Falling for autumn
30th September 2026
‘Time by Luxmuralis’ at Salisbury Cathedral in 2024 © Luxmuralis
From woodland walks, pumpkin picking and those honking heralds of autumn, to bowls of steaming local mussels and an illuminating light and sound experience at Norwich Cathedral, Natalie Douglas shares 10 ways to make the most of the new season
Going for gold
Norfolk’s great estates become even more beautiful when the trees turn copper, crimson and gold. Wander beneath the woodland canopy at Sheringham Park, circle the lake and parkland at Felbrigg, or follow Blickling’s paths through acres of historic countryside. Each offers its own version of autumn: far-reaching coastal views, mirrored reflections, fungi, fallen leaves and pockets of mist. Pack a flask, choose a clear morning and let the season provide the colour palette.
Welcome back, pink-feet
Few sounds announce the changing season quite like thousands of pink-footed geese calling overhead. Travelling from Iceland and Greenland, vast skeins return to the North Norfolk coast to feed and roost across its marshes and fields. Holkham is one of the best places to witness the spectacle: try Lady Anne’s Drive or the Washington Hide around sunrise, when the sky can suddenly fill with beating wings and those unmistakable conversational calls.
Out of the shadows
Norwich is embracing the shadowy side with Darkest Chapter, a new one-day festival devoted to horror, gothic and uncanny storytelling. Taking over the medieval Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing, the programme promises author events, panel discussions, a creative-writing workshop, and stories after dark. A special Friday-night screening at Cinema City will open the festival, before readers and writers gather for a suitably atmospheric celebration of one of publishing’s fastest-growing genres.
www.nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk
The Halloween Garden
Holkham’s walled garden takes a turn for the spooky from 27 to 31 October, with trails, tales and plenty of pumpkin-filled fun. Families can creep through the garden, try seasonal crafts, enjoy face painting, and pick and carve their own wonderfully wonky jack-o’-lantern. Wrap up warm, pull on sensible shoes and prepare for a playful rather than petrifying Halloween adventure, set within one of North Norfolk’s loveliest historic gardens.
Time travelling
Norwich Cathedral will be transformed after dark this October when Luxmuralis brings its immersive light and sound experience to the city for the first time. ‘Time by Luxmuralis’ takes visitors on a journey through history, science and imagination, with spectacular projections illuminating the cathedral’s centuries-old stone. Explore wormholes, step inside the workings of clocks and encounter ideas inspired by H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, before a dramatic finale fills the nave. This magical experience for all ages runs from 27 to 31 October.
www.cathedral.org.uk/luxmuralis
Autumn’s bounty
Celebrate the county’s orchards, harvest traditions and glorious apple varieties at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse’s Apple Day on 4 October. This year marks 35 years of Apple Days at the museum, promising a particularly special celebration of rural life. Previous events have mixed apple-themed activities with traditional demonstrations, music, dancing and seasonal food, making it an easy-going family day out with plenty of heritage at its heart. Bring an appetite for all things crisp, pressed, baked and distinctly autumnal.
www.gressenhall.norfolk.gov.uk
Pick of the patch
For pumpkins with added theatre, head to The Pumpkin House at Thursford. Its autumn programme begins with a medieval-themed weekend on 10 and 11 October, followed by a makers’ market on 17th and 18th and a full run of half-term Halloween dates (23 to 31 October). Alongside choosing the perfect pumpkin, expect seasonal displays and family-friendly activities in a setting designed for autumn photographs. Sitting conveniently between Fakenham and Holt, it is an easy addition to a crisp-weather day exploring North Norfolk.
Flex your mussels
Autumn signals the return of mussels, harvested from the tidal creeks and celebrated at The White Horse Brancaster Staithe’s annual Mussel Festival, from 21 to 25 October. With the saltmarsh as its backdrop, choose classic moules marinière or one of four other flavours, accompanied by a full programme of live music, including Nelson’s Shantymen. Seafood, sea air and a front-row view of the marshes – very North Norfolk.
www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk
Harvest of the sea
Great Massingham’s much-loved country pub marks the start of Norfolk’s mussel season with its annual Seafood Festival on 20 and 21 November. Expect oysters, shellfish and a full menu celebrating everything from the sea, served in the warm, convivial surroundings of The Dabbling Duck. Live music is also set to feature. The festival is traditionally popular and booking is essential, making this one to put in the diary early.
Draw in
Bestselling author and illustrator Rob Biddulph brings his hugely popular Draw With Rob magic to Norwich Theatre Playhouse on 27 October, as part of the Norwich Book Festival. Families can hear stories from his latest books, including South,following Pip the goose on an epic seasonal journey, and The Last Wolf, a suitably spine-tingling adventure for autumn. Rob will then guide the audience through creating their own illustrations in a lively, hands-on event designed to get children, and their grown-ups, drawing together.
Visit websites for timings, ticket prices and any booking requirements
