Keep yourself entertained this month by taking a look at our pick of the best things to do and see in September.

A decidedly country affair 29th – 31st August

This year's Chatsworth Country Fair at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, is simply a must with celebrity gardener and show president Alan Titchmarsh due to open the event. Attractions include hot-air balloon lifts, parachuting display teams, the Household Cavalry, over 300 stands and rural crafts. There's plenty for food fans, too. They can enjoy cookery demos and take home quality produce from local suppliers. In its 27th year, tickets cost from £13, but are free for children under 14.

To book your tickets in advance, visit www.countryfairoffice.co.uk

Carnival time 16th August

Don't miss Burghley house and gardens' Summer Carnival in Stamford. Activities include all sorts of visual displays, from steel bands to fire eaters, storytelling and face painting to keep the children amused.

Tel: 01780 752451 or visit www.burghley.co.uk for more information.

Naughty but nice 3rd August

If you love desserts, Betty’s Cookery School in North Yorkshire has come up with the perfect course. In a fun environment, you will be taught how to conjure up delicious treats to follow the main course. Priced at £155 per person, this includes a meal with wine, apron, recipes, ingredients and packaging to take your creations home.

Tel: 01423 814000 or visit www.bettyscookeryschool.co.uk

Wild thing 30th – 31st August

Support your local food and drink producers at the Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival, St Davids in Wales. Over 70 exhibitors and producers will showcase food and drinks which you will be able to sample and buy. You can try your hand at traditional rural crafts whilst learning about conserving the countryside. Entry is £3.

For more information, visit www.reallywildfestival.co.uk

Historical locations 29th August

For fans of both period properties and the big screen, look out for The Duchess, which is showing in cinemas nationwide from August 29. This new film tells the story of Georgina, the 18th Century Duchess of Devonshire, who was both adored and scorned publicly for her political and public life. You can expect to see beautiful locations throughout the film, including Holkham Hall, Somerset House and St Withburga’s Church.

Collector’s paradise 8th – 10th August

A must for every antiques enthusiast, works of art, period pieces, collectors’ items and fabulous displays of glittering jewellery will all be on sale at the Westonbirt Summer Antiques Fair at The Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire. With over 50 specialist dealers and prices varying from under £25 to over £25,000, it is a great opportunity to pick up everything from period furniture to 20th Century jewellery.

Show time... 15th – 17th August

The hugely popular Hatfield House Country Show, Hertfordshire, is back for another year and, once again, will be packed full of fun things to see and do. Attractions include farmyard animals, dancing dog displays, heavy horses, archery and clay pigeon shooting. On the Sunday, you can meet television personality John Craven and, in the cookery theatre, celebrity chef John Torode will be creating tasty delights made from local produce. This is a great day out for the whole family. Tickets: Adults £8.50, senior £7.50, child £4.

Visit www.hatfield-house.co.uk

Hot stuff 9th – 10th August

The Chilli Fiesta at West Dean Gardens, Sussex, looks set to be a unique event with over 250 chillies and sweet peppers on display in the restored Victorian glasshouses. On both days, you can enjoy exquisite food tasting, chilli growing and skilled cookery demos plus chilli chocolate, ice cream and fruit juices, accompanied by Latin music and salsa dancing. Entry costs £7.25 for adults, concessions are available.

Visit www.westdean.org.uk for more information.