Things to do in autumn

Go pumpkin picking

Pumpkin picking has certainly seen a rise in popularity in recent years, and it wouldn’t be Halloween without the perfect pumpkin on your doorstep. Luckily, the North is home to plenty of picking opportunities for you to indulge in. If you’re in and around the Manchester area, then feel free to head on over to Kenyon Hall pumpkin farm, which will be running from late September through every day of October.

Around Newcastle you’ll find Brockwell Farm in Lanchester, which offers pumpkin picking for £3-£7 per pumpkin, and has a farm shop on site filled with delicious fresh produce. For those in Leeds, Kemps Farm is an award-winning “pick-your-own” farm, offering berry picking through the summer and some of the best pumpkins around in autumn. Get picking today to ensure you complete everything on your autumn bucket list this year.

Collect some conkers

Diving into another time-honoured tradition: we have conkers. Conker collecting is an essential event in any young Brit's life, so don’t miss out and take your kids along to our best picks for conker collecting. 

You can’t just pick any old forest to find your prize-winning conker, so we recommend Studley Royal, home to many horse chestnut trees and the Fountains Abbey. The iconic Alnwick Castle and its grounds are also home to many firm and sturdy conkers. Lastly, Calderstones Park will guarantee the biggest and shiniest conkers possible. Remember, after hunting for conkers, there’s nothing better than proving who has the best eye for them with an iconic game of conkers.
 

Attend an autumn event

Autumn is the peak time for festivities. 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.

If you’re a lover of food and all things tasty, then the Malton Harvest Festival is the place to be on the first weekend of October.

Celebrate Halloween in truly spooky style; try a ghost tour in Manchester or head over to the abandoned asylum Newsham Park Hospital in Liverpool to truly scare your socks off.

Bonfire Night is a favourite for many families and couples, so don’t miss out on Blackpool’s Guy Fawkes Night with some of the best fireworks and entertainment around. There’s also the chance for an even more dazzling display in Blackpool this year at the World Firework Championships, promising some of the greatest shows you can see.

Enjoy an autumn walk

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 North England’s many nature walks.

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

Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts in the Lake District is another great choice for a walk this Autumn among the thin forests of Buttermere. Don't let this dissuade you, as you will have sublime views of the lake and a chance for a delicious pie from the nearby town.

Wherever you find yourself this autumn, travel with Northern and find deals on travel so you can get to where you need to go easier.