Things To Do In September In the UK 2026
Image Credit: Jeremy Thomas
In September, as the kids go back to school and adults go back to work and education after their summer breaks, the weather cools and leaves begin to turn brown.
September events often reflect the turn towards autumn, celebrating Harvest festival, education and food.
There is so much to do this September across the UK. Whether you like to go on an adventure, go to the theatre, a movie or to get into the great outdoors there is something for everyone.
Open Doors Wales will be held from 1st Sep to 30th Sep 2026. This is an opportunity to visit more than 200 of Wales' historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems for free, especially encouraging visitors to the country's lesser-known and smaller-scale sites.
There are locations all across Wales which are partipating in this year's events, find one near you at Open Doors Wales
Curious will be held from 5th Sep to 13th Sep 2026. Scotland's festival of knowledge, this annual festival is a showcase of big ideas from Scotland's leading minds. A programme of free events includes exhibitions, tours, talks and workshops.
In general you will need to book for events, which you can do at Curious
Movie Time! As the end of the year approaches the movie industry is starting to release some of the biggest films of the year. Here is what's on at the cinema right now.
Heritage Open Days England will be held from 11th Sep to 20th Sep 2026. Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all of which are FREE to explore.
With everything from museums to waterways, theatres to sport there is something for everyone. Find what's on near you at Heritage Open Days England
Heritage Open Days NI will be held from 12th Sep to 13th Sep 2026. Explore Northern Ireland's Heritage in it's largest celebration of built, cultural and natural heritage, offering free access to hundreds of events, historic sites, and unique experiences across the region.
From castles and country houses to museums, churches, heritage attractions, and community-led projects, EHOD provides a unique opportunity to experience Northern Ireland's heritage in new and exciting ways. You can find out about events at Heritage Open Days NI
Roald Dahl Story Day takes place on 13th Sep 2026. The birthday of author Roald Dahl was chosen as a day to promote reading and raise money for the children's charities which Dahl supported in his lifetime.
There are Roald Dahl Reading day events held across the country in libraries and schools. Special events are also held in Great Missenden, where Dahl lived and also at the Roald Dahl Children's Gallery in Aylesbury. Find events near you at Roald Dahl Story Day
Recycle Week will be held from 14th Sep to 20th Sep 2026. A week organised by Recycle Now, devoted to encouraging all of us to increase the amount of waste which we recycle.
Learn more about recycling and maybe recycle something you did not know was recyclable! Read more about it at Recycle Week
September 2026 Events Celebrations & Special Days - Events, celebrations, awareness events, saint's days and annual campaigns. All the key dates happening this September in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as around the world.
The British Science Festival will be held from 16th Sep to 20th Sep 2026. This annual festival takes place in a different location each year in 2026 it takes place in Southhampton. Aimed at an adult audience, it covers science topics from health to history, engineering, nature and technology.
There are also workshops, performances and exhibitions. All events are free but some may require booking. See the whole programme of events at The British Science Festival
The Great British Beach Clean will be held from 18th Sep to 27th Sep 2026. Spearheaded by the Marine Conservation Society, this is a week-long citizen science event, where hundreds of beach cleans take place up and down the UK.
Find out how you can join in the clean up at The Great British Beach Clean
York Food & Drink Festival will be held from 18th Sep to 27th Sep 2026. Celebrate the very best of Yorkshire food, drink and independent producers at this event held in the city of York, the heart of which is heart is the daily food market in Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square. Try workshops and tastings too.
You can also take the opportunity to try out York's best cafes, restaurants, delis and food businesses. Find out what's on at York Food & Drink Festival
Wigtown Book Festival will be held from 25th Sep to 4th Oct 2026. Wigtown is Scotland's national booktown and this festival includes over 200 bookish events. There is everything for kids, YA and adults fro lovers of fiction and non-fiction.
Whether you love poetry or politics, novels or nature there is something for everyone at the Wigtown Book Festival
More Things To Do In September 2026
Going out to your local park, forest or countryside is a wonderful way to get out this September. Usually free, it is a good way to get fresh air and exercise and even walk the dog. Here are 10 of the best places to walk the dog in the UK.
Late September also brings us to the autumn equinox when the days become more dark than light. On this day it is traditional to watch the sun rise, and many people converge on ancient sites such as Stonehenge in Wiltshire to witness this sunrise.
We celebrate our children around the world with National Daughter's Day on 25th September and National Son's Day three days later on 28th September. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to go for a fun day out to do whatever you love to do together, whether that is visiting a local attraction, taking a walk or a bike ride, going out for a meal or a snack or watching a favourite movie.
Even More Ideas For Things To Do
- If you're in the north of England or south of Scotland, you could visit one of the 10 Best Places To Go In Northumberland.
- Enjoy the great outdoors and meet some farmyard friends at one of Top UK Farm Parks. Meet cows, sheep, goats and pigs and learn about everything that goes on at a farm.
- For more ideas here are 5 Things to Do in any Town, City or Village and they are all things that you can do for free.
- Visit the Top Aquariums in the UK for an aquatic day out. See fish, sharks, eels, rays as well as otters and sealions at coastal locations. Here are the best the UK has to offer.