AUTUMN GUIDE
- Jessica Simms-Baalham
- Sep 4
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 5
It’s the season of slow Sundays, hearty dinners, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. And while we bid farewell to summer, there’s so much happening across the East of England to celebrate the magic of the new season; from pumpkin patches and food fairs to ghost tours and fireworks, here’s our guide to making the most of it.
PUMPKIN PICKING
Autumn isn’t complete without a pumpkin (or three). Whether you’re carving them at the kitchen table or filling the house with an elaborate display, pumpkin picking is a seasonal ritual for families and friends.
Cambridgeshire
Bury Lane - Pumpkin Patch
Opening from the end of September until 31st October, Bury Lane not only has an extensive pumpkin patch to pick from, but also has a great farm shop to explore afterwards and their Halloween Shop will also be open.
Essex
Marsh Farm Pumpkin Village Dog Nights
We all know that our camera rolls mainly consist of dog pictures, so Marsh Farm are opening late this year for dog-friendly pumpkin picking visits - especially for those wanting to get autumnal snaps of your four legged friend.
Suffolk
East Bergholt pumpkin patch
Reopening on Friday 10th October, we're excited that The Red Lion has a pumpkin patch right on its doorstep! Stop by the The Pumpkin Patch, East Bergholt, for a morning of fun before enjoying a pizza from the pub's new menu.
Rougham Estate Pumpkin Picking
One of the most popular pick-your-own patches in Suffolk, Rougham Estate has a host of activities on site for all the family; bale pyramids to climb, bug-hunting and, new this year, football goals for the energetic ones!
Norfolk
The Pumpkin House, Thursford
The Pumpkin House opens at weekends from 11th October with a maize maze to explore, adventure golf and mud kitchens - beware, this could get messy.
AUTUMN FAIRS
This season brings a packed calendar of markets, craft fairs, and garden shows, all set in some of our region's most impressive venues. Wrap up warm in a second layer, browse for early Christmas gift inspiration and enjoy a mulled cider.
Cambridgeshire
Autumn Shopping Fair
Hosted on the picturesque spot of Parkers Piece in Cambridge, the Autumn Shopping Fair is a family-friendly event of arts, crafts, food, and entertainment including cooking demonstrations on 20th & 21st September.
Essex
Autumn Fair at Cressing Temple Barns
On the last weekend of September, Cressing Temple Barns plays hosts to an Autumn Fair in their medieval setting. Exhibitors include fashion and beauty, gifts and homeware, plus garden goods. Also, you're not far from Tiptree, so why not pop into their Jam Museum?
Norfolk
Autumn garden & Outdoor living fair at
Holkham Hall
Think plant stalls, gardening talks, and decorative crafts in a six-acre walled garden setting. The fair, at Holkham Hall, is for one day only on 27th September. And when you're feeling hungry, head just a few miles down the road to try The Globe Inn's autumn menu.
Suffolk
Somerlayton Autumn Plant & Craft Fair
Perfect for seasonal shopping and garden inspiration, find yourself in Somerlayton's glorious garden this September for their Autumn Plant & Craft Fair. With over 40 local and specialist nurseries, it's the ideal place to get some autumn gardening inspiration and pick up some advice from the experts.
Suffolk Autumn Craft, Food & Gift Fair
Featuring artisan crafts, food stalls and gifts, Newmarket Racecourse invites you indoors to shop one of Suffolk's biggest Autumn fairs. The fair is hosted in the Millennium Grandstand on 25th and 26th October.
FIREWORK DISPLAYS
Lace up your boots, pull on an extra layer and sip hot chocolate while watching fireworks lighting up the sky. One for the family, the annual Guy Fawkes displays never get old!
Cambridgeshire
Huntingdon's Spooktacular Fireworks
Ideal for families looking to make a night of it, head to Huntingdon Racecourse for their Halloween themed firework display on Saturday 25th October. Fireworks start at 7pm, but expect funfair rides throughout the evening. To make the most of it, stop by for an early dinner at The Old Bridge Hotel beforehand.
