February is the UK’s final month of winter, and there are plenty of exciting things to do and places to visit before spring rolls around.
So, if you’re looking for some ideas and inspiration for how to spend your time this month, here are 11 things to do and upcoming events in the UK this February.
From music and literature events to classic car shows and comedy festivals, hopefully, there’ll be something to spark everyone’s interest.
1. Visit Europe’s largest Viking festival, York
This February, the Vikings are back for their annual invasion of the city of York. Jorvik Viking Festival is the largest celebration of Norse heritage in Europe. It’s hosted in the world-famous JORVIK Viking Centre, which sits on the site of one of the most groundbreaking discoveries of modern archaeology.
With tours, talks, family events, and dramatic battle re-enactments, whether you’re a history enthusiast or not, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
This year, organisers promise “a horde of events to excite, thrill, entertain and – perhaps – disgust.” Among the festivities, visitors can look forward to a parade of 200-plus Viking warriors and ‘Poo Week’, where young visitors try recreating the famous Lloyds coprolite (fossiled human poo) with various ingredients.
For more information about what to expect, and to book tickets for specific events, head over to the JORVIK Viking Centre website. This year, the festival will run from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd February.
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2. Immerse yourself in literature at BookFest, Portsmouth
If you’re a bookworm or literary enthusiast, you’ll likely enjoy the exciting range of events taking place at Portsmouth’s BookFest, which begins this February.
Now in its 14th year, the first week of BookFest (February half-term) is children’s week, which involves writing workshops and a tea party with The Tiger that Came to Tea. But adult events follow for the two weeks after.
There are plenty of excellent talks and workshops to look forward to this year. Learn how to finally get your novel down with writer William Sutton, hear from Simon Mayo about his new thriller Black Tag, or stop in at Southsea Cinema for screenings of book-based films – from Sherlock Holmes (1922) and The Wild Robot (2024).
BookFest 2025 will run from 18th February to 9th March.
4. Play Topgolf, UK-wide
If you enjoy golf with a twist, you might be interested in playing Topgolf this February. The aim of Topgolf is to hit microchipped golf balls towards giant targets on an outfield. The further your distance and the closer you get to the centre of a target, the more points you earn.
Outdoor golf might seem like more of a summer activity, but each hitting bay at Topgolf is climate-controlled. It’s an enjoyable way to get outside during winter without having to worry about getting chilly.
Topgolf requires no prior golfing ability, so you can rest assured that a good swing isn’t needed to score points. Paired with the good food and drinks on offer, Topgolf is a fantastic, reinvented way to enjoy a day at the driving range with friends.
Topgolf currently has four venues across the UK located in Chigwell, Watford, Glasgow, and Surrey.
Alternatively, if there isn’t a Topgolf near you, crazy golf is an equally fun option. Dotted all over the UK, you can use this handy tool from Crazy Golf UK to search for courses near you.
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British Airways Holidays Moxy Glasgow Merchant City*
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4. Get back to nature at the Fort William Mountain Festival, Lochaber
Set in the outdoor capital of the UK, the Fort William Mountain Festival is an annual four-day event that celebrates the spectacular outside world.
The festival, run by volunteers, aims to inspire and encourage its visitors to respect and protect the environment. This year’s programme includes inspiring talks from guest speakers, engaging films, and outdoor activities – including trail running, winter climbing, and nature writing.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to escape everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Check out the full programme on the Fort William Mountain Festival website. This year, the festival will run from 13th to 16th February.
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British Airways Holidays Moxy Glasgow Merchant City*
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5. Visit Kent’s biggest blues festival, Broadstairs
Broadstairs Blues Bash, Kent’s biggest blues festival, is back for another year. From Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd, over 100 acts will be playing top-quality blues music all over the town.
This year’s lineup includes King Size Slim, Trevor Steger Babajack, and The Zac Schulze Gang headlining the famous pavilion. There are also workshops at the Royal Albion Hotel for anyone looking to learn some musical skills – such as songwriting and slide guitar.
And even better news is that most of the festival is completely free.
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6. Get inspired at a Dark Skies Festival, UK-wide
National Parks remain some of the darkest places in Great Britain and throughout autumn and winter, various festivals take place to celebrate our starlit skies.
Dark Skies Festivals are designed to help people discover, enjoy, and learn more about the night sky. Activities include walking, cycling, running, and caving at night; as well as stargazing, parties, and daytime events where you can learn more about topics like star constellations.
