A photograph from the Battle of Hastings re-enactment event, with a man wearing a crown on horseback surrounded by men in medieval combat clothing.

Top 5 Things To Do in October

This October, we’ve got plenty of ideas for autumnal days out across England. 

Don't miss the Battle of Hastings re-enactment, enjoy seasonal walks and trips to our best tearooms in the country, and gather your little monsters and join the Great Pumpkin Party for Halloween this October half-term.

 

A re-enactor dressed in early medieval clothes hands a large round shield to a young boy while people watch on smiling.

1. Relive the Battle of Hastings 960 Years on

On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, join us at Battle Abbey and step into the story of 1066. With the Bayeux Tapestry returning to England this autumn, now's the perfect time to watch warriors clash and mud fly as hundreds of re-enactors recreate the Battle of Hastings on the very spot where it was fought.

Visit the armies’ living history camps to get a taste of life in 1066, and see majestic birds fly overhead in displays from expert falconers.

Be entertained by Battle’s Jester, hear the tale of the Bayeux Tapestry performed and enjoy traditional music as you explore. Young knights can also test their skills at sword school and join in with their own recreation of the battle.

Book in advance and save 20% on your tickets

Book tickets for the Battle of Hastings
Two adults walk through the gardens of Audley End House in autumn, both wearing long coats.

2. It's Members' Appreciation Week

As a big thank you to our members, we’ll be treating you to a week filled with exclusive discounts, offers and competitions from 17 to 25 October 2026.

Bring a guest for free throughout the week, enjoy 15% off in our shops and cafés and get 10% off holiday cottage bookings, plus much more.

Become a member today so you don't miss out.

Make the most of our offers this October
A young girl dressed in a witch costume wearing black and white face paint stands in the ruined walls of Bolsover Castle with two adults and a child in the background.

3. Join us for a ghoulishly great Halloween

Gather your little monsters for frightening fun at our Halloween half-term events across the country.

Join the Great Pumpkin Party as we celebrate the season with interactive storytelling and spooky games, as well as a themed trail and seasonal selfie spot around the sites. Don't forget your best costumes!

Visit Whitby Abbey for an autumnal evening at Illuminated Whitby. See the breathtaking Gothic ruins bathed in dramatic, colourful lights. Have your camera at the ready as you explore after dark and enjoy spook-tacular food and drink from our brilliant local vendors.

Find a Halloween event near you
Photo of a woman in a red and pink dress dancing in front of Marble Hill House with a dhol drummer dressed in blue standing next to her

4. Celebrate Diwali at Marble Hill

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in style at Marble Hill in London on Saturday 24 October. Expect illuminations, dancers, dhol drummers, giant puppets, hands-on lantern-making workshops and more!

Entry's free, so why not bring your friends and family? While you're there, you can also discover a taste of Georgian life and explore over 60 acres of riverside parkland, restored gardens, reinvigorated woods and take the kids to let off some steam in the playground too.

Book tickets for Diwali at Marble Hill
A low angle view of two adults walk towards Kenilworth Castle surrounded by trees with brown leaves in autumn.

5. Explore our gardens in autumn

Enjoy autumnal walks through some of our most impressive gardens. Wander through leafy woodlands, admire the colourful flower beds and discover seasonal produce growing in historic kitchen gardens.

After your walk, make time for a stop at one of our cosy tearooms and cafés. Warm up with a hot drink and an autumnal treat from our seasonal menus, with favourites such as cinnamon buns, pumpkin spice lattes and gingerbread hot chocolate. Discover some of our favourite tearooms and cafés that you need to tick off your list.

Get inspiration for autumnal days out

The Month in History

  • King Harold, England’s last Anglo-Saxon king, was killed during the Battle of Hastings 960 years ago on 14 October 1066. The victory for William the Conqueror and his Norman army changed the course of English history.
  • The Women’s Social and Political Union was founded on 10 October 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst. Its members used tactics including civil disobedience to campaign for women’s rights, becoming known as suffragettes. A blue plaque marks the home of Emmeline and her daughter Dame Christabel Pankhurst.
  • King Richard III was born on 2 October 1452. Explore one of his childhood homes at Middleham Castle in North Yorkshire.
  • On 11 October 1982 the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s flagship, was raised. She sank off Portsmouth in 1545, and over 22,000 artefacts were recovered from the depths.
  • Harold Moody, physician and campaigner for racial equality, was born on 8 October 1882. His home in Peckham is now the site of a blue plaque.

More to explore

  • Seasonal highlights

    Autumn’s the perfect time to take a closer look at historic sites, with the colours of trees changing and the sun getting lower in the sky.

  • THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST

    Every object has a story to tell - but how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? Amy Matthews explores tales from unexpected places.

  • Become a member today

    Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historical places with an annual membership. Plus there's free entry for up to six children!