Be quick to spot beautiful bats in Oxfordshire this month

Zoe Gater

A magical evening at Hill End sent Liz Nicholls into the twilight in search of bats – and left her with a new bedtime ritual.


I have a new pre-bedtime ritual. Once the day has finally quietened down, I sit in my garden and count the bats swooping overhead.

It turns out I had been woefully underappreciating them.

A recent bat walk at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, near Cumnor, changed all that. Led by ecologist Tom August, whose PhD involved studying bats at nearby Wytham Woods, the evening began with crafts, stories and a crash course in how to use a bat detector before we headed outside as dusk fell.

The detectors translate bats’ ultrasonic calls into sounds we can hear. Turn the dial correctly and a passing pipistrelle suddenly becomes a series of clicks and chirps. Miss it, and you’re left with a gentle hiss. As Tom explained, children may even hear some of the higher-pitched sounds naturally, while those of us who have spent years standing too close to speakers might struggle.

Then came the really magical bit: wandering through Hill End as darkness descended, listening for the telltale sounds and catching fleeting glimpses of bats looping through the trees. And what creatures they are.

There are more than 1,200 species of bat worldwide, with 18 species found in the UK. All our native bats eat insects, with tiny pipistrelles capable of consuming thousands of insects in a night. The brown long-eared bat, meanwhile, has enormous ears and can listen for the sounds made by its prey before pouncing.

We learned that bats use echolocation like a natural sonar system, that their wings are essentially enormously elongated hands, and that their wing tissue is exceptionally quick to heal. We heard about vampire bats, nectar-feeding bats with astonishingly long tongues and even fish-eating bats that detect tiny ripples on the water.

But perhaps the most fascinating part was discovering just how much these small mammals rely on us. UK bats are protected by law and many use buildings, bridges and other human structures as roosts, particularly as natural habitats such as old, gnarly trees have declined.

They also have a remarkably slow reproductive rate. A mother typically has just one pup a year (a third of the size of her, eek), making every individual precious.

As the evening drew to a close, the bats became harder to spot and the detectors fell quiet. But I left looking at the night sky rather differently – and listening much more carefully.

Hill End is a pretty special place for this kind of experience. This year marks its centenary: 100 years since the first schools travelled from Oxford by charabanc to experience its outdoor education. More than a million people have since passed through its gates.

Here’s hoping there are plenty more young explorers discovering its woods, wildlife and wild corners over the next century.

And as for me? I’ll be outside at bedtime, counting bats until the last one disappears into the darkness. They hibernate through the colder months (from October), so I’ll have to make the most of them while I can.

The Hill End team are collecting your stories, and donations, to help continue this good work. Find out more at hill-end.org/about/.

Other events on the horizon include:

Woodland Spooktacular
Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th October, 10am. A Halloween-themed day of woodland fun for families.

Family Bushcraft
Saturday, 7th November, 10am. Get outdoors and learn bushcraft skills together. From £8pp

WW1 Practice Trenches
Saturday, 7th November, 10am. Explore Hill End’s historic First World War practice trenches on a guided tour. From £5pp.

Book the guided tour

Oxford International Song Festival celebrates 25 years with a spectacular programme

Zoe Gater

The Oxford International Song Festival returns this autumn for its 25th anniversary, transforming some of Oxford’s most beautiful venues into stages for an extraordinary celebration of love, song and poetry.


The Oxford International Song Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with a thrilling programme devoted to love in all its forms – from joy and passion to complexity, heartbreak and the creative force that has inspired generations of composers and poets.

Taking place from Friday 9 to Saturday 24 October 2026, the Festival features 59 events, bringing together some of the world’s leading singers, musicians and performers for two weeks of exceptional music in the unique surroundings of Oxford.

When is Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

The Oxford International Song Festival takes place from Friday 9 to Saturday 24 October 2026, with performances and events held across a range of historic and contemporary venues.

The 25th anniversary edition opens on Friday 9 October with a recital from Dame Sarah Connolly, which also marks the Festival’s first event at the newly opened Schwarzman Centre.

The following evening, acclaimed baritone Matthias Goerne makes his Festival debut with Schubert’s Winterreise at the Olivier Hall.

