30 October-3 November
Bavarian brews for all
Edinburgh will be putting on its own Oktoberfest event this winter, bringing authentic Bavarian beer and food to the Scottish capital for a fun-filled long weekend.
A giant tent will be erected in the city centre’s West Princes Street Gardens, with waiters and waitresses dressed in traditional dirndl and lederhosen and a German live band.
There will even be a special beer served, made just for Oktoberfest.
Nearest open Club Site: Lauder (closes 4 Nov)
2 November
Bridgwater goes off with a bang!
One of Somerset’s most anticipated Bonfire Night celebrations is the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, an annual spectacle that has won a number of tourism awards.
All eyes will be on the larger-than-life procession winding through the streets, which includes marching bands, stilt walkers, majorettes and more, and which is later followed up by squibbing.
Squibbing is a unique Bridgwater phenomenon whereby dozens line the streets and shoot fireworks into the air, creating a trail of light and marking the end of the carnival.
Nearest open Club Site: Cheddar, Mendip Heights
8-16 November
Week at the opera
The 29th Bath Mozartfest returns this November, giving fans of the classic composer a chance to experience his music live, as well as that of the musicians he inspired, such as Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms.
The Somerset-based festival features the talents of the English Chamber Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and La Nuova Musica, with amazing vocals from Lucy Crowe and Roderick Williams to name just two. Mozartfest will be held in The Forum, Guildhall and Assembly Rooms, three of Bath’s most historic venues.
Nearest open Club Site: Devizes
9 November
Here comes the big parade
Those in London can catch the Lord Mayor’s Show in November, a traditional procession that celebrates the selection of a new Lord Mayor.
It first began in 1215 when the new mayor travelled to Westminster to swear loyalty to the crown, and is now the longest-running procession in the world. This year’s show is expected to bring together 6,000 participants and revellers, and boasts marching bands, military detachments, dance troupes, and special family show zones. For those that can’t make it, you can also watch it on television.
Nearest open Club Site: Chertsey
14-17 November
Calling all climbers
Mountain enthusiasts are invited to attend the Kendal Mountain Festival and help celebrate climbing and the great outdoors.
Taking place in the Cumbrian town, the festival began in 1980 and has since become one of the most popular outdoor-themed festivals, drawing people from across the world. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, whether they’re proven intrepid explorers or just getting started.
The festival will feature more than 150 expert speakers, film premieres, competitions, school sessions for beginners, a 10k trail run, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
Nearest open Club Site: Windermere
16 November
Bottoms up
If you’re looking to warm up this winter, there’s no better place to pop along to than the Leicester Dram Festival.
Held at the Grand Hotel in Leicester city centre, the whisky festival includes more than 25 exhibitors and 250 whiskies from all over the world. There will also be masterclasses, whisky-tasting sessions, and a number of special offers and discounts.
Nearest open Club Site: Conkers
16 November
Rock on
The Brimham Rocks are one of the most fascinating natural rock formations in England, carefully balanced and standing almost 30ft high. The National Trust is hosting a 90-minute guided tour that delves into the history behind these incredible rocks, including a look back at the last Ice Age that helped form them, to the way they have influenced the local culture and community.
As well as learning about the history of the rocks during this tour, visitors can also learn about the geology and the current conservation efforts to preserve the rocks and beautiful surrounding moorland.
Nearest open Club Site: Boroughbridge
19 November
Haunted Hants
October may be over, but Hampshire is bringing back the Halloween spirit with a grim Ghost Tour of Winchester.
The tour looks back at Winchester’s dark histories, with tales of treason, death and crime, and includes live actors recounting the final moments of a number of key people before they met their (in some cases grisly) end.
Nearest open Club Site: Salisbury