Autumn Guide 2026

10 hours ago
9 min read

From food festivals and sculpture trails to theatre and fireworks, there’s plenty happening across East Anglia this autumn. We’ve rounded up some of the events worth putting in the diary, whether you’re looking for a day out with the family, a walk through the countryside or an excuse to explore somewhere new.

Meet alpacas and pygmy goats, browse local produce and traditional crafts at Apple Day, or head to Sandringham for its Game & Country Fair, there's such a variety of activities to enjoy this season.

Norfolk | Suffolk | Essex | Cambridgeshire | Murder Mystery Suppers

Norfolk

From the Estate

North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival

5^th - 6^th September | 10am-4pm

Join in for a weekend celebrating Norfolk's food and drink, with artisan producers from across the county. Browse the stalls, try something new and pick up plenty of local produce to take home. All well-placed in Holkham’s walled garden, just a few minute’s drive from The Globe.

Sandringham Game & Country Fair

12^th - 13^th September

A celebration of country life with falconry, gun dogs, country sports, traditional crafts, and family entertainment, Sandringham Game & Country Fair is a firm fixture in the event calendar and set to be another popular weekend after their inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show. There are also arena displays and plenty of stalls to browse throughout the weekend.

Art & Culture

Bayfield Hall Sculpture Trail

16^th September - 18^th October

Discover contemporary sculpture throughout the private gardens, grounds and chapel at Bayfield Hall. The annual trail brings together artists, sculptors, and musicians in a North Norfolk setting where Visitors will be able to walk through 3 acres of grounds and view the work of over 45 artists from across the UK.

Benedictine Art Project

Until 4th October

Contemporary art meets medieval history in this outdoor exhibition within Norwich Cathedral Close. Three new installations explore the Cathedral’s Benedictine heritage, offering a chance to see historic surroundings from a fresh perspective.

Norfolk Heritage Open Days

11th - 20th September

Explore some of Norfolk’s most fascinating historic buildings, landmarks and hidden places during this annual celebration of the county’s heritage. With free events and access to places that aren’t usually open to the public, it’s a great opportunity to discover a different side of Norfolk - such as Felbrigg Hall Attic & Cellar Tours a short drive from The Feathers.

Come Outside

The Halloween Garden

27^th - 31^st October | 10am-3pm

Head to Holkham for a half-term Halloween adventure, with spooky storytelling, crafts, a Halloween trail, pumpkin carving and sweet treats along the way. Oh, and not to forget a Halloween dance-off, so bring your best moves and dress to impress.

The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail

All year round

Follow the Gruffalo-themed orienteering route through Thetford Forest. Pick up a map for £2.50 and make your way around the course while exploring the forest. There are seven markers hidden deep in the woods, so be sure not to miss any! There’s also a Room on The Broom trail to discover.

Guided Walk: Spectacular Saltmarshes

3rd September | 10am-12pm

Explore the North Norfolk coast on a free 4.5-mile guided walk from Morston Quay to Stiffkey and back. The route takes in the saltmarshes, local wildlife and plenty of coastal views, ideal for an end of summer morning stroll. Advance booking is required.

Suffolk

Suffolk Coast

It’s been a difficult few weeks in the wake of the Dunwich Heath wildfire for two of our pubs and their communities.

We know many of you have a real affection for this part of the coast and while the fire has had a significant impact, the villages, local businesses and many of the walks and places you know and love are still here to enjoy - and one of the best ways to support the area right now is simply to visit. We have created new walking maps for The Ship at Dunwich and The Westleton Crown, plus you can read our new blog post on A Guide to Exploring Suffolk from The Westleton Crown.

Festivals

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival

26^th - 27^th September

What better than a weekend dedicated to Suffolk's food and drink scene, with local producers, food stalls and plenty to taste. With the likes of Fen Farm Dairy and Pump Street Chocolate there, it’s a good excuse to spend the day exploring Snape Maltings as well as the food stalls.

