During winter it might be difficult to find the motivation to get outdoors. We often feel like curling up by the fire, and letting the cold weather keep you cozy under blankets. I have been finding it difficult to wake up on time in the mornings to walk my dog. The warmth of my blanket is just too tempting. If you’re struggling to get out the door, here are some ideas on how to motivate yourself to embrace the chill and make the most of the winter season.

Any time outdoors is better than no time outdoors

I recently cut a walk short. It was cold, windy and raining as I set off. This alone would have put a lot of people off. Around thirty minutes into the walk a hail storm started and I just couldn’t bear the ice cutting through my face. I quit after forty minutes into a walk that was initially intended to last at least one hour and a half.

At first I felt deflated. I had even driven to this place to try a new footpath. However, I then realise that most people would have stayed home with those weather conditions and that my body and my mind would still thank me for the time I spent outside – and so would my dog!

On bad days be kind to yourself and acknowledge that even the act of getting out for a short walk is a win.

Finish with a reward

In winter I find I need more rewards to keep me motivated. For example, on Parkrun days I end it with a coffee in the park. I take a treat for my dog too so we can both sit with our reward after running the 5k.

On a rainy day when I go for a walk with the dog I also think of the hot drink I will have when I return home. Would it be tea or coffee or even a cheeky hot chocolate? If tea, what type of tee? Thinking about that post-walk drink keeps me motivated.

Outside of food, I also like rewarding myself by lighting up the fire. It is just the perfect thing when coming back home from a cold and wet run or walk. Sitting by the fire with a hot drink and a book – bingo!

Find a reason to go out

Having a dog solves this problem for me because if we skip a walk, I am reminded of it. I appreciate, thought, not everybody can own a four legged friend. Even with a dog, I do sometimes lack motivation and skip walks. Oftentimes feeling guilty.

Having a reason to get out can help us here. This could be because you’ve made plans with a friend to go running or to go cycling. We are more likely to show up when we know a friend will be waiting. If meeting with a friend is not an option, setting yourself a challenge could also work.

Earlier in the year I organised a “nurture in nature” challenge at work. We all work remotely from different parts of the world. The challenge was to get out, take a photo and to share it in our group chat. The person who posted more photos won a voucher. It worked wonders!

It does not really matter what the reason is. It has to work for you. But most importantly it has to help you be accountable to yourself.

What are your strategies to keep motivated in the colder months? Share in the comments! I would love to hear from you.

There are a number of reasons why dried flower jewellery makes a great gift. Gifting dried flower jewellery is a thoughtful way to connect with nature. Crafting the jewellery yourself will not only make you spend time outdoors but also admire the natural world. At the same time, gifting a little piece of nature to your loved ones, could help them feel more connected to you and the natural world.

Because each piece can be customised with different flowers, it makes for a one-of-a-kind gift that reflects your thoughtfulness and creativity. For this reasons, I love giving my loved ones jewellery made with dry flowers from my garden.

Dried flowers make beautiful jewellery

Dried flowers make stunning jewellery because they capture the delicate beauty of nature in a way that’s both timeless and unique. Each flower holds intricate details, from vibrant petals to delicate textures, which can be preserved and transformed into wearable art. Whether it’s a bright bloom or a soft pastel, dried flowers bring a sense of nature’s serenity into everyday life.

I started preserving flowers from my garden about two years ago. Only recently I attempted to make my first piece of jewellery. I was searching online for craft ideas and stumbled across Etsy and the preserved flower jewellery they have on sale. There are some magnificent and delicate pieces. Some artists even make custom jewellery preserving wedding or funeral flowers – such a thoughtful present!

The picture below shows my favourite jewellery piece from my first attempt at making jewellery with preserved flowers. It is from an elderflower from my garden. I like how it complements the rusty look of the pendant.

Dried flower jewellery is a great way to connect with nature

The process of preserving the flowers allows you to admire their different colours and textures. I like choosing which flowers I will preserve and how I may use them.

In the spring and summer you are out there looking for beautiful flowers to pick. In a way you are practicing mindfulness as you pay attention to the details and fully focus on the task at hand.

Then comes the wait. I usually press them, which takes a number of weeks but there are different methods. Opening the flower press is a magical moment. Flowers change colours when pressed and there is always a surprise! The flowers in the photo below are red Geums and they turn burgundy / pink after pressed.

The person who receives the gift is also carrying a bit of nature with them.

