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 14 - 22 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 14 - 22 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.
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 7 - 8 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 20 - 22 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
Looking for things to do in London this autumn? Don’t miss London Cocktail Week! Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or hoping to discover your new favourite tipple, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the South West
Embracing a plant-based diet? Travel with SWR and explore the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants that the South West has to offer. Read our guide here.