Here is our pick of some of the best events, festivals and concerts taking place across the UK in November 2019.
Guided tour: Autumn colour, winter twigs and berries, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
7th November
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are an amazing sight at any time of year, but you won’t want to miss this mesmerizing autumn trail. On the guided tour, you'll wander through vibrant red and yellow foliage and view plenty of winter twigs and berries, all homed in the gardens that haven't changed since they were designed by J.C. Loudon, a Scottish garden planner and horticultural journalist, in 1830. For more information and tickets, visit: birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
An introduction to print making, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
8th - 9th November
This event, costing £55 per person, is an introductory workshop that explores the linocut printing technique. Alongside entrance to the garden and tea and coffee, you'll be amongst the inspiring Chatsworth Garden grounds and be able to create, carve and print a linocut block, combining vivid colours and textures to make your own individual design. Find out more about the event on chatsworth.org.
The Festival of Light at Longleat, Wiltshire
9th November
Head to Longleat for the fourth annual Festival of Light – a glorious display of illuminated lanterns. This year’s theme is Myths and Legends, bringing to life much-loved classic tales across the 30 acres of landscaped grounds. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Longleat website.
Robert E Fuller’s Christmas Wildlife Exhibition, Fotherdale Farm, Malton
9th November - 1st December
Admire the beauty of wildlife in winter at the Robert Fuller Gallery. Wildlife artist Robert E Fuller spends hours researching his subjects and makes regular TV appearances to share his passion for animals. In this Christmas exhibition, which is completely free to visit, visitors can view the artist's beautiful wildlife paintings before visiting the studio where he works. To find out more, head to the artist's website.
Christmas Countdown, Blenheim Palace
14th - 30th November
Celebrate the festive season at Blenheim Palace. There are tons of activities happening throughout the month of November, from festive illuminated light trails complete with mulled wine and hot chocolate, to an Alice in the Palace event - where the palace grounds are 'transformed into a whimsical topsy-turvy wonderland'. There's also a Living Crafts for Christmas event with over 150 British designers, and a festive Christmas market. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy. For more information or to book tickets, have a look at the Blenheim Palace events page.
Kendal Mountain Festival, Cumbria
14- 17 November
Not just famous for its mint cake, Kendal attracts thousands of people from all over the world to the award-winning Kendal Mountain Festival. For four days you can celebrate all things outdoors; including sports, culture, amazing adventure feats, environment and wildlife.
Activities include the International Film Competition, labelled the 'Oscars of outdoor filmmaking' which features screenings of over 100 films, the worlds largest lecture programme covering outdoor content, art and photography exhibitions, book events, workshops, athletes, legends and pop up shops - there is something for every lover of the outdoors to enjoy.
Visit: Kendal Mountain Festival
Real Ale Wobble, Llanwrtyd Wells
16th November
For those who don’t take cycling too seriously, the Real Ale Wobble is a non-competitive event celebrating the start of the Mid Wales Beer festival. There are routes for all abilities, which show off the country’s splendid scenery of unspoilt mountains and forestry. Locally brewed real ale is available at festival venues throughout the day and evening, whilst local bands provide excellent entertainment. To enter, visit: green-events.co.uk
Melton Mowbray Chocfest, Leicestershire
16-17 November
This is the place to be if you’re a serious chocoholic, as treats range from classic chocolate cakes, fudge and brownies, to more unusual creations such as chocolate pizza, kebabs and beer. Chocfest also hosts a variety of talks, demonstrations, tastings and workshops. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to get stuck in and create something delicious for yourself, or the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one. Plus, tickets are only £4 in advance.
For more information and workshop tickets, go to www.ukchocfest.co.uk
Hay Festival Winter Weekend, Breconshire
28th November - 1st December
Hay-on-Wye brings you their Winter Weekend, a smaller version of their main festival. The market square will be transformed into a flurry of festivity, with Christmas lights, stalls, carol singers, and entertainment. Last year saw Hay Food Festival showcase local produce perfect for winter recipes, Hay does Vintage filled the square with an array of vintage and retro market stalls and there was even a dance party to start the event. For more information or to book tickets, visit: hayfestival.com/winterweekend
Christmas in Cornwall, Eden Project Winter Festival
Throughout November
The Eden Project is a sight to behold during the festive period, and this year is no exception. At night, the gardens are beautifully lit and you can skate on the gleaming ice rink before sitting down to a seasonal meal in the café. Kids also get the chance to meet Santa and his elves in a cosy tent full of stockings, stories and more. For further information, visit: edenproject.com