's official Book Town, on the Lakes/Dales border.

Middleport Pottery, Port Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3PEFree

Tue 15 Sept · Stoke On Trent

Middleport Pottery Free Heritage Trail

A free self-guided Heritage Open Days trail around Middleport Pottery's bottle oven, steam engine and Victorian mould store.

Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LSFrom £19

Tue 15 – Sat 19 Sept · Winchester

Wild! A Festival of Flowers and Nature

A once-every-four-years flower festival fills Winchester Cathedral's ancient nave with wild, immersive floral art.

The English Gardens, The Regent's Park, LondonFree

Until 1 Nov · London

Frieze Sculpture

Eleven international artists' large-scale sculptures spread through Regent's Park's English Gardens, free to wander any day.

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BDFree

Wed 16 Sept · London

Nature and Us

A free new gallery reopening a room hidden since the Second World War, with 50 objects tracing humans' relationship with nature.

Glasgow Cathedral, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0QZFree talks and tours; ticketed concerts from around £12

Thu 17 – Sun 20 Sept · Glasgow

Glasgow Cathedral Festival 2026: Rooted in Discovery

A 10th-anniversary weekend of live music, talks and silent cinema inside Glasgow's oldest surviving medieval building.

Multiple venues city-wide, GlasgowFree

Thu 17 – Sun 20 Sept · Glasgow

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival

Hundreds of normally closed or hard-to-reach Glasgow buildings open for free guided tours, talks and family activities.

Huntington Farm, Lauder, Scottish Borders TD2 6QUAdult day admission £10; under-16s free; parking £5

Thu 17 – Sun 20 Sept · Scottish Borders

ISDS Sheep Dog World Trial 2026

Over 300 handlers and dogs from 31 nations compete in the birthplace of the Border Collie for the sport's biggest prize.

Tarland Square, Tarland, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 4YNFree entry (market and square events)

Thu 17 – Sun 20 Sept · Tarland

Tarland Food & Music Festival

A free village-square food market and folk music festival in the heart of Aberdeenshire's Cromar valley.

Chiddinglye Estate, Selsfield Road, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4QSDay and weekend tickets from allthingsfungi.co.uk; under-18s free on the Sunday family day

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sept · East Grinstead

All Things Fungi Festival

A weekend camping festival devoted to mushrooms — identification walks, cultivation workshops, microscopy and UV night-walks in the Sussex woods.

V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RLFree

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sept · London

Digital Design Weekend

A free weekend of installations, workshops and demos at the V&A exploring how creative technology intersects with ecology, care and community.

Multiple venues across Durham City — Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham Cathedral, Palace Green & the MarketplaceTickets vary by event/day pass — see tickettailor.com/events/durhamfolkfestival

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sept · Durham

Durham Folk Festival

A new city-wide folk festival across Durham's cathedral, market place and miners' hall, with singing sessions, ceilidhs and river-cruise gigs.

Ely Museum, The Old Gaol, Market Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4LS£3.50 per child; accompanying adult needs a museum admission ticket or annual pass

Fri 18 Sept · Ely

Little Explorers at Ely Museum

A monthly morning of themed craft, stories and songs for under-5s inside Ely Museum's former gaol building.

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, HG4 5AEFrom £23 advance (£28 on the day)

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sept · Harrogate

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show

The UK's premier autumn gardening show fills Newby Hall's grounds with 5,000 blooms, nurseries and floral art.

Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZFree entry (normal parking charges may apply)

Fri 18 Sept · Worksop

Heritage Open Day at Clumber Park

Free entry to this vast Nottinghamshire parkland estate for one day, with volunteers on hand to share the history of the old ducal estate.

The Stockyard, Melton Mowbray, LeicestershireFrom £6 in advance

Fri 18 – Sat 19 Sept · Melton Mowbray

Melton Beer, Cider & Gin Festival

An indoor beer, cider and gin festival at The Stockyard in Melton Mowbray, with more than 50 craft drinks and live music across two nights.

Oxford University Examination Schools, 81 High Street, Oxford OX1 4ASFrom £24.50 (includes first 10 tastings)

Fri 18 – Sat 19 Sept · Oxford

The Oxford Wine Festival

A weekend of wine tasting in Oxford's grand Examination Schools, with your first ten tasting vouchers included in the ticket.

FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQFree entry

Until 14 Feb · Liverpool

Rae-Yen Song at FACT Liverpool

A free, immersive exhibition of new sculpture, textiles and sound inspired by diasporic mythology and family lore, opening at FACT Liverpool.

Richmond Market Hall, Market Place, Richmond, North YorkshireIndividual walks and talks ticketed separately, from £15 — see programme for full pricing

Until 27 Sept · Richmond

Richmond Walking and Book Festival

A ten-day North Yorkshire festival of guided walks through Swaledale and Wensleydale alongside author talks, with walking groups capped at 16 people.

York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EWFrom £7.50, included in gallery admission

Until 17 Jan · York

Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman

A major new York Art Gallery show marking 200 years since sculptor John Flaxman, with over 70 loaned works.

Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0FEFrom £21.45

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Sept · Manchester

Wing Fest Manchester

Three days of 100,000 chicken wings, live music and DJs inside Manchester's Edwardian Victoria Baths.

Parliament Street & St Sampson's Square, YorkFree entry to markets and demonstrations; some ticketed extras

Until 27 Sept · York

York Food & Drink Festival

A ten-day festival taking over York's Parliament Street with 100+ food and drink producers, street food and daily chef demonstrations.

Abergavenny town centre (11 venues), Abergavenny, NP7, MonmouthshireDay ticket £17, weekend ticket £26, under-16s free

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Abergavenny

Abergavenny Food Festival

Wales' best-loved food festival takes over the whole town — 120+ producers, chef demos and a Saturday-night castle party.

Exeter Phoenix, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LSFrom £30

Sat 19 Sept · Exeter

Altered Images — Happy Birthday

Original singer Clare Grogan leads the band through their 1981 debut album in full at Exeter's much-loved independent arts centre.

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BAFree entry

Until 1 May · Gateshead

BALTIC Open Submission 2026

BALTIC's flagship open-call exhibition of around 100 works by artists from across the region and beyond, free to visit on Gateshead's quayside.

Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT£9 adult (Upper Gallery free; half price with National Art Pass)

Until 7 Nov · Bath

Bath Society of Artists 121st Open Exhibition

Bath's long-running open-submission show fills the Victoria Art Gallery with local painting, print and sculpture alongside invited artist Basil Beattie RA.

Parker's Piece, CambridgeFree entry

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Cambridge

Cambridge Autumn Food, Home & Craft Fair

A free weekend fair on Parker's Piece, with food and drink, arts and crafts, and cookery demos running all day.

Kettle's Yard, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQFree entry

Until 31 Jan · Cambridge

Sunil Gupta: Life with a Camera

A major, free photography retrospective opens at Kettle's Yard, tracing five decades of Sunil Gupta's work.

Northern Sea Wall, Minnis Bay, Birchington-on-Sea, Kent, meet outside Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie, The Parade, CT7 9QPFree (registration required)

Sat 19 Sept · Birchington

Great British Beach Clean: Minnis Bay

Join the Marine Conservation Society's flagship beach clean and litter survey on the Kent coast — dogs, kids and beginners all genuinely welcome.

The Yard, Waterworks Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1RTFree entry

Sat 19 Sept · Hastings

Hastings Makers Market

Fifty independent makers fill The Yard with ceramics, textiles and prints for a wheelchair-accessible afternoon of browsing.

Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 5SSFree (normal admission waived for Heritage Open Days)

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Spilsby

Heritage Open Days at Gunby Estate

Free entry to a National Trust hall and gardens for one weekend only, with steampunk duelling, sea shanties and maker stalls.

Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Road, Leicester, LE4 5PXFree entry (small charge for museum train rides)

Sat 19 Sept · Leicester

Abbey Pumping Station Food & Craft Fair

Local food producers and artisan makers fill Leicester's Victorian pumping-station museum, with vintage vehicles and live jazz.

Lincoln Castle, Castle Hill, Lincoln, LN1 3AAFree castle grounds; standard admission for the Wall Walk & Prison

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Lincoln

Dog Friendly Days at Lincoln Castle

Leads off for the weekend — dogs get the run of Lincoln Castle's grounds, Wall Walk and Victorian Prison on these selected dates.

