Autumn is one of the most colourful times to explore South East England. The countryside shifts from gorgeous greens to rustic oranges and blazing reds, whilst the sunsets fill the skies with amazing colour, and firework displays sparkle into the night. It's harvest season too, offering the perfect time to savour local food, sample cider and enjoy a visit a cosy pub or two. With Halloween scares, uncrowded all-weather attractions, and an October half-term packed full of family fun, everyday promises a new adventure.

50 things to do this autumn in South East England
- 1. Don't miss the chance to explore the West Sussex countryside, with a walk to the Halkner Windmill starting from the charming village of Boxgrove. You will pass through a wonderful tree tunnel en route and can enjoy the breathtaking views.
- 2. Visit the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and learn about the Autumn equinox, and the three different ways of defining autumn: astronomical, meteorological, and phenological.
- 3. Experience the thrilling Go Ape Sundown Sessions at one of nine parks across South East England (17th October - 9th November) and navigate the high ropes and zip lines under the cover of darkness.
- 4. The Autumn Isle of Wight walking festival is a celebration of the island's natural beauty (4th - 12th October) and its UNESCO Biosphere status, offering the chance to explore new places, walk its stunning coastal paths, and enjoy some breathtaking views along the way.
- 5. Enjoy an autumn city break to Portsmouth, Hampshire with its great mix of all-weather attractions including the award-winning Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
- 6. Help out at one of the many vineyards across the region and bring in the harvest, pick the grapes, and learn more about the wine-making process.
- 7. Enjoy a spot of autumn retail therapy at Eden Shopping Centre in High Wycombe. From autumn fashion finds to cosy cafés to warm up in after browsing, it’s perfect for a rainy day activity.
- 8. The dramatic annual Battle of Hastings re-enactment comes to Battle, East Sussex in October (11th & 12th October) bringing history to life.
- 9. Book at stay in the beautiful Hampshire village of Wickham at The Old House Hotel & Spa, and explore its historic square, cosy cafes and eateries, and take a stroll along the picturesque Meon Valley Trail.
- 10. As the days get shorter, and the sunsets get earlier enjoy autumn sunsets across the South East — including the Isle of Wight coastal path and Eastbourne Pier to Hambledon in Hampshire and Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire.
- 11. This autumn on the 16th October a brand new statue of Jane Austen will be unveiled in the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral as part of the Jane Austen 250 celebrations. Here for visitors to see as a permanent reminder of this enduring literary legacy.
- 12. Get stuck into a host of October half-term events including Ghost-tastic Halloween fun, that will keep the whole family entertained this autumn.
- 13. Pay a visit to Hever Castle, Kent the scarlet Boston Ivy welcomes you and shows that autumn has arrived. The 125 acres of grounds, Yew and Water Mazes, and obstacle course in Woodland Walk make it just right for an autumn adventure.
- 14. Explore more this autumn time and walk the cobbled streets of Lymington, Lewes, Rye, Windsor or Gravesend, ideal for a day trip out in South East England.
- 15. Capture those breath-taking Instagram shots on a visit to Painshill, Surrey. The white Gothic Temple against the autumn trees, the Chinese Bridge reflecting in the water, and the ruined Abbey against the reds, oranges, and greens are just stunning
- 16.Explore the stunning South Downs National Park this autumn with a stay at the country house hotel of Tottington Manor, West Sussex - an ideal choice for walkers, countryside fans, and food lovers.
- 17. Head to Kent to the National Fruit Collection harvest time and pick your apples and pears to take home.
- 18. Wet weather doesn't stop play, head to Brooklands Museum, the birthplace of British motorsport, aviation, and the home of Concorde, a great all-weather day out for all the family.
- 19. Experience the striking blend of colours from up high on the Clumps - Wittenham Clumps is one of South Oxfordshire’s most iconic landmarks - looking down across the surrounding woodlands is just breathtaking.
- 20. For some wildlife watching head to Arundel Wetland Centre, Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, or Farlington Marshes, Portsmouth, to spot migrating birds or keep an eye out for deer rutting at Windsor Great Park.

