Brighter and warmer days are on the horizon with winter hibernation almost over. There’s plenty of things to do in March so you can make the most of the start of spring. Whether it’s walks to see spring flowers, ideas to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day, or ticking off some bucket list events, create some unforgettable memories with these activities that you won’t want to miss!
Spring flower walks
When the sun is shining, head outdoors and go on a walk to make the most of all the spring flowers starting to bloom! Some of the best gardens in the South West are on our network and easy to get to, so why not take the train to Kew Gardens or the train to RHS Wisley? Plus, you’ll get 2FOR1 or discounted entry to these gardens when you travel by train.
World Book Day is back and a great way to get your children into the love of books and reading for pleasure. Set your little ones imagination alight from this fantastic line-up of £1 books, especially for World Book Day. Get a £1 Book Token through your school, nursery, or magazines so your child can choose one of these books for free from your nearest bookseller. From big name book retailers and supermarkets to independent bookshops in the South West such as One Tree Books in Petersfield and Gulliver’s Bookshop in Wimbourne Minster, make sure you redeem your Book Tokens before Sunday 26 March 2023.
Once you’ve finished reading these books, check out our recommendations of classic books set in the South West for both children and adults.
London Theatre Week
Until 5 March
London Theatre Week is back and bigger than ever with cheap seats to over 70 incredible theatre shows starting from just £15 each. From award-winning musicals, including The Lion King and Wicked to show-stopping plays, like To Kill a Mockingbird and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, there is no better time to book.
Hurry though as tickets will sell out quickly and don’t forget you get an extra 10% off when you book direct through SWR Rewards.
UK Wife Carrying Race
5 March
Racers at the annual UK Wife Carrying Championship | Credit: Alexander Darlington
One for the quirky bucket list, head to the annual UK Wife Carrying Championships by Trionium in Dorking. Wife carrying is said to have originated over 12 centuries ago on 8 June 793AD and was re-introduced into the UK by the UK Wife Carrying Race in 2008.
Considered one of the toughest short races in the UK, watch over 30 runners fight their way across 400 metres of Dorking countryside while being drenched with water by enthusiastic spectators. Why not make the most of your day in Dorking and explore Denbies Wine Estate or head to the Surrey Hills and explore Box Hill.
British Pie Week
6-12 March
The first full week of March is British Pie Week, one of the most delicious weeks of the year. From Cornish Pasties to Devon’s signature gourmet specialities, each region in the South West comes with its own signature pies and traditions. Is there anything that represents Great Britain more than a good old-fashioned pie?
Take a look at some of our top picks of the best pies in the South West, perfect for celebrating British Pie Week.
International Women’s Day
8 March
Celebrated annually, International Women's Day 2023 theme is #EmbraceEquity driving worldwide understanding why equal opportunities aren't enough and the difference between equality and equity. There are events across our region (and the country) to celebrate this important day in the calendar.
One not to miss is the 13th edition of WOW - Women of the World festival, the world’s biggest festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people held on London’s South Bank. With opportunities for speed mentoring, food tasting and the WOW Marketplace, this three-day festival has a line-up of world-class speakers to explore gender inequality across the world today.
St Patrick's Day
17 March
St Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, so it’s time to plan where you’ll be celebrating this Irish national holiday - ‘eat, drink and be merry’ has never applied more! We have put together a list of the best things to do in London to celebrate St Patrick’s Day featuring a 5k run, pubs, festivals and more.
Sunday 12 March sees London’s annual St Patrick’s Day Festival take place in Trafalgar Square. Now one of London’s favourite cultural events and in its 20th year, more than 50,000 people celebrate the annual procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry as it winds from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square.
Mother’s Day
19 March
Whether it’s our mum, grandma, partner or mother-in-law, mums are special, so we want to make sure that their Mother’s Day is filled with love and joy. What could be better than treating them to a memorable Mother’s Day getaway?
From the picturesque countryside locations of Dorchester and the New Forest to the bustling capital city of London and the coastal town of Bournemouth, see our top picks of where to go, places you can stay, and what to you can get up to while you’re away.
VAULT Festival is back with comedy, cabaret, immersive theatre and more at the 10th edition of the UK’s biggest performing arts festivals. With more than 500 shows by established and upcoming performers, the festival underneath Waterloo train station in Leak Street Arches The Vaults is a rival to Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. And so that it is easily affordable, tickets cost from just £5 per performance! While in the area, see spectacular street art at the renowned Leake Street tunnel and pop into one of the great bars and restaurants such as Draughts - London's first board game café.
And so that it is easily affordable, tickets cost from just £5 per performance and you can save 10% on VAULT Festival tickets all thanks to SWR Rewards! While in the area, see spectacular street art at the renowned Leake Street tunnel and pop into one of the great bars and restaurants such as Draughts - London's first board game café.
This might be the last VAULT Festival ever, don’t miss out!
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
26 March
Looking for fun, free things to do in London? Then add the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race to your calendar. For over 160 years, this has been a must-see event as both men’s and women’s teams from Oxford and Cambridge University compete for the winner’s title and trophy as spectators line the river’s edge to watch. The Boat Race runs between Putney and Mortlake making it easy to get to by train.
