In this article, you'll learn the following:
February is a busy time with romantic vibes, stacks of pancakes and half term being packed into the years shortest month.
Across the South Western Railway region there is so much to do, see and get involved in.
Dry-January over?
With what seems to be the longest month in the year now complete for those that completed Dry-January and looking for an interesting way to celebrate and fall off the wagon as it were but not just do the norm, why not join in the Big Penny Beer Fest on 16–18 February.
Held at the Big Penny Social Club in Walthamstow, which is the UK’s largest Beer Hall, it features over 150 cask beers from some of the best independent breweries in the UK and keg beers from local breweries. Add in live music + DJs and the party is well underway!
Beer festivals not your thing then ClubSoda is great alternative with a positive ethos ‘helps you live well by being more mindful about drinking. Whether you want to cut down, take a break from alcohol or stop drinking, you’re welcome to join us’ based on Drury Lane in London there is a tasting room, bar and shop with a well curated collection of over 150 of the best and brightest low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks brands. There are various events throughout the year and well worth checking out.
National Pizza Day
9 February
It can be argued (but you will lose!) pizza as a food is pretty hard to top. Breakfast? Reheated pizza from last night will do the job. Lunch? A single slice from your local hits the spot. Dinner? Get your favourite pizzeria on the phone, cause it's takeaway o'clock.
While you've probably eaten more slices in your lifetime than you'd likely care to admit Thursday 9 February is a date to celebrate this fine Italian export - it’s the UK national pizza day!
If you are in London we have curated a list of our favourites across the capital.
Half-Term
13-17 February
The region is packed with things to do for half-term from museums to theme parks, indoors and outdoor activities.
London makes for a great day out with the kids from taking in the sights to visiting one of the many world-class museums and art galleries all of which are easily accessible from London Waterloo station.
The Natural History Museum, The British Museum, The National Portrait Gallery at Trafalgar Square are all-time favourites in central London and sure to capture the imagination. The iconic Tate Modern on the Southbank is worth a visit to admire the building alone and there is always something happening to peak your interest.
TwistMuseum on Oxford Street in London is not your average museum! Providing an interesting attack on the visual senses, it is the self-proclaimed London home of illusions and doesn’t fail to live up to its billing.
Outside of London the fun doesn’t end. Brooklands Museum and the nearby Mercedes-Benz World are perfect for the budding car and plane enthusiasts.
If theme parks are the go-to then Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World in Hampshire caters for both big and little children alike. Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park are easy to get to with South Western Railway and the recently opened Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow is well worth a visit too.
If the Great British weather is as unpredictable as ever and outside activities limited, then there are loads of things to do indoors. Here are some suggestions to help make half-term special no matter the weather.
But half term doesn’t have to be wallet busting. There are plenty of free things to do and make memories for a lifetime. We have put together a list of ideas for free things to do in London that you might like to do.
Valentine’s Day
14 February
Love is in the air…looking to treat the one you love this Valentine’s Day? Want to step away from the status quo and do something a little different? We have you covered!
Across the SWR network you can enjoy unique experiences, fun days out, relaxing hotel stay, romantic walk, dinner for two, gin tasting and more. On the Where’s Next blog you will find:
A personal favourite this year are the Valentines Movie nights being held at the Bombay Sapphire distillery in Overton. Based in the intimate cinema room at the distillery on Friday 10, Saturday 11, Tuesday 14 and Saturday 18 February complete with cocktails and snacks included. You can book tickets here.
Win an unforgettable weekend in London with What's Love Got Do With It in cinemas 24 February. Find out more about the prize and enter here.
London Fashion Week
17 – 21 February
The capital being one of the epicentres of fashion, London Fashion Week is a must and globally recognised a key fashion event showcasing both menswear and womenswear and this year it becomes a hybrid digital and physical event.
Throughout the week there are sessions both physically and online. Predominantly held at Somerset House, 180 The Strand, London. There are numerous other events across London, but the main event and all the biggest designers showcase their collections at 180 The Strand.
If you are unable to attend there are events that are shown online. In some cases the catwalk or presentation is digital only, like Apujan and Nu, in others there will be a physical and digital presence, like Chet Lo and Susan Fang.
Pancake day
21 February
Hot on the heels of National Pizza day comes pancake day. With a plethora of places to devour pancakes from The Breakfast Club to My Old Dutch with locations across London and our favourite Where the Pancakes Are, a buzzy spot at London Bridge close to the iconic Borough Market, you are never too far from a plate of fluffy goodness.
Something to get involved in is the quirky tradition of pancake races held in the capital. Head to Borough Market or Leadenhall Market to watch racers flip their pans for charity. Add this to your list of things to do for 2023!
Other ideas
Dopamine Land - the much-hyped exhibition is a must visit! Described as a full-on multisensory experience that combines media, technology and play all in one! It is an interactive museum made up of colourful installations that channel the limitless imagination of your inner child into reality. Take a break from your everyday life, have some fun, take some photos and boost your happy emotions.
Based in South Kensington it easily reached on the Piccadilly line from London Waterloo station. Tickets sell fast so don’t sleep on it!
Following in a similar vein to Dopamine Land, Frameless at Marble Arch is a brand new culturally-rich, immersive, multi-dimensional art experience right in the heart of Central London. Set within a 30,000 square-foot-venue, it offers four different galleries, and elevates the traditional art experience to a whole new level.
Add in 158 state-of-the-art surround sound speakers and over 479 million pixels of light, and you can see that you’re in for a real experience here! Open until the end of April 2023.
The VAULT festival continues to 19 March and is within easy reach of Waterloo train station. From comedy, cabaret immersive theatre and more the 10th edition of the UK’s biggest performing arts festival has over 500 acts and with tickets from just £5 isn’t wallet breaking either! You can also save 10% on tickets when you book your travel with SWR. Head on over to SWR-Rewards to find out more.