Several Dark Skies Festivals are taking place this February, including in Wales, the South Downs, and the Yorkshire Dales. To see what’s happening near you, head over to the Dark Skies National Parks website.
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British Airways Holidays Moxy Glasgow Merchant City*
United Kingdom | 2 nights | Flights Included
7. Enjoy good food and drink at Wakefield Rhubarb Festival, Wakefield
Wakefield’s annual Rhubarb Festival has become a staple event in West Yorkshire since its debut in 1999. The city’s links with rhubarb stem from the fact that Wakefield, Leeds, and Bradford were once responsible for producing 90% of the world’s forced rhubarb.
This year, the festival is set to return bigger and better than ever before. With over 50 chalets to explore, you can sample and buy local delights, including the finest gins, jams, cheese, pickles, baked goods – and, of course, plenty of rhubarb-themed food and drink.
There’s also a range of workshops on offer at the festival, as well as live street entertainment and a new programme of chef demos where you can brush up on your culinary skills. You can also expect live music every day at the Rhu-Bar – including a selection of local rock, folk, and pop artists.
Wakefield Rhubarb Festival will run from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd February this year. If you’re a keen foodie, this isn’t one to miss.
8. Learn something new at the Northern Irish Science Festival, Belfast
Since its beginnings in 2014, the Northern Irish (NI) Science Festival has grown to become one of the leading science festivals across Europe.
The festival includes a programme of over 250 events covering a range of fascinating topics – from engineering and robotics to maths, physics, astronomy, and the environment.
This year’s events include everything from discussions about the ethics of AI and the science of menopause to talks about peat bogs and how some of our favourite animals survive the winter. Check out the full programme on the NI Science Festival website.
This year, the festival will run from 12th to 23rd February.
9. Visit a National Trust or English Heritage site, UK-wide
If you’re in the mood for fresh air and adventure this February, you might enjoy visiting a National Trust or English Heritage site.
With it being the February half-term, many sites are hosting fun events and activities alongside their usual openings.
Learn about local folklore at Worcestershire’s Hanbury Hall, look out for woodpeckers at Belton Estate in Grantham, or head to Bodiam Castle near Robertsbridge to have a go at archery.
Even if you decide not to attend specific events, historic sites make an enjoyable day out – and during the winter, you’re more likely to skip the crowds too. Check out our article, 28 of the best historical sites to visit in the UK, for ideas for where to go.
10. Have a laugh at the Leicester Comedy Festival
If you’re up for a laugh this February, why not take a trip to the Leicester Comedy Festival?
Leicester Comedy Festival is one the biggest and longest-running comedy festivals in the UK, and this year’s line-up includes stand-up, sketches, musical comedy, improv, discussions, workshops, and much more.
As well as plenty of up-and-coming comedians, the Leicester Comedy Festival also features big names like Katherine Ryan, Mike Wozniak, and Milton Jones. Running from the 5th to the 23rd of February and spread throughout venues all over the city, it’s the perfect event for anyone looking for a pick-me-up this winter.
12. Enjoy a Valentine’s Day-themed activity
Last but not least, Valentine’s Day falls in February and is a day that many people, single or not, enjoy getting involved with.
If you’d like to plan a Valentine’s date for someone special, you can find plenty of romantic ideas in the dating section of our website.
This could be as simple as spending the day getting creative in the kitchen and preparing something delicious. You might like to try one of the recipes from our articles, 10 Valentine’s Day baking ideas and 10 recipes for an at-home date.
Alternatively, why not put a romantic comedy on the TV to curl up in front of?
Remember, Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed by everyone and isn’t exclusively for couples. Whether you decide to spend time with friends and family, or simply reserve the day for self-care, remember to treat yourself with love. If this is something you struggle with, have a read of our article: 8 ways to fall in love with your own company.
Final thoughts…
However you like to spend your time, there are plenty of unique and exciting events to enjoy across the UK this February. From food and music festivals to events celebrating history and nature, we hope there’s something for everyone on this list.
For more fun day-out ideas, head over to the art and culture or travel sections of our website. Here, you’ll find everything from foodie hotspots and must-see historic sites to scenic walking routes and staycation inspiration.
What trips and activities do you have planned for this February? Have any of the ideas on our list sparked your interest? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.