Fantastic Local Autumn Activities for 2022 for a Memorable Autumn

There is a chill in the air, the leaves are becoming golden – its time for our round up of local autumn activities for 2022! We know that you are just as excited as we are for the upcoming season – we can already smell the pumpkin spice, feel the warmth of cosy knits and the crisp of autumn leaves beneath our feet.

Our autumn activities for 2022 list contains a mix of things to do, relax, eat and entertain – perfect for whatever mood you’re in this autumn! Whether you’re looking for an autumnal drink to warm you on those cooler days, a spooky activity to entertain the little ones or fancy an autumnal ramble through beautiful colour-changing parkland – there is something for you on this list.

Autumn Activities for 2022:
Autumnal Wanderings

1. Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge

Two feet in hiking boots standing on fallen autumn leaves
Credit: Ethan Unzicker, UnSplash

First on our list of local autumn activities for 2022 is one for the wanderers!

Get those winter boots on and head out to Wandlebury Country Park to appreciate all the nature that the autumnal season has to offer. Relax and breathe in the fresh, crisp air and feel the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet. Take the dog out. Take the kids out. Or just take yourself out for some private reflection and much needed self-care time!

Take advantage of the calmer golden season before the hype for Christmas hits and just breathe for a moment. Why not pack a picnic to enjoy that is full of autumnal bakes? 

  • Location: Wandlebury Ring, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge CB22 3AE
  • Dates: N/A
  • Times: 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Prices: Free
  • Contact:
    • Phone: 01223 243830
    • Email: N/A

 

More information on Wandlebury Country Park

 

2. The Autumn Garden at Cambridge Botanical Garden

Red maple tree over a pond surrounded by trees and rocks
Credit: Cambridge Botanical Gardens

Another beautiful spot to wander through this autumn is the autumnal garden at Cambridge Botanical Garden. Here, plants and flowers are specially selected to brighten the darkening and misty autumn days.

The botanical garden boasts spectacular leaf colours, seasonal flowers, seed-heads, fruits and feathery grasses which all combine to create a beautiful autumnal tapestry that is just heaven to walk around. The botanical garden is the perfect spot to wander around after a day out enjoying the bustle of Cambridge!

  • Location: Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE
  • Dates: N/A
  • Times: 
    • September: 10:00am – 6:00pm
    • October: 10:00am – 5:00pm
    • November: 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Prices: 
    • Adult: £6.80
    • Children (0-16yrs): Free
    • Cambridge University Students: Free
    • Carers for Disabled Visitors: Free
  • Contact:
    • Phone: 01223 336265
    • Email: enquiries@botanic.cam.ac.uk

 

More information on Cambridge Botanical Garden

 

3. Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire

A small brown rabbit looking out of the grass
Credit: Joesphotography, UnSplash

Take a trip to a different county on our list of autumn activities for 2022 to experience some autumnal nature with a visit Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire!

Part of the Chiltern Hills, Dunstable Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that boasts sprawling chalk grasslands and a seemingly endless sky. Dunstable Downs is protected by the National Trust and in addition to the beautiful landscape, also offers a range of activities to make the most out of your visit, including Whipsnade Estate, Dunstable Downs Café, shop and a plethora of wildlife to track and spot!

  • Location: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
  • Dates: N/A
  • Times:
    • The Downs: Dawn – Dusk
    • The View Café: 10:00am – 17:00pm
  • Prices: N/A
  • Contact:
    • Phone: 01582 500920
    • Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk

 

More information on Dunstable Downs

 

Autumn Activities for 2022:
For Sweet, Spice & Everything Nice

4. Hot Chocolate at Jack's Gelato, Cambridge

A mug of hot chocolate with swirled cream and sprinkles
Credit: Kaouther Djouada, UnSplash

A must-do on our list of autumn activities for 2022 is partaking in a delicious hot chocolate from Jack’s Gelato in Cambridge!

