Finding fresh, new ideas for days out with the kids can be extremely difficult, especially when you've exhausted all the options in your local area. If you're looking for something a little different this autumn, we've got a great selection of events and activities to suit all ages.
The Brontë sisters are some of the most pivotal and moving authors of the 19th century. They originally went under masculine pseudonyms, and between them released Wuthering Heights, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and Jane Eyre -- all of them are now considered literary masterpieces.
They grew up in a parsonage in a small Yorkshire village called Haworth. This has been converted into the Brontë museum and contains some of the most important relics left behind by the sisters. Nearby, you can visit the church where all but Anne were buried and walk along the moors; generally accepted as Emily's setting for her wildly arresting novel, Wuthering Heights.
Jane Austen's Bath
Moving from one literary legend to another, Jane Austen used Bath frequently as a plot point or setting for her novels (we weren't talking about her plumbing!). Famed in her day for its healing waters, Bath still honors this author by holding an annual Jane Austen festival. This includes dressing up in Regency costume, concerts, etiquette lessons, dancing lessons, and workshops on how to dress your hair on a budget with fashions from the day.
Follow the Jane Austen walk throughout the city and immerse yourself in history!
The working estate is marked by an impressive mansion house, decorated in the Georgian style. Check out Wimpole's famous yellow drawing room and plunge bath.
The gardens are delightful to walk around and they contain a walled garden full of produce. Home Farm still works with the seasons and you can attend a 'Wimpole Uncovered' event, which will give you a behind the scenes look at how the estate is managed -- perfect for any little farmers in the family.
Knowsley Safari Park
The grounds at Knowsley Safari Park are on fire with red and golden leaves at this time of year. This is an ideal day out for the kids, because there's so much to do! The safari remains open at weekends, at a reduced price for the winter months so you can enjoy the lions and baboons as well as stunning herds of antelope and deer on the park. Visit the elephants, giraffes and meerkats, and you can also send the kids off to play on the adventure playgrounds or let them run wild in the woodland while you enjoy a walk and hot drink. There's plenty to see and do here!
This year's 'Taste of Autumn' at Wisley Gardens promises to be an exciting and tasty event. Run by the Royal Horticultural Society, you can expect more than 40 food stalls and autumn produce. Apple tastings will be going on all day and celebrity TV chef, James Martin, will be showing off his cooking skills.
There will be plenty of opportunities to learn how to grow your own seasonal vegetables and fruit during informative workshops. The highlight of this year will be dates (the fruity type)!