I like the fact that I will give my mum a pendant with flowers from my garden. She loves my garden but lives far away so this is a great gift to remind her of when she visits me.

Dried flower jewellery is easy to make

You just need a flower press, resin and some jewellery moulds. You can even use heavy old books as a press.

I use the Worown kit and found the velcro straps very practical. It fills up very quickly, though, as it is a small size so I ended up drying in batches and transferring to heavy books as they were ready.

As I am only starting I did not want to spend too much money on the jewellery moulds. I got a very basic kit from Amazon here. This was good for testing and I am hoping to go up in quality as I get better at it. The rusty gold colour pendants turned out much nicer than the silver ones. You can see from the photo below.

I used A + B resin. The key is to get one that won’t trap air and create bubbles. Using a toothpick to “burst” any bubbles when applying it is a good tip I read online and applied. The resin is VERY sticky so I ended up with sticky hands. Applying an exfoliating soap on the hands was also a good tip I read online and it worked.

There are lots of tutorials on Youtube and I watched a number of them beforehand but at the end of the day it is up to you to get creative!

In recent years, the idea of moving to the countryside has gained increasing appeal, as more people seek a slower pace of life, greater space, and a deeper connection with nature. There are countless reasons to consider moving to the countryside.

In my case it was triggered by being priced out of London. However, after moving to the countryside I can say that spending time in nature and seeing its effect on my health has been its main benefit. In this post, we’ll explore how a move to rural Britain can help you in your journey to spending more time outdoors and why it might just be the change you’ve been looking for.

Move to the countryside to explore woodlands

Exploring a woodland offers a refreshing escape into nature, where every step brings a new discovery. In spring and summer, the forest floor comes alive with vibrant wildflowers such as bluebells and primroses. Autumn paints the canopy with fiery shades of red and gold. There is something to discover in every season.

I particularly enjoy walking in woodlands. Not only for its beauty but also for its health benefits. Spending time in the woods has numerous health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting creativity.

Whether you’re looking to spot elusive deer, listen to the sound of birdsong, or simply lose yourself in the peace of towering trees, a woodland adventure offers something magical for everyone.

Throughout the countryside there is access to numerous woodlands. You can find woodlands with public access through the Woodland’s Trust website.

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Find a woodland near you

And to swim in the wild

Wild swimming, or swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and the sea, is a refreshing way to reconnect with nature while reaping a variety of physical and mental health benefits. Cold water immersion has been shown to boost circulation, strengthen the immune system, and reduce stress. Moreover, the act of swimming itself is a full-body workout that improves endurance and muscle tone.

Before moving to the countryside I used to swim at my local swimming pool in London. I loved it. It helped me recover from both a sprained ankle and a fracture after an accident on my bike. But swimming outdoors is even better.

I grew up by the beach in South America. Every summer I would spend two to three months getting in the water, swimming or body boarding. Now living in the UK and more in-land, I do not have the same regular access to water. However, whenever I get my chance to dip my toes, I take it.

If wild swimming is your mojo, there are plenty of places in the countryside that will give you easy access to natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers and the sea.

Unless you are a very experienced wild swimmer it is always recommended to do it with others. There are a number of wild swimming clubs across the country and events. Either The Outdoor Swimming Society or Wild Swimming are good places to get started.

Wild swim map

Move to the countryside to hike

Hiking in the UK countryside offers a refreshing escape into nature. The diverse terrain, from the rugged peaks of Scotland to the gentle trails of the Lake District, invites adventurers of all levels to explore. Walking through these serene settings promotes physical fitness, boosts mood, and fosters a deep connection with the environment. The tranquillity of the countryside also offers a chance to unwind, reducing stress and encouraging mindfulness in the midst of stunning natural beauty.

I particularly enjoy walking in the countryside. I take the dog for a walk almost every morning and it helps me start my day energised. During the summer as the days are longer I sometimes also go for an evening walk in the fields near us. I find walking helps with my sleep as I am synching my circadian clock and the movement makes me tired.

A great way to get started is with the Ordnance Survey with its physical and online maps. There’s a route for everyone!

Ordnance survey

And to grow your own food

Growing your own fruit and vegetables offers a range of benefits. From improving your diet with fresh, nutrient-rich produce to providing a satisfying sense of self-sufficiency. Whether it’s a few raised beds or a larger plot of land, growing your own fruit and veg is possible when living in the countryside.