“Need warming up? Visit Jack’s Gelato on Bene’t Street for a cup of hot chocolate. Since his early days tricycling around the city with a cargo box of handmade gelato, Jack has become legendary in Cambridge for his imaginative iced treats – but the silky-smooth hot chocolates (served with a wedge of homemade marshmallow), are unmissable when there’s a chill in the air.” – Visit Cambridge

That sounds like heaven in our eyes! Grab a cup to go and head out to the beautiful changing colours of Jesus Green or Parker’s Piece and simply watch the world go by whilst getting a warming hug from that delicious drink treat!

  • Location: 6 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
  • Dates: N/A
  • Times: 
    • Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am – 11:00pm
    • Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00am
  • Prices: Dependant on purchase
  • Contact:
    • Phone: N/A
    • Email: jack@jacksgelato.com

 

More information on Jack’s Gelato, Cambridge

 

5. Fireside Feasts at The Eagle, Cambridge

Close up of a piece of roast pork, next to it are some roasted carrots.
Credit: Sebastian Coman Photography, UnSplash

What is autumn without a plate piled high with roasted goodness in the cosiness of a friendly pub? For us, it is one of our favourite parts of autumn and we relish the heavier meals, warmer interiors, and smoky scent of charred wood wafting from the fireplace.

One of our favourite places to enjoy all these sensory experiences is The Eagle in Cambridge, a highly rated traditional English pub where molecular biologists Watson and Crick announced they had discovered ‘the secret of life’. In addition to this slice of history, The Eagle is highly-rated and one of the oldest inns in Cambridge dating back to the 14th century, and is why it earns a place on our list of local autumn activities for 2022. Serving a wide range of pub grub and drinks all in a traditional setting – it is certainly not a place to be missed this autumn!

  • Location: Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
  • Dates: N/A
  • Times:
    • Monday- Wednesday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
    • Thursday – Saturday: 11:00am – 12:00am
    • Sunday: 11:00am – 10:30pm
  • Prices: N/A
  • Contact:
    • Phone: 01223 505020
    • Email: N/A

 

More information on The Eagle, Cambridge

 

6. Cambridge Oktoberfest, Cambridge

Two pints of beer clinking together.
Credit: Kazuend, UnSplash

A yearly favourite on our list of autumn activities for 2022 is the Cambridge Oktoberfest!

“The legendary German food and drink festival Oktoberfest returns to Cambridge in 2022 and will be a vibrant celebration of all things beer, bratwurst and Bavarian culture. Dig out your lederhosen and grab a stein of specially brewed German beer when the festival takes place at Jesus Green Park from September 30 to October 1.

Around 23,000 litres of beer will be brought over from Bavaria to be served in classic steins, but there will also be cider, wine and soft drinks among the offerings. There’s a lot more to Oktoberfest than just beers and bratwursts though, alongside the authentic Bavarian food and drink, there will also be music. A German band will perform everything from traditional Oompah music to great German Schlager, followed by a live DJ.”

– Cambridge News

  • Location: Jesus Green, Cambridge
  • Dates: Friday 30th September & Saturday 1st October 2022
  • Times:
    • Friday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
    • Saturday Afternoon: 11:00am – 4:30pm
    • Saturday Evening: 5:30pm – 11:00pm
  • Prices: Ticket prices vary on packages chosen, visit the website for more information
  • Contact:
    • Phone: +44 (0) 20 8133 2210
    • Email: info@cambridge-oktoberfest.co.uk

 

More information on Cambridge Oktoberfest 2022

 

Autumn Activities for 2022:
For Exciting Events

7. Illumina Cambridge Fireworks & Bonfire Night, Cambridge

Pink and red fireworks light up the night sky.
Credit: Elisha Terada, UnSplash

One of our local autumn activities for 2022 that is sure to go off with a bang is the Illumina Cambridge Fireworks and Bonfire Night! Cambridge celebrates Bonfire Night with a magnificent bonfire and fireworks display on Midsummer Common which attracts up to 25,000 people each year and is among the best-known fireworks displays in the region.

