It’s time to shake off the winter blues, as March marks the first month of spring.
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and this one’s kicking off with big celebratory events including International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.
The days are getting longer and warmer, flowers are blooming, trees’ leaves are growing and animals are coming out of hibernation. Take a spring flower stroll, enjoy outdoor sporting events like Non-League Day and much more across our network.
Here’s your detailed guide to what’s on in March 2025 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.
World Book Day
6 March
World Book Day takes place each year on the first Thursday in March, this year falling on the 6 of the month.
Make sure your kids grab a £1 book token from their school or nursery to spend on a book of their choice. Set your children’s imagination alight with this brilliant lineup of £1 books, or, get money off a different one. Check out our recommendations of classic books set in the South West (which includes children’s books) for more inspiration.
Use your World Book Day token for free between 13 February and 23 March.
Be sure to check out Portsmouth BookFest, a perfect World Book Day activity, on until 9 March.
Comic con and Gaming Festival Exeter
8-9 March
A fun-filled family day out in Exeter, head here for endless comics, gaming stock, collectables and merch. See displays from popular film and tv shows, and more.
International Women’s Day
8 March
Celebrate International Women’s Day in London. This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action’, which emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally, but some of the biggest events are held in London including talks, concerts, walks and more. Join female leaders in business at The Lookout on 7 March. This one will feature a discussion with three accomplished founders.
Head to the Southbank Centre, just around the corner from SWR’s main hub, Waterloo Station, for heaps of great talks and workshops. Its Women of the World Festival (WOW), taking place between 10-12 March, has been dubbed the world’s biggest and most comprehensive festival celebrating women, girls, and non-binary people. Learn more about it, see the lineup and book your tickets.
Affordable Art Fair Battersea
Affordable Art Fair’s spring edition kicks off in Battersea Park mid-March. Find art from its hand-picked selection of galleries, showcasing thousands of artworks.
Learn more and book your tickets.
Non-League Day
22 March
See some football games on Non-League Day - an annual event which celebrates semi-professional and grassroots football, with South Western Railway as its official partner. It was set up by James Doe, an SWR Guard based at Waterloo, in 2010 and has gone on to become a national success story.
On this day each year, football fans are encouraged to head out to watch a game at their local non-league club while Premier League and Championship football pauses for international fixtures.
Mother’s Day
30 March
Sunday 10 March marks Mother’s Day - a time to honour mums and mother figures. We’ve got plenty of ideas for things to do across our network to make this Mother’s Day a special one.
Looking for a wonderful lunch or dinner spot? We’ve rounded up our top eating out guides, whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner or a casual bite to eat.
You can save money on your food bill when you travel with South Western Railway. See our top food and drink deals with SWR Rewards - for example, 22% off afternoon tea in Bournemouth, and 20% off at Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants across the region.
Heading to the theatre could also be a great shout. We’ve recently updated our guide to London’s must-see theatre performances which includes the likes of Wicked, Back to the Future and Mamma Mia!. You can grab a bargain when buying London theatre tickets thanks to the exclusive deals and prices brought to you through SWR Rewards.
How about treating mum 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 for where to go, places to stay, and what you can get up to while you’re away in this dedicated guide.
Spring Flower Walks
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Credit: RBG Kew
Spring is one of the best seasons to capture stunning flower gardens, brimming with colour and life.
Take a spring flower stroll at some of the best gardens in the South West, including RHS Wisley, and Kew Gardens (get 2for1 tickets). Kew Gardens’ Sounds of Blossom event is not to be missed; head here to celebrate the arrival of spring. In collaboration with the Royal College of Music, immerse yourself in nature and wander among the spring flowers and trees.
St Patrick’s Day
17 March
Celebrated globally, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most fun-filled days in the annual calendar, when celebrators enjoy Irish traditions including eating Irish stew, dancing to live music and more. The religious holiday - celebrated annually on 17 March - is a tribute to the death of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.
London’s a key hub for celebrations with plenty going on for you to choose from, including the St Patrick’s Festival. There are heaps of Irish pubs across the capital to choose from, including Mc & Sons in Borough, The Ald Shillelagh in Stoke Newington, and The Cow in Notting Hill. Head to London Waterloo by train to start your Paddy’s Day adventure.
There are also great events up and down the region on St Patrick’s weekend. Head to O’Neil’s or Aruba in Bournemouth for parties and entertainment. In Windsor, go to Royal Windsor for traditional Irish food and drinks. If you’re after a wholesome one, there’s a St. Patrick’s slime workshop in Exeter.
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