Immerse yourself in the magic of autumn
FROM a dazzling light show to Guy Fawkes celebrations, there’s a host of brilliant events to make autumn a season to remember, says KATIE ROWE.
HAVE A WILD ENCOUNTER AT POWDERHAM CASTLE
AUTUMN at Powderham Castle in Devon is a bit of a fairytale affair. Along with a magical stately home dating back to the 14th Century to explore, there’s plenty to admire in the gardens and grounds, as thousands of migrating birds, including shelducks, teals and widgeons, join resident egrets and herons on the vast estate. Deer also begin their rutting season – a sure sign that autumn is in full swing.
See this spectacle of nature up close on a safari. You’ll be taken on a leisurely ride into the Deer Park to see this fascinating behaviour before enjoying a cream tea in the castle’s cafe. There are three safaris to choose from – on October 4, 11, and 18.
TUCK INTO THE LINCOLN SAUSAGE FESTIVAL
CELEBRATE one of the UK’s most-loved foods with a visit to this flavoursome festival on October 22. Lincolnshire sausages are an institution in this part of the country with a strict ingredients list, and a distinctive meaty aroma will greet you as you make your way towards the grounds of Lincoln Castle. There will be cooking demonstrations taking place to give you recipe ideas, and market stalls selling sausages of every shape and size for you to take home, or tuck into there and then.
ADMIRE THE MATLOCK BATH ILLUMINATIONS
EVEN though it’s in the middle of the Derbyshire countryside, Matlock Bath has a distinctively seaside feel. There are plenty of fish-and-chip shops, and come autumn this town’s charm is off the scale as the Matlock Bath Illuminations are switched on every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October. Just like the Blackpool Illuminations, this dazzling display is a proud local tradition and draws in crowds eager to catch a glimpse of fluorescent floats lighting up the River Derwent. There’s also a range of themed events taking place in Derwent Gardens as part of the festival, culminating in a Spookfest on October 29, the final night of the season.
HAVE A BLAST AT THE BRIDGWATER CARNIVAL
TAKING place on November 5, the Bridgwater Carnival Procession in Somerset takes Guy Fawkes celebrations to a whole new level. The workmanship put into the highly decorative floats – some of which are 100ft long – is astounding.
See dancing toy soldiers and dragons spouting fire at an eye-popping procession that takes more than two hours to pass through the town. The carnival is brought to an explosive climax with ‘squibbing’ – an ancient tradition that sees hundreds of fireworks launched from hand-held sticks.
Discover more ideas at visitengland.com.