Featuring a spectacular firework display, golden crackling bonfire and a selection of food and drink stalls – this bonfire extravaganza is not one to be missed!

  • Location: Midsummer Common, Cambridge
  • Dates: TBC
  • Times: TBC
  • Prices: Free
  • Contact:
    • Phone: N/A
    • Email: cityevents@cambridgelive.org.uk

 

More information on Illumina Cambridge Fireworks & Bonfire Night

 

8. Children's Halloween Party & Cinema, St Ives

A smily-face pumpkin is decorated with fairy lights against a dark background.
Credit: Lukasz Niescioruk, UnSplash

An idea for the little ones on our list of autumn activities for 2022 is the Children’s Halloween Party and Cinema in St Ives!

Frightfully free admission, the spooky film to be shown will be Hotel Transylvania 2 and in addition to the fantastic movie, children will also enjoy face painting, games, and prizes for the best fancy dress costume! The coffee shop will be open for pizza, snacks, and hot and cold beverages – perfect to pacify the adults and ravenous little ones!

  • Location: St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 5AG
  • Dates: Friday 28th October 2022
  • Times: 1:00pm
  • Prices: Free
  • Contact:
    • Phone: 01480 496454
    • Email: N/A

 

More information on Children’s Halloween Party & Cinema

 

9. Autumn Gift & Craft Fair, Buckden

Eight felt leaves hang from a line ranging in colours from green to red, to purple.
Credit: Designecologist, UnSplash

Make the most of what autumn has to offer with a visit to the Autumn Gift and Craft Fair in Buckden! Featuring a plethora of amazing stalls selling everything from art, needlecraft, and bath bombs to jams, candles, and jewellery, the autumn gift and craft fair will feature creations from local artists and makers.

Delicious afternoon teas will also be available to pre-order or you can simply turn up and enjoy a wide variety of homemade cakes, sandwiches pastries, and more!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your wallet and support local!

  • Location: Buckden Village Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden PE19 5UY
  • Dates: Sunday 16th October 2022
  • Times: 11:00am – 4:00pm
  • Prices: N/A
  • Contact:
    • Phone: N/A
    • Email: confetticakelab20@outlook.com

 

More information on the Autumn Gift & Craft Fair

 

10. Neon Moon Club Cirque Halloween, Cambridge

An aerial dancer balances on a neon moon
Credit: Cambridge Junction

Last but certainly not least on our list of autumn activities for 2022 is the infamous Neon Moon Club Cirque Halloween Party in Cambridge!

“Drag your glittering corpses to the dance floor this Halloween for our undead disco! Experience a thrilling world of wonder and amazement! Venture into the twisted realms of your soul as we bring the darkest and most fabulous creatures to life! Featuring international cabaret, circus & burlesque performers to amaze you on the main stage and Swing & Bass DJ’s until 2 am.”  – Cambridge Junction

Voted one of the “Top 10 Parties in the UK” by Heat Magazine, Neon Moon Club Cirque Halloween is Cambridge junction’s most popular sell-out party of the year so don’t miss it!

  • Location: Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX
  • Dates: Saturday 29th October 2022
  • Times: 8:00pm – 2:00am
  • Prices: Visit the website for more information
  • Contact:
    • Phone: N/A
    • Email: contact@neonmoon.co.uk

 

More information on Neon Moon Club Cirque Halloween

 

We hope our list of local autumn activities for 2022 has provided you with a wide variety of ideas on how to spend your days this autumn! For more ideas on how to get into the autumnal spirit this season, take a look at our blog here.

Remember we are always on hand to offer any advice and to provide any necessary information. For more autumn activities for 2022 or any other queries, just get in touch below, and we will respond to your request as soon as possible!

Autumnal wishes,

Team Boutique Lux