Who’s performing at Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

The anniversary programme brings together an impressive roster of internationally renowned artists, including Carolyn Sampson, Benjamin Appl, Katie Bray, Roderick Williams, Alice Coote, Katharina Ruckgaber, Johannes Kammler, Camilla Tilling, Sarah Maria Sun, Anna Prohaska and Christoph Prégardien.

They are joined by leading pianists including Joseph Middleton, Tamara Stefanovich, James Baillieu and Pauliina Tukiainen, alongside Festival Artistic Director Sholto Kynoch.

There are also appearances from celebrated performers including Dame Imogen Cooper, who performs Hugo Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch as part of her final concert season before retirement, while Juliane Banse returns for a unique performance combining Mozart songs and piano music with dance.

Elsewhere, Alice Coote and Julius Drake present an imaginative programme ranging from David Bowie to Mozart, while Louise Alder and Joseph Middleton explore the passing of the year in a programme featuring Helen Grime’s Seasons, written specifically for the duo in 2025.

What are the highlights of Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

The Festival’s 25th anniversary programme features a number of exciting premieres, including Marriage of…?, a new work by Associate Composer Emily Hazrati and librettist Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambahksh, performed by Nardus Williams.

Katy Thomson and Rustam Khanmurzin premiere a new work by John Webb, exploring the corrupting nature of power, while Anna Dennis and John Reid present The Silent Songs of Josefine, a bold Kafka-inspired work by Can Bilir.

Schubert takes centre stage over the Festival’s central weekend on 17 and 18 October, with Graham Johnson continuing his landmark exploration of the composer’s final years, 200 years on.

Other Schubert highlights include Camilla Tilling performing the composer’s Rückert settings and Helen Charlston performing Die Schöne Müllerin, both with Sholto Kynoch.

Sarah Maria Sun also performs Der Hirt auf dem Felsen with pianist Jan Philip Schulze and clarinettist Julian Bliss.

The Festival’s programme stretches far beyond traditional song recitals, too, with choral music, dance, chamber works, discussions and study events adding to the line-up.

Instrumental highlights include performances from the Carducci String Quartet, guitarists Bryan Brenner and Václav Fuksa, and accordionist Murray Grainger.

New Generation Artists and rising stars

The Festival also shines a spotlight on the next generation of musical talent.

Eight Oxford Song Young Artist duos will perform short showcase slots ahead of headline evening recitals during the first week, before taking part in the Festival’s residential Mastercourse during the second week.

Led by Jan Philip Schulze, the Mastercourse includes daily public masterclasses, offering audiences the chance to see emerging artists develop their craft alongside established names.

On Wednesday 21 October, the New Generation Day presents three concerts in partnership with the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme, with all three performances recorded for future broadcast.

Performers include baritone Andrew Hamilton with pianist Michael Pandya, soprano Erika Baikoff with Sholto Kynoch, and Konstantin Krimmel with Ammiel Bushakevitz, performing a programme that includes Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel.

Where does Oxford International Song Festival take place?

Part of the Festival’s appeal is its extraordinary collection of venues, taking audiences from historic Oxford concert halls to contemporary spaces and spectacular countryside surroundings.

Performances take place at the Holywell Music Room – Europe’s oldest purpose-built concert hall – as well as the Levine Building and Olivier Hall.

For the first time, the Festival also ventures into spaces within the newly opened Schwarzman Centre, while selected performances take place at Garsington Studios at the Wormsley Estate.

Together, the venues provide a suitably grand setting for two weeks of world-class song and music.

How much are tickets for Oxford International Song Festival 2026?

Despite its international line-up, the Festival is keeping tickets accessible, with thousands of tickets priced under £20.

There are also discounts for multiple bookings, while £10 tickets are available for under-35s.

Public booking opens on Wednesday 20 May, with tickets available online at oxfordsong.org or through the Box Office on 01865 591276.


In partnership with Oxford International Song Festival

Oxford International Song Festival has built an international reputation for celebrating classical song through world-class concerts, artist development, education, and new music. Its annual festival brings together more than 200 artists for over 70 events across Oxford, while its Young Artist, Schools, and commissioning programmes nurture the next generation of talent and audiences.

Raise a glass to Rioja: 12 wines to try this autumn

Zoe Gater

Round & About’s resident wine columnist Giles Luckett indulges his passion for Rioja and picks his top 12 bottles to savour for 2026.


Rioja is an incredible wine region. