Fancy getting out of London for a day, but not sure where to head? Here are a few reasons to (temporarily) leave the capital in March 2026 — a month when several seasonal and outdoor attractions reopen.
See our Beyond London section for further inspiration for trips out of London for a day, a weekend or longer.
CELEBRATION OF SPEEDWAY: The National Speedway Museum at Hertfordshire Zoo hosts a Celebration of Speedway event. Meet former Speedway riders, buy memorabilia, ogle display bikes and watch pit lane start ups. 1 March (Hertfordshire)
FARNHAM LITERARY FESTIVAL: 50 events involving writers, presenters and performers are part of the Farnham Literary Festival programme. Reeta Chakrabarti, Alexander Armstrong and Oti Mabuse are among the big names scheduled to appear at venues all over the town. 5-15 March (Surrey)
SOUTHEND CITY DAY: After the success of the inaugural Southend City Day last year, it’s back, celebrating the area’s elevation to city status. Head to the Essex seaside for live entertainment by local talent, as well as community stalls and activities, food and drink stalls, talks and a portrait competition. 7 March (Essex)
FLYING SCOTSMAN EXPERIENCES: Hampshire’s historic Watercress Line has a very special visitor this month in the form of the Flying Scotsman, on loan from York’s National Railway Museum. Book ahead for special experiences involving the iconic engine, including breakfast and afternoon tea rides, and photography sessions. 10-21 March (Hampshire)
RIVERHILL HIMALAYAN GARDENS: Up for stretching your legs? Riverhill Himalayan Gardens near Sevenoaks reopens for the season. There are incredible views over the Kent countryside to be had at the top, but be warned, it’s a climb and a half. Other attractions include a maze, play area and various gardens to explore. From 11 March (Kent)
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ORCHID SHOW: RHS Garden Wisley holds its annual Orchid Show, giving you a chance to meet orchid experts, buy orchids — and view professional displays. Spring will truly feel on its way. Speaking of which… 13-15 March (Surrey)
DAZZLING DAFFODILS: … The magnificent Hever Castle is expecting almost 120,000 daffodils to bloom across its grounds. Explore them at your own pace, or sign up for a guided tour during its Dazzling Daffodils season. 16-22 March. Hever Castle is also currently hosting an exhibition about former resident Anne Boleyn, (until January 2027), and lays on a plant fair this month too (22 March). (Kent)
CAMBRIDGE FESTIVAL: Organised by the University of Cambridge, The Cambridge Festival is a 17-day showcase featuring a mix of online and in-person events themed around environment, health, society and discovery. Almost all the events are free, and include talks, debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, tours, performances, workshops, and interactive events — including several for children. 16 March-2 April (Cambridgeshire)
OXFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL: There’s a seriously impressive programme at Oxford Literary Festival, including Chris Packham, Michael Morpurgo, Pam Ayres and Michael Rosen, among many others. Events take place in the Sheldonian Theatre, the circular building designed by Sir Christopher Wren which is part of the University of Oxford. Fancy. 21-29 March (Oxfordshire)
DOGS AND DAFFS: Leaving London for the day isn’t just for humans. Take Fido or Rufus along to the Dogs and Daffs charity walk at Hatfield House for a spring stroll followed by a dog show, raising money for the Riding for the Disabled Association — Digswell Place Group, which offers therapy and enjoyment to disabled people through horse and pony riding. 22 March (Hertfordshire)
MINI DAY: Start your engines: Brooklands Museum on the London-Surrey border hosts Mini Day, bringing together owners, drivers and fans of the iconic car. Minis of all ages are on display and there’s also live music, family activities, and food and drink stalls. While you’re there, why not visit the London Bus Museum, on the same site. 22 March (Surrey)
DAFFODIL SHOW: This month is promising more daffs than William Wordsworth would know what to do with. For another dose of the yellow buds, head to RHS Hyde Hall’s Daffodil Show, with hundreds of cut blooms on display in the Hilltop Lodge, and plenty more growing in the garden.
OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHY: We’re huge fans of Chatham Historic Dockyard at any time, but there’s another reason to visit from the end of this month when the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition opens. The UK debut of the display promises 116 photos showcasing the best ocean, wildlife and underwater photography from around the world. 28 March-31 August (Kent)
