The Best Things to Do in Autumn in North England

With crisp air, crunchy leaves, and technicoloured nature, autumn is a favourite season for many, and for good reason too. So, don’t waste your time indoors hiding from the infamous British weather – take a look at our top picks of the best things to do in autumn in the North, with plenty of autumn bucket list ideas, seasonal events, autumn activities and creative craft ideas for autumn to choose from.

Looking for even more inspiration? Explore our autumn days out across the North.

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Visit the North's Oktoberfests

Friends cheering with three beers in front of festival flags.

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

Manchester Oktoberfest returns on 24 October 2026, bringing Bavarian-inspired celebrations to the city from 5pm to 11pm. Expect Bavarian beer, live music, food and plenty of chances to dress for the occasion. Manchester Piccadilly is the nearest Northern-served station, with an onward tram to Heaton Park.

Further north, Oktoberfest UK takes over Newcastle and Doncaster across multiple weekends in October. Running between 2 and 24 October 2026, expect live Oompah bands, German street food and plenty of Bavarian atmosphere. Oktoberfest Newcastle is held at Times Square, just a short walk from Newcastle Central, while Doncaster's Oktoberfest celebrations take place at Doncaster Racecourse.

Planning an Oktoberfest day out? Take a look at our full guide to Oktoberfest events in the North for the latest details.

Halloween events in the North

Whitby Abbey illuminated in purple at night to celebrate Halloween.

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

Head to Whitby in North Yorkshire to see the gorgeous, gothic Whitby Abbey for a truly spooky day out. If you're looking for things to do in October half term, Halloween Half-Term runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, themed trails and fancy dress.

If you're visiting later in the day, Illuminated Whitby runs from 23 to 31 October. See the Abbey's Gothic ruins lit up after dark, with Dracula-inspired performances adding to the Halloween atmosphere.

Looking for more spooky days out? Explore our guide to the best Halloween events in the North, with ideas across Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool 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.

In Liverpool, River of Light returns from 23 October to 1 November 2026, transforming the city into a free outdoor light art trail.

To celebrate Halloween in truly spooky style, try a Manchester ghost tour or head to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for family friendly concerts like Room on the Broom & Zog on 25 October, or the Spooktacular Family Concert on 26 October, both are perfect for kids and celebrating spooky season.

Looking for autumn date ideas? Bonfire Night's a favourite for many couples and families, so don’t miss out. Our guide to Bonfire Night events in the North rounds up fireworks, light displays and events across the North, with 2026 details added as they're confirmed.

Enjoy an autumn walk or hike

A close up of two people's legs walking through the woods 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, the woodland is known for its flora, fauna, fungi and impressive autumn colour. Boilton Wood in Lancashire is another great choice, forming part of one of the longest and biggest stretches of ancient woodland in the county.

Buttermere in the Lake District is another great choice for an autumn stroll, with lakeshore routes and wildlife-rich woodland to explore nearby.

Fancy finding a walk closer to you? Our best autumn woodland walks in the North include ideas around Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, York and more.

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. Heading out with a friend? Purchase a Duo ticket and save 25% when two adults travel together and return the same day on eligible routes.

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