Essex
Saffron Walden Fireworks and
Marsh Farm Bonfire Night
Whether you're heading to Saffron Walden's historic common on 8th November or Marsh Farm's display on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November, there's plenty of firework displays around Essex this autumn.
Norfolk
Hunstanton Cliff Top Fireworks Display
A dramatic setting for fireworks, this display takes place high above the sea in Hunstanton. With a bonfire to keep you warm and sparklers in hand, it's a coastal celebration on Le Strange Arms' doorstep on Saturday 8th November.
Suffolk
Heveningham Hall Fireworks Spectacular
One of Suffolk’s biggest firework displays, with live music, fairground rides, and food stalls set against the backdrop of a grand estate, Heveningham Hall. Prepare to be amazed on Saturday 9th November.
SPOOKY SURROUNDINGS
If there’s ever a time to embrace the eerie, it’s autumn. Across the region, ghost walks, haunted villages, and after-dark tours promise to give you goosebumps and leave you watching over your shoulder during the season of shadows.
Cambridgeshire
Curious Cambridge walking tour
Uncovering the city's strangest and spookiest tales, the Curious Cambridge walking tour commences from Jesus Green every Saturday and Sunday for two hours.
Essex
Kelvedon Hatch Ghost Hunt
Definitely not one for the faint hearted, spend the night exploring one of Britain’s biggest secret(ish) nuclear bunkers. Complete with scientific equipment, you'll be on the ultimate Ghost Hunt at Kelvedon Hatch.
Norfolk
Norwich Ghost Walks
Winding through ancient lanes, including the aptly named Tombland, and historic buildings, these theatrical ghost walks bring Norwich’s darker side to life every week on a Tuesday and Thursday.
Suffolk
Scaresville - The Haunted Village
An immersive “scare experience” that blends theatre, haunted trails, and scare zones on the Kentwell Hall estate, near The Black Lion. An unforgettable night if you dare.
CULTURE
For those who prefer books, theatre, or history over haunted houses, there's a cultural lineup of events throughout the season; from literature festivals to exhibitions, so sit back, learn something new, and soak up the inspiration.
Cambridgeshire
Celebrate Apple Day
Join the team at Cambridge University Botanic Garden on 19th October to celebrate all things apple. Taste heritage varieties, identify apples with the experts on hand from the East of England Apples and Orchards Project, and get advise on how to plant and prune for a good crop.
Essex
Colchester Castle Museum - Then & Now: VJ Day 80
An exhibition in the walls of Colchester Castle, Then & Now: VJ Day 80 blends personal stories, photographs and recordings to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Norfolk
Holt & Sheringhaam 1940s Weekened
Step back in time with vintage music, military vehicles and reenactments from Friday 19th - Sunday 21st September in Holt and Sheringham. The Maltings will also be celebrating the occasion with their very own vintage car show, antiques fair and VE day inspired supper.
Sheringham Little Theatre
From live music to musicals, comedy to cinema, Sheringham Little Theatre has a host of performances throughout the season. We're most looking forward to Agathe Christie's And Then There Were None.
Suffolk
Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival
From 11th - 13th October, enjoy talks and workshops with notable authors at Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival.
The annual event welcomes all age groups with storytelling for the little'ns, plus talks on how to get published.
MAKERS' MARKETS & FOOD FAIRS
Across the region, food festivals and makers’ markets are serving up harvest goods. From artisan bakes to homewares, these are the sort of days out where you’ll probably leave with bags fuller than planned.
Cambridgeshire
Market Square Daily Market
The kind of place you'd go to pick up some veggies and end up leaving with a wicker basket, handful of books and maybe a takeaway Paella! The Market Square Daily Market has a wide range of fresh food and worldwide cuisine alongside art, homeware and fashion.
Essex
Hylands Estate Open Day
Every second Sunday of the month, Hylands House opens its doors with guided tours, exhibitions, and history to discover. Outside, a street food market and stalls selling handmade gifts and baked goods allows for you to soak in more of the park.
Norfolk
Holt Sunday Market - September 7th (first Sunday of every month)
This award-winning market fills Holt’s Georgian streets with stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and homewares to Norfolk produce. It’s a community celebration on the first Sunday of every month. And, with the chill of autumn in the air, stop by for a roast at The Feathers afterwards.
