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Westonbirt Arboretum
If you don't mind travelling out of town, Westonbirt Arboretum is a must in the autumn when the huge variety of trees turn red, orange and yellow. Covering approximately 600 acres of land, the Arboretum offers a huge variety of enjoyable walks. The park is all signposted with different length walks to suit everyone, and the cafe which is central makes the perfect pit-stop for a coffee and bite to eat. The Silk Wood walk is ideal for walking the dogs, whereas the Old Arboretum is a shorter walk (no dogs).
Please note that visits to Westonbirt must currently be pre-booked. Please do not turn up without booking a slot.
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.
Visit our Pumpkin Picking 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!
Conkering
Where: Lydiard Park, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
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!
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!
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 Museum
Where: STEAM Museum, Kelmscott Manor, Lydiard House Museum
About: As a town, Swindon is fortunate to be host to many galleries and museums. 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 guide 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!
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!