Best countryside events, festivals and concerts in September

Here is our pick of some of the best events, festivals and concerts taking place across the UK in September 2019.

Red Squirrel walk and talk, Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

1st September – 30th September

Throughout the whole of September, visitors to the Plas Newydd mansion and gardens can enjoy spectacular views of Snowdonia while being guided on a red squirrel walk. During the walk, you’ll venture into the woods while volunteer rangers explain more about these amazing creatures, their habitats and how they were reintroduced to Anglesey after being in serious decline during the 1990s. More information can be found via the National Trust website.

More related content: 

• History and heritage days out
• National park walks 
• Get active: the best things to do in Britain 

Summer nights outdoor film festival, various locations

1st – 21st September

Don’t say goodbye to summer just yet – Britain’s outdoor film screenings continue to play long into September. With classics such as Dirty Dancing and Grease along with more contemporary choices like  Bohemian Rhapsody being shown, there’s something for everyone. From Attingham Park in Shropshire to Belton House in Lincolnshire, discover your nearest location by visiting the Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival website.

Bat detecting walk, Gunnislake

7^th September

In this event, organised by Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project as part of their Wildlife Weekend, visitors will be guided through the beautiful countryside surroundings near Gunnislake. On this evening walk, course members will use high-tech bat detectors to spot listen out for bats, while searching for the elusive greater horseshoe bat. Find out more about the bat detecting walk here.

River Dart 10K wild swim, Devon

14th September – 15th September

Now in its tenth year, the River Dart 10k is an open water event that started with 200 swimmers and now has 1600. It starts from the small market town of Totnes, Devon, and follows the River Dart along the estuary to finish at Dittisham. If you’re intrigued by the idea of bracing the chilly waters, have a look at the inspiring video of the swim in a previous year, or read writer Rosee Woodland’s first hand account of the challenge.

The swim is now full for 2019, but spectators can come and cheer on swimmers – find out more on the Outdoor Swimming Society website.

Dart 10k Outdoor Swimming Society from Outdoor Swimming Society on Vimeo.

Yorkshire fossil festival, Scarborough

13th September – 15th September

This September, the Yorkshire Fossil Festival returns to Scarborough for a weekend of fossil-friendly activities and dinosaur discovery. This year’s free event will see activities throughout the entire weekend, including performances, scientific demonstrations, fossil handling, educational workshops and the popular dinosaur walks. All this, plus the opportunity to go rock pooling along the Dinosaur Coast. All events are based at the Rotunda Museum. See more: yorkshirefossilfestival.co.uk

Purbeck Nordic Walking Festival, Dorset

13th September – 15th September

Ever wondered what Nordic Walking is? Or perhaps you’re already a pro? One thing’s for sure, with visitors travelling from all over the UK and as far away as Japan, the Purbeck Nordic Walking Festival in Dorset is a weekend not to be missed. Enjoy the majestic Jurassic coast – its ancient castles and seaside villages – with over 100 walks, workshops and presentations including yoga walking, a Corfe Castle cream tea walk and pizza night.

Newquay Fish Festival, Newquay

13th September – 15th September

The region’s top chefs will be down in the harbour giving lively demonstrations and showcasing the regions finest seafood. If you don’t like fish, never fear – there will be a variety of entertainment including live music, craft stalls and street theatre. Child-friendly activities such as sandcastle building competitions are also happening down on the beach. Find out more on the Newquay Fish Fest website.

Bristol Open Doors: Hidden City, Bristol

13th September – 15th September

This event offers participants the keys to the city for a weekend, opening over 100 landmark buildings and curious spaces, many of which are not normally open to the public. This year sees the opening of locations such as the 18^th century Albion Dock at the SS Great Britain and the former Filton Airfield and Brabazon Hangars (the birthplace of Concorde). Plus, among a mix of drop-in book events, tours, talks, walks and experiences, you can also step aboard a 19^th century lightship, visit Avery’s Wine Cellars and explore the recently converted General Hospital. Find out more details via Visit Bristol or the Bristol Open Doors website.

Battle of Dunbar re-enactment, Spott Road, Dunbar

14th September – 15th September

This living history event will see Dunbar come alive with the thundering of hooves and crack of muskets, as the Scottish Battlefields Trust re-enacts the Battle of Dunbar 1650. This educational event will include demonstrations of cavalry tactics while visitors can wander around immersive military camps. The event is family friendly, and will also include stalls and crafts. Find out more by visiting East Lothian Battle Weekends.

Great British Beach Clean, various locations

20th September – 23rd September

Last year, 15,000 volunteers cleaned 8,550 kilos of litter from beaches around the UK during Britain’s biggest beach clean. This year, the Marine Conservation Society are looking for volunteers to take part again, in the 26th annual clean up. Events will be taking place all over the UK, from Cornwall and Devon to Northern Ireland and the Highlands. Volunteers help with conservation efforts by recording the litter found along the coastline, and while you’re there help the wildlife you love. Find out more about how you can help this September on the Marine Conservation Society website.

Bolsover’s Greatest Show, Derbyshire

26th September – 29th September

For this long weekend in September, 17^th century Bolsover Castle plays host to the Greatest Show: an illuminations event featuring acrobats, jesters, fire-breathers. And, those booking tickets online before the 25th will receive a 10% discount. Find out more on the Bolsover Castle website.

South West Outdoors Festival, Penrose, near Helston, Cornwall

27th September – 29th September

This year’s SWOF is an outdoor adventure event featuring all types of al fresco entertainment including trail races, mountain biking and water sports. The weekend also includes a number of free family events such as storytelling around the campfire, kite flying, scavenger hunting and yoga. Find out more about the South West Outdoors Festival on via the National Trust.

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, Suffolk

28th September – 29th  September

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival takes place next to the River Alde, where visitors can view marshland that stretches towards Aldeburgh. The festival itself offers local produce and artisan fare, including award-winning cheeses, vegan cuisine, handmade cordials and local brews. Plus, after the festival, it’s easy to travel into town and follow the coastal path from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness, taking in dramatic seaside scenery like Maggi Hambling’s Scallop Sculpture. For full details about the festival, head to the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival Website.