Autumn is such a fantastic time to visit South East England, offering the chance to experience the autumnal colours, enjoy bracing seaside walks, and glorious sunsets as it is one of the warmest parts of the UK too, with the most sunlight hours, it is the perfect time to soak up the last of the summer sunshine.
50 things to do this autumn in South East England
Come to colourful South East England this autumn and discover a destination that is often less busy and with more availability, with every day bringing a different autumnal adventure. Don't miss the wealth of all-weather and all-year-round attractions, the beautiful ancient woodlands, a host of Halloween scares and fireworks brightening the night sky, and an October half-term calendar full of family-friendly activities to enjoy, it's the place to be this autumn.
1. The English Romantic poet, John Keats, stayed in Winchester, Hampshire in the early autumn of 1819 when he wrote his ode ‘To Autumn’. Follow in his footsteps on the two-mile walk.
2. Enjoy an autumn city break to Portsmouth, Hampshirewith its great mix of all-weather attractions including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, recently found to be the most educational in the South.
3. Enjoy a stay at Feathered Nest Country Inn, Oxfordshire, a charming 17th-century inn overlooking the Evenlode Valley with far-reaching views. Perfect for an autumn getaway in the countryside.
4. 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.
5. Experience the thrilling Go Ape Sundown Sessions at one of nine parks across South East England (18th October - 10th November) and navigate the high ropes and zip lines under the cover of darkness.
6. Head to Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire for its family-friendly Halloween event (25th October - 3rd November) and 2,000 acres of parkland and gardens to explore.
7. Don't miss the chance to walk to the Halnaker Windmill starting from the charming village of Boxgrove, West Sussex. You will pass through a wonderful tree tunnel en route and can enjoy the breathtaking views.
8. 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.
9. Get stuck into a host of October half-term events including Ghost-tastic Halloween fun, that will keep the whole family entertained this autumn.
10. Visit the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and learn about the Autumn equinox, and the three different ways of defining autumn: astronomical, meteorological, and phenological.
11. 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.
12. Explore the historic market town of Arundel with its plethora of antique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Don't miss the chance to take some autumnal photos of the beautiful Gothic cathedral and medieval castle at the town’s heart.
14. Hop to Brighton and enjoy the chance to pick up some curios along the famous Lanes. Pay a visit to Brighton Beach recently voted by Beach Atlas as the 25th top beach in the world.
15. September celebrates all things heritage with Heritage Open Days. Visit some heritage attractions, sites, and museums for free in Maidstone, Gosport, Thanet and Reading.
16. The dramatic annual Battle of Hastings re-enactment comes to Battle, East Sussex in October (12th & 13th October) bringing history to life.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Combining wonderful art and horticulture the Savill Garden Art in the Garden, exhibition runs from 11th Sept to 29th Oct in Windsor Great Park.
20. Experience more with a visit to Isle of Wight, take a ride on theHovertravel 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.
21. Combine a wonderful autumn wander alongside the River Thames and Kennet with some shopping on the brand-packed high-street, or award-winning centres in foot-friendly Reading, Berkshire.
22. 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.
24. Cliveden House Hotel, Maidenhead is one of the most gorgeous places to stay during Autumn, the reds, oranges, and browns provide a kaleidoscope of colour across the 376-acre estate. Located in the heart of Berkshire it provides the ultimate autumn getaway.
26. Experience an award-winning theatre show at Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex which includes The Cat and The Canary (27th Sept - 26th October ) and Comes from Away - straight from the West End (19th - 23rd Nov)
27. Take a walk along the King Charles III coastal path from Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve to Lee-on-the-Solent in Gosport, Hampshire, and onwards - you can walk all the way to Fareham.
28. Take on the ten miles of the Great South Run, Portsmouth, which is taking place on the 20th October 2024.
29. Pay a visit to Brooklands Museum, the birthplace of British motorsport, aviation, and the home of Concorde, and a great all-weather day out for all the family.
31. Shake up some cocktails at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester with a cocktail masterclass and get ready for the festive season.
32. The Autumn Isle of Wight walking festival is a celebration of the island's natural beauty (5th - 13th 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.
33. 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.
34. Embark on a tour and tasting at Balfour Winery, Kent, you can enjoy the chance to taste six of the Balfour wines.
35. Try a new way to explore Oxford with the family, the Children's Stories: A Family Walking Tour is suitable for children 7+ and is run by Bodleian Libraries.
36. 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.
37. Enjoy panoramic views of sky, sea, and sand from the open deck seating this fireworks night on a tour with Coastal Cruises, Poole.
38. 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.
39. Take to two wheels along the Meon Valley Trail one of the best autumn trails in Hampshire. Starting in West Meon the trial runs 11 miles to Wickham in the south. End your adventures with a night in the historic village of Wickham at the Quob Park Old House and Spa with its autumnal ivy welcoming on arrival.
40. Take a trip out and walk the cobbled streets of Lymington, Lewes, Rye, or Windsor, ideal for a day trip out in South East England.
41. Shoot those breathtaking 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.
42. The annual torchlight procession and fireworks display in Winchester is a must for fireworks fans (9th November). Buy a wax torch and walk the route before the lighting of the bonfire and the fireworks display
43. Hop along in the direction of Watership Down countryside and walk all or part of the 24-mile trail with marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of this much loved modern classic.
44. Are you a film buff or TV fan, head out this autumn and enjoy one of the blockbuster film tours at Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, providing the stunning backdrop to 100 years of filming.
45. 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.
46. Take part in one of the biggest off-road marathons (26th & 27th October), the Beachy Head Marathon starts and finishes at Eastbourne seafront.
47. 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
48. Go Unlimited at Littlehampton Harbour Park offering a mix of indoor and outdoor rides and attractions.
49. Experience the magnificent panoramic views of the 265-acre Denbies Wine Estate on the two-hour secret vineyard trail - cameras recommended.
50. Head to Kent to the National Fruit Collection harvest time and pick your apples and pears to take home (21st & 22nd Sept, 5th & 6th October,19th & 20th October).
Share you autumn South East Adventures with us using the #exploremorein2024 or #lovesoutheastengland.
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