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. Around 500 deer roam Windsor Great Park, offering visitors the chance to see them in their natural environment. September to early November brings the deer rutting season, when stags compete for female attention and fill the park with their distinctive roars.
• 2. Follow in the footsteps of John Keats in Winchester, where he wrote his famous poem Ode To Autumn. Stroll through the historic streets, Cathedral Close and water meadows that inspired one of the most celebrated poems in the English language and experience the season that Keats called the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness".
• 3. See some of the region's finest autumn colours at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, where woodland walks, lakes and sweeping landscapes come alive with reds, golds and oranges.
• 4. Explore Leeds Castle in autumn when the estate's parkland, lakes and ancient trees provide a spectacular backdrop for seasonal walks and photography. Don't miss the spectacular Leeds Castle Fireworks (7 - 8 November), based around the theme "TIME" this year.
• 5. Pay a visit to Hever Castle, Kent, where the scarlet Boston Ivy welcomes you and shows that autumn has arrived. The 125 acres of grounds, Yew and Water Mazes and Woodland Walk are just right for an autumn adventure.
• 6. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. The 2,000 acres of parkland and gardens take on beautiful autumn shades as mist rises across the Great Lake. With Dinosaurs Forever (until 1 November), the International Horse Trials (17 - 20 September) and Halloween events (22 October - 1 November), there's something for all ages.
• 7. The Autumn Isle of Wight Walking Festival (3 - 11 October) is a celebration of the island's natural beauty and UNESCO Biosphere status, offering the chance to walk stunning coastal paths, discover hidden corners and enjoy breathtaking views.
• 8. Visit the New Forest during pannage season, when free-roaming pigs are released into the forest to feast on fallen acorns, helping to protect the famous New Forest ponies while continuing a centuries-old tradition (14 September - 29 November). Look out for the incredible variety of fungi that emerge during autumn, alongside free-roaming ponies, donkeys and deer.
• 9. Step back in time at the annual Battle of Hastings Re-enactment in Battle, East Sussex (10 - 11 October), and watch one of the most famous battles in English history brought vividly to life with hundreds of reenactors, dramatic combat displays and living history camps.
• 10. Harvest time is the perfect time to visit one of the many vineyards across the region and learn how grapes are transformed into award-winning English sparkling wine.

Autumn Colours, Harvest Time & Wildlife

• 11. Wander through Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, where dramatic autumn colours create one of the most spectacular woodland displays in South East England. With miles of walking and cycling trails, it's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the season.
• 12. Visit Sheffield Park & Garden in East Sussex, where four lakes are surrounded by magnificent trees that burst into vibrant shades of gold, scarlet and orange throughout autumn. One of the UK's finest locations for autumn colour, it's a must-see for photographers, walkers and nature lovers alike.
• 13. Head to Kent's National Fruit Collection at Brogdale during harvest season and pick apples and pears straight from the orchard while discovering one of the largest collections of fruit trees in the world.
• 14. Take in breathtaking autumn views from Wittenham Clumps, one of South Oxfordshire's most iconic landmarks, where panoramic views stretch across colourful woodlands and rolling countryside.
• 15. Combine a brisk walk along Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight with a visit to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary café. Warm up with a hot chocolate overlooking the sea and, if time allows, meet the sanctuary's famous rescued animals. Don't miss their 50th Anniversary celebrations with Wildheart themed drone display (19 September)
• 16. Take a stroll around Mote Park in Maidstone, where the tree-lined paths are transformed by vibrant shades of gold, copper and red. Pack a flask of something warm and enjoy one of Kent's most beautiful autumn parks.
• 17. Head out wildlife watching at Arundel Wetland Centre, West Sussex, Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, East Sussex or Farlington Marshes, Portsmouth, Hampshire and spot migratory birds arriving from Scandinavia, Iceland and the Arctic as winter approaches.
• 18. Explore Parkhurst Forest on the Isle of Wight, where ancient woodland, colourful leaves and resident red squirrels make for a magical autumn walk.
• 19. Visit the iconic St Thomas Becket Church at Fairfield on Romney Marsh, one of Kent's most photographed churches. Surrounded by open countryside and often framed by autumn mists, it offers a peaceful escape into one of England's most distinctive landscapes.
• 20. The arrival of autumn offers the chance to enjoy a South East sunrise, with the nights getting longer you won't have to get up so early to enjoy one. Each day the sunrise time will get slowly later around 1 to 2 minutes every single day.  The autumn Equinox is on 22 September, this marks the astronomical start of autumn.  Some of the best places to enjoy sunrise include Hastings East Hill, Dungeness, Rye, South Downs National Park, Beachy Head, New Forest National Park, Bembridge.

