Things to do in London and Hertfordshire this September
September is a fantastic month to explore London and the surrounding areas. The weather is cooler, the summer crowds are thinning out, and there are still plenty of activities and events to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome day out in the countryside, a cultural experience, or something to do with the kids, read on to discover our top things to do in London and Hertfordshire this September.
1. Cut Your Own Dahlias at Bury Lane Farm Shop
Brighten up your home with freshly cut dahlias from Bury Lane Farm Shop’s colourful field. It’s located just outside Royston on the Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire border. The field is open seven days a week, and they estimate the season will continue for another three to four weeks. Entry is free, with a fee of £1 per stem you cut. Don’t forget to bring your own scissors!
2. Go for a Picnic at Forty Hall
Make the most of the last of the warm(ish) weather and enjoy a picnic in the grounds of Forty Hall in Enfield. The hall, which dates back to the 1600s, is set amid acres of landscaped gardens and peaceful parkland, offering plenty of excellent spots for a picnic. Don’t feel like making your own? Grab some snacks from the farm shop – they even have their own vineyard!
3. Totally Thames Festival
Celebrate London’s iconic river at the Totally Thames Festival. This festival is an annual series of arts events, active adventures, environmental initiatives, heritage, and education programmes throughout September. One of the highlights is the Great River Race 2024 (21 September 2024), where traditional-style boats from around the world race a 21.6-mile course from Millwall to Richmond to raise money for charity. You can watch the event for free along the race route.
4. Hire a Boat on Alexandra Palace Lake
Ally Pally is always a fantastic place to spend the day, with plenty of fun activities on offer. The lake has a fleet of boats available for hire (by the half-hour), including classic rowing boats and fun pedalos shaped like swans, dragons, flamingos, unicorns, and more. Boat hire is located right outside Lakeside Café, perfect for grabbing a coffee to recover afterward!
5. Get Out on Your Bike
Hertfordshire boasts plenty of great places to cycle, including many traffic-free routes ideal for families or those who prefer to avoid road cycling. The Cole Green Way links Welwyn Garden City and Ware along an old railway line and is a relatively easy five-mile route. You can even cycle all the way into London along the River Lea (just make sure to check if you can take your bike on the train if you don’t fancy the 25+ mile ride back!).