Castle Hill, Lincoln, LN1 3AAFree entry

Sat 19 Sept · Lincoln

Lincoln Farmers' Market

A monthly farmers' market on historic Castle Hill selling produce grown and made across Lincolnshire.

The Jolly Brewer, 27 Broadgate, Lincoln LN2 5AQTicketed — see venue listing for current prices

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Lincoln

Lincoln Folk Festival

Two days of traditional and contemporary folk music, food and beer at a much-loved Lincoln pub venue.

Loki Wine, 10 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3AU£45

Sat 19 Sept · Birmingham

Autumn Cheese & Wine Tasting at Loki Wine, Edgbaston

Seven seasonal wines paired with artisan cheeses from Anderson & Hill, Birmingham's leading cheesemonger.

St Mary's Church, High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN£2.50 (under-12s free)

Sat 19 Sept · Nottingham

Nottingham's Craft & Flea Makers Market

A makers market inside a medieval church in the Lace Market — independent Nottingham artisans selling ceramics, jewellery and vintage.

Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2FBFree

Sat 19 Sept · Sheffield

Orchard Square Makers Market

A Saturday makers market in Sheffield's Orchard Square with local traders selling homewares, plants, jewellery and deli goods.

The Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3JF£14 in advance / £16 on the gate; dogs go free

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Maidstone

Paws in the Park: Kent Show

The UK's largest outdoor dog show marks its 20th year at Kent Showground, with agility, flyball and more than 30 have-a-go activities.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4HNFree entry (part of Cadw's Open Doors festival)

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Bangor

Open Doors Free Weekend at Penrhyn Castle

Free entry to a neo-Norman castle and its parkland for one weekend only, with slate-splitting by real Llanberis quarrymen.

Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, near Ramsgate, KentFree

Sat 19 Sept · Ramsgate

Great British Beach Clean, Pegwell Bay

A Marine Conservation Society beach clean on the sandy shore at Pegwell Bay near Ramsgate, part of the national Great British Beach Clean.

Market Place & Broad Street, Reading, BerkshireFree entry

Sat 19 Sept · Reading

Reading Vegan Festival

Forty-plus vegan food and craft stalls fill Reading's Market Place for a free, all-day plant-based graze.

Roundhay Park, Leeds LS8 2ES (start near Hill 60)Free

Until 19 Mar · Leeds

Roundhay parkrun

A free, weekly, all-abilities 5k around Leeds' biggest park, followed by coffee at the lakeside café.

RSPB Scotland Loch Leven, Vane Farm, B9097, Kinross KY13 9LXFree (guided walks free but pre-booking required)

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Kinross

RSPB Loch Leven Doors Open Days

Free guided wildlife walks around Loch Leven's reserve as part of Scotland-wide Doors Open Days, with step-free routes on offer.

Tir na nOg Holistic Centre, near Drymen, Stirlingshire G63 0NF£19 adult / £6 child per day, £35 adult weekend pass, under-5s free

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Drymen

Scottish Wild Food Festival

A weekend of foraging walks, wild-food banquets and forest-school activities at a holistic centre near Loch Lomond.

Pitt St. Skatepark, 315 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4AYEarly bird from £25 for adults, under-5s free

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Portsmouth

Send It 100

Two days of skate jams, vert ramp showcases and free beginner coaching at Portsmouth's indoor skatepark, marking the city's 100th year.

Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JHFree

Until 17 Jan · Colchester

Simon Carter: From the Landscape

Essex artist Simon Carter's most ambitious show yet turns Firstsite's galleries into a walk-through painting of the coast — free entry.

Henley Street & Bridge Street, Stratford-upon-AvonFree entry, food and drink priced individually

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon Food Festival

Over 100 food and drink stalls fill Henley Street and Bridge Street for a two-day autumn feast.

Thoresby Park, Nr Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EPFrom £10 adult (advance), free parking included

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Nottinghamshire

Festival of Food & Drink at Thoresby Park

A country-house food festival with 160+ stalls, cookery demos and TV chefs on Sherwood Forest's doorstep.

Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Bay View Road, Porthcawl, Bridgend CF36 5NGFree

Sat 19 Sept · Porthcawl

Trecco Bay Beach Clean

A Great British Beach Clean session on the Glamorgan coast — gloves and bags provided, data collected feeds national marine research.

Tileyard North & The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield£2 entry (free for Hepworth members and under-18s)

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield Harvest Festival

An autumn artisan market at Tileyard North with 70+ UK makers and producers, plus family activities across the Hepworth's galleries.

Wollaton Hall Walled Garden, Wollaton Park, Nottingham NG8 2AE£2 donation per adult; children free

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sept · Nottingham

Autumn Festival at the Walled Garden

A weekend of plant sales, bric-a-brac and home bakes in Wollaton Park's recently restored Victorian walled garden.

Chiswick House and Gardens, Staveley Road entrance, Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 3ESFree to watch; £6 per dog per class to enter

Sun 20 Sept · London

Chiswick House Dog Show

London's biggest dog show returns to Chiswick House Gardens with 17 daft, lovable classes and a Traitors-themed fancy dress round.

The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow G1 5HZFree entry

Sun 20 Sept · Glasgow

Glasgow's Craft & Flea Makers Market

A one-day makers' market at The Briggait — ceramics, jewellery, vintage, plants and artisan produce from small Scottish businesses.

Cambridge Street, Harrogate, HG1 1RSFree entry

Sun 20 Sept · Harrogate

Harrogate Makers Market

A free monthly street market on Cambridge Street — local makers, jewellers and small food producers, third Sunday of the month.

Briggate, Leeds LS1 6BGFree entry

Sun 20 Sept · Leeds

Leeds Briggate Monthly Artisan Market

A monthly artisan market on Leeds's grandest shopping street, with local makers selling craft, jewellery, art and food.

Backyard Comedy Club, 231 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 0ELFrom £20 (early bird) to £27.50

Sun 20 Sept · London

Sober Is Fun: The London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club

A proper stand-up club night with an alcohol-free bar — table tennis and pool before four professional acts.

Market Square, outside The Creative Place, NorthamptonFree entry

Sun 20 Sept · Northampton

Northants Makers Market

An outdoor craft market of Northamptonshire makers — jewellery, ceramics and more — outside The Creative Place on Northampton's Market Square, with live performances alongside.

Painshill, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE£15 adult / £7.50 child (5–16) / under-5s free

Sun 20 Sept · Cobham

Family Fun Day at Painshill

A day of lawn games, sketching stations and self-guided trails through Painshill's 18th-century landscape garden and follies near Cobham.

Oakham Castle grounds, Market Place & High Street, Oakham, RutlandFree entry

Sun 20 Sept · Oakham

Rutland Food & Drink Festival

A free open-air food festival filling Oakham's Market Place, High Street and castle grounds with around 80 artisan food, drink and craft stalls.

School Road, Sale Town Centre, Sale, Greater Manchester M33 7XYFree entry

Sun 20 Sept · Sale

Sale Makers Market

A monthly open-air market of 120-plus independent stalls filling Sale town centre with craft, art, plants and street food.

Backyard Comedy Club, 231-233 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 0EL£20–£25

Sun 20 Sept · London

Sober Comedy London

An alcohol-free stand-up comedy afternoon at Bethnal Green's Backyard Comedy Club, raising money for The Forward Trust's addiction work.

Seckford Theatre, Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4JH (opening event; further events at reserves across Suffolk)Opening event ticketed; most festival events free or low-cost

Until 11 Oct · Woodbridge

Festival of Nature

Three weeks of talks, walks and art events across Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserves, opening with printmaker Angela Harding on nature and craft.

Resident Music, 27-28 Kensington Gardens, North Laine, Brighton BN1 4ALFrom £20 (ticket includes the new album)

Sun 20 Sept · Brighton

Sylvan Esso: Ow ∞ Album Launch In-Store

An intimate in-store performance from electronic duo Sylvan Esso marking the release of their new album, on the shop floor of Brighton's Resident Music.

Big Penny Social, 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6ALAround £2–£3 on the door, free for under-12s

Sun 20 Sept · London

Walthamstow's Craft & Flea Market

A dog-friendly, step-free Sunday market of local makers, vintage finds and ceramics in a converted social club.

