Autumn is a season of vibrant changes, as the landscape transforms in hues of red, orange and gold. As the air turns colder and the days grow shorter, the region becomes a haven for fun-filled activities to celebrate the new season’s arrival.
From scenic countryside walks and visits to historic castle to bustling farmers’ markets and immersive outdoor experiences, the North East has a diverse array of activities for the autumn.
Here, we highlight some of the upcoming autumnal activities for friends, couple and families to enjoy at venues across the region.
Raby Castle and Estate has plenty to keep the whole family entertained this Autumn, from seasonal wreath-making to interactive theatre. Its Halloween After Dark event from October 31st to November 3rd encourages families to dress up and visit The Plotter’s Forest for an evening of Halloween fun. From 12th October, the castle and grounds will also play host to an immersive light trail and puppetry show, The Glittering North. The experience will encourage families to immerse themselves in stories of myths, gods, men and beasts as they explore the light trail and meet life-size puppets. Fire performances, music, storytelling and hot chocolates will be available for visitors.
For an autumn walk in stunning foliage, visit Hamsterley Forest, a woodland which sits along the sides of a sheltered valley in County Durham. There is lots to do in the forest, including wildlife watching, stargazing, mountain biking and an adventure playground. With miles of tracks, there are lots of hidden gems to uncover within the forest. There are also a variety of walks, ranging from an easy 1.5 mile riverside walk to a 4.5 mile walk to Blackling Hole, a waterfall in the heart of the forest. The nearby Cross Keys makes the perfect stop-off location for Sunday lunch after a dog walk in the forest and is the perfect way to spend a weekend in Autumn.
There are lots of events happening at historic sites around the North East in September and October, including a Spooky Woodland Walk at Belsay Hall and Gardens, near Ponteland. This family-friendly event follows ghost-hunting storytellers on a walk through the grounds of the historic hall. And at Gibside, the Apple Orchard will be open for guests to enjoy a walk through the trees and enjoy the sights and smells of apple-picking season.
Pumpkin picking is one of the highlights of Autumn, and there are lots of patches to visit across the North East. Our favourites include Brockbushes, near Corbridge, where you can find your perfect pumpkin, explore local produce and plants and enjoy an afternoon in the countryside. For a day out further afield, Birchfield Family Dairies will be hosting their annual Pumpkin Festival which offers guests the chance to pick their own pumpkins with a wheelbarrow and explore the farm yard, maize maze and bouncy castles. Their animals are free to roam around the yard and their café sells their delicious home-made ice cream.
The North York Moors is bringing back their popular Dark Skies Fringe Festival in October half-term from October 25th to November 3rd. From nighttime runs and canoeing to astrophotography workshops and stargazing safaris, there is something for everyone to enjoy within the Dark Skies region of the North York Moors.
Auckland Palace, in the heart of County Durham, is celebrating autumn with their new light trail, The Pumpkin Forest. A night-time event, the trail includes over 600 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins along with hundreds of chrysanthemums and gourds within the Palace’s beautiful gardens. With festive food and drink available on site, this is the ideal family activity and is open to guests for the month of October.
If you’re looking for a weekend escape, why not opt for a staycation amidst the stunning North East countryside? The Inn Collection Group has venues across the North that ensure easy access to golden forests, sweeping beaches and historic castles. Their Walk-Inn Break deal is perfect for adventurers, and includes a two-night stay, with dinner, breakfast and a complimentary walking guide. Dogs stay free, allowing the whole family to enjoy picturesque autumn walks at places such as Gibside, Slaley Forest, Simonside Hills and Bolam Lake.
Durham’s historic Cathedral will host Luxmuralis’ third show, Space, in the unique venue. A light and sound art installation, the experience will take visitors on an exploration through galaxies and outer space through projections onto the centuries-old architecture. Having toured cathedrals around the UK, Luxmuralis have returned to Durham Cathedral, which was the first to host one of their shows. The family-friendly event lasts 45 minutes and encourages visitors to think about what humans have achieved as they enjoy a light display like no other.
The Northern Dales Farmers’ Markets take place at towns across the Tees Valley each month. Their autumn markets will feature pumpkin stalls, autumn wreaths and local produce from independent businesses across Teesside and North Yorkshire. Markets in September and October are being held in Thirsk, Northallerton, Hartlepool, Stokesley, Wynyard and Middlesbrough. Around 40 food and drink stalls attend each market selling delicious homemade produce.
