Aug 31, 2026
Dates for the diary in September
As summer begins to give way to the first signs of autumn, September is a wonderful time to get out and explore Scotland and Northumberland. From historic houses and heritage events to walking festivals, markets, music and cultural celebrations, there’s plenty happening . We’ve rounded up some of the highlights taking place throughout September – perfect for making the most of the changing season and discovering something new close to home.
Heritage Open Days at Lindisfarne Castle
Travel across the causeway to Holy Island for an afternoon spent exploring this magical place as part of Heritage Open Days. Visit the iconic castle (with free admission) – converted by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens into a private holiday home for Edward Hudson, the founder of Country Life magazine – and discover the garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll along with the unexpected grandeur of the 19th-century industrial lime kilns, followed by a shoreline walk.
19–20 September
The Paxton House Antiques Fair
Set in the shadow of Paxton House and within the beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the River Tweed, this fair hosts up to 80 quality dealers selling a wide range of antiques, architectural pieces, and decorative items for interiors and exteriors, alongside collectibles including jewellery, ceramics, curiosities, cameras and many more. Paxton House is one of the finest examples of neo-Palladian architecture in Scotland, and house tours can be booked separately.
4–6 September
https://glamracketevents.co.uk
Hedgehope, Cunyan Crags and Linhope Spout
Looking for a more challenging hike? This walk will lead to the top of Northumberland’s second largest peak Hedgehope Hill (714 m above sea level), taking walkers through a medieval village before climbing up to Cunyan Crags and then onto Hedgehope via Dunmoor Hill – with incredible views of the Northumberland coast. After a short rest, the route then leads to the waterfalls at Linhope Spout, covering a distance of 9 miles in total.
20 September
Borders Music Festival
Experience ten days of world-class choral, folk, jazz and orchestral music in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Described as a celebration of music, musicians and community, this week-long festival brings together a wide variety of genres and talents while supporting and encouraging young people in their love of music with a range of educational events.
11–20 September
https://bordersmusicfestival.com
Doors Open Days
Doors Open Days offers a fantastic opportunity to explore interesting and historic buildings that are not always open to the public. Held across Scotland, you can search for the buildings taking part by area. Highlights in the Scottish Borders include the Bernat Klein Studio (5 September), a striking example of modern architecture and design that was created in 1972 by modernist architect Peter Womersley for textile designer Bernat Klein.
Dates throughout September
https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Berwick Open Studios
A new cultural event in Berwick’s calendar of festivals, Berwick Open Studios offers an exciting opportunity to visit artists’ studios and experience their creative processes – and buy unique pieces directly from the makers. There will also be galleries and exhibitions, pop-up spaces, cultural hubs, and creative community groups to explore.
26–27 September and 3–4 October
https://createberwick.co.uk/berwickopenstudios/
Scottish Borders Walking Festival
Scotland’s longest running walking festival is hosted by a different Borders town each year, and the 2026 event heads to Jedburgh. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or an epic hill challenge, this festival offers a wide variety of walks and destinations, all clearly marked from short to moderate to arduous, along with evening events ranging from a magical mystery walk to a castle jail visit.
4–12 September
https://www.facebook.com/borderswalking?locale=en_GB
Spirit of Speyside: Distilled
Held at UHI Moray, this event brings together some of the world’s best whisky distillers under one roof for a weekend that will delight whisky lovers. Being home to more than half of all Scotland’s distilleries, whisky is clearly well represented, while visitors will also be able to explore innovative new gin and vodka distillers as well as superior craft breweries as Distilled celebrates the ever-evolving culture of the Speyside food and drink scene.
11–12 September
https://www.spiritofspeyside.com/festival/distilled
Findhorn Bay Festival
With 50 events happening across 10 action-packed days plus a full day of community events and activities for Culture Day, this year’s festival has something for everyone. The festival extends into October, but September highlights include a live performance by Glasgow-based musician Alex Smoke, and The Circus of Dreams from Vision Mechanics, who present a travelling marionette theatre.
24 September– 4 October
https://findhornbayfestival.com
Elgin Producers & Makers Market
Located on the Elgin Plainstones, right in the heart of the town, this market brings together a vibrant mix of local food producers, artists, and makers. The Artisan Market will be packed with unique creations along with tasty treats and handcrafted goods, offering a great way to support smaller local businesses.
19 September
https://www.moraymarkets.co.uk/events/elgin-in-the-town-market-2026-09
Elgin Museum
The museum is hosting a number of events throughout the month, including Draw the Museum as part of Door Open Days on 5 September, where participants will create a series of observational sketches of the museum and its collections; Monoprinting Elgin’s Historic Buildings on 12 September, with the opportunity to create a series of monoprints inspired by the work of Sir George Reid RSA and the museum’s photographic archive; and Elgin Walk & Sketch on 13 September, with a creative walk around the historic town centre.
Dates throughout September