Sand Bay, Kewstoke, Weston-super-MareFree

Sun 20 Sept · Weston Super Mare

Great British Beach Clean, Sand Bay

Join Marine Conservation Society volunteers for a litter-pick and citizen-science survey on Somerset's wide, wild Sand Bay.

The Broadway, Winchester, HampshireFree to browse

Sun 20 Sept · Winchester

Winchester Art & Design Market

A monthly street market of original art and craft — jewellery, ceramics, textiles, prints — sold by the makers themselves through Winchester's old town.

York Museum Gardens, YorkTickets on sale soon — see yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk

Sun 20 Sept · York

York Dog Show

A new dog-lovers' day in York Museum Gardens — agility demos, dog classes, pet photography and a shopping village, in aid of local charities.

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JRFrom around £41

Mon 21 Sept · Gateshead

Death Cab for Cutie

US indie-rock veterans play the Glasshouse's main hall on their 'I Built You A Tower' tour.

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SRFree, non-ticketed

Tue 22 Sept · Edinburgh

Café Ceilidh

A free, drop-in afternoon of traditional Scottish song, tunes and stories in the Storytelling Court on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, 272A St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RLSee kingtuts.co.uk for current price

Tue 22 Sept · Glasgow

Pacific Avenue at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut

Chart-topping Australian indie-rockers play the 300-capacity room that broke Coldplay, Blur and Biffy Clyro.

11 Womanby Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BRFrom around £16

Tue 22 Sept · Cardiff

The Tubs at Clwb Ifor Bach

Welsh power-pop favourites The Tubs play Cardiff's best-loved grassroots venue on their UK tour, in the heart of the city centre.

The Portland Arms, 129 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 3BASee Cambridge Live for ticket price

Wed 23 Sept · Cambridge

Robyn Hitchcock at the Portland Arms

Cult songwriter Robyn Hitchcock plays an intimate solo show at Cambridge's much-loved back-room pub venue.

Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus, Nottingham NG1 5AFFrom £13.50; free companion ticket available

Wed 23 Sept · Nottingham

Till the Stars Come Down — Relaxed & Captioned Performance

A captioned, relaxed performance of Beth Steel's Olivier-nominated family drama — house lights up, freedom to move, a chill-out space on hand.

Lemon Quay, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2EHFree entry (some workshops ticketed separately)

Wed 23 – Sun 27 Sept · Truro

Truro Food Festival

Cornwall's biggest food festival takes over Lemon Quay for five days — producers, street food, live music and free entry.

New Street, Birmingham city centre, B2 4RQFree

Thu 24 – Sun 27 Sept · Birmingham

New Street Eats: Birmingham Street Food Festival

A free four-day street food takeover on Birmingham's New Street, with global stalls and live music.

On The Hill, Bishopsworth Road, Bristol, BS13 7JWSuggested donation £3 on the door

Thu 24 Sept · Bristol

Sober Open Mic Night

A completely alcohol- and drug-free open mic — musicians, poets and first-timers all welcome — run monthly by Bristol Sober Spaces.

Deepdale Camping & Rooms, Burnham Deepdale, North Norfolk PE31 8DDDay tickets from £15; weekend day ticket £30 adult / £15 under-16

Thu 24 – Sun 27 Sept · Burnham Deepdale

Deepdale Festival

A friendly folk, roots and acoustic music festival across three small stages on the North Norfolk coast, now in its 8th year.

Queen Street, CardiffFree entry; pay per vendor

Thu 24 – Sun 27 Sept · Cardiff

Great Cardiff Feast — Autumn Edition

A street food festival taking over Cardiff city centre with independent traders and live entertainment over four days, free to attend and dog-friendly.

Reserve Wines, 176 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1LH£50

Thu 24 Sept · Manchester

Cheese and Wine Evening at Reserve Wines, Didsbury

A relaxed tasting of three matched wines and three artisan cheeses from Chorlton Cheesemongers, opening with a glass of Crémant.

The Thistles Shopping Centre, Port Street, Stirling FK8 2EAFree to browse

Thu 24 – Sun 27 Sept · Stirling

Thistles Food & Craft Market

A four-day indoor market fills Stirling's Thistles Centre with local makers, artisan food producers and small independent stalls.

The Flying Fleece, Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9ANFrom £8 (2025 early-bird price) — see amblefest.co.uk for confirmed 2026 tickets

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Sept · Cumbria

AmbleFest

Ambleside's craft beer and live music weekend turns five — three venues, local breweries and street food in the heart of the Lake District.

Venues across Bath, including the Guildhall, Bath BA1Ticket prices vary by event, via Bath Box Office

Until 4 Oct · Bath

Bath Children's Literature Festival

Ten days of storytelling, big-name authors and hands-on family events across Bath, built entirely around getting kids excited about books.

Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR£35 weekend pass, or £5–£12 pay-what-you-can per session

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Sept · Chester

Storyhouse Childless

A weekend festival of talks, workshops, comedy and discussion groups at Storyhouse for people living without children, including a new men-only discussion group for 2026.

Corn Exchange, 39 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1ALFrom £29

Fri 25 Sept · Hertford

China Crisis at Hertford Corn Exchange

Eighties synth-pop favourites China Crisis play an intimate evening show at Hertford's historic Corn Exchange venue.

East Gallery NUA, Cavendish House, St Andrews Street, Norwich NR2 4AEFree admission

Until 24 Oct · Norwich

Print Rotate Repeat

A free exhibition at Norwich University of the Arts exploring pattern design in the age of AI, with talks and workshops alongside.

Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 7EAStandard garden admission, plus £5 (small) or £10 (large) picking bag

Until 4 Oct · Droitwich Spa

Hanbury Hall's Apple Harvest

A National Trust apple-picking event across two autumn weekends, with 47 varieties to try and estate honey for sale.

Market Place, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4TNFree entry

Fri 25 Sept · Cumbria

Kendal Farmers' Market

Cumbria's award-winning farmers' market — produce picked that morning, artisan cheeses and fresh bread, an easy stop before or after a fell walk.

Caldicot Castle, Church Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire NP26 4HUSmall plates from the outdoor fire kitchens £6–£12; under-16s free; car park £5 (Friday's fire feast ticketed separately)

Fri 25 – Sun 27 Sept · Caldicot

Mabon — Fire and Feast

A weekend of live-fire cookery in the grounds of a Norman castle — chef demos, an artisan market, natural wines and storytelling.

Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham, NG7 6JEFree entry; pay per ride

Until 4 Oct · Nottingham

Nottingham Goose Fair

A 700-year-old fairground tradition takes over Forest Recreation Ground for ten days — free to walk in, then pay per ride.

Café Sobar, 24 Friar Lane, Nottingham NG1 6DQFree entry

Fri 25 Sept · Nottingham

Sobar Social

A monthly alcohol-free night at the East Midlands' first sober bar — live music, poetry and open mic, 25% off food and drink all night.

County Buildings, Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 9JHFrom £8 per event

Until 4 Oct · Dumfries Galloway

Wigtown Book Festival

Scotland's National Book Town spends ten days hosting authors, talks and readings across its historic County Buildings.

Snape Maltings, Snape, Saxmundham, IP17 1SRFrom £10 early bird adult; under-16s free

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

Over 130 Suffolk producers, chef demos and free children's cookery sessions at Snape Maltings on the Alde estuary.

Cheshire Clay Studios, Lowe's Farm, Moss Lane, Middlewich CW10 9NG£90 per person, pot and materials included

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Middlewich

Raku Experience at Cheshire Clay Studios

A hands-on afternoon glazing and firing your own pot in an outdoor raku kiln — drama, colour and fire included.

QUAD, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3ASFree entry

Until 10 Jan · Derby

Collateral Echoes — Baff Akoto at QUAD

A powerful new exhibition of film, XR and immersive sound exploring memory, grief and justice, opening at Derby's QUAD gallery.

Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre, Wergs Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 2HJFree entry, free parking

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Wolverhampton

The Craft and Makers Market at Codsall & Wergs

A big, dog-friendly, all-weather indoor craft market at a garden centre just outside Wolverhampton.

Derby city centre, Derby, DerbyshireFree

Sat 26 Sept · Derby

Derby Festé 2026

Derby's streets turn into a free outdoor stage for circus, dance and aerial spectacle for one day only.