I started with one raised bed. The following year added four more. I grow raspberries and asparagus in two of them and rotate crops in the other three. I also planted apple, pear, plum and quince trees. I find a homegrown harvests extremely rewarding. Growing my own fruit and veg helps me connect with the rhythms of nature.

If you are getting started, the RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch: A Foolproof Guide to Every Stage of Growing Fruit and Veg has been a bible. There is also a lot of free information on the RHS website.

RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch

If you are looking for some ideas on outdoor gear to gift to someone new to the countryside, we’ve got you covered. If someone is moving from the city to the countryside not all of their city gear will work in the countryside. It is likely be spending more time outdoors thus be more exposed to the elements. To make outings in nature enjoyable having the right gear is key. Soaking feet, cold hands or being way too hot can put us off our next adventure.

In this article we list the most essential gear one needs to think of when moving to the countryside. With Christmas around the corner, this could be a great gift list for a friend or loved one making the move from the city to the countryside!

Wellington Boots

I made one of my first countryside outings in brand new white converse – what a rookie! Wellington boots are a staple in the countryside that will keep your feet dry and clear from mud.

You don’t need to spend a fortune. There is a wide range of quality and prices when it comes to wellies. If, however, you can spend a bit more and invest on quality you will feel it on a daily basis.

I’ve been wearing Muck Boots for the last two years and like that they are comfy yet hardy. I wear them to garden and to go on walks with the dog. Their thick soles really keep my feet warm during the cold months.

Before my Muck Boots I was waring ones of lower quality. They only lasted two years but the worse thing was that during the winter months my feet where freezing! It made gardening during autumn and winter a non-enjoyable task.

If you don’t have the budget for mid / upper-mid range, investing in good welly socks would make the difference during winter months. Mountain Warehouse sell good chunky welly socks – great stocking fillers! That’s what I did until my last lower quality wellies gave in.

My other half has gone very upper end and wears Le Chameau. They are comfier than mine – particularly as they are much more flexible.

With wellies I do recommend trying them on rather than buying them online as what feels comfy for one person is not the same for another. We went welly shopping with my other half and I found Muck Boots the best fit whereas he found they were too tight on his feet.

What wellies do you like wearing? Is there any particular make you would recommend? We would like to hear from you.

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A proper jacket

It rains and a brolly won’t do the job. Combine that with brambles. You will need something that will keep you dry and won’t snag. Here comes the wax jacket!

As with wellies there are different ranges of quality and prices. From Barbour to New Forest Clothing or all the way up the range with Schoffel.

I started with a lower range one and I am yet to upgrade it. The zip is going though after two years of wearing it, so as with everything, if you can spend a bit more on quality, you will benefit in the long run.

I like wax jackets as they are tough so you don’t need to worry as much about tearing the fabric. Also, they are low on maintenance – just need to put wax on them every now and then.

They are not as waterproof as other jackets made with more modern material like Goretex so they won’t keep you dry in a downpour.

For dog walks I wear two different rain coats. In the winter they go over my wax jacket.

My Malvern waterproof from Jack Murphy keeps me dry from head to toe. It is an old fashioned look (it somehow makes me think of Sherlock Holmes!). If the people mucking out the horses in the field next to my house wear them, I figured it would be a great garment for dog walks and it hasn’t disappointed.

My second rainproof is a Helly Hansen yellow raincoat. Technically it is not countryside gear but more like a modern take on a fisherman’s raincoat. I like that it works well both in the city and by the sea so it is a bit of an all-rounder. It is also very light and windproof.

If you are into long country walks or hiking not matter the weather then a waterproof and breathable jacket that will stand the toughest weather conditions is the thing. My boyfriend swears by the Stormbird by Finisterre. It is a bit of an investment though!

What type of jackets do you like wearing in the countryside? We would like to hear from you!

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A head torch

This is a must in autumn and winter as it gets darker pretty early. In most villages and rural areas there are no street lights so simple things like taking the bins out require a head torch!

It is particularly handy when walking the dog or gardening in the late afternoon. It means my hands are free and I can focus on the task at hand.

I love my Petzl one. They are powerful, waterproof and rechargeable.

They are great as a practical present. I got mine for my birthday when we moved to the countryside and I get to use it almost everyday during the darker months.

Do you also find head torches a must in the countryside? We would love to hear from you!

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Mud remover.

Everything gets muddy. Especially wellies and dogs!

An outdoor tap can help get rid of the mud and wash the dog but it isn’t portable. After we got Whisky we soon discovered Mud Daddy portable washers.

