Things to Do in September 2026
Summer may be winding down, but September 2026 is absolutely packed with brilliant things to do as a family! From free historic open days and Scottish Highland games to immersive light shows and food festivals, there is genuinely something for every age group this month.
TL;DR: September 2026 highlights include Heritage Open Days (11-20 Sept, free nationwide), the Braemar Gathering (5 Sept, Scotland), Roald Dahl Day (13 Sept), Blackpool Illuminations (ongoing), and the York Food Festival. Whether you’re after free days out, outdoor adventures or indoor activities as the weather turns, we’ve got you covered!
Whether the kids are back at school or you’re squeezing in one last family adventure before half term, September is a genuinely underrated month for days out. Here are the best things to do in September 2026!
Free Things to Do in September 2026
September is one of the best months of the year for free family days out. Here are the ones we’d prioritise!
Heritage Open Days (11-20 September, Nationwide)
Every September, thousands of historic buildings, gardens, museums and spaces across England throw open their doors for free as part of Heritage Open Days. We’re talking over 5,000 events covering everything from medieval manor houses and music halls to formal gardens and fascinating graveyards.
It’s the perfect excuse to explore somewhere on your doorstep that you’d normally have to pay to enter. Kids can get stuck into arts and crafts, walking trails and even medieval combat displays. Completely free, brilliantly British!
When: 11-20 September 2026 Where: Nationwide Cost: Free
Roald Dahl Day (13 September, Nationwide)
The beloved author’s birthday is celebrated every year on 13 September, and it’s one of the most joyful things to do in September with younger children! Many schools join in with dress-up days, but you can absolutely celebrate at home too. Think Willy Wonka costumes, a Giant Peach baking session or a family movie marathon of the classics.
When: 13 September 2026 Where: Nationwide (schools and at home) Cost: Free
Blackpool Illuminations (From 1 September, Blackpool)
Six miles of Blackpool seafront lit up with traditional festoons, tableaux, projections and interactive features? Yes please! The Blackpool Illuminations kick off on 1 September and run right through to January, making them one of the UK’s greatest free light shows.
Walk the Promenade, hop on an illuminated tram tour and spot the famous Tableaux displays, from hula dancers and pirate ships to ballerinas and Egyptian scenes!
When: From 1 September 2026 Where: Blackpool Promenade Cost: Free (tram tours extra)
Outdoor Events and Adventures in September 2026
September weather in the UK can be glorious, and even when it isn’t, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had. These are the big outdoor highlights for families this month.
The Braemar Gathering (5 September, Scotland)
One of the most spectacular events in the UK calendar, the Braemar Gathering is Scotland’s most famous Highland Games and takes place on 5 September 2026. Think pipers, Highland dancers, traditional athletics like caber tossing and hammer throwing, and incredible local food.
It’s a brilliant cultural experience for families, and the atmosphere is unlike anything else. The event traditionally draws a royal audience, which makes it feel even more special!
When: 5 September 2026 Where: The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar, Aberdeenshire Cost: Tickets vary; check the official site for 2026 pricing
The Great River Race (12 September, London)
A brilliant spectacle even if you’re just watching from the riverbank! The Great River Race sees hundreds of traditional boats of all shapes and sizes race 21.6 miles along the Thames, from Millwall to Richmond. Dragon boats, Viking longboats, Hawaiian war canoes… it’s a free and genuinely exciting afternoon out for families in London.
When: 12 September 2026 Where: River Thames, London Cost: Free to watch
York Food Festival (Late September, York)
A firm family favourite, the York Food Festival brings over 100 stalls of local produce, street food, chef demonstrations and free cookery workshops to the heart of York. The workshops are designed for all ages, from bread-making and pasta to fun food science sessions the kids will love.
When: Late September 2026 (dates TBC, typically runs for 10 days) Where: Parliament Street, York Cost: Free entry (food and drink purchases extra)
Indoor and Cultural Days Out in September 2026
As the evenings draw in and the weather becomes a little less predictable, September is the ideal time to explore some of the UK’s best indoor attractions. The good news? Many of them are completely free.
British Science Festival (16-20 September)
The British Science Festival is a fantastic five-day celebration of science, technology and discovery aimed at curious minds of all ages. Events and talks take place across a host city each year, with hands-on activities and demonstrations that genuinely get kids excited about how the world works.
When: 16-20 September 2026 Where: Host city TBC; check the official site for venue details Cost: Many events are free
London Design Festival (12-20 September, London)
If you’re in or near London, the London Design Festival is a wonderful excuse to explore the city’s creative side with older children and teenagers. Installations, exhibitions and interactive displays pop up across the capital, many of them completely free to visit.
When: 12-20 September 2026 Where: Various venues across London Cost: Many events are free
Open House Festival (13-21 September, London)
Every September, hundreds of London’s most remarkable buildings open their doors to the public for free as part of the Open House Festival. We’re talking iconic architecture, hidden gems and spaces you’d never normally get access to. It’s a genuinely brilliant and unusual thing to do in September with curious kids!
When: 13-21 September 2026 Where: Various venues across London Cost: Free
Free Museums (All Month, Nationwide)
Don’t overlook the classics! The Natural History Museum, British Museum and National Maritime Museum all offer free admission year-round, but September is a particularly good time to visit as the summer holiday crowds have thinned out considerably. Quieter galleries, shorter queues, happier families!
Where: London (and major cities nationwide) Cost: Free
September 2026 at a Glance
Here’s a quick-reference summary of the key dates so you can plan ahead!
| Date | Event | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sept onwards | Blackpool Illuminations | Blackpool | Free |
| 5 Sept | Braemar Gathering | Aberdeenshire | Ticketed |
| 11-20 Sept | Heritage Open Days | Nationwide | Free |
| 12 Sept | Great River Race | London (Thames) | Free to watch |
| 12-20 Sept | London Design Festival | London | Mostly free |
| 13 Sept | Roald Dahl Day | Nationwide | Free |
| 13-21 Sept | Open House Festival | London | Free |
| 16-20 Sept | British Science Festival | TBC | Mostly free |
| Late Sept | York Food Festival | York | Free entry |
September is genuinely one of the most underrated months for family days out. The crowds have thinned, the prices have dropped and the UK’s event calendar is absolutely buzzing with brilliant things to do.
Looking for even more inspiration? Browse our UK school holiday dates 2026 guide to plan around the autumn half term, or explore all the family days out near you on Day Out With The Kids!