6 Things We’ll Be Doing This Autumn &Spooky Season

Sep 9

3 min read

Written by Abi - LetsBeFrank Crew

Autumn is one of our favourite times of the year. Crisp walks, cosy cafés, pumpkin patches and making family memories - what’ s not to love? Here ’ s what’ s on our autumn bucket list this year!

1. Pumpkin Picking 🎃

A pumpkin patch is an autumn tradition we never miss. Last year we visited Eastwood Farm, which had a lovely pumpkin patch and a gorgeous little café. This year we ’ re hoping to try somewhere a little more local, like Ashover Farm or Mr Pumpkin. Of course, no pumpkin trip is complete without an afternoon of carving them at home afterwards

2. Halloween Party 👻

This year we ’ re finally heading to Little Moo ’ s Play Barn Halloween Party. We couldn’t make it last year, so we ’ re making up for it by taking the fancy dress very seriously! Last year we dressed as the “Franklinstein Family ”… so who knows, that might have to make a comeback!

3. Free Family Evenings ✨

Some of the best memories don ’t cost a penny. We ’ll definitely be visiting the incredible Halloween displays at Oakes Close in Alfreton (DE55 4GD), which raises money for charity, as well as the fantastic walkthrough display on Rawson Green in Belper (DE56 0LN), supporting BBC Children in Need. Both are free to visit, with donations welcomed.

4. A Big Spooky Day Out 🧙‍♀️

We ’ re so excited to visit Wheelgate Park’ s Spooktacular for the first time! With rides, animals, soft play, child-friendly Halloween decorations and a FREE pumpkin for every child under 12, it looks like the perfect autumn family day out.

5. Matlock Bath Illuminations 🎆

We ’ve never been before, but this is finally the year! Running from 12th September until 1st November, the illuminations are famous for selling out quickly, especially on the fireworks evenings. We ’ re already picturing fish and chips by the river, hot chocolates and watching the lights dance across the River Derwent. The perfect way to end an autumn day together.

6. A Return Visit to Sundown Adventureland 🎢

Sundown will always hold a special place in my heart because I grew up visiting it as a child, and now I get to make those same memories with Franklin. We visited recently and have a £10 return voucher waiting to be used, so we ’ll definitely be heading back this autumn. If you’ve never been before, I’d honestly say it’ s a must-visit for anyone with a toddler!

7. A Free Spooky Woodland Walk 🌲👻

One place we ’ll definitely be returning to is Garden King in Swadlincote. Every autumn they transform their woodland walk into a toddler-friendly spooky trail, and it’ s completely FREE! We loved our visit a few weeks ago and finished it off with lunch in the café before letting Franklin burn off the last of his energy in their brilliant soft play.