Best Autumn Days Out
Things to Do Across North, South, East & West Yorkshire
Updated for Autumn 2026
Experience the vibrant golden colors, extraordinary natural wildlife spectacles, and crisp seasonal walks across Yorkshire this autumn. From ancient arboretums and roaring waterfalls to the annual red deer rut and canopy-high adventures, here is your complete county-wide autumn guide!
Across Yorkshire Highlights 🗺️🍁
Seasonal sights, country parks, and outdoor adventures available right across the region:
💜 Flowering Heather Moors (Late Summer & Early Autumn)
📍 North York Moors, Dales, Nidderdale & West Yorkshire Moors
Experience the purple haze of flowering heather sweeping across the National Parks and landscape areas of Yorkshire. Essential viewing locations include Blakey Ridge, Levisham Moor, and Halifax Moors.
Read More🧗 Swing Through The Trees (High Ropes Courses)
📍 Venues across North, South, East & West Yorkshire
Unleash your inner Tarzan and enjoy a different view of life on a high ropes course. Swing, climb, and zip through the treetop canopy surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.
Read More💦 Yorkshire Waterfalls in Peak Flow
📍 Yorkshire Dales & Regional Valleys
Twelve of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire! Autumn rainfall brings cascades like Cotter Force, Aysgarth Falls, and Goit Stock back to full flow—perfect for a crisp walk and fresh air.
Read More🏞️ Country Parks in Yorkshire
📍 County-wide Locations
Country Parks offer an easily accessible opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, and autumn leaves without getting too far off the beaten track. Features range from gentle family trails to watersports.
Read MoreNorth Yorkshire Events & Spots 🍂🦌🌾
Famous horticultural shows, vast woodland trails, and historic estates:
🌸 Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
📍 Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire (HG4 5AE)
The UK's premier autumn gardening event returns to Newby Hall. Features creative ideas for your garden, plant nurseries, expert advice, and the famous monster vegetable competition.
Visit Website🍂 Thorp Perrow Arboretum
📍 Bedale, North Yorkshire (DL8 2PS)
One of the UK's finest collections of trees and shrubs. Walk under glowing maples, oaks, and beech trees in full autumn color before heading to the Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre.
Visit Website🦌 The Deer Rut at Fountains Abbey
📍 Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon (HG4 3DY)
Witness the dramatic annual deer rut in the medieval deer park as male stags compete ahead of the mating season. Keep a safe distance and ensure dogs are on a lead!
Visit Website🐿️ The Yorkshire Arboretum & Red Squirrels
📍 Castle Howard Estate, Malton (YO60 7BY)
120 acres filled with over 6,000 trees, serene lakes, dells, and dingles. Visit the dedicated Red Squirrel Enclosure to see native squirrels foraging for autumn stores.
Visit Website🌲 Dalby Forest
📍 Low Dalby, Pickering, North York Moors (YO18 7LT)
Home to over 8,500 acres of breathtaking views, endless walking, running, and cycle trails, plus Go Ape and Gruffalo adventures. A grand autumn day out in the North York Moors.
Visit WebsiteWest Yorkshire Highlights 🍃🍁🏛️
Historic Pennine valleys, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vast estate parklands:
🍁 Hardcastle Crags & Gibson Mill
📍 Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire (HX7 7AP)
A beauty spot of the South Pennines with over 400 acres of unspoilt woodland crisscrossed by 15 miles of footpaths. At its heart is historic 19th-century Gibson Mill.
Visit Website🏛️ Nostell Priory Parkland & Gardens
📍 Wakefield, West Yorkshire (WF4 1QE)
Explore 300 acres of parkland, peaceful lakes, and ancient woodland bursting with golden foliage. Highlights include the autumn reflections along the Middle Lake and lakeside walking routes.
Visit Website🚂 Saltaire UNESCO Village & Shipley Glen
📍 Saltaire, Bradford, West Yorkshire (BD18 3LA)
Combine a stroll through the historic Victorian mill village of Saltaire with an autumn walk up through Shipley Glen's ancient woodland or a ride on the historic Tramway.
