Seasonal ingredients
“Eating and shopping seasonally is a great way to help reduce food waste, as well as lower costs as produce is often cheaper when in season,” says Rhiannon Lambert, a registered nutritionist and author of Deliciously Healthy Pregnancy. “It is also better and more sustainable for the environment.
“Some produce in season this October include apples, cranberries, pears, plums, pomegranate, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, leeks, parsnips, squash, swede, pumpkins, and tomatoes. Why not make a butternut squash pasta, or broccoli and cauliflower mac and cheese?”
Photographs
Autumn is the perfect time to take pictures, according to photographer Drew Forsyth. “The light is easier and more forgiving, with more of the red and yellow end of the spectrum, and less blues and violets, meaning you capture those golden sunrises and sunsets.
“The landscape also has constantly changing colours, with the rusty leaves and green grass creating a wide variety of photograph opportunities. My advice would be to get outside early to see the sunrise and remember to take a coat.”
‘Wednesday‘
Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams with Thing in Tim Burton’s The Addams Family (Courtesy of Netflix)
An Addams Family spin-off directed by Tim Burton and starring Catherine Zeta-Jones as Morticia and Luis Guzman as Gomez? Grab a blanket and get ready to binge watch. Netflix, 27 November.
Stargazing
“Autumn’s clear night skies are great for stargazing and there’s plenty to look out for this autumn,” said astrologer Heather from Alchemy.com. “Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect to be treated to views of the Draconids meteors in the early evening before the moon has risen from now until Tuesday.
“If you’re up before dawn on 21 and 22 October, you may catch a glimpse of the Orionids meteors too. We’ll also experience a total Lunar Eclipse on 8 November from 9am-1pm. It’s unlikely to be visible in the UK, but stargazers in parts of the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to an exciting display as the Moon changes from blood red to rusty orange.”
Pumpkin spiced lattes
The beloved “PSL” is returning to Starbucks to make those colder mornings a little more bearable. With a combination of espresso, pumpkin pie flavoured sauce and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, it’s autumn in a mug.
Halloween
One of the most fun nights of the year, either head out for some trick or treating in your most frightening outfit or snuggle up to watch a horror film.
Bonfire night
Toffee apples, sparklers and bonfires. What’s not to like?
Cosy nights in
Good for the mind and soul, cosy nights in are making a comeback this autumn (Photo: Artur Debat/Getty)
“There’s something deeply intimate about autumn,” explains psychologist, Dr Charlie Fox Weber. “Darker nights allow for contemplation and growth. Try self-cosiness – it can be exhilarating to show up for yourself. Being at home can mean connecting inwardly as well as with others. It’s also consoling to accept the lonely bits of being human, and being at home doesn’t mean shutting down. It can be creative and freeing and full of possibilities.”
‘The Crown’
After production was paused following the Queen’s death for the sixth and final season of The Crown, the latest offering is still set to hit screens on 9 November. Imelda Staunton will be stepping into the role of Queen Elizabeth II, while Elizabeth Debicki is taking on the late Princess of Wales’ final years.
Soup season
With colder months ahead, soup season is in full swing. Warm up with a delicious carrot and butternut squash combo, or soothe any cold symptoms with a bowl of chicken broth.
Wildlife
Starlings flock above the sea as they fly past the Palace Pier in Brighton (Photo by Glyn Kirtk/AFP)
Autumn is the ideal time to see a murmuration of starlings – thousands of birds swooping and diving in unison – according to the RSPB. “Roosts usually begin to form in November, with more and more birds flocking together as the weeks go on,” adds the RSPB.
“Early evening, just before dusk, is the best time to see them across the UK. You don’t need any special equipment as it’s visible by just looking to the skies.” This time of year is also perfect for spotting hedgehogs, barn owls and deer.
Conker games
In September and October, the fruits of the horse chestnut tree, known as conkers, begin to fall from the trees and can be tied to a string to play the traditional game of conkers.
The aim is to break your opponent’s conker by swinging your own into it. If you’re particularly talented (or fancy watching) the World Conker Championships are also taking place in Northamptonshire this Sunday. worldconkerchampionships.com
‘Darling’ by India Knight
In this modern reimagining of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love, Linda escapes her eccentric family and isolated Norfolk farmhouse in search of greater things in London. The perfect novel to curl up with this autumn. £14.99, published by Fig Tree, out 20 October
Qatar World Cup 2022
There are fewer than 50 days until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar. England’s first match against Iran is set for 21 November, while Wales face USA on the same day. The two home nations then play each other on 29 November.
Crisp walks
Get outside for a brisk walk to boost endorphins (Photo: Pete Lawrence/Getty)
Wrapping up and going out for a daily walk can be especially beneficial to your health in autumn. Not only does it boost feel good hormones, but helps with circulation, metabolism and heart health.