Autumn Events and Family Days Out 

• 21. Experience the thrilling Go Ape Sundown Sessions (16 October - 8 November) and tackle high ropes, crossings and zip wires under the cover of darkness for an unforgettable autumn adventure. This event is on across all nine South East England Go Ape sites.
• 22. Experience the immersive Luxmuralis light and sound installation at Chichester Cathedral (23 - 31 October), where stunning projections transform the cathedral into a breathtaking celebration of light, colour and creativity.
• 23. As the nights get longer and the night sky comes more into focus, take the chance to visit the brand new ZWO Astronomy Photograper of the Year exhibition in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (From 18 September), with over 100 photographs on display. 
• 24. Take a trip through the beautiful East Sussex countryside on the Bluebell Railway and be transported to a bygone era of steam locomotives, heritage stations and autumn scenery.
• 25. The annual Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Display in Winchester is a must for fireworks fans (7 November). Buy a wax torch and join the procession through the city before the lighting of the bonfire and spectacular fireworks display.
• 26. Head to Reading for a spectacular celebration of light, culture and community at Diwali Light It Up (24 October). Look out for the 17-foot puppets of Sita, Rama and Ganesh as the town comes alive with colour and entertainment.
• 27. Enjoy an autumn family day out at the Rare Breeds Centre near Ashford, Kent. Meet rare farm animals, explore the outdoor play areas and discover seasonal events and activities during the school holidays.
• 28. Take on the ten miles of the Great South Run in Portsmouth (17 - 18 October 2026), one of the UK's best-loved running events, or cheer on thousands of participants along the seafront route.
• 29. You don't have to head to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest. Raise a stein at events including Southampton Oktoberfest, Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire and Newbury Racecourse (23 - 24 October).
• 30. Enjoy a wonderfully autumnal family day out at Bekonscot Model Village and Railway. The world's oldest original model village sits within 1.5 acres of beautiful gardens.

Autumn Escapes and Days Out

• 31. Enjoy an autumn break at The Bay Colwell on the Isle of Wight. Explore the island's dramatic west coast, wander along Colwell Bay and Totland seafront, and watch the sun set over the Solent before retreating to your cosy coastal accommodation.
• 32. Spend an autumn day in Lymington, where colourful boats bob in the harbour, independent shops line the Georgian High Street and the edge of the New Forest is just a short walk away. Pair a stroll around the cobbled streets with lunch in one of the town's cosy cafés or pubs.
• 33. Treat yourself to a luxurious autumn escape at The Roseate Reading. With stylish interiors, fine dining and easy access to riverside walks, it's the perfect base for an autumn city break.
• 34. Visit West Dean Gardens, West Sussex, where the historic gardens and arboretum are transformed by rich autumn colour. Wander through the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, enjoy seasonal produce and admire one of the South East's most spectacular displays of autumn foliage.
• 35. Explore the medieval town of Rye this autumn. Wander the cobbled streets of Mermaid Street, browse independent galleries and shops, and soak up the atmosphere of one of England's most picturesque towns.
• 36. Discover Gravesend this autumn, with its riverside walks along the Thames, maritime heritage and easy access to nearby attractions including Cyclopark and Shorne Woods Country Park.
• 37. Book a stay at the award-winning Gravetye Manor in the heart of the Sussex countryside, where the beautifully restored Kitchen Garden supplies the Michelin-starred restaurant with fresh seasonal produce
• 38. Follow the circular Watership Down Trail near Basingstoke and discover rolling Hampshire chalk downland, sweeping views and countryside that looks particularly stunning as autumn colours emerge.
• 39. Stay at Parkdean Resorts Romney Sands near New Romney and enjoy crisp coastal walks, cosy evenings and easy access to nearby attractions including Dungeness National Nature Reserve and the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway.  With a heated indoor swimming pool, adventure playground and crazy golf its ideal for a half-term family holiday.
• 40. Round off your autumn adventures with a stay at Tottington Manor in the South Downs National Park, where countryside walks, delicious local food and cosy surroundings make for the perfect seasonal getaway.

More Ways to Enjoy Autumn in South East England

• 41. Get stuck into a host of October half-term and Halloween events across South East England, from pumpkin trails and spooky encounters to family-friendly seasonal adventures (19 October - 1 November)
• 42. Escape away from it all with an Eforea Spa Day at Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl. Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, relax in the sauna and steam room, and enjoy a 50-minute treatment along with lunch.
• 43. Shake up some seasonal cocktails at Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Whitchurch, Hampshire, with a cocktail masterclass and discover the art behind one of the world's most famous gins.
• 44. The official end of summer doesn't mean camping is off the list. Stubcroft Farm in West Sussex is open all year and offers all-weather hard-standing pitches, making it ideal base for an October half term getaway to Chichester and the surrounding countryside.
• 45. Make a stop at Petersfield Physic Garden or Petersfield Heath, a beautiful 69-acre nature reserve just a short walk from the town centre, perfect for a peaceful autumn stroll.
• 46. When the autumn weather turns, head indoors to John Lewis at Westquay, Southampton. Discover seasonal fashion inspiration, cosy home comforts and thoughtful gifts, all under one roof in the heart of the city.
• 47. Discover Eastbourne in autumn, where crisp coastal walks along the seafront combine with breathtaking views from Beachy Head and the South Downs. With fewer crowds, cosy cafés and spectacular scenery, it's the perfect season to explore this elegant seaside town.
• 48. Hop across the Solent with Hovertravel and visit Osborne, Queen Victoria's beloved seaside retreat. Stroll through the colourful gardens, admire the Italian-inspired architecture and enjoy sweeping views across the Solent as the autumn colours begin to appear
• 49. Visit Samphire Hoe, the unique nature reserve beneath Shakespeare Cliff between Dover and Folkestone. Look out for migrating birds including redwings and enjoy spectacular coastal views beneath the White Cliffs. Car parking fees only apply.
• 50. As the days get shorter and the evenings draw in, enjoy some of the most spectacular autumn sunsets in South East England.  Head to Colwell Bay, Birling Gap, the White Cliffs of Dover, Portsmouth's seafront or the South Downs for skies painted in shades of gold, orange, pink and purple.

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