As the nights draw in and the leaves turn golden, we can't help but feel a twinge of excitement for brisk coastal walks, fireside dining and cosy nights in - whether that's at home or on staycation this autumn.
Not to forget, there's also plenty going on in East Anglia to celebrate the season ahead, so find out more in our helpful guide below.
SUFFOLK
Coastal adventures
RSPB Minsmere
Just minutes from The Westleton Crown and The Ship, Dunwich, RSPB Minsmere is bursting with wildlife all year around, from in the sky to in the water (don't miss the chance of an otter sighting)! This season, join the rangers for the annual Red Deer Rut and get close to the action in one of their 4x4 vehicles.
Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival
Hosted at Snape Maltings, this yearly festival is a celebration of some of the finest food and drink in Suffolk. Our Field Kitchen will be returning for another year in collaboration with Fen Farm Dairy, and our Bottle Shops are hosting their first pop up.
Shenanigans In-land
Rougham Pumpkins
Until the end of October, the Rougham Estate open their family-friendly Pumpkin Patch. With pumpkins, squashes and gourds in 20 different varieties and many different sizes, it's a treat to get those Instagram-worthy shots around the field, but even more to take the produce home to carve!
Lavenham Film Festival
The medieval village of Lavenham will play host to its first Film Festival from the 1st to 8th October. Showcasing independent films, from documentaries to horror, the 16th century Guildhall is just one of many atmospheric venues for screenings.
Scaresville
You're welcome to enter this haunted village at your peril. Discover dark rooms, abandoned forests and vast water on the Kentwell Estate in Long Melford (a short walk from The Black Lion) as it is turned into Scaresville - one of the most popular Halloween experiences in the region. Screaming is likely!
Newmarket Races
The Rowley Mile Racecourse comes to life again this autumn with the return of The Dubai Future Champions Festival. Spanning two days, seven group races showcase some rising stars in equine athletics and champions are forged! Just be sure to make the most of the occasion with a night away in The Packhorse Inn newly built Barn Rooms.
Suffolk pubs with rooms The Packhorse Inn, The Weeping Willow, The Black Lion, The Ship, The Westleton Crown and The Crown.
ESSEX
Sky & Countryside
Duxford Flying Finale
On Saturday 5th October expect to see the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon Display Team, Spitfire and many more iconic planes take to the sky in a grand send-off for the 2024 Flying Season at Duxford. The Flying Finale is subject to weather conditions, but be sure to check out the many other attractions available every day at the Imperial War Museum.
Thaxted
Just a 20 minute drive from The Cricketers and The Eight Bells, Thaxted is a well preserved historic market town worth a visit if you like to wander and look at colourful timber-framed houses with steeply pitched roofs. There is a windmill, grand church and independent shops to browse.
On your feet
Feeringbury Manor Gardens
Take a moment for yourself this autumn with a peaceful walk around 10-acres of landscaped garden, with colourful planting and modern sculptures that change with the season. With two ponds and the River Blackwater running through the garden, there's always plenty to discover in Feeringbury Manor Gardens, just a 30 minute drive from The Crown.
Hedingham Castle's Escape Room
Experience the immersive, magical Escape Room situated inside a real-life castle, from 24th to 31st October. Follow the clues and find out how to release the headmistress her from the spell, with potions, cryptic notes and puzzles. Meant for ten years and up, (and little'uns if they are with their parents) all the family will enjoy this other-worldy game.
Audley End Railway Halloween Special
Gather the brood this half term and climb aboard the Halloween Express for a haunted train journey into the woods, from 26th October to 3rd November. Visit Belinda the Witch to craft your own potion pouch and explore the Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk to discover what mischief the fairies are making. William the Magician will host an interactive stage show that the whole family can enjoy. Warm up with lunch by the fire at The Eight Bells after.
Chelmsford Half Marathon
In support of Havens Hospices, run, jog or walk through Central Park and out into the countryside on Sunday 13th October as part of Chelmsford Half Marathon. If this sounds a little too much for your lazy Sunday afternoon or you haven't quite got the time to train, why not join us at The Crown for a traditional Sunday roast and head on our Riverside Ramble.
Essex pubs include The Eight Bells and The Cricketers. The Crown at Stoke by Nayland is close to the Essex border.
NORFOLK
Well-being
Wild at Night
Explore RSPB Titchwell Marsh on Wednesday 2nd October and see what comes out after dark with their nighttime tour! "With handheld detectors, look for nocturnal flying mammals like Pipistrelle and Daubenton's bats", this walking tour is ideal for those on the hunt for owls, too.
