A Season of Colour, Charm, and Countryside Magic. As the leaves turn to rich golds, russets, and ambers, Rutland transforms into a breath-taking autumnal escape.
Nestled in the heart of England, this hidden gem comes alive with crisp air, cosy country pubs, and scenic walks around the iconic Rutland Water.
Discover quaint market towns like Oakham and Uppingham, bursting with boutique shops, seasonal produce, and warm welcomes. Whether you’re sipping mulled cider at a local food festival or enjoying the crunch of leaves underfoot in one of our nature reserves, autumn in Rutland is all about slowing down and soaking up the season.
Rutland in autumn – small in size, big on charm…
Top things to do in Rutland this Autumn
Autumn Walks & Nature
- Birdwatching and wildlife around the reservoir increase with migrating species, waterfowl, and many rare birds visiting once autumn begins.
- Visit ancient woods and local walks— villages like Exton, Launde Woods and Fineshade. make for atmospheric walks.
- Walk the circuit around Rutland Water. The full 25‑mile route gives amazing autumn colours, but there are shorter sections too if you want a gentle stroll.
- Explore Barnsdale Gardens. The themed garden “rooms” are especially beautiful in fall with the trees turning, and there are tearooms for warming up.
Autumn Awaits at Barnsdale Gardens
This October, let Barnsdale Gardens be your gateway into all the rich beauty of the season.
🎃 Autumn Craft Week – 21–25 October (Half-Term)
Free autumn-themed craft activities for children — from pumpkin painting to creating owls, spiders, and hedgehogs.
🌿 Nursery Walk & Talk – Sunday 27 October
Join our experts for a tour focusing on winter-interest plants that bring texture and colour to your garden through the colder months.
✂️ Pruning Fruit Trees – Tuesday 6 November
A hands‑on morning session with Nick Hamilton on how to train and prune apples, pears, plums, and more.
Entry to the gardens, tearoom, nursery, and shop is free — a real opportunity to enjoy the changing seasons!
Cosy & Relaxing
- Spend time in local village pubs enjoying log fires, local ales, autumn menus.
- Boutique shopping in Oakham or Uppingham — artisan shops, pottery, gifts, antiques.
- Garden Centre gorgeousness, with an excellent range to be found throughout the area, the shopping always complemented by tempting refreshment.
- Indulge in a Four Roots Wellbeing experience at Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa
Autumn in the ‘county of good taste’
Pumpkin picking
There’s nothing like a crisp autumn day spent pumpkin picking, surrounded by golden leaves — the perfect kickoff to the cozy season.
Half-term Horrors
18 October – 2 November
The Burghley Halloween Trail – Burghley House
This spooktacular Halloween Trail returns this October half term. Can you find the ghosts hiding around Burghley’s Sculpture Garden? Bring the whole family along to follow the ghoulish trail, collecting clues as you go.
Spooky Scavenger Hunt– Rutland Water
Get ready for a frightfully fun time this Halloween! Pop into one of our centres to grab your free scavenger hunt sheet, then head out to hunt down the listed items. Spine-tingling fun for all ages. Costumes encouraged—but not required! Collect a trail sheet from any of these locations; Rutland Water Visitor Centre, Watersports Centre, Waterside Café, Harbour Café
18 – 31st October
Halloween Spooktacular & Pumpkin Patch – Windmill Farm
Little witches, wizards, and pumpkin explorers can enjoy a new witches hat, scroll, Boo Bucks, pumpkin picking, potion making, crafts, and the Witches Hat Parade—plus everyone can meet wicked characters, brave the Cobweb Maze, explore the Wicked Woods, ride to the Pumpkin Patch, carve pumpkins, enjoy tractor rides, meet animals, join the costume contest, play fall games, and explore indoor and outdoor play areas!
24-26th October
Hootingly Haunted Halloween! – Rutland Water Visitor Centre
Calling all little monsters, witches, and wizards! Join us for a spooktacular celebration packed with hands-on Halloween fun! Whether you’re carving the creepiest pumpkin, crafting your very own broomstick, or getting curious with some owl pellet dissection, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Event will run from 10am – 3pm
21 – 31 October
Rutland Farm Park – October Half Term Activities – Online booking required
- Tuesdays Spooky woodland Cooking 11:30am – 3:00pm
- Wednesdays Halloween crafts 11:30am – 3:00pm
- Friday 24th Pumpkin Carving
- Spooky Saturday face painting, fancy dress, campfire cooking, animal activities and more!
- Spooky Sunday face painting, apple bobbing, scavenger hunt, and more!
28 October
Family Bat Box Building – Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre
As the nights grow longer and Halloween creeps closer, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the mysterious and magical world of bats. Get the whole family together for some hands-on fun and create your very own bat box!
31 October
Spooky Tours – Stamford Town Hall
Join Cassandra King 1704 (Guide, Nicola Sandall) or Dick Turpin (Guide, Jim Grant) for an insight into Stamford’s spooky past. Child-friendly tour at 5.30pm, adult tours leave at 7.00pm and 11.00pm (over MIDNIGHT!) private tours available on request. Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/stamfordguidedtours.
Fireworks displays
31 October
Greetham Valley Fireworks Night
Fizz, whizz, BANG! 
Join us for a magical night of fireworks over the lake, kids’ entertainment, indoor disco, sweetie stalls, food, drinks & more!
7 November
Bonfire Night – Belvoir Castle
Bring along your family and friends and experience a magical evening of crackling bonfires, live music and dazzling displays from the award-winning MLE Pyrotechnics
Tickets available online.
7 November
Wissendine Fireworks Night
Set to be an unforgettable night featuring glow face painting, toffee apples, a Glow Stall, BBQ, delicious cakes, and a licensed bar… PLUS an amazing firework display and bonfire!
8 November
Rutland Lions Fireworks Display – Rutland Showground
Enjoy a spectacular evening of fireworks, family fun, and community spirit at the Rutland Showground! Expect dazzling displays, delicious food stalls, entertainment, and a fantastic atmosphere, all in support of local causes.
