Autumn 2026 in the UK: Best Things to Do

As days become shorter and the leaves turn shades of gold, red and copper, the UK comes alive with seasonal walks, cosy escapes, food festivals, Halloween events and more. Here are some ideas for exciting things to do (and remember to check the excellent range of accommodation on UK Tourism Online to find your perfect autumnal getaway!):

Explore heritage for free

September is a great month for history lovers. ‘Heritage Open Days 2026’ runs from 11th to 20th September, offering thousands of free events across England. The programme gives visitors the chance to explore historic buildings, discover local stories and visit places that aren't normally open to the public.

Visit a National Trust property

Historic houses and gardens take on a different ambience in autumn, with National Trust properties also hosting a range of seasonal activities. Emmetts Garden in Kent offers an Autumn Festival from 9th October to 1 November, featuring markets, talks, music, photography workshops and family activities.

Go to an autumn food or makers' festival

Look for local food festivals, farmer’s markets, craft fairs and seasonal events. Scotland’s Loch Lomond BAKEFEST26 in Balloch on 26 & 27th September offers a celebration of baking, cakes, pastries and artisan sweet treats, plus live demonstrations and workshops on Loch Lomond’s shores. Or what about the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival in Northern Ireland from 2nd to 4th October?

Embrace Halloween

Look out for pumpkin-carving, ghost walks and more! National Trust properties are running Halloween activities during half-term like ‘Spooky Tunnels’ at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire from 17th to 31st October. Across the UK, pumpkin picking is available and Tulleys Farm in West Sussex has a Pumpkin Festival from 19th September to 31st October, with more than a million pumpkins, seasonal food and entertainment.

Plan a fun city break

Cities like Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Bath, London and Liverpool are ideal for an autumn weekend. Explore great museums and attractions, then find a cosy bar or restaurant. The V&A in London will host the new exhibit ‘Freddie Mercury - Splendid Things’ featuring the singer’s costumes, from 24th October.

Take an autumn road trip

Go travelling when summer crowds have disappeared. Build your route around scenic viewpoints, friendly cafés and country pubs! A great autumn drive is from Perth to Pitlochry via the A93 in Scotland, where a multitude of trees turn brilliant shades of gold, orange and red against a dramatic highland backdrop.

Get out for a wonderful autumn countryside walk

Autumn is one of the best times to explore parks, forests and gardens. Choose a route with woodland, rivers, waterfalls or panoramic views, then finish with a spot of lunch! The Autumn Colour Trail (5.9 miles, 3 hours) at the Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire leads you through spectacular woodland and parkland, with breath-taking views of autumnal colour and glimpses of the resident muntjac or fallow deer.

Make the most of the coast

Autumn beaches can be wonderfully peaceful, so wrap up warm and combine a beach walk with tasty fish and chips or an ice cream! Visit a beautiful coastal town like Newcastle in County Down, where the Mountains of Mourne famously sweep down to the sea. Sample a Maud’s ice cream and / or take part in local events like crafting a ‘Pumpkin Patch’ at The Clay Project Studio on 13th October.

Go stargazing

As the evenings get darker, autumn provides excellent stargazing. Head away from major towns and cities, to designated Dark Sky areas like Exmoor, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) or Galloway Forest Park and combine with an overnight stay in a rural cottage or cabin. ‘Exmoor Dark Skies Festival’ runs from Friday, October 16th to Sunday, November 1st, 2026.

The UK Tourism Online Team