Autumn is a lovely time to explore Berkshire. As the leaves begin to change and the weather turns cooler, the county offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, enjoy seasonal activities and discover somewhere new. 

Whether you're planning a family day out, looking for a scenic autumn walk or need ideas for a rainy weekend, there are plenty of things to do in Berkshire throughout September, October and November.

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Explore Windsor and Windsor Great Park

Windsor is one of the best places in Berkshire to enjoy an autumn day out, with the town centre and Windsor Great Park offering plenty to see and do.

Start with a walk along The Long Walk, enjoy the views around Windsor Castle or explore the shops, cafés and restaurants in the town centre before heading into the Great Park.

With thousands of acres of parkland, woodland and gardens to explore, Windsor Great Park is especially impressive during autumn. Popular areas include Virginia Water and The Savill Garden, where the trees put on a colourful display of red, orange and gold as the season progresses.

The cooler weather makes it a pleasant time of year for walking and cycling, while the combination of countryside and town makes it easy to turn your visit into a full day out.

Finish with lunch or a hot drink in Windsor, or spend a little longer exploring the surrounding parkland before heading home.

Take an Autumn Walk at Basildon Park

Located near Reading, Basildon Park is another beautiful place to visit during autumn.

The estate is surrounded by extensive parkland and woodland, with several walking routes available for visitors to explore.

The changing leaves make the grounds particularly attractive during October and November, while the open countryside provides plenty of opportunities for longer walks.

Families can also look out for seasonal trails and activities taking place throughout the autumn and October half term.

Visit The Museum of English Rural Life

Rainy autumn days don't have to mean staying at home.

The Museum of English Rural Life in Reading is a good indoor option, particularly for families with younger children.

The museum explores the history of farming and rural life in England and includes interactive displays, family trails, gardens and children's activities.

Throughout the year, it also

hosts seasonal events, craft sessions and family activities, making it worth checking what's on during the autumn months.

Enjoy a Woodland Walk

Sometimes the simplest autumn activities are the best.

Berkshire has plenty of woodland and countryside where you can spend a few hours enjoying the changing seasons.

Popular options include:

• Swinley Forest near Bracknell

• Virginia Water

• Windsor Great Park

• Basildon Park

• The countryside around Pangbourne

• Riverside walks around Sonning and Reading

Pack a flask, put on your walking boots and enjoy an afternoon spotting colourful leaves, conkers and autumn wildlife.

Make the Most of October Half Term

October half term brings plentyof seasonal activities across Berkshire.

Local attractions often run Halloween trails, pumpkin-themed activities, craft sessions and family events.

Country parks, museums, farms and historic attractions are all worth checking, particularly if you're looking for ways to keep children entertained during the school holidays.

Some activities may require advance booking, especially around Halloween weekend.

Go Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin picking has become a popular autumn tradition and is a great way to enjoy a seasonal family day out.

There are several pumpkin patches around Berkshire to choose from, with many offering much more than simply picking your own pumpkin.

Wasing Estate near Aldermaston is one option, with its Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Woodland Trail running on selected dates during October. Families can follow an autumn woodland trail before reaching the pumpkin patch, with seasonal food and plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Hallcourt Farm in Midgham is another West Berkshire option. Its pumpkin patch opens on selected dates during the second half of October and includes a woodland trail alongside pumpkin picking. Advance booking is required.

For something closer to Newbury, Berkshire Farm Girl Pumpkin Patch offers pumpkins alongside a themed maize trail, bale maze, children's play activities and pedal tractors, making it easy to turn pumpkin picking into a full family day out.

Copas Farms at Cookham is another option for those travelling from the Maidenhead side of Berkshire, with seasonal pick-your-own activities taking place at the farm.

Pumpkin-picking weekends can get busy, particularly during October half term, so it is worth checking dates and booking arrangements before visiting.

Enjoy an Autumn Pub Lunch

After a long walk, there's nothing better than finding somewhere warm for lunch.

Berkshire has plenty of traditional pubs and riverside spots that are perfect for combining an autumn walk with something to eat.

If you're exploring Pangbourne, The Swan sits close to the River Thames and makes a convenient stop after a walk around the village and surrounding countryside.

Over in Sonning, The Bull Inn, Sonning-on-Thames is a characterful village pub and a good choice to pair with a stroll along the Thames or around picturesque Sonning.

For a day out in Cookham, The Ferry sits beside the Thames and works particularly well as the finishing point for a riverside walk through the village.

And if you're spending the day exploring Windsor, The Two Brewers is conveniently positioned near The Long Walk, making it an easy place to stop after exploring Windsor Great Park.

Wherever you choose, an autumn walk followed by a cosy pub lunch is a simple way to make the most of a crisp weekend in Berkshire.

Look Out for Seasonal Events

As autumn progresses, towns across Berkshire begin hosting seasonal events.

Look out for Halloween activities in October, bonfire and fireworks events in early November and the first Christmas markets and light displays towards the end of the month.

Reading, Windsor, Newbury, Maidenhead and surrounding towns often have plenty happening as the festive season approaches.

Make the Most of Autumn in Berkshire

You don't need to travel far to enjoy autumn.

From colourful woodland walks and cycling routes to museums, family activities and seasonal events, Berkshire has plenty to offer throughout the season.

Whether you're planning a full day out or simply looking for somewhere to spend a crisp autumn afternoon, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this time of year.

Before visiting any attraction or seasonal event, it is always worth checking opening times, availability and

whether advance booking is required.​