Post updated – 30 July 2022

This time of the year is so magical & this means an autumn bucket list is in order – cold weather setting in, Halloween fun, the lead-up to Christmas, and all the other wonderful things I discuss in this blog post.

We started visiting pumpkin patches a few years ago, but up to then I’d never really bothered much with autumn-themed activities, other than celebrating Halloween. 

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Being part of the blogging world increases my excitement about all things autumn. September, when we start counting down the days until the colder mornings, buying Halloween costumes, putting up autumn decorations, planning where we will spend Halloween, what firework displays we will visit, bonfire night, and then Christmas planning. There is a lot to be excited about! When is the correct time to start buying Christmas presents? I am sure I will talk about this in a future blog post. 

With this in mind, I had to start looking for some exciting activities to do across the whole season, and I wanted to share my findings with you. Autumn bucket list here I come!

1. Pumpkin patches

First up on my autumn bucket list, I want to share the two locations I’ve visited for pumpkin picking in the past:

Farmer Copleys

This was a great day out. There is ample parking when you arrive and a good system for picking and paying for your pumpkins. 

Wear wellies, it was a rainy day when we visited and we had to wade through a muddy field. 

They had a barn set up to get breakfast, a small bar for anyone drinking alcohol, and all the other snacks & drinks you’d expect. There were rides for the kids including a bucking bronco. 

You can collect a wheelbarrow to take to the pumpkin picking field. Because she was a tiny baby at the time, we put our little one in it, instead of carrying her through the mud, haha!

Check out their website for specific information on this year’s pumpkin event, as some things may have changed.

You can book your tickets here.

Swithens Farm

This is a small farm and we mainly visited to see the animals. Although the farm is small, there are a lot of animals to see, including an indoor enclosure where you can brush a very friendly rabbit. 

There are toy cars and tractors for the little ones to play in and toilet facilities all around the farm. You can also purchase carrots to feed the animals as you walk around. 

They did have a pumpkin field when we visited and we got some nice pumpkins to carve. It isn’t on the scale of Farmer Copleys or as well organised, but a great addition to the day out, if you’re visiting the farm anyway. 

The cafe offers the basics, and the service was a bit slow. However, their website looks to have been updated since we last visited. You can check out the pumpkin event here.

You can book tickets here.

Because I want to visit somewhere different this year, I’ve done some research and found a few possibilities:

Kemps Farm

I looked at this farm when doing research for where to visit in previous years and I like the sound of their tractor ride to the pumpkin field. Our little one would love this. You can check out the information here.

Spilman’s

This was also on the list when I previously researched the other two farms we visited, but we couldn’t get tickets.

It looks like there are new activities added and the entertainment alone makes me want to pay the higher price tag to keep our little one entertained for longer. You also get a voucher to redeem in the shop, against the ticket price paid.

You can check out all the information here. You can book tickets here.

2. Autumn wreath making

No autumn bucket list would be complete without an autumn wreath. I’ve spotted them on doors, especially during our drive to the seaside and I want one. 

It’s something I’ve never thought of buying until this year, but with all the excitement over this year’s autumn season, I have to buy one. Read my blog post The things I love most about the upcoming autumn season for more details on the things I’m excited about.

If you don’t fancy buying one and are feeling creative, you can make your own – these are some of the events I found. You can book your wreath-making party at home here.

Alternatively, you can visit Hobbycraft for all the supplies you need to make one at home.

3. Halloween outfit for nursery

If possible, I want to go all out for our little one, as I would with our costumes. Read my blog post 4 times I rocked Halloween parties with my homemade costumes for more details on my obsession with customising costumes. I want to buy or create an outfit no other child will be wearing (not a competitive mother over here at all).

Check our Smiffy’s for all your costume needs.

4. Halloween events

A must on the autumn bucket list is planning Halloween events. We’ve looked at the scary events English Heritage has on in the past. You can find out more information about the events available here.

You can sign up for an English Heritage membership below.

I usually struggle to find suitable events, as Halloween isn’t celebrated in the UK, but I am happy with some of the events I’ve found and we will be booking a few of them:

Halloween food, drink & craft Fest at Howsham Hall, York – It looks like a great event and you can buy tickets here.

Mother Shipton’s Cave – the Halloween event looks like fun. You can find more information here and book tickets here.

Curious concoctions – kids’ outdoor Halloween party, Haddocks Wood, Runcorn – I love the idea of this outdoor event and kids making Halloween potions in the woods. It might be one for us to check out when our little one is a bit older. You can book tickets here.

5. Markets

Markets are amazing all year round, but especially magical at the time of year and therefore make it onto the autumn bucket list.

Autumn-themed, a Christmas Market. I just love a good market, where you can buy a range of items you may never be able to find again. That’s the beauty of it.

These are the ones I’ve found:

Malton Food Market – This monthly event looks amazing and I can imagine all the yummy products on offer – the next one is Saturday 9 October 2021.

Living North Christmas Fair, York Racecourse – The Hubby & I visited this one a few years ago and we honestly had a blast! Everything is expensive on the day, but we came away with flavoured vodka, chocolate, premium cheese, and house decor – a perfect day of indulgence and I am so glad we went before having kids, haha!

Christmas craft & food market, Rise Hall, Hull – This looks like a lovely day out and it might be something we check out this year. It will be nice to walk around freely without restrictions like we’ve had the last two years.

Sheffield Christmas markets – We visited the market as a couple several years back and stayed in a beautiful hotel for the night. It was magical to walk around the city centre, wrapped up, with our mulled wine. I remember purchasing Christmas presents for everyone and tree decorations. Where do I book?? All the information you need is in the link above and they are also taking trade inquiries at the moment.

Final thoughts

What activities are on your autumn bucket list and what days out do you have planned in the lead-up to Christmas? I would love to hear about any events you are attending below…