Coats
Stay toasty in a timeless trench coat, or perhaps a bomber jacket, or your go-to overcoat. We’re here for that extra layer – not to mention the end of bare legs and the return of 200 denier tights.
‘Mandela’
This new musical premiering at the Young Vic tells the story of Nelson Mandela the man, as well as the anti-Apartheid movement. Infused with the rhythms and spirit of South Africa, Mandela shines a light on a courageous fight for liberation. 29 November–4 February, tickets from £15, youngvic.org/whats-on/mandela
Women’s Rugby World Cup
The Women’s Rugby World Cup begins this weekend, and while defending champions and hosts New Zealand have shown a return to form since the pandemic, it is England who will start as favourites to win the tournament. Might we see another women’s sport victory for England in 2022?
Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet Of Curiosities. Daphne Hoskins as Epperley and Rupert Grint as Walter Gilman (Photo: Ken Woroner/Netflix)
The Oscar winner presents an anthology series of horror stories that challenge genre stereotypes. Two of the episodes are original works by Del Toro, while others are directed by film-makers from Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) to Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night) and star the likes of Tim Blake Nelson, Essie Davis, Rupert Grint and Dan Stevens. Netflix, from 25 Oct
Half-term
While this term may also be the longest (parents can take a deep breath), half-term is also just around the corner. There are plenty of activities for families going on across the UK, from a Jurassic World exhibition in London to a pumpkin festival in Kent, and a range of historical and workshops at National Trust sites.
Cambridge Jazz Festival
A celebration of the huge variety of music that jazz encompasses, from gypsy jazz to funk, jazz poetry and spoken word to hip-hop, from solo artists to big bands. There are live performances, talks and workshops so everyone can get involved. 10-27 November, some events free, cambridgejazzfestival.info
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
The long-awaited sequel to 2018’s Black Panther is nearly here. Since the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman (who played the lead T’Challa) this latest instalment pays tribute to the great actor, while also passing the baton to the next superhero to step into his shoes. In cinemas 11 November
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Taking place over 58 laps of the 5.281km Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, this F1 event will have you holding onto your seats. 20 November, formula1.com/en/racing/2022/United_Arab_Emirates.html
Thanksgiving
This holiday may be American, but there are many events to celebrate it in the UK. If you don’t fancy heading out, stay home and make your own Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and – if you’re brave enough – sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.
‘Emily’
The cast of Emily attend the UK premiere at the Everyman Borough Yards on October 4, 2022 in London, England. (Photo: Lia Toby/Getty)
Depicting the brief life of one of Britain’s greatest writers, Emily follows Emily Brontë before she wrote the classic, Wuthering Heights. Starring Sex Education’s Emma Mackay as the titular heroine. In cinemas 14 October
‘Just Sayin’’ by Malorie Blackman
The former Children’s Laureate had a worldwide hit with her series Noughts & Crosses, later turned into a compelling TV series. Now she is sharing her own story in this autobiography, tracking her journey from a young girl in south London to one of Britain’s best children’s authors, dealing with casual racism, sickle cell and 80 rejection letters along the way. £16.99, Merky Books, out 10 Oct
Diwali
A festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, it usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu month Kartika. This year there are plenty of events to mark the occasion across the UK, including Diwali Leicester – one of the biggest celebrations outside of India. 24–29 October, visitleicester.info/diwali
Sunday roasts
The great British Sunday roast can’t be beaten. Pile up your plate with roast potatoes, veggies, stuffing, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings and gravy, then tuck in with family before enjoying an afternoon nap on the sofa.
Welsh Museums Festival
This annual event features two weeks of special events and activities at museums across Wales. There are dragons to find, riddles to solve, crafts to make and time travel to delight younger visitors, as well as talks, lectures, crafts, behind the scenes explorations, and conservation sessions for adults. 22 October–6 November, many events free, museums.wales
‘Newsies’
Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, Newsies follows a ragged band of teenage newspaper sellers, who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. The immersive and award-winning musical is coming to London in November, and tickets are going fast. From 29 November, tickets from £30, newsiesthemusical.co.uk
Canterbury Festival
Kent’s international arts festival is back with three weeks of music, performances, talks, family events, science and more right in the heart of Canterbury. 15 October–5 November, ticket prices vary, canterburyfestival.co.uk
Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’
The American singer is back with her ninth album, Midnights. Swift recently revealed the album as a collection of songs based on 13 sleepless nights over the past few years, during which she got up to jot down lyrics – and we can’t wait to hear them. Out 21 October
‘It Starts with Us’ by Colleen Hoover
Following up on her TikTok viral novel It Ends with Us – about Lily and Atlas, and a second chance with a first love – Hoover now tells Atlas’s side of the story. An emotional rollercoaster to entertain during longer nights. £14.99, published by Simon & Schuster, out 18 October
‘The Car’ by Arctic Monkeys
The forthcoming seventh studio album by Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys, The Car is sure to be packed full of the band’s usual catchy hits, including ‘There Better be a Mirrorball’ and ‘Body Paint’. Out 21 October
‘Bones and All’
A coming-of-age romantic film directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Taylor Russell, Timothee Chalamet and Mark Rylance as cannibals in Reagan’s America. It received a 10-minute standing ovation following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and is likely to become an Oscar contender. Release date TBC
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ final
The dancing extravaganza has Salsa’d onto our screens for another year, and things are beginning to heat up. Kaye Adams became the first celebrity to be voted off, but who will be crowned the winner?
