In this article, you'll learn the following:
September - autumn’s on the horizon and it’s back to school time. It’s been a fairly wet summer so far, but hopefully we’ll have some more sunny days next month to round off the season!
Hot or not, you can still make the most of September’s mood-boosting activities across the South Western Railway network.
Smell the roses at the RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show, ignite your inner fashionista at London Fashion Week, celebrate the Thames beneath and along the river, and much more.
Read on to discover what September’s got in store in London and the South West, and how to journey to your perfect days out with South Western Railway. Let’s dive in!
Head to a festival - incl. design, architecture, food and more
The big music festivals like Glastonbury and Boomtown may be done and dusted for the year. But festival season isn’t over just yet! Here’s what's going on this month.
London Design Festival
London Design Festival aims to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world.
Head to the capital between 6–24 September to see what design communities across the globe are pioneering. This unmissable celebration of design features an array of unique and diverse displays, learning sessions, and more.
London Design Festival is spread across various locations in the capital including Southwark, Shoreditch, Battersea, and Mayfair. It's totally free to attend!
Open House London
Celebrate London’s buildings, architecture and neighbourhoods at the Open House Festival, which takes place between 6-17 September.
Step inside some of London’s most well-known buildings and best kept secrets to discover what happens inside the architectural goldmines Londonders walk past day-to-day.
The 2023 Open House Festival programme is now live, and you can book your tickets on the website.
Totally Thames
Don’t miss out on Totally Thames - a month-long celebration of the River Thames, which takes place in September.
The month-long programme runs the 42-mile stretch of the Thames, including the stunning South Bank, just a short walk away from London Waterloo.
Soak up a whole host of events (there are nearly 100 in total!) aimed at celebrating arts, culture, river organisations and sustainability. A lot of the events are free, including a printmaking workshop, a skyline and river exhibition, and a wholesome group walk along the Thames. Plus, there will be 40 vintage boats on display to check out.
If you don’t mind spending a little money, you could try a sightseeing tour to get stunning views of the city!
Dorset Sea Fest
Seafood lovers: head to Dorset Sea Festival in Weymouth Peninsula on 9-10 September.
Eat and learn about delicious seafood while you sip on wines and local beers. There’s also entertainment including workshops, and live music.
Travelling to Weymouth is easy with South Western Railway - hop on a direct train from London Waterloo.
Instead of rushing back home, why not make a weekend of it and spend 48 hours in Weymouth? Our guide will help you plan things to do, places to eat and so much more.
Worthy Earth Festival
Get the train to Basingstoke to Worthy Earth Festival, a celebration of local food, community and music.
It’s a camping festival, taking place between 22-24 September. There’s folk, jazz, and dance music from artists around the globe, craft workshops, fireside stories and jams, and more. Get your tickets.
Embrace your inner fashionista at London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week is just around the corner! Taking place between 15 - 19 September 2023, the bi-annual event showcases menswear and womenswear from top British designers.
The shows are invite-only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t immerse yourself into the fashion world while it’s on.
The main hub of activity is held at Somerset House, 180 The Strand, London, with various shows held at different locations across the British Capital. Fashion Week Online has put together a handy calendar detailing the events open to the public.
Discover stunning displays at the RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show
The RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show returns on 5-10 September. There will be beautiful displays, specialist nurseries, places to shop, gardening inspiration, expert advice, and vibrant floral displays.
Wisley is the flagship garden of the RHS - which also hosts the likes of the infamous Chelsea Flower Show - and one of the UK’s most visited gardens. It attracts around one million visitors each year!
To get there, catch a train to Woking, and then a shuttle bus from there to the flower show. Buy your tickets.
Visit the London and the South West’s top attractions
Summer gets super busy in the capital and around the South West, with many people out and about enjoying the sun - especially families during the school holidays.
If you’re planning a trip to see the city's top sites, September’s a great time to go, as term-time resumes. The weather should still be decent, too.
Here are some of our top picks for activities across our network.
London
London Eye - Take to the skies and bask in the unmissable panoramic views of the city on one of the world’s largest ferris wheels. Enjoy 2FOR1 entry when you travel with us!
