What To Do in the British Countryside In September 2024
We might be saying goodbye to summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun’s over in the British countryside!
September is still packed with plenty to see and do, and if you’ve been following our blog for a while now, you know we love putting these guides together for you. It’s one of our favourite things to do, especially when there’s so much happening.
This month is shaping up to be another fantastic one with plenty of agricultural events, food festivals, and family favourites to add to your calendar.
Please note that every effort has been made to provide the correct information here below, but we advise referring to the official websites or social media platforms for each event to stay up-to-date.
Braemar Gathering
- Location: Braemar, Cairngorms
- Date: Saturday 7th September 2024
- Time: 9AM - 5PM
The stunning Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park is where this annual outdoor event takes place - and it's been running since 1832!
Known as the most prominent and well-attended Highland games in the world, members of the British Royal Family are often in attendance, and it is the highlight of the sporting calendar in Scotland every year.
The Great British Food Festival at Margam Park
- Location: Port Talbot, South Wales
- Date: Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th September 2024
- Time: 10AM - 7.30PM (Sat), 10AM - 5PM (Sun)
Chef Demos, Challenge Stage, Bake Stage, BBQ Stage, NEW Grow Your Own Stage, Circus Skills, Live Music Stage, Craft & Gift Marquee, Artisan Market, Street Food and Bars - this is certainly an action-packed, foodie adventure for everyone in South Wales!
There are great activities for kids too, so it's perfect for a family day out.
Gloucester History Festival
- Location: Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester
- Date: Saturday 7th – Sunday 22nd September 2024
- Time: Various - check brochure on website for specific events
This popular annual festival is known for attracting well-known historians, authors, and experts who give talks and lead discussions on various historical subjects. There are also reenactments, guided tours, and family-friendly activities that bring history to life.
This year, you can enjoy talks given by William Dalrymple, Philippa Gregory, Mark Gatiss, and many more throughout the weeks it is run for.
Jane Austen Festival
- Location: Bath
- Date: Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd September 2024
- Time: Various - check website for specific events
This ten-day celebration is the largest and longest running Jane Austen Festival in the world, first taking place back in 2001.
It kicks off with a Regency Costumed Promenade, which currently holds the Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest gathering of people dressed in Regency costumes’. Then you can take part in guided walks, costumed balls, theatrical performances, talks, and plenty more exciting events!
Llandovery Sheep Festival
- Location: Carmarthenshire, Wales
- Date: Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th September 2024
- Time: Events seem to start at 10AM, but please check on their website
Offering free entry, this promises to be a full weekend of fun for all the family. It's a vibrant and colourful event that showcases the best of Welsh rural traditions and community spirit.
Highlights often include sheepdog demonstrations, wool-spinning and weaving workshops, and traditional sheep shearing displays. Beyond the sheep, there are food stalls, rural crafts, and lots of entertainment.
Holmfirth Food & Drink Festival
- Location: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
- Date: Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th September 2024
- Time: 10AM - 6PM (Sat), 10AM - 5PM (Sun)
This free, family-friendly event in Yorkshire is all about delicious food and drink, plus entertainment and live music.
Enjoy the best local and regional traders, with stalls selling everything from Greek street food to burgers and jacket potatoes - as well as cakes, sweets, spirits, and so much more!
Kids will love the face painting and birds of prey demonstrations, and there are some great bands lined up to play too.
2024 Annual Steam Gala
- Location: North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Date: Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2024
- Time: 9AM - 7PM
Eleven locomotives are showcased here, with special guest locomotives and home-fleet engines to enjoy!
There are also tea huts, a beer festival, and a shed shop where you can buy model railway items on around the local area, so make sure you check these out too.
The timetable is due to be published mid-August, so head over to their website to keep up-to-date with what's happening on this amazing four-day event.
Scarborough Jazz Festival 2024
- Location: South Bay, Scarborough
- Date: Friday 27th – Sunday 29th Sep 2024
- Time: Various - check website for specific performances
In its 21st year, this weekend of music remains as popular as ever!
A wide range of jazz performances are on offer for you to enjoy, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging talents. The styles include traditional jazz to contemporary interpretations, including European folk influences, Middle Eastern jazz fusions, and big band performances.
Malvern Autumn Show 2024
- Location: Malvern, Worcestershire
- Date: Friday 27th – Sunday 29th Sep 2024
- Time: 9AM - 6PM
This is one of the biggest events in agriculture, celebrating harvest season by offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Kids can make the most of the pedal tractors, climbing walls, and learn circus skills!
Some of the highlights include the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championship, where you can see record-breaking produce like enormous pumpkins and extra-long leeks, and the RHS Flower Show.
New features for 2024 include The Great Malvern Cake Off, a tent dedicated to baking enthusiasts with live demonstrations and competitions inspired by the popular TV show.
UK Country Shows in September 2024
Before we wrap up, let's take a look at some of the brilliant country shows happening this month. They are a true celebration of our beautiful countryside, our food producers, and everyone who loves the rural lifestyle.
| Show | Location | Date |
| Alresford Show | Tichborne Park, Alresford | 7th September 2024 |
| Dalmally Show | Dalmally | 7th September 2024 |
| Keighley & District Agricultural Show | Aireworth Road, Keighley | 7th September 2024 |
| Kingsbridge Show | Borough Farm, Kingsbridge | 7th September 2024 |
| Moreton-in-Marsh Show | Batsford Road, Moreton-in-Marsh | 7th September 2024 |
| Dorset County Show | The Dorchester Showground, Dorchester | 7th - 8th September 2024 |
| Lancashire Game & Country Festival | Woodacre Lodge Farm, Scorton | 7th - 8th September 2024 |
| Sandringham Game & Country Fair | Sandringham Estate, Sandringham | 7th - 8th September 2024 |
| Westmorland County Show | Lane Farm, Crooklands | 11th - 12th September 2024 |
| Henley Show | The Henley Showground, Hambleden | 14th September 2024 |
| Penistone Show | Penistone Showground, Penistone | 14th September 2024 |
| Stanhope Show | Unthank Park, Stanhope | 14th - 15th September 2024 |
| National Country Show Live | Hylands Park, Chelmsford | 14th - 16th September 2024 |
| South of England Autumn Show | The South of England Showground | 21st - 22nd September 2024 |
| Nidderdale Agricultural Show | Bewerley Park, Harrogate | 22nd September 2024 |
| Yorkshire Shooting Show | Doncaster Racecourse | 28th - 29th September 2024 |
You can also enjoy horse trials such as the Blenheim Horse Trials at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock on 19th - 22nd September 2024. For more information, check out our separate blog post.
Summary
And there you have it—a taste of what September has to offer in the UK countryside. We love sharing these monthly roundups with you, and we hope this one has given you plenty of inspiration to make the most of the next few weeks ahead.
Don’t forget to check back for more updates and, as always, we’d love to hear about any events you’re excited about—drop us a comment or message anytime.
About the Author
Mark Holland has a keen eye for all things men's country clothing. Living amidst the fields and farms, he understands the practical aspects of rural living and the timeless style that accompanies it. His advice reflects a genuine appreciation for the comfort and connection that come with country wear. If you're looking for down-to-earth recommendations, then trust Mark to guide you through kitting out your wardrobe with firm favourites and classic designs.