Suffolk
Wavy Market at Folk
Wavy Market is a relaxed affair where you can browse small, independent makers while enjoying coffee and cake. The market is hosted at Folk Cafe, near Bury St Edmunds, on Sunday 14th September, or if you're after something more regularly, head down the road to Wyken Farmer's Market every Saturday morning.
Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival
Showcasing the East of England's produce, chefs and small businesses, we are excited that our friends at The Bottle Shop will be hosting wine tasting and charcuterie boards at this year's Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival.
EAST ANGLIAN ART
The East of England has a thriving art scene with hands-on workshops to exhibition. When the days are rainy and the nights are long, why not book yourself onto a course or head indoors to feel inspired by local artists and makers.
Cambridgeshire
Kettle's Yard
A stunning house-gallery hybrid, hosting Another Chance Encounter by Lubaina Himid and Magda Stawarska until November. Kettle's Yard is a contemporary art gallery in the centre of Cambridge.
Essex
Firstsite Art Gallery - Colchester
This Autumn includes YAK: Culture of Curiosities and Voyager 2000: Worldbeing and Wonder? exhibitions at Firstsite Art Gallery in Colchester. There will also be Watercolour Saturdays workshops for budding artists.
Norfolk
The Garage Studio Art Gallery
After a night away or pit-stop at The Gin Trap Inn, visit The Garage Studio Art Gallery, just down the road in Ringstead. A relaxed space where they exhibit local artists showcasing the Norfolk coast in different mediums.
Suffolk
East Suffolk Contemporary Art Tour
Join the Art Bus for a contemporary art tour around studios and exhibit spaces in East Suffolk on 20th September. You'll begin the tour at The Art Station in Saxmundham and end near The Westleton Crown at Rowe & Williams, Yoxford.
WALKING ROUTES
Autumn walks are some of the best - golden trees, red leaves and a sense that winter is approaching. There are countless routes worth exploring, whether that's in the countryside or through streets of boutique shopping spots.
Cambridgeshire
Trumpington Meadows Country Park
Offering a mix of habitats adjacent to the River Cam, Trumpington Meadows Country Park offers a 58-hectare nature reserve to explore. It's rich in wildlife, with riverside trails to explore, so make an afternoon of it before refuelling at The Carpenters Arms, Great Wilbraham.
Essex
Secret Saffron Walden walking map
Saffron Walden is a charming market town full of character, with a rich history and a vibrant community, home to The Eight Bells. With thriving independent shops, a weekly market, open gardens and museums, there’s plenty to discover on its doorstep, so we've created a walking map of some of our favourite spots not to be missed.
Norfolk
Sheringham Park
Some of the best walking trails come to life in autumn when the trees burst into colour. Sheringham Park boasts views of the sea, landscaped parkland, woodland, and an arboretum to explore.
Wandering Through Wells walking map
Whether you're after a gift or something to remember your holidays with, Wandering Through Wells walking map highlights some of our favourite shops down Staithe Street.
Suffolk
Melford Hall estate park walk
An easy, family-friendly one mile loop perfect for youngsters and smaller dogs. This walk on the Melford Estate even ends at a bookshop and tearoom. If you need something a little more hearty, though, stop by across the road to try The Black Lion's autumn menu.
AT OURS THIS AUTUMN
Murder Mysteries
Settle in for a three-course supper with a Cluedo-style twist. As the evening unfolds, characters will perform between courses, dropping clues and answering your questions. Keep your wits about you, take notes, and interrogate the suspects - the truth is yours to uncover.
To see where is hosting a Murder Mystery supper, click here.
Autumn Offer
Save up to 30% on a stay at one of our pubs with rooms or Big House hotels here.
If you book a stay more than 14 days in advance, save 20% on your autumn break.
Autumn Walks that End at The Pub
We can't think of much better way to spend this season than a romp around the countryside or brisk walk over coastal dunes, so here's a round up of some of our favourite round routes, new and old, across our region.
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