They are particularly good for washing the dog outdoors. I love the brush as it helps getting rid of the toughest bits of mud. It’s compact size also makes it great for taking it in the car.

Do you have any outdoor gear to keep the mud in check and your four-legged friends clean? Let us know!

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One of the most powerful gifts nature provides is the opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Appreciating the natural world around you can improve your mood and reduce stress by fostering a deeper connection to the environment. If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors to enhance your wellbeing, here are some ways to practice gratitude for nature.

Practicing mindfulness in nature

Gratitude begins with awareness. When you’re outdoors, take a moment to pause and fully engage with your surroundings. Notice the small details. The different leave colours, the sound of birdsong, or feel of tree bark. By observing the richness of nature, you become more connected to its beauty and complexity. This practice helps shift your focus to the present moment, encouraging a sense of appreciation for the world around you.

I particularly enjoy noticing the change in season from summer to autumn. How leaves are changing colours, bright red rose hips appear on hedges to brighten up our day and how the air feels crisp in the mornings.

We would love to learn how you practice mindfulness in nature!

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Embrace nature’s rhythms

One of the most grounding aspects of nature is its constant, unhurried flow. Whether it’s the changing of the seasons, the ebb and flow of tides, or the growth cycle of plants, nature’s rhythms remind us that life has its own timing. Spend time outside to witness these changes firsthand. Reflecting on how nature persists and evolves, often without human intervention, can help foster a sense of awe and gratitude for its resilience and wisdom.

I find that in autumn this is particularly noticeable. I enjoy going on slow walks in woodlands with my dog. When we finish the walk and we are both tired I like going to a café to relax and enjoy a hot drink. My puppy a chew treat.

How are you embracing slow living this autumn? We would like to hear from you!

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Create rituals to connect with nature

Gratitude becomes more profound when we make it a regular practice. One way to do this is by incorporating nature into your daily life through rituals. Take a morning walk in the park, plant a tree or garden, or start each day by watching the sunrise or sunset. These small, consistent acts of connection help you build a deeper bond with the natural world, making it easier to feel grateful for the simple gifts it provides.

My favourite ritual during the work-week is a morning walk with my dog. I work from home so I do not get to commute. The morning walk not only energises me but also helps clear my mind. It also means my dog burns energy so gets to be more calm at home whilst I am working.

On the weekend I like having a morning coffee sitting on my sun lounger in the garden. It helps me slow down. I sometimes even throw a meditation practice into the mix. The sun lounger stays out year long – I just adjust the number of layers depending on the season!

Do you have any rituals you practice in nature? We would love to know what they are!

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Recognise nature’s impact on your health

Spending time in nature has been scientifically shown to lower stress, boost mood, and improve overall health. By acknowledging how nature positively impacts your wellbeing, you can deepen your sense of gratitude. Consider the clarity you feel after a hike in the woods, the calming effect of a beach walk, or the mental refreshment that comes from a quiet moment in a garden. Taking time to reflect on these physical and emotional benefits can strengthen your appreciation for nature’s healing power.

Running is my favourite sport. I get runners high – it is addictive and it feels so good. I really only enjoy running outdoors, it is when I get most benefits. Clearer mind, greater feeling of calm and joy. I do run indoors at the gym too but it is not the same!

How does spending time in nature impact your health? We would love to hear from you.

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Give back to the environment

One of the most meaningful ways to express gratitude for nature is by giving back. Volunteer for environmental causes, plant trees, reduce waste, or simply practice mindful outdoor behavior. Caring for the environment helps ensure that future generations can experience the same beauty and benefits you’ve come to appreciate.

By taking time to connect with nature and express gratitude, you not only enhance your wellbeing but also contribute to the preservation of the world around you. The more you appreciate nature, the more it becomes a source of peace, joy, and inspiration.

Since we moved to the countryside we planted 21 trees, planted hedges, sown a mini meadow, created 5 veg beds and planted many new plants and shrubs. Our next project is a compost bin. It makes sense as it all boils down to the richness of our soils. As we need nourishing food so do our trees and plants!

What are you doing to give back to the environment? We would love to hear about it.

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Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

Albert Einstein

Having a dog will certainly force you to get out and about. Since welcoming Whiksy (a golden retriever) to my life I have certainly increased the time I spend in nature as I am always looking for new adventures for him. In this article we give you some ideas on ways to spend more time outdoors with your dog.