Weston Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LGFrom £10 adult; 18 and under free; parking included

Until 1 Mar · Wakefield

Double Take: Olivia Bax

Twenty new and recent sculptures by Olivia Bax — welded frames, metal mesh and vivid colour — in the Weston Gallery at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Bonar Hall, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HN£2.50 (under-12s free)

Sat 26 Sept · Dundee

Dundee's Craft & Flea Market

An indoor makers' market of illustration, ceramics, vintage and sustainable goods from independent designers.

Durham Cricket Ground, Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QRFree entry

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Durham

Chester-le-EATS

Free food and drink festival at Durham Cricket Ground with street food traders, craft drinks producers, a tasting school and live music, now in its fifth year.

Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree, Essex CM77 8PD£6 adult / £5 concession / free child

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Braintree

Essex Food and Craft Fair at Cressing Temple Barns

A two-day artisan fair of food, craft and gifts staged inside a pair of medieval Templar barns near Braintree.

Euston Hall, Euston, Thetford, Suffolk IP24 2QP£11.25 adult (advance) / £10.25 concession / £5.25 child (3–15); under 3s free

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Euston

The Great Feast at Euston Hall

A brand-new food festival on the Grafton family's Suffolk estate — 100+ stalls, cooking demos and a funfair, with under-3s free.

Farmer Copleys, Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Pontefract WF7 5AFTimed-entry tickets (ages 3 and under free); see site for current pricing

Until 1 Nov · Wakefield

Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival

Three hundred thousand pumpkins, tractor rides and a daily dog parade on a working Yorkshire farm.

Multiple venues — Sidney & Matilda, Corporation, The Octagon Centre, SheffieldFrom £44

Sat 26 Sept · Sheffield

Float Along Festival

Sheffield's inner-city, multi-venue day festival — one wristband hops between three venues from noon till late, headlined by White Lies and Sprints.

Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QAFree entry to producer village & family workshops; symposium talks from £45

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Bristol

FŌDA — A Festival of Food Ideas

A waterfront weekend of food, founded by chef Josh Eggleton — a producer village, free family workshops and talks on sustainable farming.

Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve, off Cordy's Lane, Trimley St Martin, near Felixstowe, SuffolkFree

Sat 26 Sept · Felixstowe

Great British Beach Clean at Trimley Marshes

A free community litter pick along the Suffolk coast with the Wildlife Trust warden, done for love of the reserve rather than admin.

Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX£75 (materials included)

Sat 26 Sept · Liverpool

Introduction to Woodcut Printing

A one-day printmaking workshop in Bluecoat's print studio, from design transfer through to a finished small edition of prints.

Rosneath Castle Park, Rosneath, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute G84 0QUFree, drop-in

Sat 26 Sept · Helensburgh

Lochside Social

A relaxed, drop-in family festival on the Gare Loch shore near Helensburgh, with games, activities and food for all ages.

Market Place, Masham, North Yorkshire HG4 4DYFree (donations support Yorkshire Air Ambulance)

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Masham

Masham Sheep Fair

A 40-year-old volunteer-run fair filling Masham's market square with sheep breeds, wool crafts and sheepdog demonstrations.

MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), Centre Square, Middlesbrough TS1 2AZFree

Until 29 Mar · Middlesbrough

Turner Prize 2026

Britain's most talked-about art prize lands in Teesside — four shortlisted artists, free entry, no queue-worthy hype needed.

Town Moor, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 7AR£5 per day, under-16s free

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Narberth

Narberth Food Festival

A much-loved Pembrokeshire market town given over to Welsh food and drink for a weekend, with chef demos, tastings and live music.

New Street Market, Ipswich, SuffolkFree

Sat 26 Sept · Ipswich

New Street Market Festival of Nature Party

An evening street-food party in Ipswich, the social centrepiece of Suffolk Wildlife Trust's first-ever Festival of Nature.

Market Square, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8NAFree

Sat 26 Sept · Newmarket

Newmarket Sausage Festival

A free sausage-themed festival on Newmarket's Market Square, with a new Cookery Theatre and live entertainment.

The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1REFree entry, no tickets required

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Halifax

Real Markets at The Piece Hall

Yorkshire's independent traders fill the courtyard of a 300-year-old Georgian cloth hall with local bakes, cheese and craft.

Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LUFree entry; £9 cap on all Taster Menu dishes

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells Food & Drink Festival

A free weekend food festival in Calverley Grounds with 55+ stalls and a £9 cap on every dish in the Taster Menu area.

Fenton Manor Sports Complex, City Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RRFrom £9 (adult), £5 (child), £25 family ticket

Sat 26 Sept · Stoke On Trent

Stoke Comic Con

Cosplay, comics, gaming and pop-culture traders take over Fenton Manor for Stoke's own comic convention.

Archerfield Walled Garden, Archerfield Estate, Dirleton, East Lothian EH39 5HQFree entry

Sat 26 Sept · Edinburgh

Support The Makers Market

A dog-friendly, fully accessible indoor makers' market in a walled-garden barn near Edinburgh — around 20 local artists selling handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics and prints.

Cockermouth Town Centre, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NPFree

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Cockermouth

Taste Cumbria Cockermouth Food Festival

Cumbria's flagship food festival fills Cockermouth's streets with producers, street food, chef demos and live music, free to attend.

Thame Showground, Kingsey Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3JL£10 (adult, 17+)

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sept · Oxfordshire

Thame Food Festival

A two-day Oxfordshire showground festival of artisan producers, chef demos and a charity dog show.

The White Hart, The Swan Hotel, Blossom's & The Rose and Crown, Wells, Somerset BA5Free

Sat 26 – Mon 28 Sept · Wells

Wells Jazz and Blues Festival

A free first-year festival sending 24 jazz and blues acts round four pubs and hotels in the middle of Somerset's smallest city.

Raby Castle, Staindrop, Darlington, County Durham DL2 3AHAdult £10, concession £10, child (4-15) £8, family (2+2) £41, under-4s free

Sun 27 Sept · Durham

Bark in the Park

A dog show and fun day in the grounds of Raby Castle — agility displays, have-a-go training sessions and a fun dog show open to all comers.

Parker's Piece, Cambridge CB1Free

Sun 27 Sept · Cambridge

Cambridgeshire Biodiversity & Regenerative Food Festival

Up to 50 regenerative growers, bakers and street food stalls take over Cambridge's central park for a free, nature-minded Sunday.

Chesterfield Market, Market Square, Chesterfield, S40 1AHFree entry

Sun 27 Sept · Chesterfield

Chesterfield Artisan Market

Over 80 handmade and artisan traders fill Chesterfield's Market Square for a free-to-browse Sunday of crafts, food and gifts.

The Conference Centre, Westpoint, Exeter EX5 1DJ£3.50 adult

Sun 27 Sept · Exeter

Exeter Dolls House and Miniatures Fair

Leading craftspeople show dolls' houses, miniature figures and every imaginable tiny accessory under one roof.

The Stables, Falkland Estate, Falkland, FifeFree to browse

Sun 27 Sept · Fife

Falkland Estate Monthly Makers and Producers Market

A monthly market of local makers, producers and craft stalls in the stables of a historic Fife estate.

Cannon Hall Farm, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4ATFree — just turn up

Sun 27 Sept · Barnsley

Great Global Greyhound Walk — Cannon Hall Farm

A free, no-booking mass walk for greyhounds, lurchers and other sighthounds, part of a worldwide event to promote sighthound adoption.

Liberton Kennels, Stanedykehead, Edinburgh, EH16 6YEFree (donation-based)

Sun 27 Sept · Edinburgh

Great Global Greyhound Walk — Edinburgh

A community walk for greyhounds, lurchers, whippets and other sighthounds and their owners, part of a worldwide annual event.

Tyne Green Country Park, Tyne Green Road, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3HRFree (donations to Northumberland Greyhound Rescue welcome)

Sun 27 Sept · Hexham

Great Global Greyhound Walk, Hexham

A free community dog walk and fun show for greyhounds and sighthounds along the Tyne.

Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queens Road, Leeds LS6 1NY£22 advance

Sun 27 Sept · Leeds

Hope & Social at the Brudenell

Leeds' beloved community-minded band play a full-band show at their spiritual home venue.

