Exciting things to do close to the capital in September 2024, all easily accessible in a day trip. Browse our Beyond London section for ideas for other day trips and weekends away.
DRAGON BOAT RACE: Around 40 minutes on the train from central London, the town of Tonbridge hosts its annual dragon boat race and food festival, taking place on a rather pretty stretch of the River Medway in front of a medieval castle. Watch more than 20 teams going head to head, then explore the rest of the town, including historic buildings, a miniature railway and that castle. 1 September (Kent)
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: London has its fair share of Heritage Open Days, but they take place all around the country too, offering the public visits and experiences which are usually off-limits, similar to Open House Festival. Take a look at the full programme — you can visit windmills, tunnels, churches, forts, hospitals, houses and more. 6-15 September
COOKHAM REGATTA: Watch all manner of boats take to the river for races and showcases at the Cookham Regatta, on the Thames near Maidenhead. Take part yourself, or watch the action from dry land, where entertainment includes a dog show, classic car display, dragon boat racing and charity stalls. While you're in the area, why not take this self-guided walk around Cookham. 7 September (Berkshire)
GOODWOOD REVIVAL BY TRAIN: Historic motor race meeting Goodwood Revival (6-8 September) is a treat in itself, staged entirely in a period theme, with classic cars in action and vintage fashions to ogle. To make it even more special, travel there from Paddington or Slough via a Steam Dreams steam train. Dining options are available, and once you arrive in Chichester you can choose to explore the city, visit Arundel Castle, or head to Goodwood Revival. 8 September (Sussex)
RYE ARTS FESTIVAL: Books, films, music, writing, baking, gardening and cooking are just some of the activities covered at Rye Arts Festival. The fortnight-long event on the East Sussex coast is now on its 53rd edition, and celebrates local talent and heritage. Highlights include tours into the normally-closed Winchelsea cellars. Why not spend a whole weekend in Rye. 3-29 September (East Sussex)
SEVENOAKS LITERARY FESTIVAL: Historian Kate Williams, novelist Robert Harris and dancer Anton du Beke are among the big names at this Sevenoaks Literary Festival, taking place in venues around the Kent town. Browse the programme and get booking — then take a look at what else there is to do in Sevenoaks while you're there. It's only about half an hour on the train from central London. 13 September-29 October (Kent)
SALUTE TO THE 194oS: One of Britain's biggest vintage festivals, Salute To The 40s arrives at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Fancy dress is encouraged at the 1940s-themed weekend, where live music comes courtesy of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the D-Day Darlings, while other entertainment includes historical re-enactments, vintage military vehicle displays, and a fashion parade. Consider visiting the rest of the Historic Dockyard Chatham while you're there — we were seriously impressed on our visit. 14-15 September (Kent)
SEAFOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL: The seaside town of Hastings hosts a seafood and wine festival. Spend the weekend tucking into tasty dishes washed down with vino, whether you're a connoisseur or completely clueless. The festival is located on The Stade, right on the seafront, and also includes live music from nine different bands, plus street entertainment. 14-15 September (East Sussex)
CACTUS AT THE CASTLE: The wonderful Lullingstone Castle and World Garden — which we visited recently — hosts a Cactus at the Castle weekend celebrating all things Mexican. Browse and buy cacti from over 30 nurseries and growers, along with talks and demos by experts, and tours of the World Garden by the man who created it, Tom Hart Dyke. 14-15 September (Kent)
DOGFEST: Bow wow wow your way over to Knebworth House for DogFest, a weekend of canine-friendly fun including dog shows, agility displays, a big dog walk, tips and training advice from experts, live music, stalls, and a food and drink festival. 21-22 September (Hertfordshire)
CLIVEDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL: Country house Cliveden has, in its time, inspired writers including Alexander Pope, George Bernard Shaw, Jonathan Swift, Lord Tennyson and Sir Winston Churchill — so it's an apt venue for a literary festival. Salman Rushdie, Emily Maitlis, Elif Shafak and Ian McEwan are among the big names scheduled to appear at talks and panel discussions. 21-22 September (Berkshire)
BEER FESTIVAL: Raise a glass to the St Albans Beer & Cider Festival, taking place in the sizeable Alban Arena. This year's participating breweries have yet to be announced, but we're promised hundreds of cask ales, plus live music throughout each session. 25-28 September (Hertfordshire)
HARVEST FESTIVAL: Celebrate harvest the traditional way at Chiltern Open Air Museum, which hosts a harvest festival including heavy horse and sheep dog displays, morris dancing, and a chance to learn about the fire kiln and saw pits. Find out more about the museum here. 28-29 September
