In this article, you'll learn the following:
February - a month of fashion, romance, history and new beginnings. There’s heaps going on so make the most of it by filling your calendar with Valentine’s plans, LGBT+ History Month and Chinese New Year celebrations, half-term activities and much more across our network.
Foodies - February marks Pancake Day and National Pizza Day - we’ve got a plethora of recommendations for places to dine that will leave you spoilt for choice. Fashionistas - London Fashion Week is just around the corner - find out how to get involved in the action!
Here’s your detailed guide to what’s on in February 2024 in London and the South West, including our top-pick spots, and how to get there and save on your fare. Don’t forget to check SWR Rewards before you book your tickets - you can save extra cash on food, hotel stays, theatre tickets and more.
Celebrate LGBT+ History month
1-29 February
LGBT+ History Month is an annual month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual trans, and non-binary history, including the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements.
There are heaps of things to do across our network to celebrate - here are some highlights:
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Head to Southampton Stonewall Lecture on 22 February where guest Speaker Professor Jennifer Evans will do a talk on “Why We Need Queer Kinship Now More Than Ever” - learn more
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Go to Guilford to explore the rich tapestry of transgender identities throughout history at New House Art Space and Gallery on 29 February - get tickets
Find out how to save on your rail fare when you book with us directly.
Celebrate National Pizza Day in London and the South West
9 February
9 February marks National Pizza Day, a whole day dedicated to celebrating and eating pizza!
The South West’s home to spectacular pizza eateries. In London, popular spots include Gordon Ramsey’s Street Pizza, where you’ll get 20% off your bill when you travel with us - choose from its Southwark, Battersea or St. Paul's branches. If you’re looking for a fancier option, head to Fatto a mano Pizza & Beer in Kings Cross, or Rudy’s in Soho.
Some street food markets in London have stalls serving up super tasty pizzas including Borough Market and Mercato Metropolitano.
In Southampton, check out La Tavernetta for relaxed Italian dining, and Piccolo Mondo for authentic Italian pizza - see more Italian restaurants in Southampton.
Franco Manca is a popular spot for an authentic sourdough pizza without the big price tag. There are lots of branches across our network including all around London and in Bournemouth, Kingston, Windsor, Exeter, Guilford, Richmond and Southampton.
Head to the Chinese New Year celebrations in London or Southampton
10 February
Chinese New Year 2024 marks the year of the Dragon, a symbol of great significance in Chinese cosmology, representing a year of intense energy and significant change.
The festival begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the calendar - this year on 10 February - and ends with the 'Lantern Festival' on the 15th day.
There’s plenty going on in London. Each year hundreds of thousands of people head to the West End to watch a colourful parade and performances, and to eat traditional Chinese food. The celebrations are a short tube ride away from London Waterloo.
If you’d rather a more intimate setting, we’ve rounded up the top spots to enjoy scrumptious Chinese food in the capital, including in Chinatown and beyond - take a look.
Southampton’s also a great place to celebrate Chinese New Year - head to Southampton Guildhall Square where there’ll be free children’s games and a dragon parade.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day
14 February
Enjoy unique romantic experiences across our network this Valentine’s Day.
From fun days out, romantic getaways and more, there’s plenty to explore. Our Where Next blog is full of inspiration, but to help make your planning easier, below are some of our top picks for things to do.
Proposing this Valentine’s Day? We’ve rounded up the top places to propose across the region including Tylney Hall Hotel, Wherwell, and Richmond Park.
If you want to do Valentine’s Day on a budget, check out our budget date ideas guide which includes things to do in London, Southampton, Dorset and more.
Dining out? See our guides to the best restaurants in Southampton, London’s tastiest hidden-gem food spots, and British food gems to explore in the South West. Remember, you can save up to 20% on your food bill when you travel with us. Head to our SWR Rewards food and drink page to see all the options.
If you’d rather an activity, the Bombay Sapphire distillery in Overton hosts a Valentine’s cinema night for £35 which includes a G&T on arrival and a chocolate dipping sharing platter. You can also book an exclusive day with an overnight stay which includes spa access, dinner and breakfast - find out more.
Celebrating on the weekend? We’ve got plenty of other ideas to help you plan the perfect romantic getaway in the likes of London and Poole.
Do some February half term activities with the kids
12-16 February
February half term is just around the corner - there’s plenty to do on our network worth noting suited for all tastes and budgets. Check these out…
The Lookout - Head to this free viewing spot to see London’s historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers from the 50th floor gallery.
Hampshire activities - Visit Hampshire where you’ll find a whole host of things to do including a must-see family attraction - Paultons Park near Southampton. Catch a train to Basingstoke and go to Milestones Museum which will have a mega compendium of historic and retro games for the whole family to enjoy between 10-18 February. In Winchester, there’s a moon-related craft workshop at Winchester Cathedral on the same dates.
The Southbank - There are few places as bustling and loaded with fun family activities as London’s Waterloo Southbank, from catching a film at the BFI Imax to racing down the Thames on a speedboat and more. For more inspiration see this dedicated guide.
There’s loads more to do - you could also visit Kew Gardens, SEA LIFE centre in London (get 10% off with SWR Rewards), and LEGOLAND® (get 10% off with SWR Rewards).
If you’re looking to extend a day trip, our top South West staycations and 48 hours in London guides are worth a look in.
Embrace your inner fashionista at London Fashion Week
16-20 February
London Fashion Week (LFW) is just around the corner! Taking place between 16-20 February, the bi-annual event showcases menswear and womenswear from top British designers.
This year is a big one - it’s 40th anniversary! The main hub of activity is usually held at Somerset House, 180 The Strand, London, with various shows held at different locations across the British Capital.
The shows are invite-only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t immerse yourself into the fashion world while it’s on. There are still some public workshops and shows dotted around the city. Fashion Week Online usually details these on its website.
LFW hubs won’t be more than a short tube or bus ride away from London Waterloo.
Have some flippin’ good pancakes on Pancake Day
13 February
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, takes place on 13 February this year. It’s the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Step away from the kitchen and try one of these delicious pancake spots in London or the South West instead.
In London, head to Where the Pancakes Are - an eatery dedicated to pancakes, served all day! The menu includes heaps of sweet and savoury options from poached pear caramel and gingerbread pancakes to vegan bratwurst, pulled BBQ chicken and more. There are 3 branches in the capital - in London Bridge, Battersea Power Station and Fitzrovia. Book in advance as this is a super popular Pancake Day spot.
Fancy pancakes with a view? Head to Coppa Club at Tower Bridge where you’ll dine at one of the biggest riverside terraces in London. Here, you can get Buckwheat and rye pancakes with topping options including granola, berries, bacon, and maple syrup.
If you’re heading home late, Polo Bar in Liverpool Street serves pancakes 24/7! This one offers a sharing pancake stack with topping options including banoffee biscoff, cookies & cream, and streaky bacon.
Catch the train to Waterloo for your pre or post-work treat!
In Southampton, try STAKKS! Pancake House which offers lots of options including vegan, and gluten free pancakes. Josie’s in Winchester (just a 5-minute walk from the station!) is also known for its mouth-watering pancakes - including Biscoff, Oreo, and bacon ones, made with a ‘secret recipe’.
Make a night of it in Bournemouth - head to Centre VR after work (get 50% off your ticket with SWR) and then round off the evening at Cosy Club where you’ll find lots of pancake options - from berry-flavoured to American style ones.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your February calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in March!