Suffolk Festival of Nature

20^th September - 11^th October

From September until mid-October, head across Suffolk for a collection of events celebrating the county’s wildlife and landscapes. Expect walks, talks and opportunities to discover more about the county's natural environment. The opening event is on Sunday 20^th September at the Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge, featuring guest artist Angela Harding.

Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival

8th - 11th October

The annual Literature Festival brings authors, writers and readers together across the town, with talks and conversations spanning fiction, history, current affairs and more. A lovely choice for an autumn day out, with plenty of time to explore the town between events and a short drive from The Weeping Willow in Barrow.

Halloween Hauntings

Pumpkin Picking

Throughout October

Pick your own pumpkin at one of Suffolk's autumn pumpkin patches, including Rougham Estate, Frog's Farm and Undley Farm. It’s a good option for a family day out, particularly as Halloween approaches.

Scaresville

15^th - 31^st October

For something a little more grown-up, Scaresville returns at Kentwell Hall for Halloween with its popular immersive scare experience. Expect plenty of frights across the historic setting before retreating to The Black Lion for a cosy night’s dinner.

Witch Trials Exhibition at Moyse's Hall

Due to open 31st October

Opening on Halloween, this new exhibition explores the witch trials of Bury St Edmunds and East Anglia, sharing the stories of those involved alongside previously unseen artefacts.

Take a Seat

Calendar Girls: The Musical

10th - 26th September

Head to the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich for Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s much-loved musical adaptation of the true story behind the famous charity calendar. The new season also includes comedy and live music throughout autumn, making it a good option for an evening of entertainment after a spot of dinner at The Red Lion in East Bergholt.

Tattersalls Horse Sales

Select dates in October

Head to Newmarket for the autumn sales at Tattersalls, including the October Yearling Sale from 6^th – 14^th October and the Autumn Horses in Training Sale from 26^th – 30^th October. Make a day of it with dinner at The Three Blackbirds or The Packhorse Inn. You may not be in the market for a new racehorse, but it's quite the occasion to witness.

Essex

In The Garden

Gardeners' World Autumn Fair at Audley End

11^th - 13^th September

Spend a weekend at Audley End discovering seasonal gardening ideas, plants, shopping and expert advice from some television heroes. There’s plenty to see for keen gardeners, as well as the chance to explore the historic estate which is always a must-see when visiting The Eight Bells, just down the road.

Flavours of Autumn at RHS Garden Hyde Hall

2^nd - 4^th October

Celebrate the arrival of autumn at Hyde Hall with seasonal food, produce and garden inspiration. It's a good time of year to see the gardens changing into their autumn colours.

Henry Moore Studios & Garden

(Just over the border in Hertfordshire)

This is a lovely day trip year-round! The former home and studios of Henry Moore are set within 70 acres of gardens and countryside, with sculptures dotted throughout the grounds. So, while you're enjoying the sculptures, you'll also be taking in the falling leaves.

Animal Encounters

Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats

Spend time with alpacas and pygmy goats at Blackwater Alpacas, with alpaca walking experiences and, bet you didn't see this one coming, goat yoga (final class of the year is September 26th). It's an unusual, but enjoyable option if you're looking for something a little different this autumn. And be great to do with a group of friends.

Colchester Zoo Trail of Terror

16^th - 31^st October

Colchester Zoo gets into the Halloween spirit with its Trail of Terror this October. Visit the animals by day and then as the sun goes down join the 1.5 mile route - not for scaredy-cats.

Old-Fashioned Festivals

Apple Day at Cressing Temple

11^th October

Celebrate the apple harvest at this annual event, with local produce, traditional crafts and activities at the historic Cressing Temple. You can even have a go at apple juicing using an old-fashioned press.

Maldon Festival

11^th - 26^th September

This programme of music, arts and cultural events takes place across Maldon with the likes of ghost tours and silent movies alongside musical performances. Combine a visit with a wander around the historic town and waterfront. Or, take a trip to the Tiptree Jam Museum on your way home!

