Art, illuminations, Pickle Night and the Lobster Lollipot – fun and intriguing activities to enjoy in November.
1. Art by the sea
Seaham, County Durham | 18 November – 20 December
Discover the works of local and regional artists during a month-long event at the EDAN Gallery in Seaham. Come along to the Artists’ Winter Show to appreciate an amazing array of artistic talent, and be inspired by the charming Seaham seaside (edanart.co.uk).
2. Silver screen dreams
Cork City, County Cork | 6-16 November
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ireland’s largest and longest-running film festival. The Cork International Film Festival is where world-class cinema meets the cultural heartbeat of the harbour city on the country’s south coast, in an unforgettable showcase of storytelling and creativity (corkfilmfest.org).
3. Let there be light!
Scarborough, North Yorkshire | 14 November – 21 December
Be enchanted by Scarborough Lights’ illuminated landmarks and Advent calendar window lightings. With a series of free and affordable light shows, installations and community activities throughout the seaside town, this is an event that will get you in the festive mood during the lead-up to Christmas. Last year’s festival included the sea-themed Aquarium of Light, so be sure to check the 2025 schedule online (scarboroughfair.uk/lights).
4. Visit Artists’ Homes
Brighton and Hove, Sussex | 29-30 November and 6-7 and 13-14 December
Over three weekends, artists’ homes and studios across Brighton and Hove will open their doors for the Artists Open Houses Winter Festival. From Portslade to Fiveways, Seven Dials to Kemptown, these vibrant seaside neighbourhoods will come alive with arts and crafts displayed in the homes, studios and spaces of new and established artists (aoh.org.uk).
5. Vibe on the Atlantic
Portrush, County Antrim | 13-16 November
Enjoy a long weekend of music on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland, as the Atlantic Sessions bring you more than 30 artists over four days. Performances will take place in a variety of music venues, restaurants, hotels and bars around Portstewart and Portrush (atlanticsessions.com).
6. Books by the sea
Whitby, north Yorkshire | 6-9 November
More than 50 authors will take part in the inaugural Whitby Lit Fest, held in venues across the coastal town from Thursday to Sunday. See your favourite authors in conversation, from Lee Child with Rob Rinder, to Miriam Margolyes and Sir Alan Ayckbourn. The festival will also present events for children and young people, including author talks and creative workshops (whitbylitfest.org.uk).
7. Keep beaches clean
various beaches, Norfolk | Selected Sundays in November
Volunteer with Norfolk Beach Cleans at Gorleston, Caister or Scratby and spend the day giving back to your favourite beach in the area. It’s good exercise in the fresh sea air and also a great way to meet like-minded people, all working to help the environment (norfolkbeachcleans.co.uk).
8. Run for lobsters
Padstow, Cornwall | 15 November
Love running? Love lobsters? This event is for you! The Lobster Lollop is a fun trail run event in support of The National Lobster Hatchery, taking you out and back along the famous Camel Trail (nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk).
9. Honour the Pickle
Portsmouth, Hampshire | 7 November
Dress up to commemorate the arrival of HMS Pickle, at a Pickle Night onboard HMS Warrior at The National Museum Royal Navy. Learn about the fast ship that delivered news of the victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, and enjoy a night of activities, a sailor’s meal
and drinks (nmrn.org.uk).
10. Enjoy Open Studios
North Yorkshire | 1-2 November
Take a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative worlds of talented artists from around North Yorkshire. Winter Open Studios will transform the region into a 3,000-square-mile gallery where visitors can explore the places where art is made and take home some unique Christmas gifts (nyos.org.uk/winter-open-studios).
