25 free events to attend in November

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Young girl at fireworks display

From indoor music festivals to outdoor illuminations, we round up 25 brilliant free events to attend in November 2024

The daylight hours may be limited, but there’s no shortage of exciting things happening around the country, including a historic car run, a humanities festival and a centuries-old celebration in the capital. Prefer to stay curled up indoors? Boundless’s member-exclusive online talks mean you can tick off one of these fab free events without even having to leave your sofa!

Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership. 

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. 


Free nationwide events

Engage your brain

Being Human Festival, 7–16 November

Perhaps the biggest arts and culture festival you’ve never heard of, Being Human sees academics working in the humanities – think history, literature, languages and theatre – share their fascinating insights with the rest of us. In a nod to its 10th anniversary, this year’s festival delves into how landmarks – be it historic events or iconic works of art – shape our world. With events taking place everywhere from Devon to Dundee, there’s sure to be something happening near you.


Free events in London & the South East

Expressions in Blue

Felicity Aylieff's Expressions in Blue is currently on display at Kew. Credit: Alun Callender

Marvel at larger-than-life sculptures

Expressions in Blue, London, until 23 March

It’s a wonderful time of year to explore Kew Gardens, but there’s even more reason to visit in the shape of this extraordinary ceramics exhibition by acclaimed artist Felicity Aylieff. Inspired by her longstanding collaboration with the craftspeople of Jingdezhen, China – the ‘Porcelain Capital’ of the world – Aylieff’s hand-thrown and hand-painted pieces (some towering over four metres tall!) blend centuries-old traditions with her own innovative artistry

This event is free for Boundless members, who get access to year-round savings, including unlimited entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Wakehurst. 

Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the events, offers and benefits included in your membership. 

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. Enjoy unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Celebrate a beloved gallery

NG Stories: Making a National Gallery, London, until 12 January

Following a string of events earlier in the year, the National Gallery continues to revel in its bicentenary celebrations (after all, it’s not every day you turn 200). The latest exhibition to mark this milestone, NG Stories uses modern tech to illuminate the stories of those who have shaped the gallery’s two-hundred-year history.

Discover the art of fake food

Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s food replica culture, London, until 16 February

Lining the windows of eateries all over Japan, tasty-looking food replicas – or shokuhin sanpuru – have been enticing diners for nearly a century. This unique exhibition at London’s Japan House is a rare chance for us to marvel at these intricately crafted models outside their usual settings, offering a (deceptively) mouthwatering journey through Japanese culture.

Cheer on a historic race

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, 3 November

Watch history in motion as hundreds of antique cars – many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries – set off on a dash from London to Brighton in the world’s longest-running motoring event. Send them off from the starting line at Hyde Park, watch them roar across the 60-mile route or cheer them along the seaside home stretch. For all the best viewing spots and race timings, check out the online spectator route guide.

Watch London’s skyline sparkle

Bonfire night, London, 5 November

While there are plenty of ticketed Bonfire Night events happening across the capital, you can catch spectacular fireworks without dipping your hand in your pocket. For unbeatable views of the city’s pyrotechnics displays, head to the top of Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill and watch the skyline explode with colour. These popular viewpoints can get crowded, so it’s wise to arrive early to secure your spot.

Lord Mayors Show London

The annual Lord Mayor's Show is a great day out for people of all ages. Credit: Getty Images

Rejoice in an age-old tradition

Lord Mayor’s Show, 9 November

Pomp and pageantry take centre stage in this centuries-old parade, celebrating the inauguration of the newly elected Lord Mayor. The lively procession of floats and marching bands sets off from the mayor’s official residence at Mansion House, before winding its way through the heart of the city.

Pay your respects

National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, London, 10 November

Services will be held across the country in memory of all those who have served and sacrificed, but the biggest Remembrance Sunday event will be held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Every year, veterans take part in the March Past parade, before the Royal Family and other members of the state pay their respects.

