What To Book Around The UK This September

CHECK OUT A BRAND-NEW MUSEUM HERE: V&A, Dundee 

The first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland and the only other V&A museum anywhere in the world outside London, V&A Dundee is set to provide a place of inspiration, discovery and learning through its mission to enrich lives through design. Opening this month, the gallery’s launch will be celebrated with 3D Festival, a weekend celebration of design, music and performances. Headliners are set to be legendary Scottish rockers Primal Scream: the band will unveil a new collaboration with contemporary visual artist and former Turner Prize nominee Jim Lambie, specially commissioned for the opening. 

Dundee, Scotland, DD1 4EZ; 14th & 15th September  

Visit VAM.ac.uk/dundee 

GET SHUCKING HERE: Maldon Oyster & Seafood Festival, Essex 

A celebration of all things seafood will take over the town of Maldon this weekend, all set against a backdrop of barges and the river Blackwater. As well as a plethora of delicious seafood vendors (including SL faves Dirty Lobster) there will be two bars at the event, one serving a choice of beers and ciders, and a prosecco bar, which will also serve delicious cocktails – we’re keen to sample the Maldon salt margarita. There’ll be live music, too. 

Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ; 9th September 

Visit LaLaWorld.com

WATCH THIS: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sheffield 

Desperate lovers, squabbling supernaturals and a hapless troupe of amateur actors get tangled in this joyous tale of enchantment and transformation. Full of magic and mayhem, this is Shakespeare’s most celebrated comedy, reimagined by The Crucible’s Artistic Director Robert Hastie, with music from co-creator of Everybody's Talking About Jamie’s Dan Gillespie Sells. 
 
The Crucible, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S1 1DA; 28th September-20th October 
 
Visit SheffieldTheatres.co.uk

CELEBRATE HARVEST SEASON HERE: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire 

Blenheim Palace has announced an exclusive dinner at its fine-dining restaurant The Orangery. Guest chef Matt Tebbutt will join the kitchen for one night only, on 27th September. The British chef and television presenter, best known for his role on Saturday Kitchen, will prepare a four-course harvest supper championing seasonal, local produce. The evening offers a chance for guests to enjoy a bespoke field-to-fork menu showcasing British ingredients from artisan local producers, farmers and the Blenheim Palace estate. 

Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP; 27th September  
 
Visit DesignMyNight.com

ATTEND ONE FINAL FESTIVAL HERE: The Good Life Experience, Wales 

The Good Life Experience returns for its fifth year this month with what the team’s describing as its biggest party yet. The yearly event, from founder Cerys Matthews, is an annual celebration of art that incorporates axe throwing, foraging, campfire cooking sessions with world class chefs, daily feasts, mass sing-a-longs, over 40 expert craftspeople, beer served by experts, talks by explorers, abseiling, a free 1930s fairground, tree climbing, poetry and literature. This family-friendly event takes place in the historic and setting of the Hawarden Estate against the backdrop of two castles: it’s the ideal way to see out summer. 
 
Hawarden, Wales, CH5 3FB; 14th-16th September 

Visit Thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk

CLAPHAM COMES TO BRAY HERE: Hind’s Head, Bray 

Following the launch of the guest chef series earlier this year, this autumn Heston Blumenthal’s Bray restaurant The Hind’s Head has announced its next line-up of critically acclaimed guest chefs. First up, it’s renowned restaurateur Adam Byatt, owner of Michelin-starred Trinity in Clapham. Expect Cacio e Pepe gougere, a Trinity signature dish; followed by roast stone bass, beetroot and wild mushrooms from The Hind’s Head. 

Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AB; 12th September  
 
Visit HindsHeadBray.com  
 

TRY A JO MALONE COCKTAIL HERE: The Ivy Bath Brasserie, Bath 

The Ivy Bath Brasserie is celebrating its first birthday with an exclusive collaboration with Jo Malone London, running all month. Celebrations will begin in style with the installation of an eye-popping floral archway outside the brasserie, with the floral theme continuing through the restaurant and up to its ‘hidden terrace’. Inspired by the perfume house’s new scent, Honeysuckle & Davana, a new cocktail will be available to sip: the ‘Honeysuckle Daquiri’ will feature Havana  rum, runny honey, fresh lemon and orange juice, and will be garnished with edible flowers and a fresh mint sprig.   
 
Bath, Somerset, BA1 1DS; until 14th October  
 
Visit TheIvyBathBrasserie.com

BOOK AHEAD FOR THIS: Home Alone Live, Gateshead

One kid, one house and two seriously unlucky burglars: Home Alone is a family movie without the family. But you haven’t experienced how much fun it can be until you’ve experienced every gag, tumble and splash of aftershave accompanied live by John Williams’ delightful score, performed by the Royal Northern Sinfonia. What a way to kick off the festive season. 
 
Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE8 2JR; 25th November  
 
Visit SageGateshead.com 

MAKE YOUR OWN GIN HERE: Orogin, Scotland 

Renowned Scottish distillery and makers of award-winning Oro Gin, The Distillery at Dalton is offering customers the opportunity to have their own bespoke gin designed and distilled to order, tailoring everything from the botanicals to the bottle design. The process begins with an initial consultation at Oro Gin’s distillery in Dumfriesshire, where customers can highlight any flavours they like or dislike and test out gin flavour profiles, before having five bottles of their own brand bottled for them. We imagine they’d make the perfect present. 
 
Dalton, Scotland, DG11 1DU 
 
Visit Orogin.co.uk 

HAVE A LAURA ASHLEY AFTERNOON TEA HERE: Burnham Beeches Hotel

Burnham Beeches Hotel has just launched The Tea Room, a new space entirely decorated by Laura Ashley. A bright space with high ceilings, large windows and original features, the Tea Room makes for a striking backdrop to showcase the design house’s soft furnishings and decorative items including mirrors, ornaments and a small selection of vintage teapots. It all comes together to create an elegant and comfortable space – perfect for indulging in the most British of pastimes. Expect a traditional mix of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and dainty pastries.  
 
Burnham, Slough, SL1 8DP 
 
Visit CorusHotels.com

STAY HERE: The Bell Inn, Cotswolds 

Peter Creed and Tom Noest, born and bred Cotswold gents, reopened the doors to this much-loved local pub at the start of the year. But now it’s almost autumn, we reckon it’ll be in its element. The Bell offers a modern country pub feel, with a hearty, classic British menu complete with wood-fired dishes and an extensive selection of wine and beer. Best of all there are now eight stylish bedrooms, which complement the traditional vibe downstairs (all with king-size beds, en-suite walk-in showers and luxury toiletries). The perfect spot for a weekend jaunt. 
 
Langford, Cotswolds, GL7 3LF 
 
Visit TheBellLangford.com