Take five: Brilliant things to do in Britain this October
October is the perfect month to get out and about in Britain, and with half term looming there's plenty to keep the kids entertained. There's an array of festivals, events and experiences you won't want to miss this month, as well as outdoor movies to seeing the UK's spectacular scenery.
Drive In Cinema, London
With outdoor movies a huge hit this summer, you'll be excited to know that the trend continues into autumn with Drive In Cinema arriving at Brent Cross Shopping Centre and transporting film buffs to a classic American-style drive-in cinema to watch classics and hot new releases on a giant screen from the comfort of their own car. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the month you can watch films like World War Z, Django Unchained and Back to the Future, while Sunday screenings are for families to cosy up and enjoy the likes of Toy Story, Hocus Pocus and Grease under the stars. To complete the Drive In experience, Californian-style street food from Route 66 and classic cinema snacks are delivered direct to your car by roller skating staff before the movie starts.
Illuminating York, North Yorkshire
As the clocks go back on 27 October marking the start of darker evenings, an array of night-time events across the country will light up England after dark. This year, Illuminating York promises to shine brighter than ever before in York, from 30 October to 2 November. Visitors to the city will see it in a new light as cutting-edge technology creates a colourful celebration of York's unique heritage, with Cliffords Tower and the Yorkshire Museum brought to life with light. Don't miss the Fire Garden installation by the river and the trees illuminated in a trail starting outside The Treasurer's House.
Snowdonia Walking Festival, Conwy
Is there a better time to go walking than in autumn? Wales offers a wealth of walking opportunities for lovers of the great outdoors and one of the most spectacular and iconic spots is Snowdonia. The Snowdonia Walking Festival (26 and 27 October) is a weekend to experience the majestic rugged beauty surrounding the village of Betws y Coed on foot. The unforgettable walks take in emerald forests, fast-flowing rivers and mountains encircling the village. The walks are guided by local experts who know the forests and lakes like the back of their hand, and you can choose from a three-mile beginner's stroll to an all-day trek, ideal for experienced mountain walkers.
The Blair Witch Experience, Surrey
Want a Halloween to remember? Head for Thorpe Park this month for the new and terrifying experience added to its annual Fright Nights programme. Based on the cult Blair Witch Project, the bravest of visitors are invited to stay overnight at The Crash Pad and face the theme park in the dead of the night for a fully, immersive outdoor horror experience (over 18s only; various dates). Visitors will experience the eerie silence of the locked-up theme park as some of the long-forgotten pathways are opened up and they enter a live-action maze based on the most iconic horror films, plus there's the chance to ride the exhilarating rollercoasters in the dark. Spooky!
Enchanted Forest, Perthshire
Don't miss a trip to the forest this autumn. Running every evening from 4 to 27 October, the Enchanted Forest in Perthshire is an outdoor experience that will set your imagination alight. Lighting and sound designers have created dazzling visuals against original music, allowing visitors to explore the stunning autumn woodland setting of Faskally Wood near Pitlochry with a twist. Using the forest as a natural backdrop, you're invited to wrap up warm and enjoy the wonderful lighting show that promises to be a treat for all the senses. Don't miss the storytelling yurt, where you can snuggle up and listen to enchanting stories.
Fancy a trip to a haunted castle to celebrate Halloween? Browse England's spookiest below:
Related articles
Take three: UK breaks for foodies
Ten wonderful touring routes for families
