Autumn Day Out Ideas in the UK

I have a bit of a soft spot for autumn days out.

Summer gets most of the attention, but autumn has a lot going for it. Places can be quieter, the countryside starts changing colour and it’s finally cool enough to go somewhere without wondering why you thought leaving the house was a good idea.

Admittedly, the British weather can throw just about anything at you, but that’s all part of autumn.

So, if you fancy getting out and making the most of the season, here are a few ideas.

Enjoy the Autumn Colours

Photo by Rubén Bagüés on Unsplash

If there’s ever a time to head somewhere surrounded by trees, it’s autumn.

Local woodlands, country parks, nature reserves, arboretums and even canal paths can look completely different once the leaves start changing.

And you don’t need to head off on a five-mile woodland walk to enjoy it. Find somewhere you can stop, take in the colours and have a good nose at what’s around you.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, take some photos if that’s your thing and, most importantly, look for conkers.

I love a conker. I have absolutely no use for them, but apparently I still need to inspect every good one I see.

Explore Somewhere Historic

Castles, stately homes, ruins and historic villages just seem to suit autumn.

Perhaps it’s the darker days and changing leaves, but wandering around somewhere old feels even more atmospheric at this time of year.

It doesn’t have to be one of the UK’s big-name attractions, either. There are so many smaller museums, historic buildings and heritage sites that are easy to overlook because they’re practically on our doorsteps.

Heritage railways can be fun at this time of year too, especially when you get to enjoy the autumn scenery without having to walk through all of it.

And if there’s a ghost story attached to wherever we’re visiting, even better.

Head to the Seaside

Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash

The seaside definitely isn’t just for summer.

In fact, I quite like seaside towns once the main summer rush is over. You can explore the harbour, nose around the shops and, of course, get fish and chips.

Admittedly, there is a point where a dramatic autumn sea breeze becomes why is my face hurting?, so checking the forecast first isn’t a bad idea.

But on the right day, wrapping up and heading to the coast can make a lovely autumn trip. Plus, coming in from the cold for a cup of tea is all part of it.

Embrace the Autumn Stuff

If you love all things autumn, September and October give you plenty of excuses for a day out.

Pumpkin patches, harvest events, food festivals, Halloween attractions and seasonal markets all start popping up.

Farm shops and garden centres get in on it too, and I’m quite happy to have a nose around those even if I don’t technically need anything.

Then, of course, the Christmas things start appearing.

I’m not saying I’m ready for Christmas in September. I’m just saying if there’s a Christmas shop, I’m probably going in.

You could also look at what’s happening locally. Smaller fairs, markets and events can make for a really nice few hours out without needing to plan an entire day around them.

Have a Good Nose Around the Shops

One of my favourite kinds of day out involves having absolutely no idea what I’m going to find.

Independent shops, antique centres, bookshops, craft markets and little gift shops are perfect for this.

You don’t necessarily have to buy anything.

Although I’m probably the wrong person to make that promise.

Give me somewhere interesting to explore, a few little shops, somewhere to stop for a cup of tea and a gift shop at the end and I’m happy.

Bonus points if there’s a magnet.

Make the Most of Autumn

An autumn day out doesn’t need to involve travelling halfway across the country or packing the whole day with things to do.

It could be somewhere you’ve never visited before, a favourite place that looks completely different as the seasons change or just a couple of hours having a nose around somewhere local.

Personally, give me autumn colours, somewhere interesting to explore, a cup of tea and the possibility of coming home with a completely unnecessary magnet, and we’re off to a pretty good start.

Just check the weather before you leave.

This is Britain, after all.

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