Start planning your September short break – from fashion to food, there are a whole of reasons to spend a few days away.
Book before the end of August to find short breaks at holiday parks across the UK starting from as little as £60.
Cornwall
World Bellyboard Championships, 7 September
The (tongue in cheek) World Bellyboard Championships from Chapel Porth Beach is a surfing challenge stripped backed to basics – the only kit you need is a swimsuit (or fancy dress) and a wooden board. Entry is free and open to all comers – from kids to wave-riding grannies.
Newquay Fish Festival, 12-14 September
Thousands are attracted to Newquay Harbour to sample the delicious fish dishes on display, watch local chefs rustle up amazing food and enjoy the entertainment, which includes sand castle competitions, Punch & Judy and rock pool shows.
Cornish Pasty Festival, Redruth, 12-14 September
Dedicated to Cornwall’s most famous food, the Cornish pasty, this festival celebrates the region’s mining industry – so closely linked to the origins of the pasty – and uncovers the magic of Redruth.
Cornwall Food & Drink Festival, Truro – 26-28 September
The South West’s renowned food and restaurant festival has a line-up packed with new restaurants, fresh features and delicious local produce. Don’t miss the pop-up kitchens where Cornwall’s best chefs will be offering a taste of mouth-watering signature dishes in true street food style, plus there are free masterclasses and tasting sessions.
See our short breaks to Cornwall, starting from just £60.
Devon
Bideford Pipes & Drums Festival, 12-14 September
The sounds of the Scottish Highlands come to the south west in September when Bideford welcomes bands of pipers and drummers. The highlight of this remarkable festival is the Massed Pipes and Drums performance that takes over the quayside on Sunday – it is stirring stuff! The weekend includes Bideford Carnival, and concludes with a spectacular firework display.
Agatha Christie Festival, 14-21 September
Whodunnit fans from around the world make their way to the English Riviera each year for this celebration of Agatha Christie, one of our most beloved crime writers. Torquay and the surrounding towns are transformed, with a murder mystery promised around every corner. Festival goers dress up in their 1920s and ’30s best, and there are theatre performances, panel events and even a sea swim dedicated to the novelist.
Plymouth Seafood Festival, 27-28 September
The Plymouth Seafood Festival is a showcase of fantastic seafood, with local chefs demonstrating a range of mouth-watering dishes using fish caught fresh off the boats. Highlights include the Quayside Market where local fisherman take centre stage, a Cookery Theatre, a Seafood Trail along the waterfront, a Crabbing Contest and a thrilling Fish Filleting Championship.
Our short breaks to Devon, start from just £60.
Suffolk
Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, 27 September to 12 October
Over 80 producers attend the two day festival from 27th to 28th September, which has a huge array of stalls, tasting sessions and live demonstrations from celebrity chefs and local stars. The festival is followed by two weeks of fringe events with the aim of helping people to understand the connection between food, people and the local landscape and celebrate the amazing abundance of food and drink from the coast of East Suffolk.
Suffolk short breaks from only £60.
North Yorkshire
York Festival of Food and Drink, 19-28 September
This 10-day event celebrates York’s food and drink specialities – did you know York even has its own chocolate trail? There will be food tastings, demonstrations and hands on workshops for adults and children. Highlights include expert foraging tips, an Ale Trail and the annual York CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival.
Find short breaks in Yorkshire, from £60.
North Wales
Tenby Arts Festival, 20-27 September
Tenby Arts Festival celebrates the best of Welsh poetry and music, with events dedicated to the poems of Dylan Thomas, choral concerts and classical music recitals.
Find a short break to Wales, from only £60.
Lancashire
Blackpool Illuminations, 29 August to 9 November
The greatest free light show on earth illuminates Blackpool from 29th August through to early November, with funny man Peter Kay lined up to flick the on switch. The dazzling display includes more than one million lamps and stretches almost six miles, with 45 staff employed year round to ensure the display is ready on time.
Find a Blackpool short break, starting from £60.
North East
The Great North Run, 7 September
The world’s most famous half marathon goes from Newcastle to a picturesque finish of the South Shields coast. More than 56,000 runners take part, each one motivated to keep going by the encouragement that come from the crowds who line the course.
Alnwick Food & Drink Festival, 21-22 September
Celebrate the wealth of local food and drink producers in Alnwick – perhaps better known as the home of Hogwarts from the Harry Potter stories. Highlights include cooking lessons from kitchen magician Jean-Christophe Novelli. There are over 50 stalls selling food, drink and cookery essentials in the Market Square, a full programme of chef’s demonstrations and roving chefs popping up around the Festival.
Our North East short breaks start from £60.
Scottish Borders
Peebles Highland Games, 6 September
With a roar and a red face, the Peebles Highland Games get underway in September. The games feature the best of Scottish Pipe Bands, Highland Dancers and strong men, with an array of challenges throughout the day. Bands and dancers will be judged on performances in a variety of categories, but it’s the muscle men who will leave you gasping as they chuck heavy hammers, toss cabers and go head to head in a 70-yard dash in their kilts.
Find a short break to Scotland, from just £60.