Starting at Pier Head, Liverpool Waterfront, MerseysideFree to take part (donations welcome)

Sun 27 Sept · Liverpool

Paws Along the Prom

A 3km dog walk along Liverpool's waterfront from Pier Head, raising funds for disability charity Options Empowers.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB£5 per apple-picking bag (plus standard garden admission; free for National Trust members)

Sun 27 – Mon 28 Sept · Kent

Apple Picking Weekend at Sissinghurst

Fill a Sissinghurst 'shilling' bag from the Top Orchard's heritage apple varieties on this self-led weekend at Vita Sackville-West's famous Kent garden.

The Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, Bristol BS2 0NW£10–£12.50

Sun 27 Sept · Bristol

Sober Hip Hop Night at Trinity

A completely alcohol- and drug-free hip hop night from Bristol Sober Spaces, with headliners MoYah and CW Jones plus a full local lineup.

Leek Road Venue (Verve), Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF£5 standard entry, under-16s free; VIP £15

Sun 27 Sept · Stoke On Trent

Staffordshire Vegan Festival

Fifty-plus plant-based stalls, world street food and workshops take over Stoke's Leek Road Venue for the day.

Tower of London, London EC3N 4ABFree entry for the relaxed session (pre-booking required)

Sun 27 Sept · London

Relaxed Hour at the Tower of London

Two crowd-free hours before opening, with SEN-aware staff, sensory adjustments and free access to the Crown Jewels.

The Swan car park and Whalley village centre, Ribble Valley, LancashireFree entry

Sun 27 Sept · Whalley

Whalley Artisan Market

A dog-friendly monthly artisan market in the pretty Ribble Valley village of Whalley.

Various venues across Inverness City Centre, InvernessFree and ticketed events — see website for programme

Mon 28 Sept – Sun 4 Oct · Highlands

Inverness Fringe Festival

The Highlands' first-ever fringe festival — a week of theatre, comedy, music and spoken word from local and independent artists across the city.

Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1PL£12

Tue 29 Sept · Edinburgh

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club

A weekly, all-welcome ceilidh at Summerhall with a live band and caller — no partner or experience needed, just come and be taught the dances.

Craflwyn, near Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NGFree to take part; optional camping and food add-ons booked separately

Tue 29 – Wed 30 Sept · Beddgelert

Make a Difference (MaD) Volunteer Weekend

A weekend of hands-on conservation work in Eryri, run with the National Trust, Keep Wales Tidy and North Wales Wildlife Trust.

Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HSFree

Until 21 Feb · Birmingham

Balraj Khanna: Lines of Flight

The first major UK survey of painter Balraj Khanna opens at Ikon, tracing six decades of colourful, playful abstraction — free entry.

Market Place, Durham DH1 3NJFree entry

Thu 1 Oct · Durham

Durham Food Producers' and Crafters' Market

A monthly market in Durham's historic Market Place, bringing North East producers and crafters together for the first Thursday of the month.

Games Haven, 92 Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 1EH£6 gaming pass for the evening (£25/month membership option)

Thu 1 Oct · Nottingham

Thursday Night Board Games Social

A relaxed drop-in evening of board games and good company at Games Haven, Nottingham's dedicated tabletop gaming venue in the Creative Quarter.

NWT Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, Coast Road, Cley next the Sea, Norfolk NR25 7SAFree

Until 31 Oct · Cley Next The Sea

2026 Nature Photography Competition Exhibition at Cley Marshes

Norfolk Wildlife Trust displays the winning and highly commended shots from its 2026 nature photography competition on the north Norfolk coast.

Milsom Street, Bath, BA1Free entry

Fri 2 – Sun 4 Oct · Bath

Bath Autumn Fayre

100+ artisan and street-food stalls take over Milsom Street for a free, dog-friendly autumn weekend with live music and street theatre.

Venues across Brighton & Hove, including Brighton Museums and University of Brighton spacesMany events free; check individual venues

Fri 2 – Sun 4 Oct · Brighton

Photoworks Festival: Un/Stable

Opening weekend of Brighton's international photography festival, spread across museums and city-wide venues.

Victoria Gardens, 5-6 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1QLFree entry

Fri 2 – Sun 4 Oct · Broadstairs

Broadstairs Autumn Food Festival

A free coastal food festival with around 100 stalls of artisan bread, preserves, Kent cider and street food, plus live music at the bandstand.

Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG£14.95 adult / £14.50 child, includes a pumpkin

Until 31 Oct · Cheltenham

Pumpkin Patch at Cotswold Farm Park

A pick-your-own pumpkin patch and carving tent at Adam Henson's rare-breed farm, open weekends through October and daily over half term.

Cocktail Village, Festival Square, Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9SRFrom £5 weekday wristband; £6 signature cocktails

Until 11 Oct · Edinburgh

Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2026

Ten days, over 120 bars and a pop-up Cocktail Village — Edinburgh's best excuse for a proper date night out.

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QPHerbert general admission £4.50 day pass (£3.00 Go CV+ cardholders), under-16s free

Until 10 Jan · Coventry

British Art Show 10

The UK's biggest touring survey of contemporary art opens its landmark 10th edition in Coventry, spanning the Herbert Art Gallery, Mead Gallery and Coventry University.

Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD£24-£26; free for RA Friends

Until 31 Jan · London

Painting the French Riviera

Over 160 works trace how the French Riviera shaped modern art, from Matisse and Signac to mid-century travel posters and film.

Venues across Salisbury, WiltshireFree entry to community concerts; professional concerts and the closing event ticketed separately

Fri 2 – Sun 4 Oct · Salisbury

Salisbury Musick Festival

A three-day festival of early music filling Salisbury's churches and halls with madrigals, lute songs and harpsichord.

Barton Mills Car Boot Site, Newmarket Road, Barton Mills, Suffolk£5.42 adults/teens (14+), £4.34 children (2-13), free under-2s

Until 31 Oct · Barton Mills

Suffolk Pumpkin Patch

A pick-your-own pumpkin field near Newmarket with a corn maze, hayrides and a 44-metre observation wheel, open on select dates through October.

The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU£27.50 (all materials, hot drinks and biscuits included)

Sat 3 Oct · Worcester

Autumn Wreath Making at The Commandery

An adults-only workshop in Worcester's historic Commandery — make a seasonal door wreath, all materials and hot drinks included.

Beamish Museum, Beamish, County Durham DH9 0RGIncluded in museum admission — Unlimited Pass from £26 concession / £35 adult, valid a year

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Durham

Beamish Harvest Celebrations

Costumed demonstrations across Beamish's 1900s farm, pit village and town mark the old harvest calendar — one visit converts into a year-round pass.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TRFrom £5pp / £18.50 family in advance (discount ends 26 Sept); standard Gardens entry after

Sat 3 Oct · Birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Artisan Market — Autumn Edition

Handmade jewellery, homeware and street food stalls spread through the glasshouses and gardens for one autumn day.

Brecon Market Hall, Brecon, Powys LD3 9DAFree entry

Sat 3 Oct · Brecon

Brecon Beacons Food Festival

Over 60 Welsh food and drink producers fill Brecon's Georgian Market Hall for a free one-day festival on the edge of the national park.

Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ£16 adult (16+); under-16s free

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Faversham

Brogdale Apple Fair

Apple and pear tastings, pick-your-own fruit and tractor tours through the National Fruit Collection's heritage orchards near Faversham.

Broom Leys Farm, 59 Broom Leys Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4DDAdult/child £6.29, family ticket £20.96 (under 2s free)

Until 1 Nov · Leicestershire

Pumpkin Season at Broom Leys Farm

A working Leicestershire farm turns over its fields to a tractor-trailer pumpkin patch, maize maze and petting farm for the whole of October.

The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, Walsall WS2 8LGFree

Until 11 Apr · Walsall

Charmaine Watkiss: The Things We Hold Sacred

A major new solo exhibition of drawing and sculpture opens at the New Art Gallery Walsall, built around a newly commissioned installation.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PPFrom £27.50 per person; under-11s free

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Woodstock

DogFest at the Palace

The UK's biggest dog-lovers' festival lands at Blenheim Palace for a weekend of agility have-a-goes and breed meet-ups.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, Burdon Road, Sunderland SR1 1PPFree

Sat 3 Oct · Sunderland

Eco Fest 2026

A free sustainability festival at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens with planting, craft activities and an eco-trail for all ages.

Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JHFree entry

Sat 3 Oct · Colchester

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market at Firstsite

Forty independent makers fill Colchester's striking contemporary art gallery for a morning of ceramics, silverwork, macrame and cake.

Garnethill Multicultural Centre, Glasgow£15 advance / £18.50 on the door

Sat 3 Oct · Glasgow

Good Clean Fun

Glasgow's alcohol-free club night — a full sound system, proper DJs and dancing, with zero booze required.

Foreshore Car Park, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton SO31 4JBFree

Sat 3 Oct · Hamble

Hamble Harvest Festival

A harvest-themed farmers' market on Hamble's riverside foreshore — a low-key, little-known sailing village worth the detour.

The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW£20 / £18 concession / £10 Members

Sat 3 Oct · Wakefield

Alice Channer, Alison Wilding & Louisa Buck in Conversation

Two major British sculptors talk with art critic Louisa Buck at The Hepworth Wakefield, marking the gallery's 15th birthday year.

Inverness Creative Academy (WASPS Studios), Midmills Building, Stephen's Street, Inverness IV2 3JPFree entry

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Inverness

Highland Pottery Fair

A two-day fair of handmade ceramics from potters across the Highlands, held at Inverness's WASPS creative studios.

Fire & Lightbox, 6 South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, London SW8 1SPFrom around £15–£22

Sat 3 Oct · London

House of Happiness: A Rave to Remember

London's best-known sober day-rave brings glitter, DJs and a fully alcohol-free bar to a Vauxhall clubroom.

Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BPFree admission

Until 11 Apr · Oxford

Mike Nelson at Modern Art Oxford

The elusive British sculptor returns to Modern Art Oxford for his first show there in over two decades, with a major new immersive installation.

Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RGFree entry

Sat 3 Oct · Edinburgh

MNB Autumn Craft Market

Twenty-five curated independent makers fill Leith's Out of the Blue Drill Hall for a free, accessible autumn craft market.

Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ£4.00 per child taking part

Until 31 Oct · Leicester

Monsters and Bats

Halloween craft weekends in Leicester's medieval Guildhall — bat-hat making, window decorations and monster crafts, costumes encouraged.

High Street, Westgate Square & John Frost Square, Newport NP20, WalesFree

Sat 3 Oct · Newport

Newport Food Festival

70+ Welsh and regional stalls fill Newport's city centre, with a dedicated street food and live-music zone running into the evening.

Jubilee Square, Brighton BN1 1GEFree entry

Sat 3 Oct · Brighton

Brighton's Makers Market

A free, dog-friendly pop-up market of local makers and small businesses in the heart of Brighton's North Laine.

South Inch Car Park, Shore Road, Perth PH2 8BWFree entry (stallholder goods priced individually)

Sat 3 Oct · Perth

Perth Farmers' Market

Perth's award-winning monthly market returns to South Inch — around 50 stalls of Scottish produce, artisan crafts and children's activities.

Port Isaac village (Village Hall, Golden Lion, Slipway Hotel, Old School Hotel, Chapel Café, All Aboard Café and St Peter's Church), Port Isaac, CornwallFree — no ticket required

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Port Isaac

Port Isaac Shanty Weekend

A free weekend of sea shanties and folk harmony singing filling the pubs, cafés and church of the Cornish fishing village of Port Isaac.

Powderham Castle, Kenton, Exeter, Devon EX6 8JQ£5.50 adult advance / £7.50 on the gate; under-16s free; parking free

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Exeter

Powderham Food Festival

Devon's celebration of local food and drink returns to the grounds of Powderham Castle — over 100 South West producers, chef demos and live music.

Geilsland Hall, Geilsland Country Estate, Wardrop Street, Beith KA15 1LBFree entry, free parking

Sat 3 Oct · Ayrshire

Scottish Arts & Crafts Fair, Geilsland Estate

Scotland's biggest monthly crafts fair fills a country house near Beith with around 54 makers — accessible, dog-friendly, free entry.

Sheffield Cathedral, Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HAAround £2.50 for adults, under-12s free — check thecraftandflea.com nearer the time

Sat 3 Oct · Sheffield

Sheffield's Craft & Flea Market

Independent makers, illustrators, ceramicists and vintage sellers fill Sheffield Cathedral for a one-day indoor market.

Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, Eryri (Snowdonia), LL24Prices vary by walk — see eryriwalkfest.co.uk

Sat 3 – Sun 4 Oct · Snowdonia

Eryri Walk Fest: Snowdonia Walking Festival

A volunteer-run weekend of guided walks around Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig, from gentle valley strolls to the Snowdonia Slate Trail.

Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent CT9 1HGFree

Until 24 Jan · Margate

Sophie Calle: Something Missing?

The first UK show in over fifteen years from one of contemporary art's great chroniclers of absence and loss.

MAC Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QHFree — pre-register at wheelchairroadshow.com

Sat 3 Oct · Birmingham

Wheelchair Roadshow UK

A free, hands-on day at Birmingham's MAC where you can test power attachments and the latest wheelchair kit across Cannon Hill Park, no appointment needed.

Carrbridge Village Hall, Carrbridge, Highland PH23 3BBFree entry for spectators

Sat 3 Oct · Highlands

World Porridge Making Championship

A Highland village hall hosts competitors from across the globe battling for the Golden Spurtle in the annual World Porridge Championship.

Shambles Market, Newgate, York YO1 7LAFree entry

Sat 3 Oct · York

York Farmers' Market

A monthly farmers' market of Yorkshire producers filling Shambles Market in the heart of York's old town.

The Pavilions, Great Yorkshire Events Centre, Harrogate HG2 8NZ£5, under-5s free

Sat 3 Oct · Harrogate

Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show — Autumn 2026

An autumn baby and toddler show in Harrogate with expert talks, live demonstrations and over 100 family exhibitors.

1000 Trades, 16 Frederick Street, Birmingham B1 3HEAround £10 (see venue for booking)

Sun 4 Oct · Birmingham

Birmingham Jazz Presents: Alina Bzhezhinska's HipHarp

An intimate Friday-night jazz gig above a Jewellery Quarter bar, as harpist Alina Bzhezhinska reworks the compositions of Dorothy Ashby.

Oceanarium, Pier Approach, West Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 5AAFree

Sun 4 Oct · Bournemouth

Bournemouth Oceanarium Monthly Beach Clean

An hour on West Beach with the Marine Conservation Society — litter pickers and bags supplied, just turn up in old clothes.

Clumber Park (National Trust), Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3AZFree (National Trust car park charge applies for non-members)

Sun 4 Oct · Nottingham

Clumber Park Monthly Dog Walk

A free, no-booking guided dog walk around Clumber Park's parkland, welcoming sociable dogs and their owners.

The Stockyard, Melton Mowbray Market, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0NP£7 per day; under-16s free (accompanied)

Sun 4 – Mon 5 Oct · Melton Mowbray

East Midlands Food Festival

A fully under-cover showcase of regional food producers at Melton Mowbray's historic cattle market, with a Food Theatre and Kids Zone.

Sidwell Street & Cheeke Street, ExeterFree entry

Sun 4 Oct · Exeter

eat:Exeter Gate to Plate

Seventy-plus Devon food and drink producers take over Sidwell Street for a free, family-friendly street food festival.

Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens, Gunby, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 5SSGarden only: £6.50 adult / £3.50 child; free for National Trust members

Sun 4 Oct · Spilsby

Apple Day at Gunby Estate

Fifty-plus apple varieties on display in Gunby's walled orchard, with a Makers Market of craft and trade stalls throughout the garden.

Lower House Farm, Llanvair Discoed, Monmouthshire NP16 6LX£10 car pass (up to 7 people, booking fee applies); pumpkins from £1

Sun 4 Oct · Chepstow

Pumpkin Patch at Lower House Farm

A working Monmouthshire farm opens its 2,500-strong pumpkin patch for the season, from miniature gourds to giants, with animals and hot food in the barn.

Canal Basin, 19 Coach Street, Skipton BD23 1LHFree entry

Sun 4 Oct · Skipton

Skipton Artisan Market

A monthly artisan market by the Canal Basin in Skipton, with around two dozen makers selling handmade food, crafts and homeware.

St Peter's Street, St Albans AL1 3LDFree entry (most activities require no pre-booking)

Sun 4 Oct · St Albans

St Albans & Harpenden Food & Drink Festival Street Finale

St Peter's Street closes to traffic for a free day of cookery demos, a world food zone and local producers, closing out the city's food festival.

