Autumn in Yorkshire is a season of vibrant colours, providing the perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor family activities. As the leaves turn golden and the countryside takes on a warm, amber hue, visitors and locals alike can explore the region’s stunning landscapes through scenic walks, pumpkin trails, Autumn markets and more.
We round up our must-do activities this weekend.
Pumpkin Trail at Bolton Abbey
From the 19th October to the 3rd November, explore the picturesque grounds of Bolton Abbey as Strid Wood becomes a haven of giant pumpkins, with families working to solve the puzzle. Set within 30,000 acres of Yorkshire countryside, Bolton Abbey is one of the region’s largest estates, and is home to six sites of special scientific interest, as well as pubs, restaurants, holiday cottages, walks and trails and fishing spots.
A walk and pub in Appletreewick
Appletreewick is a hidden gem nestled deep within the Yorkshire Dales, only five miles from Bolton Abbey. The village is steeped in history, with many of the houses dating from the 12th century. Popular with fell walkers and hikers, the village is a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and is the perfect place to enjoy an Autumn walk along the River Wharfe that runs through the village. There are a number of pubs in the village to call in and enjoy a Sunday Roast after your walk. We recommend The Craven Arms, a friendly family-run pub with an historic heather-thatched barn attached.
Halloween Trail at Thorp Perrow Arboretum
For a family-friendly activity, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, is bringing back their popular Halloween Trail, which follows a windy route through the vast collection of protected tress on the estate, and also takes in their famed Birds of Prey centre. Afterwards, enjoy the children’s adventure playground, feed the wallabies at the Mammal Centre or enjoy locally sourced food in the Tea Room.
Autumn Fair at Burton Agnes Hall
Burton Agnes Hall, just five miles from Driffield, is hosting a weekend of autumn fun at its annual Autumn Fair. Enjoy live entertainment alongside local food, drink and craft stalls. Tours of the Hall and Gardens will be happening throughout the weekend, so visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the historic Hall, which dates back to the 1170s. Enjoy the autumnal landscape with a walk through the sculpture paths or explore the Gardens that recently won the Garden of the Year Award.
Autumn Garden Weekend at RHS Harlow Carr
Get ready for a cosmic adventure this autumn at the fifth annual Dark Skies Fringe Festival from October 25th-November 3rd. Set against the stunning backdrop of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales— both renowned as an International Dark Sky Reserve—the festival promises a stellar lineup of activities, from night navigation walks and astrophotography workshops to dark skies watercolour classes and starlit dinners. Perfect for families in search of a fun night out, a first-time stargazer, or a budding astrophotographer.