11 of the Best Beaches in North Cornwall
A region known for its stunning stretches of golden sands, North Cornwall makes for a wonderful place to consider...
by Steph Boal / Day Out Guides
Autumn is just around the corner, and if like us you’re looking for the best things to do in autumn then you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve put together the ultimate autumn bucket list with award-winning author of The Great British Bucket List, Richard Madden. The fun isn’t limited to summer and 13% of Brits agree and would prefer to go on a staycation in autumn.
Look forward to uncovering breathtaking walks, epic historic sites and unique UK attractions in our ultimate autumn bucket list!
Read on to find the best things to do in autumn, as voted for by you…
Here’s a sneak peek of our ultimate list of things to do in autumn to get you in the mood for your next adventure…
Kicking off our ultimate autumn bucket list guide is celebrating Bonfire Night at Lewes Bonfire in East Sussex. Recognised as the biggest 5th November event in the world, it frequently attracts over 80,000 spectators.
This mammoth event has been running for over 300 years and marks the day the gunpowder plot was uncovered. It also pays tribute to the execution of the 17 Lewes Martyrs who were burned at the stake.
Organised by the seven bonfire societies, who all don a distinctive and unique dress code, the night typically starts at 5pm and continues through the night. Expect a magnificent bonfire, the iconic barrel run into the River Ouse and of course the parade throughout the town, as well as a whole host of activities that make this autumn bucket list activity unforgettable!
If you’re looking for an exciting thing to do in autumn then look no further than a round trip on The Jacobite Steam Train that runs from Fort William to Mallaig.
Running 7 days a week between March and the end of October, this breathtaking train journey has to be on your UK autumn bucket list. Spanning 84 miles, this epic autumn activity begins in Fort William in the shadow of one of Scotland’s best mountains, Ben Nevis.
Look forward to crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which may look familiar to some as it is one of the most famous Harry Potter filming locations. The train may even stop on the viaduct so you can soak in the beautiful views.
The route then ends in Mallaig, a busy fishing port where you could hop on a boat to the visit the Isle of Skye, join a wildlife cruise or explore Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe.
Lovers of wildlife might be really interest in our next autumn bucket list activity. As an endangered species, red squirrels are hard to come by, but Brownsea Island is one of the safest and largest habitats for these cute creatures.
Hop on a ferry from Poole Quay to visit Brownsea Island, which is nestled off Dorset‘s coast. The best place to see red squirrels is the coniferous woodland areas such as the woodland walk near St Mary’s Church and near The Villa Wildlife centre. It just so happens the autumn is one of the best times of year to spot them too!
There are lots of other things to do and see on the island while you’re keeping your eyes peeled. As the birth place of scouting there are lots of camping opportunities as well as a natural play area and free trails that kids are sure to love! There are also daily guided tours that you can join in an attempt to see the squirrels.
Visiting Cheddar Gorge is an autumn activity that keeps on giving! Not only is it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but it is also a hub of activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained this autumn.
Tucked into the Mendip Hills in Somerset, you can look forward to exploring all England’s largest gorge has to offer. Venture into Gough’s cave where you can explore secret taverns, brush up on your prehistory in the museum or if you’re feeling adventurous climb Jacob’s Ladder or the epic cliff-top walk.
This autumn bucket list attraction is a must-visit for keen climbers as it offers a challenging yet thrilling experience. Tackle the 9m high Black Cat Freefall or try rock climbing amidst stunning views across the countryside.
Home to some of the world’s most famous ships Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard is another of the best things to do in autumn in the UK.
Spend the full day by the sea exploring an array of ships dating all the way back to 1510. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s collection includes the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS Alliance, and HMS M.33.
You can also spend time exploring the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. There are even harbour tours to embark on with a chance to see the modern Royal Navy.
The next entry on our ultimate autumn bucket list takes us to Gloucestershire where the breathtaking Westonbirt Arboretum awaits.
This spectacular attraction is home to over 2500 different species of tree from all over the world. Picture walking amongst the trees as their leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of orange; Westonbirt is undoubtedly one of the best places to see signs of autumn.
This autumn bucket list activity is also a haven for lovers of the great outdoors as there are a plethora of walking, running and cycling trails. Other activities include the natural play trail, the Gruffalo trail, the tree top walk way and the woodland adventure play area.
Our ultimate autumn bucket list has taken a bit of a royal twist thanks to this next entry. Often dubbed as Britain’s greatest palace, Blenheim Palace is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the place is bursting at the seams with events and activities that the whole family will enjoy in autumn. History lovers can immerse themselves in over 300 years of history woven throughout the palace. Explore the state rooms, the Churchill exhibit and the beautiful gardens.
Families will also love the outdoor play are and the 2-mile long Marlborough Maze; there is even a butterfly house! As a prominent Bridgerton filming location you can step into your favourite TV show with a spot of afternoon tea.
Often considered one of the best attractions in the South of England, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is a great place to visit this autumn. Especially if you’re a lover of all things cars.
This impressive exhibit houses over 280 vehicles and related memorabilia. Look forward to seeing everything from Grand Prix Greats like the 1967 Lotus 49 to the Luxury cars like the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II.