Portobello Town Hall, 147 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh EH15 1EUFree entry

Sun 4 Oct · Edinburgh

Support The Makers: Portobello Town Hall

A curated indoor market of handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles and prints from local makers, in Edinburgh's Portobello Town Hall.

Broadland Country Park, Norwich, NorfolkSponsored-walk entry fee — see norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sun 4 Oct · Norwich

Walk on the Wild Side

Norfolk Wildlife Trust's annual sponsored walk through Broadland Country Park, with routes for families, dog walkers and bigger challenges alike.

The Maltings and venues around Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland£9 per event

Mon 5 – Sun 11 Oct · Berwick Upon Tweed

Berwick Literary Festival

A week-long, flat-£9-a-ticket festival of authors, poets and broadcasters filling the walled border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Brackenclose Hut, Wasdale, Lake District, CumbriaFree to volunteer (basic hut accommodation provided; travel and gear at your own cost)

Mon 5 – Wed 7 Oct · Wasdale

Mend Our Mountains: Get Stuck In!

A free BMC conservation weekend repairing upland footpaths in Wasdale with Fix the Fells rangers — no experience needed, hut bed included.

The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW£11 for one adult + one child; £5 extra adult / £4 extra child

Tue 6 Oct · Wakefield

Toddler Tuesdays at The Hepworth Wakefield

A specialist early-years morning among Barbara Hepworth's sculptures, mixing singing, movement and messy making for under-5s and their grown-ups.

Knott End car park, Knott End-on-Sea, Lancashire FY6 0EAFree

Tue 6 Oct · Knott End On Sea

Knott End Beach Clean

A free, drop-in beach clean on the Fylde coast with all equipment supplied.

Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol BS2 0NWSee venue for ticket price

Tue 6 Oct · Bristol

Robert Jon & The Wreck

California blues-rock band's UK tour stops at Trinity, a converted Victorian church turned community arts venue in Bristol.

RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QBIncluded with garden admission, from £14.80 pre-booked

Wed 7 – Sun 11 Oct · Woking

Festival of Flavours at RHS Garden Wisley

Five days of tastings, cookery demonstrations and guided walks celebrating the harvest, included with garden admission.

Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SXTicketed — see event page for current price

Wed 7 Oct · Manchester

Sober Sunrise Silent Disco at Manchester Cathedral

Dance through decade-spanning hits on wireless headphones as dawn light floods Manchester Cathedral — no alcohol required.

Central Hall, West Tollcross, Edinburgh EH3 9PBFrom £5 general admission; Bavarian package from £35

Thu 8 – Sat 10 Oct · Edinburgh

Edinburgh Oktoberfest

Bavarian beer, bratwurst and a live oompah band move indoors to Tollcross's Central Hall for Edinburgh's biggest Oktoberfest yet.

Events Square, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3QYFree entry; evening headline music sessions ticketed separately

Thu 8 – Sun 11 Oct · Falmouth

Falmouth Oyster Festival

Cornwall's oldest working harbour marks the opening of the wild oyster season with four days of seafood, music and quayside cheer.

Citywide, over 50 venues across Lancaster city centre LA1Free (almost all shows; some ticketed extras)

Thu 8 – Sun 11 Oct · Lancaster

Lancaster Music Festival

A grassroots, almost entirely free music takeover of an entire city — four days of gigs in pubs, churches, cafés and squares.

Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50 1ULFestival Village free to enter; individual event tickets from around £12

Until 18 Oct · Cheltenham

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Ten days of author talks, debates and free festival-village fun in Montpellier Gardens — one of Britain's biggest literary gatherings.

Gala Durham and venues across Durham City, Millennium Place, Durham DH1 1WAFree – ticketed events

Fri 9 – Sun 11 Oct · Durham

Durham Book Festival

New Writing North's flagship festival brings Neil Tennant, Christopher Eccleston and major authors to Durham for one packed weekend.

County Hotel, 29 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PZ£20

Fri 9 Oct · Chelmsford

The Essex Alcohol-Free Comedy Club

A professional stand-up night with zero alcohol on sale anywhere in the room, in the County Hotel's Crystal Ballroom.

Attenborough Arts Centre, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HAFree

Until 14 Mar · Leicester

Jemisha Maadhavji: I Dream From Where You Are

A free solo show of pattern-rich portrait paintings and sculpture by Leicester artist Jemisha Maadhavji, opening with a launch evening.

Various venues, opening event at Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RDFrom around £22 per event (varies by event)

Until 25 Oct · Manchester

Manchester Literature Festival

Two and a half weeks of major authors and new voices across Manchester's venues, opening with Maggie O'Farrell.

Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, Nottingham NG1 2GBFree (suggested £5 donation)

Until 10 Jan · Nottingham

Julia Isídrez: Mud is Everything

A Paraguayan ceramicist's first-ever UK show turns raw clay into something startling at Nottingham's free contemporary art gallery.

Various venues across Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish BordersVaries by event — many free, some ticketed

Until 18 Oct · Dumfries Galloway

South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival

Ten days of stargazing, dusk safaris and dark-sky suppers across one of Europe's least light-polluted regions.

Venues across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Wensleydale Creamery, Gayle Lane, Hawes DL8 3RNVaries by venue — many free tastings; some workshops and guided walks ticketed separately

Until 18 Oct · Hawes

Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival

A ten-day, Dales-wide celebration of local dairy — tastings, cookery demos and meet-the-maker events at farm shops, dairies, pubs and cafés.

Derby Market Hall, Market Place, Derby DE1 2DBFree entry

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Oct · Derby

Artisans Uncovered at Derby Market Hall

A weekend craft market inside Derby's restored Victorian Market Hall showcasing handmade goods from Derby and Derbyshire creatives.

Attenborough Nature Centre, Barton Lane, Attenborough, Nottingham NG9 6DY£90 (materials, lunch and refreshments included)

Sat 10 Oct · Nottinghamshire

Attenborough in Watercolour: Painting Workshop

A small-group, all-abilities watercolour day beside the lakes at Attenborough Nature Reserve, led by artist Anjana Cawdell.

The Tin Music and Arts, Coventry Canal Basin, St Nicholas Street, Coventry CV1 4LY£13.20 general admission / £16.50 with Kitchen Club entry

Sat 10 Oct · Coventry

Aziz Ibrahim: Lahore to Longsight Album Launch

The Simply Red and Stone Roses guitarist plays his long-lost debut album live in Coventry's intimate converted coal-vault venue.

Lemon Quay, Truro, CornwallFree entry

Sat 10 Oct · Truro

The BIG Truro Market

Sixty-plus independent makers, designers and food producers fill Lemon Quay for the monthly market, with live music and street food, dog-friendly.

Cullercoats Methodist Church, The Broadway, Cullercoats, North Shields NE30 4PQFree entry

Sat 10 Oct · Cullercoats

Cullercoats Artisan Market

A free, friendly handmade market at Cullercoats Methodist Church — over 40 North East makers selling jewellery, woodwork, art and homewares.

RSPB Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, near Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 2EL£16.50 RSPB members; £20.50 non-members

Sat 10 Oct · Pulborough

Fascinated by Fungi at Pulborough Brooks

A guided autumn foray through RSPB Pulborough Brooks' wooded heath, spotting yellow brains, puffballs and parasols.

Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the Phoenix Centre & venues across Fishguard & Goodwick, PembrokeshireFree entry (charges may apply for some workshops)

Sat 10 Oct · Fishguard

Fishguard Bay Food Festival

A volunteer-run celebration of Pembrokeshire's food and drink scene fills Fishguard and Goodwick with producers, demos and tastings for a day.

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Mallard Way, Doncaster DN4 8DB£5 adult; 18 and under free

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Oct · Doncaster

Fungi Fest at Potteric Carr

A weekend of guided fungi forays, cookery demos and a mushroom market at a Doncaster wetland nature reserve.

Market Place, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LJFree entry

Sat 10 Oct · Grantham

Grantham Medieval Onion Fair

Grantham revives its 500-year-old onion charter fair, with a farmers' market, onion-eating contest and street performers.

York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW£15pp (includes gallery entry)

Sat 10 Oct · York

Life Drawing: Model as Muse

A grown-up, no-experience-needed life drawing session inside York Art Gallery.