Museums - We’re lucky to have some of the best museums in the world right at our doorstep. Take a visit to the likes of Tate Britain, The National Gallery, and the Imperial War Museum.
Buckingham Palace - Go to one of London’s most famous landmarks. Some of the rooms are open to public viewing, and you can also check out the Queen’s Gallery - the palace’s main art gallery - and the palace gardens.
South Bank - London’s South Bank is truly picturesque. Take a stroll along the river Thames, wine and dine at a top restaurant, and look out for Art Deco and Brutalist buildings. While you’re there, don’t miss SEA LIFE and The London Dungeon - you’ll get 2FOR1 entry when you journey down with us.
Planning a London getaway? Check out this handy guide to help plan your itinerary.
The South West
Windsor Castle - Be swept away by the beauty and history of Windsor Castle. Take a tour of the palace, and be sure not to miss the Changing the Guard ceremony!
Stonehenge - Take the train to Salisbury to see one of Britain’s earliest icons. Enjoy a tour of the mysterious stones, which tower over human heads at around four metres high or attend one of the solstice events that take place.
Hampton Court Palace - Visit the gardens, galleries, chapels and more at this iconic venue. With 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of historic parkland, Hampton Court Palace is one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world. Kingston upon Thames and Surbiton stations are both nearby.
Kew Gardens - 30 minutes on the train from London Waterloo, head to these magnificent gardens, spread out across various themed areas, in Richmond upon Thames.
There are plenty of other sights and attractions to visit in London and the South West. Discover some of our top picks.
Don’t forget to check out SWR Rewards for money-off deals on restaurants, theatre tickets, attractions, hotel stays and more.
Mexican Independence Day
On Mexican Independence Day, Mexicans from around the globe celebrate the anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain which took place on 16 September, 1810.
Each year, on the anniversary, there are celebrations across the country which traditionally include fireworks, folkloric ‘mariachi’ music, and plenty of traditional food known as ‘antojitos’.
If you fancy joining in the festivities, take a peek at our top recommendations for Mexican food in London. Chow town on tacos, fajitas and enchiladas, and wash down your food with tequila and margaritas - Salud!
Southampton International Boat Show
Britain’s greatest boating and watersports festival, Southampton International Boat Show returns on 15-24 September with heaps of water-based activities to enjoy with the whole family.
Take the train to Southampton for expert advice and exciting opportunities to get afloat! A wide variety of marine brands on land and in Europe’s largest purpose-built marina showcase everything from stand-up paddleboards, sail boats and superyachts. Everyone can get out on the water; and it’s easier than you might think!
Brand new for this year, make sure to check out the Beach Haven & Watersports Lake, brought to you by Haven Knox-Johnston. Here, you can relax on a deckchair, play in the sand, or even get out on the water and have a go at yoga on a paddleboard!
Also new this year is the Shipyard zone, constructed from container ships and kitted out with live music, food, drinks and even a big screen to watch the rugby on. Finally, sit back, relax and enjoy a refreshing pint in the newly expanded Guinness Bar, where you can even get your face printed on your pint!
Get your tickets
The Great British Beach Clean
Want to do your bit for the environment? Hit the beach and join thousands of people across the UK taking part in the Great British Beach Clean between 15-24 September.
It’s run by the Marine Conservation Society, inspiring bands of volunteers to collect litter from across our beautiful shorelines.
Make sure you take a pair of sturdy shoes, comfortable clothing, gardening gloves and preferably a picker. Find your nearest event.
Isle of Wight Day
An island-wide party that’s sweeping the Isle of Wight on 16 September, Isle of Wight Day is all about celebrating and showing the best the island has to offer.
The organisers’ mission is to collaborate with local Island attractions, businesses, schools and voluntary organisations to “create social inclusion across the Isle of Wight so that everyone can benefit from the range of offerings the Island has”.
Soak up the last of the sunny weather, and consider making a weekend of it! We’d suggest making reservations and bed down at The Royal Hotel; their Gin-cured Mackerel was awarded the Dish of The Isle of Wight Day 2018.
There are a range of easy crossing options from train stations across the coast and our top tip is to buy a combined train and ferry ticket to enjoy the best savings.
Travel with SWR to save money
Now you’ve filled your September calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