Puppy training

It is true that if you get your dog as a puppy, during the first year of their lives you will not be going on great adventures with them. Their little bones and joints are developing and they cannot do strenuous exercise. During their first year after getting my puppy I ended up spending less time running but I still got out and about thanks to puppy training.

I started by training the dog in the garden but once they had their jabs, I introduced him to the outdoors. Going to parks was a great way of meeting other dogs and practicing commands like “stay”, “come” and “wait”. Some of the benefits of outdoor training can be found on this article.

As months went by we started going to woodlands. He loved the smells and playing around the woods. All the smells, noises and textures really awakened his senses.

During the first year of puppyhood I did not spend crazy amounts of times outdoors but I did start trying new adventures to enrich his learning experience.

This article from gingr has some good tips on what to consider before starting training outdoors that you may find useful.

If you are going out and about with your pup, we would love to hear how you are spending time outdoors with them!

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Woodland Walks

Woodlands take on a new perspective when visiting with a dog. Their sense of smell gets super charged so you will see them sniffing every single corner. They’ll be absorbing the scent of trees, mushrooms and other woodland animals, like detectives, trying to find out who has left them a secret message.

Autumn is doubly special in a woodland as dogs love running around fallen leaves. Stirring up the leaves brings them pure joy!

If it is raining or it has recently rained, double points. The smells are heightened with the rain and there’s always a good puddle to run into!

During the summer the shade from trees provides a cooler place for them to be, minimising the risk of overheating.

If you visit a woodland with your four-legged friend, we would love to hear about your adventures!

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Water swimming

Not all dogs like water but if you own a dog who likes getting in the water, you will surely visit places where water is the main feature.

I do not live close to the sea but the two times we’ve been with Whisky he absolutely loved it. It wasn’t love at first sight as it took him a bit to get used to the waves but once he gained confidence, he did not want to leave. Playing fetch is a fun way of getting them used to the water. Seeing his enthusiasm getting in and out of the sea put a smile on my face and truly tired him up!

Because we don’t live close to the sea most of the times the access to water we have is. a stream in our local park. Even when he goes in a stream to splash it is a happy occasion.

Especially in the summer, I sometimes chose this park that has a stream for him to nip into the water and stay cooler.

My previous dog, a rough collie, didn’t like getting into the sea but he did enjoy chasing a sprinkler!

Share with us how your dog likes water, do you live by the sea and is water a normal feature in your dog walks?

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Park run

Not all of my dog outings are in the great outdoors. Our local park features quite a lot. If it wasn’t for my dog, I wouldn’t probably visit it as often.

It is a great place to meet other dogs and other dog owners.

During the puppy days it was also a great place to train and socialise him.

On the weekends there is also a coffee truck so I sometimes go on Sunday mornings with the excuse to take the dog for a walk, just to get a coffee. Win win for the dog and me!

You can check which parkruns are dog friendly on parkrun’s website here.

If you go to parkrun with your dog, we would love to hear about your experience!

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As days get shorter and colder it can feel more difficult to spend time outdoors and get that much needed vitamin D dose. But worry not, in this article we provide you with four fun activities to help you connect with nature this October.

Activity 2: Pumpkin Carving

I must confess that my neighbour gave me pumpkin seeds earlier this year and I didn’t sow them. I am, however, looking forward to seeing their carved pumpkins on display for halloween.

You can buy your pumpkin in a grocery store but if you are feeling more adventurous, pumpkin picking might be right for you. For those based either near Essex or Hertfordshire, Hatter’s Farm is a popular option. Their moonlight pumpkin picking event is especially good for those who want to feel a bit spooky!

How to carve it? There are thousands of videos on youtube but my recommendation is to get creative and let your inner child guide you. I particularly liked this one.

What to do after all the trick or treating is over? Turn your pumpkin into soup, cookies or roast their seeds. Waste not!

What are your pumpkin plans? Leave us a comment or join our community to share with others who are on their journey to spend more time in nature.

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Activity 3: Join parkrun

October marks their 20th birthday so if you have not yet joined parkrun, this is a great opportunity!

parkrun is a free community event that takes place on Saturday mornings (5k) and on Sunday mornings (2k). The Sunday event is aimed at children and families. The Saturday event is the most popular one, with children and families also joining.

It is important to stress that you do not need to run to join Parkrun. Walking is totally fine. My first parkrun was a mix of walking and running. There is no timing to complete the circuit and everyone is welcome.

Some Parkruns, like the one near me, even allow dogs. This was perfect for socialising my dog as a puppy and exercising him as an adult.