Visit Website🌲 Otley Chevin Forest Park
📍 Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire (LS21 3DD)
Perched high above the market town of Otley, this nature reserve offers woodland paths through towering trees, dramatic sandstone crags, and sweeping autumn views across the Wharfe Valley.
Visit Website🦆 Newmillerdam Country Park
📍 Wakefield, West Yorkshire (WF2 6QP)
A scenic lake encircled by dense deciduous woodland that puts on a brilliant autumn color show. Features flat circular paths, a gnome discovery trail for kids, and lakeside cafés.
Visit WebsiteEast Yorkshire Highlights 🌊🍃🌾
Coastal nature reserves, historic country estates, and rolling chalk valleys across the East Riding:
🍁 Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens
📍 Driffield, East Yorkshire (YO25 4NB)
An Elizabethan manor surrounded by award-winning walled gardens, a woodland walk filled with autumn foliage, a giant hedge maze, and a seasonal harvest display across the grounds.
Visit Website🌾 Millington Pastures & The Yorkshire Wolds
📍 Millington, Pocklington, East Yorkshire (YO42 1UB)
Experience rolling chalk valleys and dramatic dry dale scenery as the Wolds turn rich golden-brown. Features spectacular circular walking trails starting from Millington village.
Visit Website🏰 Sledmere House & Parkland
📍 Sledmere, Driffield, East Yorkshire (YO25 3XG)
Designed by Capability Brown, this stately home offers grand parkland walks beneath massive beech and oak trees in full autumn colour, plus a walled garden, farm park, and cosy tea room.
Visit Website🦆 Tophill Low Nature Reserve
📍 Watton, Driffield, East Yorkshire (YO25 9RH)
A active nature reserve along the River Hull featuring 12 bird hides, woodland boardwalks, and active autumn wildlife as migratory wildfowl arrive for the winter season.
Visit Website🌊 Danes Dyke Local Nature Reserve
📍 Flamborough Headland, East Yorkshire (YO15 1DU)
Named after the ancient 4km earthwork, this reserve features ancient woodland paths leading down to quiet pebble beaches along Flamborough Headland.
Visit WebsiteSouth Yorkshire Highlights 🌳🍂
Historic parklands, ancient woodlands, and picturesque riverside trails across the region:
🍂 Cannon Hall Park & Gardens
📍 Cawthorne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (S75 4AT)
Explore 70 acres of historic parkland, ancient trees, and a grand lake that reflects stunning golden hues in peak autumn. Features a walled garden, farm shop, and scenic walking trails perfect for families.
Visit Website🍁 Sandall Beat Wood
📍 Armthorpe, Doncaster, South Yorkshire (DN2 6JP)
A Local Nature Reserve and ancient woodland site covering over 140 acres. Features accessible gravel paths winding through rich oak, birch, and pine woodland ablaze with autumn color.
Visit Website🌊 Rivelin Valley Nature Trail
📍 Rivelin Valley Road, Sheffield (S6 5GL)
A picturesque 2.5-mile trail following the River Rivelin past historic water wheels, mill ponds, and stone bridges framed by vibrant autumn canopies.
Visit Website🌲 Wharncliffe Woods
📍 Deepcar, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (S36 2SQ)
Rich in post-industrial history with former quarry workings and hidden crags surrounded by golden trees and meandering streams.
Visit WebsiteMore Autumn & Late Season Event Guides 🎃🔥
🎃 October What's On Guide
Scary Halloween events, family half-term days out, and autumn food festivals.
View October Events🔥 Bonfire Night 2026
Organized community bonfires, firework displays, and autumn night galas.
View Bonfire EventsTop Tips for Autumn Visiting & Walking 💡
Make the most of the changing season with these practical guidelines:
Sturdy Footwear Required
Woodland paths and moorlands get slippery quickly with falling leaves and rain. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended.
Deer Rut Safety
During the rutting season (September–November), male stags are protective. Keep a safe distance and keep dogs on leads.
Peak Color Timing
For peak autumn foliage, visit arboretums like Thorp Perrow and Yorkshire Arboretum between mid-October and early November.
Check Sunset Times
Daylight hours drop fast in autumn. Always plan woodland or waterfall walks to finish well before dusk.
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