Channel your inner Picasso

Picasso-inspired printmaking workshop, London, 15 November

We can’t all be Picassos, but you can get one step closer by attending this drop-in printmaking workshop at the British Museum. Inspired by Picasso's experimental techniques, you’ll be guided through the process of creating a still life print and walk away with your very own masterpiece.

Raise those jazz hands

EFG London Jazz Festival, 15–24 November

Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply after a toe-tapping good time, look no further than this annual city-wide festival. With the bill of free events including everything from DJ sets and dance workshops to outdoor performances, there’s bound to be something to get you moving and grooving.

Find a one-of-a-kind gift

The Maker’s Fair Winter Weekender, near Brighton, 30 November–1 December

‘Tis the season to start planning your Christmas shopping, and you won’t find more unique gift ideas than at this weekend-long maker’s fair at Stanmer House, just outside Brighton & Hove. Step into the elegant rooms of this charming Georgian mansion and you’ll stumble upon some 40 talented creatives, offering everything from ceramics to jewellery. It’s the perfect chance to pick up some pressies, find some creative inspiration, or even treat yourself! 


Free events in the South West & Wales

Bridgwater Carnival

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival is a feast for the senses. Credit: Getty Images

Be dazzled by the lights

Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Bridgwater, 2 November

It may be best known for its spectacular evening procession of illuminated floats, but the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival offers so much more. With bands, theatre groups and children's entertainers performing all day long, the Somerset town is one of the best places to be on Bonfire Night weekend. It’s one of a network of carnivals across the county, with more planned at Burnham on Sea, Weston-super-Mare, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury. While you don't need to buy a ticket to watch the Bridgwater Carnival, donations are welcomed.

Make some feathered friends

Walk with a warden: migrant birds, Llanelli, 16 November

As the golden days of autumn fade to winter, the last of our long-distance migrants arrive from their breeding grounds in the high arctic. At WWT Llanelli, you can meet these winged visitors on an expert-guided walk, learning how to tell who’s who among the crowds. The full walk lasts around 90 minutes, but you’re free to dip in and out as you wish. Boundless members enjoy free entry.

The many benefits of Boundless membership include unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Explore a musical treasure trove

Bristol Beacon Record Fair, Bristol, 9 November

The crackle of spinning records and chatter of eager collectors will sweep over Bristol Beacon with the return of the south west’s biggest record fair. Held a handful of times a year, it draws traders from all over the south, offering every genre under the sun. It’s free to have a mooch around and soak up the atmosphere, reminding yourself of forgotten musical gems along the way, but if you don’t want to leave empty-handed, you can dive into the bargain bins and pick up some treasures for next to nothing.


Free events in the Midlands & East

Head to the movies

Birmingham Film Festival, 8–17 November

Consider yourself a film buff? With cinema ticket prices soaring, this festival offers a welcome chance to get your film fix for free, all while supporting emerging talents. With screenings spanning a variety of genres, styles and budgets, you’re bound to find something to suit you – or why not broaden your cinematic horizons and try something new?


Free events in the North of England

Light Up The North

Light up the North is one of the UK's most popular winter festivals. Credit: Nick Fairhurst

Go with the glow

Light up the North, Lancaster, Wakefield, Wigan & Barnsley, throughout November

If you love light festivals and live in the north of England, you’re in for a treat. This network of light festivals brightens towns and cities across the region, and this month, it’s time for Lancaster (7–9 November), Wakefield (15–17 November), Wigan (21–22 November) and Barnsley (22–23 November) to shine bright. So, bundle up in your cosiest attire, grab a hot drink and enjoy an amble around these illuminated wonderlands.

Have fun with fungi

Fungi Walk, Washington, 9 November

The unsung heroes of the natural world, fungi are crucial to everything from sustaining ecosystems to providing sustainable food sources. Why not show a little appreciation for this weird and wonderful life form on this guided, hour-long walk around WWT’s Washington centre? It’s suitable for all, from nature novices to wildlife whizzes and avid photographers, and a fantastic opportunity to spend some time with an expert and hone your ID skills.