Royal International Pavilion grounds and town centre, Llangollen, DenbighshireFree entry

Sat 10 – Sun 11 Oct · Llangollen

Llangollen Food Festival

North Wales's flagship food festival — 100+ exhibitors of Welsh meat, cheese and chocolate, chef demos and pumpkin carving, free entry.

The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TFFree entry

Sat 10 Oct · Norwich

Local Makers Market at The Forum, Norwich

Over 80 designer-makers spill inside and outside Norwich's landmark Forum building for jewellery, ceramics, prints and street food.

Mayfield's Secret Lavender Garden, Reigate Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3DWFrom £9.25 (ages 4+); under-2s free

Until 31 Oct · Epsom

Malice in Lavenderland: Pumpkin Patch & Spooky Trail

A pick-your-own pumpkin patch, ghost train and fantastical Halloween trail through the grounds of Mayfield's Secret Lavender Garden near Epsom.

Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EPFrom £12.50

Until 24 Oct · Newcastle

Oktoberfest Newcastle

Bavarian beers, oompah bands and stein-holding contests take over Times Square across three October Saturdays.

Killerton, Broadclyst, near Exeter, Devon EX5 3LENormal garden admission applies (National Trust members go free)

Until 3 Nov · Exeter

Orchard Month at Killerton

A month of apple-harvesting trails and cider-press demonstrations across Killerton's 50 acres of heritage orchards near Exeter.

Flag Market, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2NRFree entry

Sat 10 Oct · Preston

Preston Makers Market

Around 75 independent makers fill Preston's historic Flag Market for the day — handmade crafts, artwork, homeware and street food, free to browse.

Station Square, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1AEFree entry

Sat 10 Oct · Saltburn

Saltburn Farmers' Market

Around 35 stalls of local producers fill Station Square in this seaside town's monthly farmers' market, running since 2008.

Start point: Baltic Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead NE8 3BAFrom £8.74 (early bird registration)

Sat 10 Oct · Newcastle

Shine Night Walk Newcastle & Gateshead

A 10k night walk through illuminated Tyneside landmarks for Cancer Research UK — welcoming to solo walkers, teams and all paces.

West Woodlands Showground, Bunns Lane, Frome BA11 5ES£3 (under 16s free)

Sun 11 Oct · Frome

Frome Flea Market & Craft Fair

A large indoor-outdoor flea market and craft fair near Frome with over 250 traders, designer makers and a classic car meet.

Hergest Croft Gardens, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3EG£9.50 adults, under-16s free

Sun 11 Oct · Kington

Hergest Croft Gardens Autumn Plant Fair

One of Herefordshire's oldest plant fairs, with specialist nurseries and craft stalls set across 70 acres of autumn colour near Kington.

World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8ENFree museum entry; small planetarium charge (around £3-4pp)

Sun 11 Oct · Liverpool

Planetarium: Relaxed Session

A sensory-adapted planetarium show at World Museum Liverpool — lights kept low but on, sound turned down, and freedom to move or step out any time.

The Promenade, Roberts Park, Saltaire, Shipley, Bradford BD17 7LUFree entry

Sun 11 Oct · Saltaire

Saltaire Farmers' Market

A monthly farmers' market on the Promenade in Roberts Park, with local cheese, bread and preserves plus live music on the bandstand.

Dylan Thomas Square, Swansea Marina, Swansea SA1 1TTFree entry

Sun 11 Oct · Swansea

Marina Market, Swansea

A monthly waterside market at Swansea Marina with fresh local food and handcrafted goods from independent makers.

Market Place, Wells, Somerset BA5 2RBFree entry

Sun 11 Oct · Wells

Wells Food Festival

Nearly 200 Somerset producers fill the Market Place and cathedral moat for a free day of artisan food, drink and homewares.

High Street & Middle Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23Free entry

Sun 11 Oct · Winchester

Winchester Farmers' Market

One of the UK's largest farmers' markets, with Hampshire's producers filling the High Street twice a month.

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5 6BDFree for National Trust members; standard estate admission applies for non-members (from around £15 adult)

Tue 13 Oct · Dorking

Dog Walking Group at Polesden Lacey

A monthly group ramble round the National Trust estate, dogs on and off lead, humans included.

Totnes Civic Hall, Market Square, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5SFFree entry

Tue 13 Oct · Totnes

Totnes Indoor Artisan Market

Twenty-plus South Devon makers set up in Totnes Civic Hall for a monthly artisan market of jewellery, textiles, prints and handmade chocolate.

Bodnant Garden, Tal-y-Cafn, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL28 5RETicketed; materials and garden admission included — see National Trust website for price

Wed 14 Oct · Conwy

Pastel Workshop with Paul Pigram

A day-long pastel painting workshop inside Bodnant Garden's autumn colour, taught by Conwy artist Paul Pigram with all materials supplied.

Multiple venues including Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RLFree (donations welcome)

Until 14 Feb · Bristol

Bristol Photo Festival: Time Machine

Bristol's leading galleries and museums throw open nine major photography exhibitions exploring time as layered and cyclical rather than a straight line.

Multiple venues across Norwich city centre, including Cinema City, St Laurence Church and the Octagon ChapelDay and weekend passes — see wildpaths.co.uk for current prices

Wed 14 – Sun 18 Oct · Norwich

Wild Paths Festival

Fifteen-plus venues across Norwich's old lanes and churches fill with new music, talks and late-night sets for one boundary-pushing autumn weekend.

Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4ADIncluded in admission (£15 adult; free for National Trust members)

Wed 14 Oct · Godalming

Winkworth Arboretum Guided Autumn Walk

A free, volunteer-led walk through Winkworth's maple groves at the peak of autumn colour — an easy, sociable way to spend a Surrey morning outdoors.

Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SXFrom £21

Thu 15 Oct · Manchester

Candlelight: Queen and ABBA

A string quartet performs Queen and ABBA's biggest hits by candlelight inside Manchester Cathedral's soaring Gothic nave.

Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0FEFrom around £8 in advance (2025 pricing) — check greatnorthernevents.co.uk for confirmed 2026 tickets

Thu 15 – Sun 18 Oct · Manchester

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

200+ UK designer-makers show and sell ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass and furniture inside Manchester's historic Victoria Baths.

Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester PO19 1TJ£7.50 (included in Thursday Late admission)

Thu 15 Oct · Chichester

Thursday Late: Life Drawing

A drop-in life drawing session with tutor Wendy Barratt as part of Pallant House Gallery's evening opening — no experience or booking needed.

Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells West Station, Tunbridge Wells, KentFree entry; optional rover ticket for unlimited heritage-train travel between venues

Thu 15 – Sun 18 Oct · Tunbridge Wells

Spa Valley Railway Real Ale & Cider Festival

Around 200 real ales and 70 ciders spread across five stops on a heritage railway line — hop between them by steam train.

Multiple venues, Cardiff city centreSee swnfest.seetickets.com for ticket price

Thu 15 – Sat 17 Oct · Cardiff

Sŵn Festival

Cardiff's beloved multi-venue new-music festival takes over the city's small stages for three nights of the best emerging Welsh and UK acts.

Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queens Road, Leeds LS6 1NY£27.50 advance

Thu 15 Oct · Leeds

The Bluetones at the Brudenell

The Bluetones play "Expecting to Fly" in full for its 30th anniversary, at Leeds' beloved Brudenell Social Club.

New Wimbledon Theatre and venues across Wimbledon, London SW19Varies by event; £10 tickets for 16–29-year-olds, family events typically £6–£12

Until 25 Oct · London

Wimbledon BookFest 2026

London's leading literary festival returns with big-name authors, a manga draw-along and £10 tickets for under-30s.

Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ£6.50 adult / £3.25 child (grounds admission); free for National Trust members

Fri 16 – Sat 17 Oct · Worksop

Apple Celebrations at Clumber Park

Taste heritage apple varieties from Clumber's walled-garden orchard, home to a National Collection of over 70 kinds.

The Space, Nottingham Contemporary, Weekday Cross, Nottingham NG1 2GBFree entry

Fri 16 – Sun 18 Oct · Nottingham

Print Fair Contemporary

Over 35 printmakers and illustrators fill two floors of Nottingham Contemporary for one weekend — free entry, original and affordable art.