Other exciting exhibits include on-screen cars where you can catch a glimpse of Mr. Bean’s Mini, Del Boy’s Reliant Van and the Weasley’s Ford Anglia from Harry Potter. The National Motor Museum also hosts exciting events including Superbike Night and Commercial, Camper and Classic night.
Perched on Wiltshire and Somerset’s border is our next entry on our guide to the best things to do in autumn. Dating back to the 1740’s this impressive estate spans 1,072 hectares; plenty for you to explore during your visit!
Designed and created by Henry Hoare II who intended this magnificent garden to reflect his journey through the world. Today the garden is home to landmarks including The Temple of Flora, the Grotto, the iconic Palladian Bridge and the Gothic Cottage.
After exploring these wondering gardens venture into the Palladian house where you can step back into time with the help of historic furniture, an array of beautiful artwork and exhibits that include historical photographs and diary entries.
Estimated to have been built between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, Avebury Henge and its stone circles are undoubtedly one of the oldest autumn bucket list activities on our guide.
Managed and maintained by English Heritage, the Avebury site is one of the best glimpses into Neolithic Britain that we can visit today. It is thought that this World Heritage Site was created for various rituals.
Avebury is made up of countless monuments that can all be walked to. Begin at The First Monuments where you’ll find West Kennet Long Barrow. You can then head to the Circles of Stone and Earth where there are three great stone circles.
If you’re looking to learn more about this period of history Stonehenge is within an hours drive of Avebury!
Touring Fountains Abbey near Ripon in North Yorkshire is next of our ultimate autumn bucket list for the UK. Renowned as one of the biggest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries it’s unsurprising that Fountains Abbey made our list.
Perched on the riverside, this World Heritage Site offers a whole day of exploration. Built in the 12th century you can marvel at the impressive yet ruined architecture before heading over to the Studley Royal Water Garden. Here the waters of the Skell form crescent ponds next to the abbey.
Be sure to soak up the unparalleled views of the countryside during your visit as Fountains Abbey is undoubtedly a picture-perfect sight to behold! A wonderful autumn walk that the whole family will love.
Another of the best autumn activities as voted by the British public is visiting the burial site of Raedwald, King of East Anglia. There are thought to be around 18 burial mounds at Sutton Hoo, but The Great Ship Burial in the King’s mound is the most impressive.
Discovered in 1939 The Great Ship Burial is the richest burial ever found in northern Europe and it’s contents are currently on display in The British Museum in London.
Today you can climb the 17-metre-high viewing tower to fully appreciate the vast ‘Valley of the Kings’ as it has been dubbed. You can also admire stunning views across Suffolk’s countryside.
After appreciating the views you can head to the High Hall exhibition, which contains both replica and original objects discovered at Sutton Hoo, before touring Tranmer House, home to all the archaeological work that has happened here.
Often considered one of the best walks in the whole of the UK, The South Down’s Way, one of the UK’s national trails takes the next spot on our ultimate autumn bucket list.
This beautiful walk stretches a mammoth 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne. But don’t worry we’re not suggesting you have to do it in one go, or even do it all. Walking parts of this route throughout autumn rewards you with stunning views across the English channel and the countryside.
The trail roughly takes around 9 days to complete in full and meanders through an array of idyllic locations, all begging to be explored. Highlights include Winchester, which was once the capital of England and the sea of King Alfred the Great, Old Winchester Hill National Nature Reserve, the Devil’s Jumps burial mounts and of course the iconic Seven Sisters.
Arriving in Eastbourne is another highlight of this autumn activity as it is home to some of Sussex’s best beaches; the perfect place to end this activity with fish and chips by the sea.
If you’re looking for awe-inspiring views then the next entry on our autumn bucket list should peak your interest. Stanage Edge near Hathersage in the Peak District offers just that!
This autumn bucket list attraction is perfect for keen ramblers looking to explore the beauty of the Peak District. Stanage Edge stretches around 4 miles and its highest point, High Neb, is 458 metres. Walking across the edge provides far-reaching views across the whole national park.
It might even look familiar a s a Peak District filming location to fans of the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Kiera Knightly famously stood atop Stanage Edge and took in its views.
Rounding off our ultimate autumn UK bucket list is Mount Stewart a fantastic National Trust property resting across the Irish Sea in Newtownards.
This delightful attraction has roots all the way to 1744 and has always been home for the Londonderry family. Spend time exploring the interior of the house where you’ll discover grand halls, Lord Londonderry’s sitting room and a dining room all adorned with fantastic artwork.
After seeing all the house has to offer, step outside to stroll around the 7-acre lake and through the wildflowers. This activity in autumn even has things the kids will love. Watch them play in the natural play area or embark on an exciting geocaching adventure.
Have you been inspired by our autumn bucket list? Then be sure to book a getaway to one of these delightful autumn cottages! There is also plenty of other things to do throughout the year – read our ultimate UK bucket list as well as our summer, winter and spring bucket lists.
Image Credits: adam w – CC BY 2.0; Feathering the Nest – CC BY 2.0; Robert Linsdell – CC BY 2.0; Hardo Müller – CC BY-SA 2.0; Amanda Slater – CC BY-SA 2.0
by Steph Boal / Day Out Guides
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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