- 21. Explore Parkhurst Forest, Isle of Wight full of ancient oaks and conifer trees. Look out for acorns that fill the forest floor and red squirrels and woodpeckers in the colourful trees.
- 22.Combine a brisk walk along the beach at Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight with a visit to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary café, and cosy up with hot chocolate while the waves crash outside. If time allows head into the sanctuary and meet their latest arrivals Benji and Balu who arrived in June this year.
- 23.You don't have to head to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest, head to Guildhall Square Southampton (24th & 25th Sept), Whitecliff Holiday Park, Isle of Wight (20th & 27th Sept), Mill Rythe Coastal Village, Hayling Island (20th Sept), Portsmouth Guildhall (7th Nov) instead.
- 24. Kingsley Vale, West Sussex is home to some of the oldest trees in Britain and the finest yew forests in Western Europe. Follow the painted green arrows and look out for Devil’s Humps and hilltop views.
- 25. Treat yourself to a luxurious autumn escape at The Roseate Hotel, Reading. With stylish interiors, fine dining, and riverside walks on the hotel’s doorstep.
- 26. Experience the magic of an autumn sunset in Thanet, Kent. Artist JMW Turner once said, “The skies over Thanet are the loveliest in all Europe”, there's no better backdrop through every season.
- 27. Celebrate the 950th anniversary of Chichester Cathedral with the finale of their year long events programme - the immersive light and sound installation by Luxmuralis from the 24th - 30th October.
- 28. Stay in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire with Darwin Escapes - the 2,000 acres of parkland and gardens boasts an all-year round event calendar.
- 29. Take on the ten miles of the Great South Run, Portsmouth, which is taking place on the 19th October 2025.
- 30. Take the family for some pumpkin picking at Wasing Park Estate, Berkshire (17th - 19th, 24th - 31st October) or Tulley's Farm in West Sussex with over 1 million pumpkins to choose from.

- 31. Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, East Sussex is peaceful at any time of the year, but the dramatic autumn colours provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for an autumn stroll.
- 32. Whether its time indoors exploring The National Motor Museum, or wandering through the Palace House Gardens, enjoying unlimited trips on the monorail or strolling through the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, a visit to Beaulieu will certaintly keep you busy all day, no matter what the weather brings.
- 33. The annual torchlight procession and fireworks display in Winchester is a must for fireworks fans (8th November). Buy a wax torch and walk the route before the lighting of the bonfire and the fireworks display
- 34. Head to Reading for a spectacular celebration of light, culture, and community on the 18th October in Reading town centre and look out for the 17-foot puppets of Sita, Rama, Granesh for at this Diwali Light It Up event.
- 35. The official end of summer doesn't mean that camping is off the list! Stubcroft Farm, West Sussex, is open all year and offers all-weather hard-standing camping pitches during the autumn/winter.
- 36. Shake up some cocktails at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester with a cocktail masterclass and get ready for the festive season.
- 37. Enjoy a great autumnal family day out with a visit to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway - the oldest original model village in the world. Set in 1.5 acres of gardens it captures rural English life in the 1930s and the changing of the season.
- 38. Escape for a weekend break to the historic town of Windsor, perfect for an autumn walk alongside the River Thames or along the famous Long Walk full of yellows and golds.
- 39. Don't hibernate this autumn, experience an award-winning theatre show at Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex which this season includes Lord of the Flies (19th Sept - 11th Oct) and Safe Space (11th Oct - 8th Nov)
- 40. Samphire Hoe a 30-hectare nature reserve at the foot of the famous Shakespeare Cliff, between Dover and Folkestone. Look out for the diverse fauna and wildlife, especially the migrating birds that visit during the autumn including Redwings
- 41. Book a stay at the award-winning Gravetye Manor in the heart of the Mid Sussex countryside, with its beautifully restored Kitchen Garden, where freshly grown produce becomes part of every meal in the Michelin Star restaurant.
- 42. Bringing colour, dance, light and 17 feet tall puppets to Broad Street in Reading - the Diwali Light It Up Festival returns for one night on the 18th October.
- 43. Escape away from it all with an Emerge Spa Day at Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl, you can take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, enjoy a warming sauna and steam room, and a 50-minute treatment and lunch.
- 44. Wander along the 1.5 mile circular walk at Broad Arboretum, Earth Trust - with its 49 different species of trees and enjoy the rich colours of autum. Park at the Earth Trust Centre and enjoy the chance to get out in nature.
- 45. Take part in one of the biggest off-road marathons (25th & 26th October), the Beachy Head Marathon starts and finishes at Eastbourne seafront.
- 46. Dive in for a wild swim at the Wasing Estate, Berkshire, its monthly swim and sauna package, in the heart of its secluded woodlands will rejuvenate both the body and the mind.
- 47. Take a trip though the beautiful autumnal East Sussex countryside on the Bluebell Railway and be transported to a bygone era of steam and locomotive charm.
- 48. Head to Cyclopark in Gravesend, Kent, one of the largest multi-sport centres in the South East. With cycling trails, skate parks, and autumn walks, it’s perfect for active families looking for an outdoor day out.
- 49. Hop across the Solent to the to Isle of Wight its eaiser than you think. Take a ride on the Hovertravel to Ryde, pick up the local bus number 4, and head to Osborne with its Italianate design and bring a taste of Italy sunshine to autumn in the UK.
- 50. Make a stop at the Petersfield Physic Garden or the Petersfield Heath a 69-acre nature reserve located just a short walk from the town centre.
Share you autumn South East Adventures with us using #lovesoutheastengland.