The many benefits of Boundless membership include unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Immerse yourself in nature

Wild Walks: Treescape sensory walk, 9 November

A companion to Manchester Museum’s latest exhibition, Wild, this series of walks offers you the chance to step outside the museum and discover Manchester’s hidden wild spots. This family-friendly sensory walk will explore the trees at Whitworth Park, with leaf rubbings and tree-themed storytelling adding to the arboreal adventure.


Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland

Person playing guitar

Enjoy a variety of musical genres at the Atlantic Sessions. Credit: Getty Images 

Attend a music festival

Atlantic Sessions, 14–17 November, Portrush & Portstewart

Head to the seaside for this vibrant music festival along Northern Ireland’s stunning Atlantic coast. From traditional and contemporary folk to indie and electronic, emerging and established talents will take to the music venues, restaurants, hotels and bars of Portrush and Portstewart – and it’s all free to attend!

Dance the night away

The White Heather Ceilidh Club at Bonnie & Wild, Edinburgh, 28 November

Scotland’s patron saint is celebrated on 30 November, and while there are plenty of ticketed events on the night, this fantastic free ceilidh takes place just two days shy of the big day. So dust off your dancing shoes, bring a friend (or make a new one on the floor) and get ready to twirl away to everybody’s ceilidh favourites. Don’t know the moves? Not to worry – a seasoned caller will lead you every step of the way!


Free online events

Old picture of RNLI

Learn all about the RNLI on 5 November

Have a history lesson

Remember, Remember – The Gunpowder Plot, 4 November

We all learned about the Gunpowder Plot in school, but how much do you really remember? This online talk, hosted by the Guildhall Library, gives you the chance to refresh your knowledge, looking at Guy Fawkes, his fellow conspirators and their explosive plan to blow up Parliament.

Hear the tales of an extraordinary charity

200 Years of RNLI, 5 November

The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for 200 years, and to commemorate the milestone, Boundless is hosting this special member-exclusive online event.

Through incredible and rarely seen treasures from the charity’s heritage collections, Hayley Whiting, RNLI’s Heritage Archive and Research Manager will delve into two centuries of innovation and bravery. “Our history is the story of countless acts of courage, and each one reflects the core of who the RNLI is: a charity that saves lives at sea without judgement,” says Hayley.

This online talk is free to Boundless members, who also get free entry to top attractions, exclusive events, and year-round savings. Interested, but not yet a Boundless member? Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Tackle some trivia

Not in a Pub Quiz, 7, 14, 21 & 28 November

There’s nothing quite like getting together with friends for a pub quiz on a crisp November night. But if you’d rather stay cosy at home, you can still enjoy a spot of pub trivia thanks to this weekly online quiz. Simply log in, click play and get answering, whether you’re going solo or inviting friends and family to join via Zoom. So, grab yourself a drink, get comfy, and let the games begin!

Discover the psychology of weather forecasts

Behind the weather forecast with the MET office, 12 November

Weather forecasts influence so much of our daily lives, from what to wear to how we spend our free time. But for forecasts and warnings to be effective, they need more than just accuracy – they need to be understood, trusted and acted upon. This is where psychology comes in. In this eye-opening online talk – exclusively for Boundless members – socio-meteorologist Helen Roberts explores the intriguing connection between social sciences and the weather, revealing how our forecasts help keep us all safe and happy. 

Boundless members can enjoy this talk for free. If you’re not yet a Boundless member and you’re interested in this talk, you can find out more about Boundless membership and how to join here.

Delve into D-Day

D-Day – how much do we really know?, 19 November

The events of 6 June, 1944 are among the most documented in 20th-century history, but just how accurate are these accounts 80 years on? In this member-exclusive, online talk, Normandy historian and author Paul Woodadge will challenge common misconceptions about the landings and the events surrounding them. He’ll also explore how stories are passed down and evolve over the years, and how our collective memory of historical events shapes how they’re written about.

Boundless members can enjoy this talk for free. If you’re not yet a Boundless member and you’re interested in this talk you can find out more about Boundless membership and how to join here


Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.


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