Skip to Content

10 things to do in England this autumn 2023

10 things to do in England this autumn 2023

Sharing is caring!

Autumn is generally an awkward time to try to keep the kids entertained. The weather in England can be so changeable that we rarely leave the house without full on waterproofs and wellies, even if it is only to get us between the car and the entrance to whatever place we are visiting. If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in England this autumn I’ve got some ideas for you.

1. Halloween events near you in 2023

My girls start talking about Halloween in about May – nearly as early as Christmas! This, and October half term, is the highlight of their autumn.

Two Kind Halloween Pumpkins in the park at night

As well as trick or treating, there are outdoor events happening around the country that will allow us to dust off our witches outfits.

Check out my guide to Halloween days out happening this October half term.

Here’s some round ups of even more events happening in different parts of the UK:

I’ve also written about what to do in our home county of Devon this Autumn if you are visiting the area.

You might also like to find out about the spookiest places to experience Halloween around the world.

2. Head to the coast

Walking in waves at Bantham Beach in Devon

England has thousands of miles of coastline to explore and visiting it doesn’t just mean sitting on a beach. 

Walk a stretch of the coast path, visit a picturesque harbour town, go crabbing or book a water sports lesson with a coastal adventure company.

Yes, it is still possible to get in the water around the English coastline in the autumn. We use our paddle boards for as long as we can.

Visiting a beach is one of our go to outdoor things to do in England. My girls love a beach day and want to get in the water whatever the temperature.

If you have water babies too then always go prepared with a towel and a change of clothes. I’d also recommend a flask of something hot and a wet suit!

If you are looking for holiday destinations by the coast, here’s some that would be great for an October half term break.

3. Try a high ropes course

Tin Box Baby in tunnel at Go Ape Exeter: Tree Top Junior Adventure at Haldon Forest

High ropes courses are a great family activity to do outdoors in the autumn.

We love the exhilaration of high ropes and have been doing them with the kids since they were a few years old. The youngest kids can to do courses in England is usually around three – that’s when we first took Baby to Go Ape.

The rules are actually more about your child’s height than their age and they must be able to understand instructions.

Check with with your high ropes course when you book.

4. Outdoor things to so in England this autumn: a woodland adventure 

Mr Tin Box cycling in Alice Holt Forest

Treat yourselves to lungfuls of fresh air with a woodland walk. We particularly like woodlands and forests that come with adventure trails, family-friendly cycle paths and a good cafe. 

Forestry England sites are brilliant for this. Find your local Forestry England woodland or forest.

5. See stars in a National Park

Person standing on tor on starry night on Dartmoor National Park in Devon

Fun after dark can happen a lot earlier in the day during the autumn months, so why not try a bit of stargazing with your kids?

Of course you can do this anywhere where light pollution is low. But the very best spots are England’s remote National Parks.

Here’s where to find them:

These are also superb places to go for an autumnal walk in the day time. 

6. Outdoor things to do in England this autumn: light trails

Neon Web in Halloween light trail at Chiswick House Gardens
Picture credit: Richard Haughton

When dusk falls on some of the UK’s most beautiful stately homes and parkland, illuminated trails light up the longer nights.

Here’s where to find light trails and illuminations this autumn:

I’ll keep my eyes peeled for others to add to this list!

And, a bit later this autumn, you’ll find Christmas light trails opening all over the UK.

7. Let loose at an adventure playground

Boy on zip wire on adventure playground

Let the kids scramble, climb and ‘wheee’ their way around an adventure playground this autumn. Bring coffee and don’t forget the spare clothes for those wet slide moments.

Below are some adventure playgrounds that come highly recommended by followers of Tin Box Traveller on Facebook.

Please check whether you need to book your day out in advance to avoid disappointment!

If your favourite adventure playground in England is missing from this list, let me know and I’ll add it.

8. Meet animals outdoors at a farm park 

Tin Box Tot feeding goat at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Could there be a more outdoorsy thing to do in England than visit a farm? Many are open this autumn but pre-booking is essential.

Here’s some farm parks that are open this autumn:

9. Visit a zoo or safari park

Girls and giraffe at Paignton Zoo in Devon

England’s zoos are open all year round and need your support to continue their conservation work and caring for their creatures. Please check opening times in advance and book your tickets before travelling.

Here’s where to find a zoo near you:

10. Visit a National Trust garden or English Heritage site 

Tin Box Tot and Mr Tin Box at the top of Pendennis Castle - Cornwall day out with English Heritage

The National Trust has been reopening its parklands and gardens over the summer and many will be extending their usual opening times over the autumn.

Some properties are also now offering limited and time controlled access to their country houses. Search and book your National Trust day out this autumn.

The majority of English Heritage sites have now reopened and many have lots of outdoor space for you to enjoy with your family this autumn.

Here are the ones with the most outdoor space around England.

If your kids are looking forward to Halloween they will love a visit one of English Heritage’s creepy castles that will be open in October.

So there’s 10 ideas and hundreds of suggestions for outdoor things to do in England this autumn. What takes your fancy?

If you are interested in planning further ahead take a look at my post about Christmas events happening in the UK this year and the best places to find egg hunts and Easter trails in England and Wales.

Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.

Planning your autumn days out? Why not save this post about things to do this autumn on Pinterest.

Looking for fresh air and fun this autumn? Here's some inspiration for planning outdoor things to do in England this year from family attractions to events and places to visit #family #events #daysout #attractions #thingstodo #kids #England #TinBoxTraveller #UK #listing #Autumn #September #October #November

Sharing is caring!

CommentLuv badge

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.