Black History Month is a time to celebrate and learn more about the people, stories and communities that have helped shape Britain as we know it today. From exhibitions and talks to independent bookshops, music, food and local history, there are plenty of ways to explore across the Southern network.
I've picked eight places and events that are easy to reach by train, not just this Black History Month, but throughout the year.
1. Hear from Afua Hirsch in Shoreham-by-Sea
- Address: Ropetackle Arts Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG
- Nearest station: Shoreham-by-Sea
- Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026, 7.30pm-9pm
- Plan your visit: Shoreham Wordfest
This Black History Month, bestselling author, journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch comes to Shoreham Wordfest to discuss Decolonising My Body. The conversation explores identity, ancestry, beauty standards and the ways colonial history continues to influence how we see ourselves and our bodies. With the event taking place at Ropetackle Arts Centre, around a 10-minute walk from Shoreham-by-Sea station, it's an easy and inspiring trip by train.
Read more: The local guide to Shoreham-by-sea
2. See Tapestry of Black Britons in Hastings
- Address: Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET
- Nearest station: Hastings
- Dates: 10 October - 9 November 2026
- Plan your visit: Tapestry of Black Britons
Tapestry of Black Britons brings together woven artworks depicting African and Caribbean contributions to Britain spanning from Roman times to present day. Created by artists and communities across Britain and the diaspora, the project offers a powerful and collaborative way to explore stories that are part of Britain's history. While you're there, you can explore more of Hastings Museum & Art Gallery's collections before heading into the town centre to enjoy everything it has to offer.
3. Explore Black history at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
- Address: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
- Nearest station: Brighton
- Plan your visit: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is a great place to explore and discover Black history, culture and creativity, with both permanent collections and special events available. The World Stories Young Voices gallery brings together objects from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas, while the museum’s ongoing work with the Brighton & Hove Black History Project is helping to bring new perspectives to its collections. During October, Black History Month storytelling and creative sessions give families and individuals another reason to visit, with activities inspired by objects from the museum’s world cultures collection.
Read more: How to do Brighton the non-traditional way
4. Browse Black literature at Afrori Books
- Address: Afrori Books, North Road, Brighton, BN11YD
- Nearest station: Brighton
- Plan your visit: Afrori Books
Independent bookshop Afrori Books is a Black-owned bookseller and community space in Brighton, specialising in books by Black authors and stories from the African diaspora. As well as browsing the shelves, you can look out for its programme of author events, book clubs and community activities. The Feminist Book Club meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month and provides an opportunity to discover new writing and discuss books in a welcoming setting.
5. Discover Brighton's repatriation story
- Address: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
- Nearest station: Brighton
- Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Plan your visit: Brighton Museums
This event explores Brighton Museum's landmark project to repatriate 45 objects to the Khama III Memorial Museum in Botswana, including a new short film and panel discussion. It's an opportunity to consider how museum collections are formed, how objects can return to their communities of origin, and what shared heritage can look like today.
6. Visit a Black-owned Hi-Fi music bar and restaurant
- Address: 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN
- Nearest station: Peckham Rye
- Plan your visit: Jumbi Peckham
Tucked away in Copeland Park, and just a 6-minute walk from Peckham Rye Station, Jumbi is a vibrant Black-owned vinyl bar and community hub. Founded by music pioneers Bradley Zero Phillip and Nathanael Williams, the venue serves as a soulful 'living room' celebrating the global Black diaspora through its sounds. You might come for the music but you'll certainly stay for the food! The famous culinary duo Original Flava is currently in residence in the Jumbi kitchen, serving up delicious, modern takes on Caribbean cuisine. Their exciting fusion menu is not one to miss! Plus they have a photo booth.
7. Experience Black music and culture at House of MOBO
- Address: 255 Gipsy Road, London, SE27 9QY
- Nearest station: Gipsy Hill
- Plan your visit: House of MOBO
House of MOBO is a permanent cultural venue from the MOBO Organisation, bringing music, community and creativity together in Gipsy Hill. The venue hosts live music, DJ sets, talks, screenings and community events alongside food and drink. It offers a chance to explore Black music and culture in a contemporary setting, and its programme continues throughout the year.
8. Hear Black stories in Southampton
- Address: Mayflower Studios, 142–144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU
- Nearest station: Southampton Central
- Date: Thursday 29 October 2026
- Plan your visit: Mayflower Studios
Honouring Our Communities: Black Stories Screening brings real-life stories from African, Caribbean and Black British communities to the screen. The programme features up to ten short films created by community storytellers through Our Version Media's Mobile Storytelling course. There is also a drinks reception and the chance to meet the storytellers, making this an evening centred on people telling their own stories in their own voices.
Read more: Southampton Travel Guide
Make a day of it by train
From Black History Month events and exhibitions to museums, bookshops and Black-owned businesses, there are plenty of ways to spend time learning about and celebrating Black history, culture and community across the South.
Travelling by train makes it easy to turn a visit into a full day out, without worrying about driving or parking. You can use the journey to catch up with friends, enjoy some time together or simply sit back and plan what you’ll do when you arrive. Travelling as a group? GroupSave could help you save on eligible journeys, while Railcards can cut the cost of eligible fares by up to a third. Booking an Advance fare can also be a good way to keep the cost down if your plans are fixed.
So choose a destination, book your tickets and make this Black History Month one to remember. From Hastings, Brighton and Shoreham-by-Sea to Peckham and Gipsy Hill, there’s plenty to see, do and experience by train.
