From storytelling and stargazing to scallop feasts and citizen science on the seashore, there’s a lot of fun to be had this February.
Words Amy McPherson
1. Join Dicken’s Birthday Party
Portsmouth, Hampshire | 7 February
Celebrate the author’s 214th birthday and honour his literacy works and connection to the city of Portsmouth at his first home, with a special event at the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum (charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/)
2. Enjoy Reading and Stories with the Family
Isle of Wight | 19-21 February
If you’re seeking tales to enjoy in 2026 – designated the National Year of Reading – the IW Story Festival has plenty! The perfect event to visit over half term, the festival is a special place for children and families to have fun together and be inspired by stories of all kinds (iwstoryfestival.com/)
3. Gaze at the Stars
Eastbourne, East Sussex | 21 February
Join the Eastbourne Astronomical Society to explore the winter skies with its telescopes. Observe the craters on the moon, spot and identify constellations of stars and view Saturn’s rings and cloud bands. Please note, this event will depend on the weather (visiteastbourne.com).
4. Savour and Off-Season Restaurant Fest
Margate, Lent | 2-6 February
Margate Restaurant Week is back, allowing locals and visitors to sample the coastal town’s deliciously dynamic restaurant scene at affordable prices. Participating establishments offer a three-course meal for £20.26 per person. This is a great way to enjoy Margate and support local businesses during the off-peak tourist season. Follow for more details (instagram.com/margaterestaurantweek).
5. Clean up the Beach
Colne Point, Essex | 7 February
Join Essex Wildlife Trust for a beach clean at Colne Point Nature Reserve and help pick up litter along a section of the shore, while looking out for any wildlife. Bags, gloves and hand sanitiser are provided (essexwt.org.uk).
6. Celebrate heroes of the natural world
Barrow-in-Furness | 20 February
The Dock Museum’s free, family-friendly event centres around the discoveries of important naturalists, including Charles Darwin and marine biologist Rachel Carson, whose work will be celebrated with bird-themed craft and ocean Jenga (thebay.org.uk/events/ 2026-02-20-heroes-natural-world).
7. Go for a walk in Orkney
Orkney Islands | Three date options during February
Enjoy seasonal hikes on a guided winter walking tour of the Orkney Islands. You’ll get to see their wildlife, spectacular landscapes and Neolithic and Bronze-age sites and learn about the lives shaped by the wild natural elements (wildernessscotland.com).
8. Indulge in Scallops
Rye, East Sussex | 21 February – 1 March
Rye Bay Scallop Week gives seafood lovers the ideal opportunity to indulge in all sorts of tasty delights! During the event, restaurants in and around the pretty town celebrate scallop season by showcasing the shellfish in a mouthwatering array of dishes. Pre-booking is recommended (scallop.org.uk).
9. Survey Sea Creatures
Earnse Bay, Cumbria | 28 February
Learn and have fun as a citizen scientist collecting data from the rockpools at Earnse Bay – home to marine wildlife including starfish, hermit crabs and sea slugs (thebay.org.uk/events/2026-02-28-marine-survey).
10. The Art of Love
Southwold, Suffolk | 7-22 February
Southwold Gallery’s Valentines – at the Heart of Southwold exhibition features art by Stephanie Lambourne, Sam Read, Barbara Bernard and Lynne Muir (southwoldgallery.co.uk/exhibitions/138/valentines–at-the-heart-of-southwold).
Dates are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change – please check before attending.
