As the weather starts to turn, feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, enjoy the vibrant displays of autumn leaves. Here’s where to enjoy the best of the season across the county...
Autumn is the perfect time for a trip to the Essex countryside - kick up the leaves and walk in the rich golden sun.
Head out and watch the leaves change colour within the epic Epping Forest. Home to 8,000 acres of woodland and with over 284kms of paths, there is no better place to take in the riot of autumnal colour. With 10 waymarked circular trails, most of which start and end near car parks or train stations, 55,000 ancient trees, including Oaks, Beech and Hornbeam, heaths, ponds and lakes, the forest has something for everyone… even your four-legged friends (free to visit).
Discover the beauty of autumn at the Markshall in Coggeshall. Within its stunning arboretum, gardens and ancient woodland you’ll find Maple trees, with their striking red coloured leaves, Claret Ash, named after its deep autumn colouring, and the Honywood Oak golden in colour. Visitors can take a relaxed stroll around the grounds and be wowed by the many vibrant leaf displays that transform the landscape. Take a moment to appreciate the enchanting transformations, reflected in the estate’s two ornamental lakes (entry from £7.50pp).
Be a conker champion
The thrill of finding that perfect conker is one of the many joys of autumn.
Falling to the ground during September and October, find conkers scattered around the base of horse chestnut trees around the county. Whether you simply love to collect them or you’re looking to string them up and take on an opponent, you’re sure to come across a conker or two in Essex. For some of the best pickings, take a trip to one of Chelmsford’s attractive parks. Find several horse chestnut trees in the popular Hylands Estate and once you’ve got your conkers, explore the 574 acres of parkland. Keep your eye on the ground at the attractive Admirals Park or be sure to fill a bag at Central Park.
Witness the comings and goings of nature this autumn, with impressive naturally occurring events taking place up and down the county.
With more than 500 acres of woodland, lakes, meadows, and open grassland to explore, Weald Country Park in Brentwood will soon become your new favourite autumn walk in Essex. The park is famous for its fantastic wildlife, so get your camera out in preparation of sighting fallow deer, cattle, herons, mallard ducks and a host of other bird species. Perfect for both individuals and families, the park’s visitor centre includes a shop and a café for refuelling after your adventures, and is home to the Stick Man play trail, bringing to life the popular book by Julia Donaldson.
Did you know, just 30 minutes from Colchester you can see seals in their natural habitat? Why not book a Seal Watching Trip from historic Harwich this autumn and depart on an adventure to the Walton backwaters. Today, there are around 250 seals basking and lolloping on the banks of the Hamford Water Reserve, so you’re guaranteed a sighting! Watch as they pop their heads up to say hello and if you’re lucky you might even spot a porpoise along the way! (From £15.40pp, runs all year round)
The Walton Backwaters is not just home to harbour seals and grey seals, it is on the migration route for many bird species. For those who are looking to explore on foot, follow the short Crag Path, from the 18th Century Naze Tower to the beach, home to many migrating birds. During the autumn migration, Curlew and Sandpipers are regularly seen along this coastline, with Gannets and Arctic Skuas passing offshore. Make your way to The Naze Nature Discovery Centre, managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, to learn more (free entry, donations welcome).
An autumn favourite. Think pumpkin lattes, pumpkin trails, pumpkin carving, and lanterns.
Discover the magic of Hatter’s Farm Pumpkin Patch in Bishop’s Stortford. Grab a wheelbarrow and venture through the picturesque pumpkin farm with over 100,000 homegrown pumpkins and squash to choose from! With many other pumpkin themed activities to keep you and the family entertained… this makes for the perfect autumn day out. If you dare, visit the patch at night where scary creatures will lurk in the darkness (from £3pp).
Marsh Farm’s award-winning pumpkin village is back! Take a stroll round the enchanted pumpkin-lined paths and choose from big ones, little ones, strange ones, ugly ones, weird ones and spooky ones… They have a number of spooktacular events running throughout October and there’s even pumpkin picking sessions for your canine best friends! Don’t forget to visit their Animal Adventure Park next door, for an unforgettable family day out (from £8.99pp).
Feeling creative? Construct the perfect Autumn Wreath at Cammas Hall Farm this September, using decorative leaves, vegetables, and mini pumpkins to create an abundance of captivating colours. Take your wreath home and hang it proudly inside or outside over the autumn months (£39pp, booking essential). Located in beautiful countryside on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, Cammas Hall Farm also offers pick your own pumpkin sessions during the month of October.
Get out and about, and breathe in the autumn air
Looking for something a little different this autumn?
Enjoy the last few days of clear skies at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. Their Autumn Air Fly-In is a perfect chance to catch a peek at the aircraft that fly over the county. Not only do you get to enjoy the aircraft, your admission gains you access to the award-winning exhibitions, hangers and tours. A perfect autumn day out for all the family (12 October, from £8pp).
