Best countryside events, festivals and concerts in October
October is a month for feasting on warming autumnal food and drink, spooky Halloween walks, food festivals and book fairs. Here is a selection of the best of outdoor and countryside events for October
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Here is our pick of the best events, festivals and concerts taking place across the UK in October 2019.
Magnificent milky way, Kielder Observatory, Northumberland
1st October
The light pollution we experience in 2019 means that very few people ever see a true likeness of our milky way. This event, based at Kielder Observatory, aims to show visitors galaxies that lie two million light years away from earth from the observation deck. kielderobservatory.org
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Cheltenham literature festival, Cheltenham
4th – 13th October
For ten days in October, Cheltenham is transformed into a literary lover’s dream as over 600 of the world’s finest writers, actors, politicians and poets help to celebrate the joy of the written word. This year will feature author Anthony Horowitz as he talks about bringing the legend that is James Bond back to life in his new novel, while bake off winner Nadiya Hussain shares her favourite food to cook and eat with family. www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature
Ilkey literature festival, West Yorkshire
4th – 20th October
For 17 days in October, the Victorian spa town of Ilkey is set to be host to a literature festival that will see poets, food writers, journalists and actors all come together, in a number of events designed to celebrate literature. The UK’s Poet Laureate, Yorkshireman Simon Armitage, will open the Festival, while famous faces such as Prue Leith and Claire Balding will host talks for the public in later days. Festival-goers will even be able to visit music, comedy and film nights, attend guided walks around the town, join a book quiz and go on a stargazing walk. www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
Scotland and the Arctic event, Dumfries
8th – 20th October
This two-week event, timed to coincide with the annual migration of Barnacle Geese from the Arctic to south west Scotland, explores Scotland’s relationship with the Arctic and the threats brought to the region by climate change. There will be a day of conversation about Scotland and the Arctic featuring storytellers, poets, naturalists and academics, along with the Wild Goose Weekend, a film festival and children’s events. There will also be the chance to see photography and film created by Colin Tennant, who is from Dumfries and Galloway, and Dr. Saskia Coulson (Coulson & Tennant) who have been documenting the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic. www.ayearofconversation.com
Robin hood beer and cider festival, Nottinghamshire
9th – 12th October
With such a long history of brewing, it’s no surprise that Nottinghamshire is so passionate about beer. This year, the festival will have over a thousand different real ales for visitors to sample, alongside unusual craft beer, cider and perries. This will all be accompanied by live music acts across two different venues that have been timed to ensure no clashes. www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org
Walk Scilly long weekend, Isles of Scilly
10th – 14th Oct
Make the most of the stunning autumn colours by exploring the wilder side of the Isles of Scilly at the Walk Scilly Weekend.
Led by a knowledgable guide, you’ll learn about the local wildlife and fauna and get a taste for island life. Step on to St. Mary’s and unearth the fascinating history and archaeology, or take on a foraging walk.
The Natural Eye: Society of Wildlife Artists Annual Exhibition, London
10th – 19th October
This exhibition, run by the Society of Wildlife Artists as part of an annual exhibition that documents endangered British birds, will be showing over 350 works by members elected to the Society and artists selected from open submission. Each of the works depicts endangered wildlife and aims to further the awareness of important conservation efforts. www.mallgalleries.org.uk
Foraging in the New Forest, Hampshire
11th, 12th, 13th, 20th October
The New Forest is an important site for fungi in Britain and has a diverse and protected ecosystem. This foraging course will teach participants how to identify the wild foods that are available during the year and provide a homemade seasonal refreshment such as lovely wild soup, elderflower champagne or fruit leathers. This will be followed by a wild food lunch based on the food found throughout the day. www.thenewforest.co.uk
Lincoln Sausage festival, Castle Hill, Lincolnshire
12th October
Celebrate the humble sausage this October with a trip to the Lincoln Sausage Festival. Set within the grounds of Lincoln Castle, this lively event – ideal for a family day out – includes cooking demonstrations, stalls full of Lincolnshire produce and live music. www.visitlincoln.com
Peak district fair and beer festival, Buxton
12th October
The Great Peak District Fair and Buxton Beer Festival is a truly autumnal feast. Taking place in the recently refurbished Octagon hall on the promenade, this festival will offer local beer, ales, hot and cold food, Punch and Judy shows alongside rides, archery and ferret racing.
Falmouth Oyster festival, Events Square, Falmouth
12th – 13th October
Travel down to Falmouth this October and enjoy one of Cornwall’s biggest and best-loved specialist food festivals – Falmouth Oyster Festival. This annual celebration commemorates the start of the oyster dredging season, the native Fal Oyster and the diversity of Cornish seafood, with four days of feasting, cooking demos, live music, food and craft stalls.
The programme this year includes live music, top chefs and food experts, the Working Boat race, Grand Oyster Parade, shucking competition and a Grand Oyster Draw.
Nature writing course, Cairngorms National Park
20th – 25th October
The October writing workshop, led by Kendal-based nature writer, Karen Lloyd, is a rare opportunities for writers to develop their craft over a four day event. The workshops will include a dynamic mix of field trips to a number of contrasting Cairngorm landscapes with local wildlife expert, Simon Pawsey, and a chance to meet ecologists from The Cairngorms National Park Capercaillie Community Project and The Cairngorms Connect Project. These will be combined with writing seminars and discussions with Karen, who has been a contributor to The Guardian’s Country Diary and BBC Wildlife. www.karenlloyd-writer.co.uk/writing-courses
Family moon trail, Bowlees Visitor Centre, Upper Teesdale
23rd – 30th October
This family moon trail, part of the North Pennines Stargazing Festival, will see families follow the themed trail from Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale. Set up to commemorate the 50th year since the first manned mission on the moon, families will follow the self-guided trail to learn about the moon to unlock keys that’ll win you space themed prizes. Find out more on the North Pennines website.
Willow sculptures workshop, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
26th October
At this workshop, which costs £40 per person, course members will learn how to weave their own willow sculpture inspired by wildlife. Instructed by basket maker Maggie Cooper, you will use colourful basket willows to create a woven bee, dragonfly or butterfly, that you can then take home and enjoy. The price includes material costs and a hot drink, alongside entrance to Chatsworth Garden on the day. chatsworth.org
Past, Present, future: codes and ciphers at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
29th October
Experience ‘Past, Present, Future: Codes and Ciphers’, located in the rural suburbs of Milton Keynes. This course, which is designed for people with a confidence in GCSE level maths, will give you the opportunity to explore a real World War II enigma machine and learn about how codes and ciphers work. Plus, course members will receive a guided tour of the site and allocated free time to explore. bletchleypark.org.uk
