To most people, autumn signifies the start of cosy nights in, oversized jumpers and pumpkin spiced latte. Whether you’re an outdoorsey person or not, everyone tends to swap days out for hours spent in the warmth, catching up on TV shows and basically going into hibernation.
But if you’re anything like me, you’re already worrying about how you’re going to hit your step count or stay fit now that the nights are drawing in. On top of that, as much as I prefer staying in to going out, it’s still good to at least get outside and breathe in some fresh air: plus it helps you sleep better.
So even though you may think there’s not much ‘to do’ in cold weather (it’s not like you can go and spend a day at the beach or visit a pub garden), there’s still some reasons to get out and about this autumn.
POKEMON GO
Yeah, I know, the trend is long gone (and you can bet I jumped on that trend at the time). But there are still so many people playing it and the best part is you don’t even need other people to enjoy it really (unless you want to battle lots). I’m back on the trend simply with the aim to collect as many pokemon as I can. Visiting new places helps me do this, obviously, and brings back many memories of playing on my Gameboy when I was younger. I still have my (old school red)Gameboy somewhere but it doesn’t work anymore because the batteries in the back exploded. Oh the days of small hand held battery operated devices. I feel old now.
SCENERY
This seems like another obvious choice as we all know how gorgeous all the coloured leaves look in autumn, but there’s a big difference between driving down country roads and actually heading out to visit somewhere (and hear that satisfying sound of leaves crunching beneath your boots). My nan and I always like to visit Ashridge (photo above) because after an afternoon spent strolling around and taking photos, there’s a cafe on site that serves light snacks and delicious hot chocolate.
GEOCACHING
This is perfect to do with your family and I’ve been trying to rope my dad into it for years now. Geocoaching is basically like a real life treasure hunt where you use a GPS (or the app) to find hidden containers/caches. Usually there’s something hidden inside which you can take in place of leaving your own gift and it’s really fun trying to tick off all your finds. Dads will love it.
Plus it’s actually CITO (Cache In, Trash Out) week right now, so what better excuse to start?
GET YOUR SCARE ON
Okay so Halloween is still a little way off – and trust me, I’ll be covering all about scare attractions on the blog come 1st October – but getting a little spooky is another fun excuse to get out more this autumn. For the brave: a fright night at a themepark is always really fun (I wonder if riding a rollercoaster adds to your step count?) and families will love visiting farms for their toned down Halloween events. Instagrammers can find solice in one of the many pop up Pumpkin patches this year – an American tradition that has since become popular in the UK in recent years.
SEE A LIGHT FESTIVAL
No, I’m not talking about fireworks (although that’s a good excuse too) but an actual evening lightshow. Places like Kew Gardens, Waddesdon Manor and Longleat are renowned for hosting stunning light shows/festivals throughout autumn and winter which are jaw-dropping displays of colour, lanterns and entire light up scenes – plus most of them include indoor activities too if it does get too cold..
Will you be braving the chilly weather this autumn to do any of the above? Or will you be going into total hibernation? Let me know!
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