Autumn must be the best time of the year to visit a forest and Grizedale Forest<\/strong> offers unrivalled days out for everyone who visits. Walkers, delight in that crunch underfoot as you explore endless forest trails.\u00a0 Thrill-seekers, take to two wheels or into the trees and test your nerve on a bike or Go Ape courses. \u00a0Culture vultures keep your eyes peeled for the unique sculptures dotted throughout the forest; and photographers and Instagrammers, you are in for a treat as the autumnal colours dazzle and are reflected in the waters of the natural tarn.<\/p>\n Grizedale Treepole c Rob Fraser<\/p><\/div>\n Celebrate Apple Day<\/strong><\/p>\n Originating in 1990 in response to the loss of so many traditional orchards, Apple Day is a great way of celebrating the many different varieties grown throughout Britain. Apple Day itself falls on 21 October, but events take place throughout autumn.<\/p>\n Enjoy a day dedicated to celebrating all things apple! \u2013 as specialists, enthusiasts, growers, and everyone who likes eating apples gather or a day of apple identification, apple pies, apple sauce, juicing, stalls, and fruity activities for all the family.<\/p>\n Levens Hall apples<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n Take a taste on the wild side So let someone else do the foraging, the jam making and the cooking and seek out one of our amazing heritage house\u2019s tearooms or restaurants with a taste of nature on the menu. Now here I\u2019m spoilt for choice \u2013 but for homemade jam with your scones served in a converted Grade II listed barn to Michelin starred dining in a peel tower built during the 14th century you\u2019d do no better than Askham Hall.<\/strong> If you fancy doing a recci take a stroll through their beautiful gardens with views of the River Lowther and visit the animals \u2013 what they can\u2019t source locally they grow, forage and rear!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The eagle-eyed amongst you may spot red squirrels, rabbits, badgers, and pheasants.<\/p>\n Askham Hall Kitchen<\/p><\/div>\n Meet the gardeners<\/strong><\/p>\n Autumn must be one of the most mindful times to visit a heritage garden. As those bright blousy colours fade, the herbaceous borders become an exciting display of rich golds, bronzes, and deep reds \u2013 their final explosion before fading to winter. If you are looking for inspiration, then head to a garden that positively shouts creativity and happy to share some tips \u2013 here\u2019s a couple of my top picks for gardens with autumn colour and dates when you can meet the gardeners themselves.<\/p>\n The gardens at Holker Hall<\/strong> have evolved over hundreds of years, under the knowledgeable guidance of generations of the Cavendish Family.\u00a0 They will all have seen seasons come and go, each adding new plantings to create what is now a very characterful garden. You can learn more about it from Head Gardener, Glyn Sherratt who gives tours at various times throughout the year.<\/p>\n Every year the gardens at Lowther Castle<\/strong> grow more intriguing \u2013 all overseen by head gardener Martin Ogle who knows the gardens intimately. You can join Martin on an autumn garden tour, followed by a Q&A session over tea and cake on Thursday 21 October. You will also see the Garden Masterplan, drawn up in 2012 by Dan Pearson.<\/p>\n The gardens are open to visitors most days, but always pre-book tours on their websites, the halls and houses begin to close at the end of October, but many will keep their gardens and estates and cafes open to walk and wander through, and hold seasonal events,\u00a0 especially at half-term, and in the festive season.<\/p>\n Holker Hall stag<\/p><\/div>\n Be afraid \u2013 be very afraid!<\/strong><\/p>\n As well as being the season of mellow fruitfulness it\u2019s also the season of things that go bump in the dark! So, if Halloween\u2019s your thing \u2013 then go to where it\u2019s done well – full-on drama!<\/p>\n Join in the Skeleton Parade<\/em> at Brockhole on Windermere<\/strong> \u2013 the daily dance of bones takes place throughout their Halloween week, 20 \u2013 31 October. Along with haunted forests, zombie archers and pumpkin farmers it\u2019s a Halloween experience that will haunt you.<\/p>\n Muncaster Hall pumpkins<\/p><\/div>\n Or book into the Emporium of Stolen Soul<\/em>s,<\/em> Muncaster Castle\u2019s<\/strong> Halloween Show, 23 – 31 October, where there will be oodles of fun and Halloween entertainment to make this a perfect time of year to visit this haunted castle.\u00a0 Activities include the Scary Maze, fire juggling shows, axe throwing(!), kids crafts, lantern parades, spooky science sessions and zombies\u2026<\/p>\n The only thing to be afraid of is missing out \u2013 pre-book well ahead.<\/p>\n And finally \u2013 food.<\/p>\n Cumbria has a food heritage with no equal anywhere in England – and we\u2019ve eight\u00a0Michelin stars<\/strong>\u00a0to prove it. The combination of\u00a0locally sourced produce\u00a0and culinary expertise has made eating out an experience in many of our pubs, restaurants, cafes and farm shops.<\/p>\n For a taste of what we have on offer visit \u2013 https:\/\/www.visitlakedistrict.com\/food-and-drink<\/a> or get on board the county\u2019s favourite food festival, Taste Cumbria, returned to Cockermouth in September and has a Taste Christmas celebration planned where you can eat, drink, shop and explore. https:\/\/visitallerdale.co.uk\/taste-cumbria-home\/<\/a><\/p>\n \u2026 but I hope you discover special places of your own \u2013 seek out the hidden gems,\u00a0 and enjoy what I consider to be the best season to be here.’<\/p>\n Tempted to book an Autumn break in the lakes? Browse our wonderful collect of Lake District holiday cottages<\/a> and secure your perfect base today.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2021\/10\/GrizedaleTreepole1-photo-copyright-Rob-Fraser-1200px.jpg\")
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\n<\/strong>At this time of year, hedgerows are alive with delicious fruit from blackberries for jams to sloes for gin and there\u2019s a bountiful supply of fungi, nuts, and wild herbs \u2013 but heck \u2013 you\u2019re on holiday!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2021\/10\/Askham-Kitchen-cafe-800px.jpg\")
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