Harwich International Shanty Festival

9th - 11th October

Harwich’s historic streets and waterfront come alive with traditional sea shanties, folk music and performances, with many events free to attend, during their Shanty Festival. Oh, and expect to see a few pirates!

Cambridgeshire

In Cambridge

A Call to Art: William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites

23^rd October 2026 - 3^rd May 2027

Explore the work and ideas of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites in this new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum. The exhibition looks beyond their decorative style at their shared ideas about art, collaboration and society. Spend a morning discovering the exhibition before hitting the independent shops or taking a walk along the Backs.

London City Ballet - Firebird Double Bill

From 6^th October

London City Ballet are coming to Cambridge Arts Theatre this autummn to perform The Firebird alongside Ghost Light. Enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at The Carpenters Arms before heading into the city for an evening of culture.

Candlelight: Queen vs ABBA

26^th September | Cambridge

Performed by candlelight in the beautiful setting of Fitzwilliam College, hear the music of two all-time favourites - Queen and ABBA. There's a twist though - the well-known songs are performed by an orchestra.

Michael Palin at the Cambridge Corn Exchange

21^st October

Spend an evening with Michael Palin as he shares stories from his travels and experiences, including his journey through the Philippines. "From the bustling streets of Manila and the pristine islands of Palawan... Michael reflects on the people he met and the moments that stayed with him long after the cameras stopped rolling."

Climb St Mary's Tower Cambridge

The newly refurbished viewing platform of St Mary's Tower in the centre of Cambridge offers a different perspective of the city's colleges, rooftops and autumn landscape. You just need to climb the 123 steps to get there!

Outside of Cambridge

The Gardens at Longstowe Hall

30^th September

Explore the gardens at Longstowe Hall, set between ancient woodland, wildflower areas and historic parkland. The three lakes sit at the centre of the landscape and make this a particularly scenic place to visit before the gardens close for the season.

Bourn Pottery Taster Sessions

23^rd October & 21^st November

Have a go at throwing a pot on the wheel during a two-hour introductory session at Bourn Pottery. You'll also have the chance to try hand-building and glazing your own piece.

A Walk Around Cambourne Nature Reserve

With 90 hectares of woodland, lakes, ponds, grassland and an orchard, Cambourne Nature Reserve is a good place to stretch your legs and explore the countryside as the trees begin to change colour. Look out for wildlife as you make your way around the reserve - from tiny great crested newts to larger animals such as deer.

Huntingdon

The Pantaloons Present: Twelfth Night

2^nd October | 7.30pm

Our friends, The Pantaloons, bring their energetic take on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to Huntingdon, with comedy, mistaken identities and plenty of theatrical chaos at the Commemoration Hall. To make a night of it, book a stay at The Old Bridge or take a seat for dinner before the show.

Simon Yates - My Mountain Life

9^th October

The Commemoration Hall in Huntingdon is also welcoming mountaineer Simon Yates, best known for his role in Touching the Void, to their venue in October as he shares stories from his life and experiences in the mountains.

Fairytale Fireworks

24^th October

Finish the season with an evening of fireworks set to music at Huntingdon Racecourse. There'll be funfair attractions and an evening of unforgettable fairytale tunes alongside the display.

Murder Mystery Suppers

Put your detective skills to the test in an evening of murder, mystery and plenty of suspicious characters. Settle in for a three-course supper as the story unfolds around you, following the clues and trying to crack the case before all is revealed.

Whether you're stepping into the world of Sherlock Holmes for an evening of intrigue and a rather puzzling poisoning or heading 'aboard' for a 1920s mystery on the high seas, find out which of your locals is hosting a Murder Mystery Supper this autumn.

Thinking about spending a few days in our neck of the woods this autumn? Take a look at our bedrooms here or simply stop by for lunch or dinner when you're in the area.