St Andrew’s Day
An official bank holiday in Scotland, this annual celebration of the country’s patron saint is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the very best of Scottish culture, delicious food and drink, music and ceilidh dancing, and parties going into the wee small hours of the night. 30 November
Winter warmers
Enjoy a hot chocolate this autumn (Photo: Getty)
From mulled wine to hot toddies, luxury hot chocolates to spiced apple ciders, a winter warmer is sure to inject some heat on those cold nights.
Clocks changing
With clocks going back on 30 October, enjoy that extra one hour in bed.
Sukkot
Arriving five days after Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a Jewish harvest festival that involves living outside in a hut decorated with fruit and veg (called a Sukkah). Meals are also eaten in the Sukkah – including kreplach (stuffed dumplings) – while branches and lemons are shaken together to send out blessings. 9-16 October
Blackberry foraging
Grown in clusters along hedgerows, wild blackberries are safe to eat (once washed) and great fun to forage – although you’ll need to be quick as the season will soon be over. You can find blackberries in woods, hedges, heaths, and even your garden. Brambles are usually found in a tangled straggly clump, with prickly, toothed leaves that turn reddish green in the autumn. The berries should be a deep, purple-black when picked, and make excellent jams.
Scarves
There’s nothing more comforting (or fashionable) than a warm woolen scarf. Or gloves. Or a jumper. In fact, wool in general. Here’s to wearing wool as much as possible.
Log fires
Keep warm beside a crackling log fire either at home or your local pub during cold autumn nights. Why not enjoy a toasted marshmallow too?
Mexico at Kew Gardens
An installation titled Una Ofrenda Floreciendo en su Mmemoria (An Offering of Blossoms in their Memory) by Betsabee Romero in Kew Gardens’ Temperate House (Photo: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)
Discover the vibrancy of Mexico at this visual spectacular within Kew Gardens iconic Temperate House. With bold new artistic and horticultural installations by renowned Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero, designer Fernando Laposse and UK award winning garden designer Jon Wheatley, the works reflect the beauty and colour of Mexican culture and its deep connection with plants and the natural world. Until 31 October, tickets £15, free for members, kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/mexico
Prince Harry’s memoir
Perhaps the most controversial – and anticipated – book of the year, Prince Harry’s “intimate and heartfelt” memoir is rumoured to be published by Penguin Random House later this year. With no royal aides being privy to the contents – which were ghost written by author JR Moehringer – before release, it remains to be seen what the prince is set to reveal.
NFL season
London hosts three regular-season American football games this year. In the first, last weekend, the Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints 28-25 in one of the best games the capital has seen. This Sunday, the New York Giants take on Green Bay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while Denver face Jacksonville at Wembley on 30 October. Channel 5 is showing Monday night games every week, while Sky has live games on Sunday and ITV has highlight round-ups every Friday evening.
‘The Light We Carry’ by Michelle Obama
From the former US First Lady and author of the global bestseller Becoming, comes an inspirational volume of personal insight and wisdom, aimed at illuminating the complexities of relationships, communities and identity for everyone. £25, published by Penguin Books, out 15 November
Custard
The official autumnal dessert addition (in our opinion), warm custard is great on apple crumble, rhubarb pie and bread and butter pudding – or just on its own with a spoon.
Knitting
Take up knitting to create your own scarves, hats and jumpers (Photo: Guido Mieth/Getty)
With the darker nights drawing in, now is a great time to join Tom Daley and pick up a pair of knitting needles. Beginners can learn the basics with the many online tutorials, while experts can fashion a scarf, a blanket or a hat. designswoolandthegang.com
The big Christmas build-up
A list of the best parts of autumn wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Christmas. From festive markets, to films, lights, advent calendars and songs, it’s not long until the build-up to the holidays begins.