Why would I want to visit England in the Autumn I hear you ask? I grant you, it’s not a traditional time to visit, the weather can be a little rainy, although quite often we are blessed with beautiful sunshine at this time of year before the dirge of winter sets in. I love England in Autumn – and around where I live there are some wonderful and quirky traditions that are fun to take part in. Here are my 5 top things to see & do in Autumn in South-East England.
Bonfire Night in Lewes
Whilst bonfire night is celebrated all over England, there is nowhere like Lewes for its quirky, and often (which is very apt) political bonfire parade. It’s the biggest celebration of the 5th November anywhere in the UK and is a simply spectacular parade with over 30 processions each year with rival bonfire societies in Lewes competing. Processions start at around 5 pm and finish at about 1 am. This year’s guys or effigies reflected the current world situation and included a Plague Doctor, Joe Biden, Matt Hancock, and Dominic Cummings.
The London to Brighton Veteran Car run
What an event this is! First run in 1896, this event comprising of 60 miles has been run ever since by the Royal Automobile Club with only a few years in which it hasn’t been run. We watch it from our village Staplefield, where there is a big turn-out of spectators from local villages, but there is also an amazing party atmosphere down on the sea-front in Brighton where it starts.
Foliage
Whilst not on the scale that you can find in New York State or New England, the foliage in the southeast of England is delightful at this time of year. Gardens such as High Beeches Water Garden (open until October 31 each year), arguably look their best at this time of year with the gorgeous red maples and acers taking centre stage.
Ice Skating at the Brighton Pavillion
Brighton is wonderful to visit at any time of year, but ice-skating in front of the gorgeous and historically important Brighton Pavillion is simply spectacular. It is also powered entirely by Green Energy, so a massive plus for me! This year you can team it up with visiting an outdoor igloo on the waterfront to dine, creating a magical day out!
Glow Wild
There are many different versions of this, but the original is at Wakehurst Place. Selling out within days of tickets going on sale, this is a wonderful family experience, walking around this botanic garden after dark, looking at the glistening torches, light installations, and the tallest living Christmas Tree adorned with 1800 lights – a simply wonderful evening for all the family.
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