Mindfulness Walk
Start your week off right with a mindful walk and meditation led by a qualified meditation teacher under the big skies of Cley Marshes. This event takes place once a month and is great to set you up for the week ahead or top-off a stay on the Norfolk coast; be sure to drop in for breakfast at The Wiveton Bell on your way there!
Thompson Weave and Breathe Classes
These regular workshops in South Norfolk offer the opportunity to learn new skills and create weaved gifts and homeware using traditional corn dolly weave. Whether you're creating a bird feeder or thinking ahead to Christmas, The Coddiwomplers have a variety of projects on offer throughout autumn, and encourage you to make time for your wellbeing.
Family-fun
From the 12th October until 3rd November, get your best Halloween costume on and follow the magical light trail at BeWILDerwood as you discover characters in the forest and say 'twig or treat'. The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade adds a touch of spooky to the experience and you'll enjoy some storytelling along the route.
PRIMEVIL
(not for the little ones!)
The award-winning scare attraction returns to the dinosaur park for another year, from Thursday 17th October to Saturday 2nd November. The scream park near Norwich will transform into five terrifying haunts and mazes, with live actors and special effects. For an added adrenaline rush, face your fears on the Predator High Ropes; East Anglia’s largest rope course and the world’s first parallel sky rails.
Norfolk Pubs with rooms include The Lifeboat Inn, The Globe Inn, The Wiveton Bell and The Feathers.
Norfolk Big Houses include The Maltings and lasted to join Chestnut, Le Strange Arms.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Out & About
Cambridge Botanic Garden
It's not often that we celebrate the humble fungi. So, in the lead up to UK Fungi Day, Cambridge University Botanic Garden is encouraging us to look more closely at these 'hidden heroes' of the garden with talks, crafts and tours on Saturday 28th September.
The garden is also offering families free art adventure booklets throughout autumn to encourage observation, imagination and drawing while little'ns make their way around. Warning, you may need to refuel after this, so why not make a reservation at The Carpenters Arms for a late lunch!
Ghostly Tales & Tours
Ideal in the lead up to Halloween, discover Cambridge in a whole new light as you take a Ghost Tour around the cobbled streets at the backs of colleges. Whether you're a believer or not, there's no denying that haunted pubs are a great topic of walking tours too, so here are a few ghost stories of our own that you may want to read while sitting at the bar!
Rainy Days
Afternoon Tea
Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a catch up with friends, Afternoon Tea is served Monday - Saturday at The Carpenters Arms. Plates of finger sandwiches, homemade scones and sweet treats are freshly prepared by the kitchen and choose to pair with tea or go all-in with a glass of fizz for the occasion.
Cambridge Junction
For those rainy days and colder evenings, there's nothing much better than taking in a live performance. Head to Cambridge Junction for a host of comedy, family-fun and music this season. We're particularly excited for the entirely improvised 'wizarding' play, Spontaneous Potter and gypsy brass band, Fanfare Ciocarlia.
Game Season
The Three Blackbirds host their first game dinner of the season on Wednesday 23rd October. Guests will tuck into locally sourced game and produce from Suffolk game terrine, to Mark Hall Estate venison, with ingredients including blackberries foraged from Woodditton hedgerows. There is an optional wine flight too.
The Old Bridge in Huntingdon are also embracing the season with the popular Game Dinner on Thursday 24th October. The evening is held in the Oak Panel dining room and guests are treated to 5 courses including canapès and a blackberry Bellini to start.
Cambridgeshire pubs with rooms include The Three Blackbirds and The Carpenters Arms.
Big House The Old Bridge, Huntingdon.
AUTUMN SUNDAYS
At Chestnut, we're pulling on our woollens and lighting the fires as we gear up for the season. If you're planning on taking part in any of the activities featured in our Autumn Guide, be sure to fuel up or spend a restful night away in one of our pubs with rooms.
Sunday Lunch
We push the boat out on a Sunday and serve all day. Enjoy a traditional roast dinner, with crispy roast potatoes, buttery vegetables, and a fluffy Yorkshire pudding or tuck into a variety of seasonal plates from our Sunday menu to top off the weekend!
Prices start at £27 for 2 courses. To reserve a table, click here.
Sunday Special Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Stay
Throughout autumn, we're encouraging you to take it slow, discover new places, and feast on warming dinners. Make the weekend last longer with our Sunday Special Dinner, Bed and Breakfast offer and enjoy dinner for half price!
To book a stay, click here.
For those of you who are already looking ahead to December, we've got your covered too!
From party menus and stay packages to Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone this Christmas.
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