Your Guide to Autumn Days Out This Fall Season
From autumnal gardens to fun at the farm, read our guide to the best autumn days out for you to enjoy this year – accessible to all.
Summer may be in full swing, though we can’t help but look ahead to the autumn. With its warm, vibrant colours, and family-friendly activities, there’s lots to enjoy about the turning leaves.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some accessible autumn activities to get you out and about in the crisp, fall air.
The Pumpkin Forest – Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland
This autumn, Auckland Palace in County Durham will be hosting an enchanting Pumpkin Forest. A night-time event to celebrate the fall season, the event offers a walk around the beautiful Palace gardens.
Over 600 hand-carved, lit pumpkins will lead the way, plus chrysanthemums and decorative gourds. In between, you can stop for food and drink at the stalls. Allowing you to indulge in festive treats like mulled cider, hot chocolate and autumn-themed bakes.
Tickets are available on selected days between 4th – 31st October, at 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm and 8pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These are available daily from 28th – 31st to see you into the spooky mood for Halloween.
The event is listed as wheelchair friendly, and there are sensory sessions available for those with more specific needs. These are on Monday 28th October and Tuesday 29th October at 4:20pm.
If you’re in the North East, The Pumpkin Forest will be worth well worth a short drive for some autumn festivities. Book your tickets online here, and these are free for carers.
Learn more about Auckland Castle
Westonbirt Arboretum – Gloucestershire
The Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire makes for another scenic experience. Home to over 18,000 trees from around the world, the arboretum spreads across two areas and 17 miles of way-marked trails.
If you enjoy fall colours, you can expect to see autumnal tints from the middle of October till mid-November. Any photographers reading, be sure to bring your camera along with you! Wrap up warm and you can enjoy a picnic in the grounds or head to one of three eateries for a tasty meal or snack.
The Kitchen offers seasonal dishes, hot drinks, and homemade cakes – including autumn treats. The Pantry is a takeaway kiosk serving sandwiches, cakes, coffee, and ice cream. While The Smokehouse is a restaurant offering traditional wood-fired pizzas.
The walking paths accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, and pushchairs. Assistance dogs are welcome if needed, while there are disabled toilets available on-site. Accessible admission tickets can be booked online. If you have a personal assistant accompanying you, they can enter for free.
Learn more about Westonbirt Arboretum
Pick Your Own Pumpkins – Yorkshire Pumpkins
Fancy picking your own pumpkin this autumn? Head to Yorkshire Pumpkins in North Yorkshire for a festive family day out.
Choose from several varieties of pumpkins, including orange, yellow, pink, blue, and even leopard print ones. There’s also a range of gourds available to purchase if you feel like cooking something seasonal.
There is also a range of activities and attractions that will go down a treat with children. From the hay bale mountain and toy tractors to pumpkin bowling and a range of refreshments.
Tickets can be booked online for £1.50. As for clothing, warm, waterproof attire is recommended as autumn weather be bit a little chilly. In terms accessibility, there is plenty of parking situated on a hard surface which is handy for wheelchairs. You may have to take your time getting around the patch itself and watch out for any uneven ground.
Toilets with a baby change are also available. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the farm. If you have any specific accessibility needs, feel free to get in touch 01423 360203.
Learn more about Yorkshire Pumpkins
Trevaskis Farm – Cornwall
Spread across 28 acres of Cornish countryside, Trevaskis Farm offers a picturesque visit this autumn. With a Pick Your Own service, you can pick seasonal fruit and vegetables to buy and take home with you. Including pumpkins!
Farm produce can also be purchased in the Market open daily from 8am – 8pm. Complete with a butchery, fish counter, deli, bakery, and grocery, it has all the ingredients you need to make a seasonal, home-cooked meal. In the restaurant, you can also enjoy a range of tasty dishes prepared using local ingredients.
In the Farm Park, you can wander through the orchards, visit the animal pens, and – if the weather holds up – enjoy a picnic in the picnic area. You can watch farmers do their work on-site while passing by and admire the work that goes into maintaining such beautiful farmland.
There are four priority disabled parking bays on-site, and wheelchair access to both restaurant and market. The Farm Park is mostly accessible with the ground levelled out in dry weather. However, it’s recommended to call in advance if using a wheelchair to help plan for your visit. All dogs are welcome too, though only assistance dogs can be brought indoors.
Learn more about Trevaskis Farm
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