Our Favourite Things to Do in Essex during Autumn
If you’re looking for an autumn escape in Essex, enjoying crisp walks and cosying up by the fire, The White Hart is the perfect base for your adventure. Discover some of our favourite things to do in Essex this autumn below.
Where to See the Best Autumn Colour
To enjoy the most spectacular colours of the season, you need to head to the forest, and in Essex, there are not one but two epic forests to enjoy - Epping and Hatfield.
Epping Forest
With over 2,400 hectares of ancient woodland straddling the border between Greater London and Essex, Epping Forest is the ideal destination for family days out in Essex.
There are miles of trails to explore, allowing you to soak up the colours of the season as you wander or cycle through the ancient woodland.
There are three visitor centres across the forest at High Beach, Chingford and Wanstead Park, where you can find out more about information for your jaunt and pick up a map to help you plan your route.
Car parking charges apply year-round, so make sure you pay and display before heading out.
Hatfield Forest
Once an ancient hunting forest, Hatfield Forest is now managed by The National Trust and is home to over 3,500 species of wildlife, meaning it’s not just the autumn colour of Essex you can spot on your adventure.
Paths are well marked and there are some flat accessible routes ideal for those with mobility aids or families with prams. Plus, with three car parks dotted across the forest, it’s easy to find a spot even during busier times. Parking costs £9 per car and the car parks open daily from dawn to dusk.
Garden Days with Late-Season Interest
To enjoy even more autumn colours in Essex, head to RHS Garden Hyde Hall, where the carefully curated borders are bursting with the final throws of colour. From burnt orange and red foliage to the last of the blooms, wispy grasses and a magnificent display of heritage pumpkins in October, there is so much to see.
The Gardens also hosts numerous events, from gardening talks and guided tours to craft workshops and storytime sessions for younger visitors, it is a real treat for families on a weekend break in Essex.
The Gardens open from 10am to 4pm daily throughout autumn, and entrance costs from £13.25 for adults, £5 for children, and is free for under-fives.
Heritage Without the Crowds
If you’re looking for heritage family days out in Essex this autumn, we recommend visiting the majestic Audley End House. This early 17th-century mansion, built for Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk and Lord Treasurer to James I, now offers a glimpse into how such a great house would have operated in the 1800s.
The nursery is set up as it would have been in the 1830s, so children dress up and play with replica toys, the service wing offers a glimpse into life downstairs for servants in the 1880s, and the grand stables, complete with resident horses, show the role horses would have played in running the house and land in Audley End’s heyday.
And it doesn’t stop at the house, as you can also enjoy exploring the Capability Brown designed gardens, or little ones can let off some steam in the play area.
Cosy Sunday Lunch at The White Hart Great Yeldham
Arguably one of the best things about autumn is cosying up by a roaring fire while tucking into a delicious Sunday roast, and there’s nowhere better to do this than in our charming 15th-century restaurant.
Serving up the finest local produce, our Sunday dinner is available every Sunday from 12pm to 7pm and offers something for all diners. From delicious starters to traditional roasts with all the trimmings and vegetarian options, everyone is sure to find something to tempt them. Just be sure to book ahead, as our Sunday lunch is incredibly popular.
Easy Day Routes from Great Yeldham
Our location in Great Yeldham is perfect for exploring North Essex, so if you're looking for even more inspiration for autumn things to do in Essex, then discover two easy routes when you stay at The White Hart:
Hatfield Forest
Wake up and tuck into a delicious breakfast at The White Hart, before driving across to Hatfield Forest. Enjoy a stroll through the forest, admiring all the spectacular autumn colours. You can then make the short drive back to our hotel and cosy up by the fire before enjoying dinner.
Audley End House & River Cam Walk
If a day discovering the heritage of the area is more your style, why not spend the morning exploring the delights of Audley End House and Gardens before heading to the nearby River Cam and enjoying a stroll.
You can stop for a quick snack in the Court Yard Café at Audley End House or enjoy a more substantial lunch in the Servant’s Hall Tea Room before strolling along the banks of the river. Once back at The White Hart, you can rest your tired legs and enjoy a well-deserved drink by the fire.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re planning a weekend break in Essex or a longer stay, you’re sure to enjoy a warm welcome at The White Hart.
With 13 award-winning ensuite bedrooms and our award-winning 2 AA Rosette restaurant, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and relaxing retreat following a busy day exploring north Essex and the Stour valley.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your retreat today at The White Hart Great Yeldham, and enjoy all the many autumn things to do in Essex.