Things to do in autumn
Discover England’s amazing historic places in all their autumnal glory. Explore castles and abbeys nestled in golden woodland, see country houses swathed in morning mist and wander through historic gardens ablaze with spectacular seasonal colour.
With hundreds of sites across the country waiting to be discovered, autumn is the perfect time to make memories that you'll cherish forever.
Visit our Gardens IN AUTUMN
As the weather cools, our gardens transition into a vibrant autumnal colour palette of yellow, orange and brown. Keep cosy and enjoy wandering through our historic gardens where you'll discover the stories behind our leafy woodlands, decorative flower beds and seasonal kitchen produce.
Visit our gardensMAKE AN AUTUMN WREATH WITH TOM ALLEN
Join comedian and garden lover Tom Allen at Walmer Castle and Gardens in Kent as he explores how the gardens are prepared for the colder months and learns how to make an autumn wreath.
AUTUMN COLOUR AT HISTORIC GARDENS
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Best autumn gardens to visit
Here's our pick of the most impressive historic gardens - discover leafy woodlands, decorative flower beds, and seasonal kitchen produce. Which will you explore this autumn?
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10 flowers to see at our sites this autumn
Autumn brings new colour and layers to the garden, from the jewel-like glimpses of cyclamen to the unexpected boldness of nerines. How many can you spot at our sites?
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Unusual things to spot in autumn gardens
From flowers that only blossom in the evening to plants that were once cultivated for their healing properties, take a look at some unusual garden finds.
Great reads: Historical harvesting
Autumn Treats with Mrs Crocombe
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How to Harvest Apples - The Victorian Way
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How to Make English Chutnee – The Victorian Way
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How to Make Soup for the Poor – The Victorian Way
Exploring our autumn traditions
As the nights draw in and the leaves start to turn, we’re joined by English Heritage trustee and Professor of History at the University of Bristol Ronald Hutton, to discuss some of the traditions that come with autumn. Discover the history behind Bonfire Night and Halloween, along with less well-known events such as Harvest Home and Lammas – and the origins of the word ‘autumn’ itself.
Enjoy an active Autumn
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Regional Guides
From London to Northumberland, Yorkshire and Derbyshire to the Isle of Wight, our comprehensive travel guides have everything you need to plan a getaway: where to stay, getting around and — most importantly — things to see and do.
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Cycling Guides
Whether you're a novice or bike enthusiast, our cycling guides offer a fun way to take in multiple historic places. Wheel your way across the Isle of Wight, find serenity in North Yorkshire, or tour across the Wiltshire countryside.
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Coastal Walks
Enjoy the great outdoors on foot this autumn! Combine an invigorating seaside stroll with an inspiring visit to one of our historic sites, following these glorious routes along England's most beautiful coastlines.
Walking Guides
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Cumbria Walking Guide: Stott Park Bobbin Mill to High Dam
The Lake District is renowned for walking - but if you don't fancy tackling a fell, this circular walk around Stott Park Bobbin Mill at the southern end of Windermere is a perfect choice.
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Derbyshire walking guide: Bolsover Castle to Sutton Scarsdale Hall
Facing each other across a valley, Bolsover Castle and the ruin of Sutton Scarsdale Hall seem very different. Discover the landscape which connects them on the 7 mile countryside walk.
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Kent coastal walking guide: Dover, Walmer and Deal
This 10 mile walk offers panoramic views of the English Channel. Three mighty coastal forts stand on the route, from the medieval "Key to England" at Dover to Henry VIII's defences of Walmer and Deal.
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Walks near Hadrian's Wall
There are some fantastic walks to be enjoyed along Hadrian's Wall. Find out a bit more about the trails near Housesteads, Chesters, Corbridge and Birdoswald.
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The Great Stones Way: Avebury, Stonehenge and Old Sarum
Running through the Wiltshire countryside from near Swindon to Stonehenge, the Great Stones Way is one of England’s newer hiking trails. Travel writer Sarah Baxter set off in the footsteps of our ancestors.
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Bradford on Avon Tithe Barn to Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Take a delightful walk, passing through some idyllic English countryside to Farleigh Hungerford Castle – an impressive 14th century castle not far from Bath with hidden treasures and a sinister past.
Top Tearooms
Now is the perfect time to enjoy some well-deserved time off for yourselves. There's no better way to relax than with a hot drink or delicious snack at a tea room amid historic surroundings. To help you find the perfect place to get off your feet, here's our list of top tearooms from historic places around the country.
Discover our top tearooms
