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Woodland/Welly Walks
Where: Stanton Park, Croft Woods, Shaw Forest, Moulden Hill
About: It has been well documented that nature is a key contributor to well-being. Known for lowering stress levels, blood pressure and strengthening your immune system. Irrespective of age, everyone can benefit from a mood-lifting walk which is why you should take a stroll through one of Swindon's best parks.
Read our Best Autumn Walks in Swindon guide HERE to find out some of our favourite places to explore this Autumn.
Foraging
Where: Old Town Cycling Track
About: Local hedgerows, trees and bushes are abundant with free fruit over the autumn season. Little equipment is needed to participate in the foraging and harvesting of nature’s spoils. Aside from confirmation that the bushes are not privately owned, or near a busy roadside, you will require a container to store your pickings.
Blackberries, elderberries and sloe berries are the most commonly collected fruits. However, if you choose to explore the nature’s other offerings always check exactly what your picking. As any plants and fruits can resemble those of the edible variety.
For more guidance and advice visit, the Tree Council’s guide to foraging HERE!
Sunset Watching
Where: Barbury Castle, Shaw Forest Park, Lydiard Park
About: The evenings may be closing in, but the sun will always set. Swindon is home to numerous beauty spots, perfect for viewing an early sunset. This Autumn embrace our town’s surrounding rural hills and take a moment to immerse yourself in the spectacle.
View the best locations to watch a sunset in Swindon HERE!
Hearty Brunch
Where: Rudi's, The Old Bank, Blunsdon Arms
About: The summer is over. If the dark mornings prove to be a challenge, gift yourself a lie in. Take this lesson in self-care and reward yourself with a delicious brunch in Swindon. Because sleep is good for you and lie-ins more so.
Embrace the seasonal change, shake off any shackles of guilt or FOMO and turn off that alarm clock. And follow it with a well-earned brunch at your favourite food spot because after all that rest, you deserve a treat.
Fancy making it extra special? Visit one of Swindon's best bottomless brunch spots HERE!
Scarecrow Trails
Where: Heddington Scarecrow Trail
About: Scarecrow maker or trail walker, a local scarecrow trail never disappoints. With an annually changing theme and enthusiastic crew of participants, scarecrow trails are a key feature throughout the year with most raising vital funds for charities.
Here is a list of some that will be displayed over the Autumn season;
- Heddington Scarecrow Trail - 17th-18th September 2022 from 10am - 4pm @ Heddington Primary School.
Conkering
Where: Lydiard Park, Stanton Country Park, Coate Water Park
About: Autumn is the season of the conkers. Where both adults and children delight in the joy of stamping on the prickly green cased fruit of horse chestnut trees to release the shiny jewel inside. Whether you choose to collect conkers for official competitions or at home games, Conkering is a tremendous free outdoor activity to fill an autumn day. Collect, select, drill and thread a lace or durable string through your conker to compete in Conkering competitions.
Definition of conkers - A game where two conker players take turns to hit the other conker with their own. With the winner being the one who’s conker doesn’t break.
View the top places to find conkers in Swindon HERE!
Halloween
Where: Roves Farm
About: The Halloween we knew in the early noughties is far from that of which we see today. The degree to which we celebrated the occasion decades past was somewhat subdued in comparison to our neighbours across the pond in the US.
However, Halloween has now indeed carved its place in the seasonal calendar with predictions of its growth being on par with Christmas. Venues and farms have embraced the phenomenon offering pick your own pumpkins, parties and Halloween fun.
If you are looking for some spooky entertainment this season, here are a few options;
View our Halloween in Swindon guide HERE to find out what's going on in Swindon for 31st October!
Visit a Gallery or Museum
Where: STEAM Museum, Richard Jefferies Museum, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Museum of Computing
About: As a town, Swindon is fortunate to be host to many galleries and museums. Many of which are free admission. If the weather takes a likely cold or wet turn, why not ditch the umbrella and embrace the opportunity to shelter in one of Swindon’s many visually and informative venues.
View our full Museum and llery guide HERE!
Bonfire Night
Where: View Swindon's Best Firework Displays HERE!
About: Remember, remember the fifth of November... wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate and head to one of Swindon's spectacular firework displays this Autumn. You can look forward to plenty of Bonfire Night festivities across the town in the build up to Guy Fawkes' Night. Want to make your own fireworks display at home? Then check out our top places for where you can buy fireworks in Swindon!
View our full bonfire guide HERE!
Pumpkin Picking
Where: Roves Farm, Cobbs Farm, Lotmead Farm
About: Autumn is here which means one thing and one thing only...pumpkins! Who knew pumpkins could be so fun, from pumpkin picking to pumpkin carving they provide so much entertainment for all ages. Swindon plays host to a brilliant selection of pumpkin picking locations where you can explore fields of pumpkins.
There are some great pumpkin picking events happening this October, see our favs below:
- Roves Farm October & Halloween Special - 20th - 30th October 2022
- Lotmead Farm Pumpkin Picking - 8th October until stock runs out
- Cobbs Farm Pumpkin Picking - 8th October - 30th October 2022
Visit our Pumpkin Picking guide HERE!
Nature Trails
Where: Roves Farm
About: Nature trails are a brilliant way to get outdoors and experience wildlife and nature, with Swindon playing home to some of Wiltshire's best family-friendly nature trails. Swindon has some incredible nature trails where you can have an afternoon packed with animals, insects, wildflowers, and exciting walks.
View our full Nature Trails guide HERE!