Looking for a fun steampunk day out? Discover some of the UK's best steampunk festivals and attractions.

Science fiction meets 19th-century stream power in the weird and wonderful world of steampunk – a fun theme for any day out.

First entering the literary world in the 1900s, this subgenre has grown over the last century and now inspires fashion, design, art, pop culture and music. Its unique aesthetic combines steam-powered machinery and ornate Edwardian and Victorian fashion – think waistcoats, pocket watches and mechanical gadgets.

In the UK, we have an array of steampunk-themed festivals and attractions that promise unique and creative performances, storylines, workshops, markets and more. They’re usually family-friendly and offer something fun for every age to enjoy.

Fancy travelling back in time and into the future all at once? We’ve gathered some of the best steampunk days out in the UK below to get you started.

A Splendid Day Out

When: Friday 7 to Sunday 9 June 2024

Where: The Platform on the Promenade, Morecambe, Lancaster

Breathe in the fresh air of the Irish Sea and have a splendid steampunk day out at this friendly festival.

Each year has a different theme. This year’s is “ASDO’s Great Steamfae Gathering”, inspired by mythical creatures and the TV series Carnival Row.

You can enjoy games, competitions, music, displays and good old-fashioned (but new-fashioned) merriment. Why not catch a silent movie at the beautiful Winter Gardens Theatre or check out the live music stages?

It’s suitable for the whole family and is free to enter.

The Town That Never Was

When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June 2024

Where: Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire

For one weekend a year, the Victorian museum of Blists Hill in Ironbridge becomes The Town That Never Was.

This festival sees the museum transform into an immersive neo-Victorian world with an eccentric steampunk twist.

To give you a taste of the eccentric creativity that fuels this retro-futuristic town, let’s talk about the mayor.

A town mayor is elected every year – and the current ruling party is the Biscuit Appreciation Society (BAS), which has held its position for the past two years.

There’s also an elected Minister for Time Travel. In 2023, this title was won by a gentleman called Nimrod Lancaster. It’s said he has a cunning plan to retain his position indefinitely – he’ll simply change the time back next year. (Hmm. Time will tell.)

So if you’re ready for a very unique day out, head on over to The Town That Never Was. Along with lots of wonderful weirdness, the festival promises steampunk shops, live entertainment, a costumed cast and fun activities.

Whitby Steampunk Weekend

When: Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July 2024

Where: Whitby Pavilion, Whitby, Yorkshire

A day at the seaside – but make it steampunk.

One of the largest and friendliest steampunk events in the UK, Whitby Steampunk Weekend will keep you entertained with demonstrations, presentations and plenty of activities. In the past, these have included lessons in prop making, leatherwork and burlesque.

You may also stumble upon interesting live music and bump into special guests from the media. Plus, its impressive Steampunk Retail Emporium is full of some of the best costumes and curiosities in the scene.

There’s lots of family fun to be had and it’s free to enter. Sweet!

Weekend at the Asylum

When: Friday 23 to Monday 26 August 2024

Where: Historic Quarter, Lincoln, Lincolnshire

If you’re looking for the ultimate steampunk experience, get yourself to Lincoln this August for a Weekend at The Asylum. This steampunk extravaganza – put on by the volunteer organisation Ministry of Steampunk – is the biggest and longest-running celebration of steampunk in the world.

Usually held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, this steampunk extravaganza promises a few fun-filled days of workshops, exhibitions, performances, markets and live entertainment.

Strut your stuff for The Asylum costume competition. Role-play at selling market goods in the wrist-banded area, The Illicit market. Or take part in a 60-metre jetpack race. (Yes, a jetpack race.)

There’s comedy, artwork, live music, craft workshops and so much more to enjoy. And you can even bring your furry friends along.

Haworth Steampunk Weekend

When: Friday 11 to Sunday 13 October 2024

Where: Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire

Haworth, the home of the iconic Bronte sisters, has been hosting the biggest steampunk charity event in the UK – Haworth Steampunk Weekend – since 2013.

Adorn yourself in your very best steampunk attire and whisk yourself to this historic village for a weekend of whimsy, all while helping to raise money for the organiser’s chosen charity.

You’ll find everything from themed shops, market stalls and museums to crown bowling, burlesque and a fun dog show. There’s even a traditional steam train to transport you to the event from Keighley station in true steampunk style.

The Steampunk Express

When: All year round

Where: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

If you’re a steampunk fan who loves an escape room, we’ve just found your perfect day out.

This escape room experience sees you gather your smartest team and become 24th-century techno bandits on the run from the police.

The cops, sick of your antics, have rigged the Steampunk Express so it’s hurtling towards an unfinished bridge across a canyon. However, the police chief left you a note that shows how to escape – if you’re “clever enough”.

You’ll have one hour to solve the puzzles and get into the engine room to stop the train before you plummet into the canyon. Will you make it out in time?

Steampunk Bay

When: Throughout the warmer months

Where: Adventure Coast Southport, Southport, Merseyside

We couldn’t finish this article without mentioning our very own Steampunk day out: Steampunk Bay – the place where steam and dreams mingle.

Steampunk Bay is the UK’s only steampunk theme park experience. Stop by for some family fun and enjoy classic Victorian fairground rides with a steampunk twist.

Book tickets to Adventure Coast Southport today to visit Steampunk Bay, as well as three more amazing themed lands: Viking Landing, Pirate Cove and Cartoon Boardwalk.