Two adults, one teenager and a younger child walk through a wooded area smiling.

Top 5 things to do in September

Make the most of September with plenty of things to see and do as the seasons start to change.

Join us for BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End, enjoy relaxing Sunday music, discover art and culture at Kenwood in London, and make the most of free tours and talks as part of Heritage Open Days.

Photo of a crowd of people cheering as the BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair is opened at Audley End House and Gardens

1. Join us for BBC Gardeners' World Fair

The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair returns to Audley End House and Gardens from Friday 11 - Sunday 13 September.

Look forward to a day out packed with seasonal garden inspiration and expertise from a line-up including Gardeners’ World presenters Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Ashley Edwards and Sue Kent.

There will be plants to buy, hands-on workshops, shopping and entertainment. It’s all included with your Autumn Fair ticket, including entry to Audley End House and Gardens. English Heritage members can enjoy the Autumn Fair at Audley End with special ticket prices and extra benefits too. Become a member today.

Book your tickets to BBC Gardeners World Fair
Close-up photo of a brass-band member in a maroon jacket playing a tuba on a sunny day

2. Spend a Sunday listening to live music

Bring your chairs or blankets to some of our most picturesque sites this September and unwind as we provide the soundtrack to your Sunday.

Summer may be over, but it doesn't mean you can't still make the most of the weekends.

A side on view of the front of Ranger's House with open iron black gates on a sunny day.

3. Take advantage of free Heritage Open Days

Every September, free to access events are held across England to celebrate our heritage and history through Heritage Open Days.

From Friday 11 - Sunday 20 September we have lots of exciting events to attend.

Thanks to our amazing volunteers and partners across the country, we will be offering free in-person events ranging from walking and guided tours to interior openings at Ranger's House, often known for the Netflix hit show Bridgerton, to talks and tours of stunning Roman villas.

See what's on for Heritage Open Days this year
Photo of crowds of people exploring stands and talks at HowTheLightGetsIn at Kenwood in London

4. Immerse yourself in culture at Kenwood

The Financial Times Weekend Festival returns to Kenwood on Saturday 5 September, bringing together leading voices from business, politics, culture, food, fashion and the arts, including Richard E. Grant and Mary Beard, for a day of lively debate and conversation.

On Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 September you can join us for the world’s largest philosophy and music festival, HowTheLightGetsIn. Expect thought-provoking debates, fascinating talks from leading thinkers, live music, comedy, great food and plenty of opportunities to explore something new.

And, throughout the month, you can join us for evenings of live music, including a Jazz night, Choral singing evenings and live organ and string concerts too.

See what's on at Kenwood this month
A group of people walking two dogs walk underneath an archway at Tintagel Castle on a sunny day.

5. Discover a new favourite place

With the busy summer holidays behind us, September is a wonderful time to enjoy our historic places and gardens.

Looking for inspiration? Explore our brand-new videos for a glimpse of what our historic places have to offer, helping you make the most of your visit and discover your next favourite.

Watch the videos to find a place to visit

The month in history

  • Poet Siegried Sassoon was born on 8 September 1886. He's best remembered for his First World War poems, first published as a collection in 1919. His former home in Kensington is now marked with a blue plaque.
  • On 21 September 1915 Stonehenge was bought at auction by local landowner Mr Cecil Chubb, who three years later gave it to the nation. Find out more about this significant auction and the restoration of Stonehenge here.
  • Queen Elizabeth I was born on 7 September 1533. The medieval fortress at Kenilworth Castle was transformed into a luxurious palace to impress the queen. Visitors today can walk in her footsteps on the castle walls and in the Elizabethan Garden.
  • England’s most celebrated naval officer, Horatio Nelson, was born on 29 September 1759. A blue plaque marks his home at 103 New Bond Street in London, where he lived in 1798.

More to explore

  • Seasonal highlights

    Summer is here! With expansive lawns, shady woodlands and beautiful gardens, now's the perfect time to visit historic places across the country.

  • THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST

    Every object has a story to tell - but how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? Amy Matthews explores tales from unexpected places.

  • Become a member today

    Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historical places with an annual membership. Plus there's free entry for up to six children!