Top weekend family activities this September

It may be ‘back to school’ for the family but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. If you’re in any doubt, check out our guide to the best weekend activities happening this September across the GWR network.

Abergavenny Food Festival

Abergavenny, Wales
15–16 September
There will be plenty of activities and delicious grub on offer at the Abergavenny food festival this September, including chef demos, community feasts, tasting workshops and cookery classes for kid. Over the course of the weekend, you can listen to a variety of speakers including Jack Stein (chef and son of Rick Stein), Allan Jenkins (award-winning editor of Observer Food Monthly), Grace Dent (restaurant critic for The Guardian), Matt Tebbutt (presenter of BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen) and many others.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Abergavenney Food Festival, so be prepared for even more colour, enthusiasm and flavour than ever before. For those looking to continue the party after hours, visit the night market at Lower Brewery Yard. It’s open from 6pm-10pm and costs £5 to get in, though if you have a wristband entry is free.
abergavennyfoodfestival.com

Bushcraft at Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Adventures, Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham
15 September
Want to learn how to survive out in the wild? This awesome one-day course for all the family will teach you how to build a shelter, forage for food, light a fire, prepare and cook your own wild lunch and navigate your way in the great outdoors. It’s a pricey day out at £85 for an adult and £50 for a child – channelling your inner Bear Grylls doesn’t come cheap – but this adventurous day out with the kids is bound to be the talk of the household for many months to come.
cotswoldadventures.com

Sky Safari

Longleat, Wiltshire
14–16 September
Over 150 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes will take to the skies over the course of three days at Longleat Safari Park. From Friday to Sunday, there will be up to six balloon displays each day, with a mesmerising night-time balloon launch on the Friday and Saturday at 7:45pm. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible animal balloons, which will include Simbaloo the lion, Wes the wolf, and Puddle and Splash the penguins. This awesome Sky Safari event is included in the cost of an All in One Day Ticket, so if you’re thinking of visiting Longleat soon, make it the 14–16 September weekend.
longleat.co.uk/whats-on/sky-safari

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

Exeter Northcott Theatre
27–30 September
Learning about history just got a whole lot more fun! We all know and love the awesome Horrible Histories series, but now they’re taking to the stage with ground-breaking 3D special effects that will bring history back to life. The Terrible Tudors is showing at Exeter Northcott Theatre until the end of September and is suitable for children aged 5+.
exeternorthcott.co.uk/whats-on/genres/family