What I like most about Parkrun is the community element. I joined as a way of meeting others when I moved from London to Hampshire encouraged by a neighbour recommendation. People tend to chat to one another before the start and after crossing the finish line. In the one near me there are two cafés where Parkrunners congregate and the chit chat continues.

If neither running nor walking is for you, you can also join as a volunteer or simply as a bystander.

Many parkrunners also attend parkruns outside of their home one for fun. We even had people all the way down from Scotland at ours!

At the time of writing this blog post, there are 1,286 Parkrun events in the UK. You can search for the nearest one in their website here.

Are you already a parkrunner or are you thinking of becoming one? Leave us a comment or join our community to share with others who are on their journey to spend more time in nature.

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Activity 4: Attend a harvest festival

It is harvest season for top fruit. Many orchards around the country open it’s doors at this time of the year for fruit picking, cider and perry tasting and to provide informative talks about heritage varieties.

I wrote a full blog post on this last week here about my experience of visiting Brogdale Farm. This is where the National Fruit Collection resides.

Going to a harvest festival? Leave us a comment or join our community to share with others who are on their journey to spend more time in nature.

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If you are looking for ways to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature, we’ve got you covered, apple harvest season is here!

Autumn has arrived and it has been raining a fair amount, but that does not mean you have to stay indoors watching Netflix on demand.

Across the UK, apple trees are laden with fruit and it is harvest season. What’s even better, many orchards open their doors at this time of the year to let people harvest, taste this delicious fruit and learn everything apple-related.

Two years ago I visited Brogdale Farm and not only had a fantastic time but also brought home a box of delicious heritage apples that kept us well nourished up until Christmas!

This article gives you some ideas on where to go for apple harvest and keep the doctor away 😉

Day Trip to Brogdale Collections

Brogdale Collections is home to the National Fruit Collection and hosts about 3,500 varieties of fruit trees. This includes apples, pears, cherries and quinces.

There are over 2,000 varieties of apple trees at Brogdale. They even have apples that taste of pineapple – Ananas Reinette. I tried it on my visit and was blown away by the “hints of pineapple” taste.

We started the visit with a tour through the different orchards. It is led by volunteers who know all sorts of details about the trees in the collection. A fun fact we learnt is that if you own an apple tree and you don’t know which variety of apple it is, Brogdale offers a testing identification service. Isn’t that interesting!

After the tour we were shown the orchards that one could pick apples from. It felt like wine tasting but with apples! So many different flavours and textures to choose from.

Once we couldn’t pick / eat any more apples, we walked past a small market with pop-up stalls offering products ranging from honey to preloved garden tools. We bought both!

We ended the visit at the visitors shop and came home with a number of bottles of craft cider – the perfect treat after a long drive.

When: 5th, 6th, 19th, 20th of October 2024

Where:

Brogdale Farm

Brogdale Road

Faversham

Kent

ME13 8XZ

Tickets available for sale online at the Brogdale Collections website, included below.

Event details

Weekend outdoors with the Harvestime festival

The Harvestime festival is a community-led celebration of orchards in the Marcle Ridge where you can explore local orchards and taste fresh apples, cider, and perry.

The festival is perfect for those who want to spend time outdoors, connect with nature and the rural heritage of English orchards. From exploring picturesque apple and pear orchards to learning about traditional fruit farming, and sampling fresh produce, there are activities for everyone.

You can see all the activities at the different sites where the festival is taking place here.

When: 12th-13th October 2024

Where: Various locations in the parishes of the Marcle Ridge, Herefordshire

Event details

Pick your Own at Hewitts Farm

Set in Kent, just outside Orpington, at Hewitts Farm you can pick apples and a number of seasonal produce in their ‘Pick your Own’ area. The types of apples available are more of the commercial type like Gala, Cox and Bramley.

During October, Pumpkins are also usually in season so you can stock up for Halloween!

What’s more, the farm shop offers a wide range of local produce so it is very unlikely you will leave empty handed.

Visit their Facebook page here for updates on what is in season.

Further details

Other Places

It is estimated that the UK has over 20,000 traditional orchards, so chances are there is one near you open for visiting during harvesting season!

Kent, Herefordshire, Somerset and East Anglia are some of the most popular locations were apple orchards are located.

With so many options to choose from, it is easy to spend time outdoors this October and connect with nature.

If you have visited or are planning to visit an orchard this autumn, please leave us a comment, we would love to hear your experience!

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