Best things to do in autumn in the North

Visit the North's Oktoberfests

Autumn means Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest is an annual folk and beer festival that began in Germany but is widely celebrated across England. 

Manchester Oktoberfest will take place from October 30th - November 1st and will be serving delicious beer brewed in Bavaria. Guests can even buy their very own lederhosen from the event's shop to dress for the occasion. Located on First Street, it's only a 14-minute walk from Deansgate train station. 

Newcastle Oktoberfest will also take place on various dates between October 11th - October 25th. Just a short 8-minute walk from Newcastle train station, this year's event is being described by organisers as 'bigger, better' and beer-ier than ever' and will have Live Oompah Bands from Europe as well as a range of German foods and drinks. 

Halloween events in the North 

Autumn also brings with it the spookiest day of the year, Halloween! There's a range of activities happening across the North.  

Head to Whitby in North Yorkshire to see the gorgeous, gothic Whitby Abbey coloured by illuminations. Having featured in Bram Stoker's 1897 Dracula novel, it's the perfect way to celebrate.  Time Will Tell will also be performing their play The Dead Shall Walk The Earth, inspired by the novel. Best of all? The Abbey is only a 12-minute walk from Whitby train station.  

Located in York, Leeds, and Manchester, roughly a 9-12 minute walk from each of the central train stations, you can also enjoy a phan-tastical feast at  The Cut & Witchcraft Halloween Dinner and Party with a themed menu, live entertainment, and more!

Attend an autumn event

From harvest festivals to the spookiest time of year and dazzling displays across the night sky to remember Guy Fawkes, there’s no shortage of events to get stuck into in Autumn. If you’re a foodie, then the Malton Harvest Festival is the place to be on the second weekend of October.

To celebrate Halloween in truly spooky style; try a Manchester ghost tour or head to the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool for a more lighthearted Family Concert Spooktacular!

Bonfire Night's a favourite for many families and couples, so don’t miss out on Blackpool’s annual Guy Fawkes Night with some of the best  entertainment around. Dates for 2025 are soon to be confirmed. 

Enjoy an autumn walk or hike

Not too hot, not too cold, autumn’s crisp and refreshing air is only beaten by the crunch of dried leaves underfoot when on a scenic walk through one of the North's many nature walks.

Allen Banks in Northumberland is a favourite for many. Following the River Allen on its way to connect with the Tyne, this walk features many colourful plants and fungi. Boilton Wood is another great choice, being the longest stretch of wooded land in Lancashire, it makes for a great family day out.

Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts in the Lake District is another great choice for a stroll among the thin forests of Buttermere and providing sublime views of the lake, plus a chance for a delicious pie from the nearby town.

Whatever's on your autumn bucket list, travel with Northern and find deals on travel so you can get to where you need to go for less! Some of the best things to do in the North in autumn await. Purchase a duo ticket and save 25% on your train journey when travelling with a friend.