Head out to coastal events this September and enjoy late summer sunshine.
WORDS – Amy McPherson
1. Pop in for pop-up art
Staithes, Yorkshire – 13-14 September
Join one of the best regional arts events at the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage, where cottages by the sea become pop-up art galleries. It offers a schedule of walks, talks, photography, and films that celebrate the history and heritage of Staithes (staithesfestival.com).
2. Spin a yarn in Shetland
Shetland Islands – 28 September – 4 October

Have a thing for wool and knitting? Spend time among the crafters and crofters of Shetland, in celebration of the rural farming community and textile industry – and, of course, the islands’ hardy native sheep breed. Shetland Wool Week offers a great programme of exhibitions, classes, and events (shetlandwoolweek.com).
3. Meet writers in Ireland
Kilmore Quay, County Wexford – 26-28 September

Held in a beautiful fishing village, the Write by the Sea festival showcases the best contemporary literature, featuring local, Irish and international authors, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Come along for a weekend of inspiring stories, workshops, and performances at one of Ireland’s friendliest festivals (writebythesea.ie).
4. Improve your kayaking skills in Anglesey
Anglesey, Wales – 12-14 September
Sea kayakers from Level 1 upwards (and minimum age 18) can book a place at the Anglesey Sea Kayak Festival for two or three days of expert coaching, while exploring the island’s beautiful coastline. The focus is on developing dynamic water skills, with rough water sessions available for Level 2-3 paddlers (flowstateadventures.com/anglesey-festival).
5. Feel the beach beat
St Austell, Cornwall – 19-20 September
From wild swimming, yoga, sand art therapy and tai chi, to dancing, live acts and DJ beats, head to Pentewan Beach in St Austell for a weekend of wellbeing and music at the Pentunes Festival (pentunesfestival.co.uk).
6. Love the sea!
Plymouth, Devon – 13-14 September
Plymouth’s maritime heritage will take centre stage during Seafest, which celebrates the city’s deep connection to the ocean with delicious fresh seafood, sea-themed entertainment, and an array of fun-filled activities on the waterfront (visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/seafest-plymouth-p1988083).
7. Celebrate Books and culture on the coast
Appledore, Devon – 12-21 September
Set in a picturesque maritime village, the Appledore Book Festival is one of the most vibrant cultural festivals in the UK, attracting a wide range
of authors, speakers, and performers from across the country, and beyond (appledorebookfestival.co.uk).
8. Appreciate seabirds
Penzance, Cornwall – Until 4 October 2025

This is your last chance to view the Birds: the Art of Cornwall’s Birdlife exhibition at Penlee House Gallery. It features paintings, photography, and video as well as rarely seen engravings and taxidermy, exploring how artists working in Cornwall from the 1870s to the present have been inspired by birds (penleehouse.org.uk).
9. Read at the seaside
Budleigh salterton, Devon – 17-21 September

Does reading a good book at the coast sound like a dream come true? If so, don’t miss this year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. The theme will be Celebrating Books by the Sea, as the much-loved seaside town hosts a wide range of events, including inspiring workshops and fascinating talks, all set against the breathtaking Jurassic Coast (budlitfest.org.uk).
10. Dance and unwind
Druridge Bay, Northumberland – 4-7 September

Move and relax at the Druridge Bay Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Ladyburn Lake. Expect great food and drink, live music and DJs, plus wellbeing activities and the option to camp out under the stars. A voluntary beach clean – a great excuse for a stroll along the sands – is also scheduled (druridgebay.co.uk).
Discover more coastal activities or pick up the latest issue of coast magazine for more inspiration of coastal places to visit.