As the nights draw in and our farms begin the autumn harvest, here are some brilliant activities you can get involved in to get into the autumn spirit. Blustery walks, apples and pumpkins, and spooky activities - it's all here.
Monster Villain Safari in Horsham this half term
A fun, contact-free trail in Horsham town centre, the Monster Villain Safari is fun for all ages. There are 10 monsters to find in local shop windows; find them all and you'll be rewarded with a free e-book about their adventures.
Visit Horsham Park's updated play area
Horsham Park's play area has had an upgrade just in time for the half term holidays.
The new improved play facilities are in the northern part of the Horsham Park play area and are aimed at eight to 11 year olds
You'll find an exciting trail with sprawling net play structures leading up to a large tree house on the top of the existing grass hill. There's also a large rope hammock and wind chimes, which enable children with limited mobility to be engaged with this part of the play area.
Autumn trails with National Trust
Grab your coat and take a blustery walk in the gardens of one of West Sussex's National Trust properties this half-term.
- Standen House has a special outdoor children's trail inspired by the autumn
- Nymans is a beautiful setting to explore year-round, and the change of season is no exception
- Petwork House and Park has an indoor Wings and Whiskers Trail for Halloween
Places to pick up a pumpkin
Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition. This year, skip the supermarket and try one of these local pumpkin patches:
- Tulley's Farm Crawley
- Poynings Pumpkin Patch
- Roundstone Farm Worthing
- Or check out one of our fantastic Farm shops for locally sourced pumpkins and other treats
A spooky history of Sussex (online or in person options available)
All-Inclusive History is running its Spooky Worthing Tour for the sixth year running, led by local Victorian spectre, Mortimer Spirimawgus.
The in-person tour takes place on October 31 in Worthing, and an online version is available if you book as a group. The online version makes a great activity for family members to do together with relatives or friends who may be shielding.
Apple swapping at Trenchmore Farm
If you're lucky enough to have an apple tree in your garden, head to Trenchmore Farm and swap your bounty for their delicious cider.
The farm's annual apple swap is taking place at weekends in October - look out for the food pop-ups if you go on October 11 or 18.
Apple swapping at Trenchmore Farm
Street food in Horsham town centre
Horsham Markets have returned to Horsham Town Centre on Thursdays and Saturdays offering a fantastic range of street food. The Thursday market is running a click and collect ordering system, and is open until early evening so you can head down after work for a snack!