2020 may have been a challenge so far – but there’s still time for it to get seriously epic, especially with all the new things to do this autumn in the UK.
To help inspire your autumn weekend planning, here are 10 ravishing events, festivals and experiences that are coming your way this Sept and October. There’s a lot going on we can tell you.
Of course, before you head out into the autumn crispness and the places you love the most – it’s worth checking the latest information on Covid-19 with Visit England.
Forage for food with the Cotswold Forager or Forage by Fern
From ÂŁ45 pp | Various dates
Foraging is becoming an increasingly popular past-time for many people and foraging experiences are popping up all over the place. Two that we rate here on Weekend Candy are the trips and experiences led by the Cotswolds Forager and Foraged by Fern.
If you’re in the Cotswolds, book onto an urban or rural forage with Rob Gould or even a forage and feast experience (from ÂŁ45pp). If Sussex is home, Foraged by Fern runs courses, workshops and one-to-one sessions. We particularly like her Seaweed and Spa costal foraging experience run with Beach Box Spa in Brighton (from ÂŁ70pp).
Spend a Night Behind Bars at Shrewsbury PrisonÂ
From ÂŁ49.00 pp | Various dates
There’s a new kind of lockdown in town: a 12-hour overnight stay in prison in one of England’s most haunted sites – Shrewsbury Prison. Take a guided tour with an ex-prison officer, exploring the prison wings, cells, segregation area, and execution room.
For the ultimate adrenalin experience, make it a ghost hunt and see if you can catch out some spooks. Although you’ll probably find it hard to sleep afterwards. The good news is, there is a bar!
Take a twilight nature sounds safari on the North York Moors
From ÂŁ42 pp | From 1 â 30 September
September is Mindful Month with North York Moors – it’s your chance to reconnect with nature, take stock and start anew. North York Moors have a great programme of experiences and events for you to enjoy in Sept, including yoga by the sea, forest bathing and a twilight nature sounds safari.
On the safari, you’ll join ecologist and wellbeing expert, Alison from Adventures for the Soul, and learn how to fine tune your senses to hear, see and feel more around you.
Head to the Liverpool open air theatre festival
From ÂŁ10 a ticket | From 11 â 19 September
Liverpool’s iconic bombed out church, St Luke’s, will be the stage for eight days of live performances from 11-19 September 2020. Grab a seat and enjoy musical theatre, drama, comedy, cabaret, monologues, and children’s shows – all in a Covid-safe environment.
With live productions of Swan Song by Jonathan Harvey, A Fairy Tale Journey Across The Mersey, Laughterhouse Comedy and Deathly Confessions and Matinee Musical Classics, this is a wonderful way to celebrate Liverpool-based talent and have a good time outdoors.
Dive into The Little Mermaid Cocktail experience in London
ÂŁ42.50 | From 11 September â 24 October
Hold onto your gills, because this 1.5 hour-long multi-sensory submersive cocktail experience is going to make you giddy. Enjoy reliving the centuries-old fairytale The Little Mermaid in three-dimensional form as the human world collides with ocean life.
Stunning decor, talented actors, secrets to be uncovered, and 3 bespoke themed cocktails to sip on as you immerse in the wonderful and magical world of the Little Mermaid.
Sip afternoon tea on a steam locomotive
ÂŁ70 for two people | From 20th September
Step aboard the Spa Valley Railway on a steam locomotive trip from Turnbridge Wells West in Kent to Groombridge.
On your return journey you’ll enjoy a full afternoon tea including a range of sweet treats, finger sandwiches and endless teas and coffees. There’s also a chance to see the steam locomotive in action from the station.
Take a wine and vine tour in the South Downs
ÂŁ10 per ticket |Â 17, 24, 26 September
Nestle in the heart of the South Downs, you’ll find the Winston Estate vineyard. Owned by the Goring family, the Winston Estate is well worth a visit especially at this time of year before the harvest season.
On this tour you’ll step through the vines, learning about the history of the family and the estate, then finishing up with a wine sampling of two of England’s finest sparkling wines. Cheers!
Discover how to bake genuine sourdough with the Real Bread CampaignÂ
Various events | From 1 â 30 September
‘Life is sweeter with sourdough’ or so say the Real Bread Campaign – and this September they aim to prove it. Across 30 days, they’re sharing a host of fabulous events taking place throughout the country for you to roll your sleeves up and get stuck into.
From giving away free sourdough starter pots and recipes, to pizza and bread-making workshops, September is your chance to pick up a new skill and discover the benefits of sourdough. Check out their events calendar to get a slice of the action.
Snuggle up for the new Netflix blockbuster, RebeccaÂ
Coming in October
At last, the fabulous Daphne du Maurier literary classic, Rebecca, is getting a makeover and coming to the silverscreen. This new adaptation launches on Netflix this autumn, starring Armie Hammer and Lily James.
With the majority of filming taking place in Hartland Quay, Devon, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the stunning South West coastline from the comfort of your armchair. Perhaps you can then take a trip to the filming locations in person – or, better still, head to Fowey in Cornwall to see the real-life locations that inspired the novel.
See the incredible street art created by Cheltenham Paint Festival artists
Free | Various locations around the town
International street artists have taken to the streets of Regency Cheltenham this autumn and transformed a number of spaces in a riot of spray-painted colour. 80 street artists were involved, including Jodie, Snick, and Inky, and their wonderful artwork graces 18 locations around the town.
As well as the 2020 artwork, there’s also some favourites from last year’s 2019 festival. Simply download the trail map and see if you can find all the sites and see all the work. If it rains, don’t worry – there are plenty of great places to eat and drink in Cheltenham. Perfect for waiting for the rain to stop!
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