Black History Month is celebrated every October, but there are plenty of ways to explore Black history and culture throughout the year. From iconic artists and pioneering scientists to museums, archives, music and food, the Thameslink network opens up plenty of places to discover.
I've picked eight destinations and events that make brilliant train trips this Black History Month and beyond.
1. Celebrate Black community at SustainFest Connect
- Address: Holiday Inn Cambridge, Bridge Road, Impington, CB24 9PH
- Nearest station: Cambridge North
- Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
- Plan your visit: SustainFest Connect
SustainFest Connect is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Black History Month through storytelling, arts, culture, and community innovation. The event combines stories, creativity, culture and entertainment, with activities including arts and crafts, photography, drumming, workshops, food, and community activities. It's a relaxed option for families looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month. If you're travelling as a family, kids can get train tickets for as little as £2.
2. Admire the work of a Black British art icon in Cambridge
- Address: Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB
- Nearest station: Cambridge
- Dates: 27 March 2026 - 17 January 2027
- Plan your visit: Frank Bowling: Seeking the Sublime
Born in Guyana, Frank Bowling is one of Britain's most celebrated contemporary artists, known for his vivid, large-scale abstract paintings and bold vision. Seeking the Sublime brings together work from across his seven-decade career, including pieces inspired by his Guyanese heritage. This landmark exhibition is a great way to celebrate Black British creativity and explore the work of an artist who has made a lasting contribution to British art.
Read more: Cambridge museums - The ultimate visitor guide
3. Learn about pioneering Black scientists at the Whipple Museum
- Address: Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Cambridge, CB2 3RH
- Nearest station: Cambridge
- Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
- Plan your visit: Black History of Science Tour
The Whipple Museum in Cambridge is hosting a free Black History of Science Tour, celebrating pioneering Black scientists whose work has helped shape our understanding of the world. The tour covers subjects including medicine, space exploration, agriculture and the teaching of taxidermy. It's a chance to discover contributions to scientific history that aren't always part of the traditional story.
4. Dance through Black history in Hitchin
- Address: North Hertfordshire Museum, 14 Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1JE
- Nearest station: Hitchin
- Dates: 10 October & 14 November 2026
- Plan your visit: Steppin’ On The Blues
North Hertfordshire Museum is hosting Steppin' On The Blues for Black History Month, an interactive series exploring African American and Black British dance and music. The first session on 10 October looks at dances including Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and Swing, while the second session on 14 November explores the development of Black British music and dance from Ska and Reggae through to House and Jungle. No previous dance experience is needed, so you can join in or simply watch.
5. Discover the history behind London, Sugar & Slavery
- Address: London Museum Docklands, No. 1 West India Quay, E14 4AL
- Nearest station: Greenwich
- Dates: Permanent exhibition
- Plan your visit: London Museum Docklands
London, Sugar & Slavery is a free, permanent exhibition that explores the capital's role in the transatlantic slave trade. The displays look at the experiences of people affected by slavery alongside London's connections with the trade. The gallery provides an opportunity to explore this part of London's history in the very part of the city where it happened.
6. Visit the Black Cultural Archives
- Address: Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, London, SW2 1EF
- Nearest station: Loughborough Junction
- Date: Permanent collection
- Plan your visit: Black Cultural Archives
The Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage institution dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK. Its collections include photographs, personal papers, organisational records and other material documenting Black British life. You can also discover exhibitions, events and learning programmes that bring those stories to wider audiences. Visits to the archive and reading room are by appointment, so check the arrangements before travelling
7. Celebrate Black authors and literature in Luton
- Address: Luton Sixth Form College, Bradgers Hill Road, Luton, LU2 7EW
- Nearest station: Luton
- Date: Saturday 17 October 2026, 12pm-6pm
- Plan your visit: The Black Bookcase Showcase x Bookcast 2026
Part of Luton’s Black History Month programme, The Black Bookcase Showcase brings together authors, publishers, booksellers and performers for a day celebrating Black literature and storytelling. Expect author interviews, book launches, spoken-word performances, African drumming and live recordings of The Black Bookcast, alongside more than 70 exhibitors. It’s free to attend and a chance to discover Black writers, independent publishers, creative businesses and new voices.
8. Enjoy West African food at Flygerians
- Address: Peckham Palms, 14 Bournemouth Close, SE15 4PB
- Nearest station: Peckham Rye
- Plan your visit: The Flygerians
This Black-owned restaurant serves Nigerian-inspired food, bringing the flavours and food culture of West Africa into a modern London setting. Founded by sisters Jess and Jo, Flygerians grew from their passion for sharing Nigerian food and culture with a wider audience. The menu puts a contemporary spin on familiar Nigerian dishes, making it a great place to experience the cuisine while supporting a Black-owned business in Peckham.
Explore Black history and culture by train
This October and beyond, you can choose between family events, museum tours, exhibitions and interactive workshops celebrating and honouring Black communities and their contribution to British history and culture. With so many destinations easy to reach by train with Thameslink, you can make the journey part of the day too.
Travelling by train means you can avoid the hassle of driving and parking, while giving everyone in your group more time to chat, relax or plan what you’ll see when you arrive. If you’re travelling with friends or family, GroupSave could help you save on your fares, while Railcards can offer up to a third off eligible journeys. Booking in advance can also help you find lower fares on some routes.
Ready to plan your day? Pick an event or exhibition, book your tickets, and make the most of Black History Month with Thameslink.
