Things to do in Surrey in autumn

Looking for the best things to do in Surrey in autumn?  From woodland walks and fiery autumn colour to pumpkin picking, Halloween fun, and spectacular firework displays, Surrey has something for everyone this season.  Families will find plenty of activities for October half-term, and adults can enjoy cultural highlights, cosy pubs, and seasonal countryside experiences.

👉 Don’t miss our bumper guide to the best autumn events in Surrey this year.

And if autumn is nearly over, you can always get ahead with our guide to Christmas events in Surrey.

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Nothing says autumn quite like scrunching through crisp leaves. As the UK’s most wooded county, Surrey boasts some of the best autumn walks in England.

You can enjoy hiking in the Surrey Hills Area, take a peaceful riverside stroll, or wander the landscaped grounds of historic estates.

Be sure to finish your walk with a cosy pint in one of Surrey’s welcoming country pubs.

👉 Check out our favourite family-friendly autumn walks in Surrey.

Skip the supermarket this year and head to a pumpkin patch in Surrey. Children love choosing from all shapes and sizes, and many farms also host Halloween activities that add to the fun.  Remember to bring wellies and a big bag as pumpkins can get heavy!

👉 Here’s our guide to the best pick-your-own pumpkin farms in Surrey.

Surrey borders two stunning Royal Parks that are home to herds of free-roaming deer.

• Bushy Park offers a mix of open parkland and ancient woodland and is home to around 320 red and fallow deer.

• Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park with more than 630 deer.

Autumn is rutting season, when stags put on dramatic displays as they compete for the attention of females.  It is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences you can enjoy near Surrey.

Book lovers should not miss the Guildford Book Festival , running from 14^th – 23^rd October 2025 at venues across the town.  The programme includes talks from bestselling authors, literary lunches, and creative workshops, making it a highlight of Surrey’s cultural calendar.

Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is the Japanese practice of slowing down, breathing deeply, and immersing yourself in woodland surroundings.  Surrey’s forests are an ideal setting for this mindful activity, especially in autumn when the trees are at their most colourful.

This natural therapy is shown to reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and help you reconnect with nature.

If you are searching for Halloween days out in Surrey, you will be spoilt for choice. From pumpkin trails and spooky walks to ghost stories and after-dark adventures, there are plenty of experiences for both families and adults.

👉 Take a look at our top picks for Halloween events in Surrey.

November brings Guy Fawkes Night and Surrey’s firework displays are some of the best in the South East.  Wrap up warm, enjoy toffee apples or hot chocolate, and watch the skies light up with colour.

For unforgettable displays of autumn colour, Surrey offers some spectacular locations.

• Winkworth Arboretum is renowned for its dazzling Japanese maples.

• Leith Hill is Surrey’s highest point and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Ramster Gardens briefly reopens in October so visitors can enjoy its fiery autumn foliage.

👉 Discover our guide to the best places to see autumn colours in Surrey.

In September, the Guildford Walkfest celebrates the area’s beautiful countryside with a packed programme of guided walks.

Led by local groups, the walks range from gentle family strolls to more challenging hikes, so there is something for everyone.  Most of the events are free, although advance booking is required.

👉 Click here to book your spot at Guildford Walkfest.

Alice Holt Forest, near Farnham, is always one of the best family days out in Surrey, and autumn makes it extra special.

Younger children will enjoy the Gruffalo Trail and the adventure playground, while older kids and adults can try cycling, woodland walks, or the Go Ape Treetop Challenge.

With such a wide variety of trees, the forest is alive with autumn colour and offers plenty to explore.

If you’re looking for more ideas for family days out and things to do at October half-term, here’s 40 things to do in Surrey with kids.

Whether you want to explore Surrey’s countryside, enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun, or admire autumn colour, there is so much to experience before the season ends.

And if you are already looking beyond autumn, it’s never too early to start planning for Christmas in Surrey.  There’s just so much going on.

Whether you love an illuminated light trail, a festive show, a Christmas market or a catch-up with Santa, there’s plenty going on.

Check out our guide to what’s going on at Christmas in Surrey this year.

Or, if like us, you live on the border you might want to know the best Christmas events in Berkshire or things to do at Christmas in Hampshire.

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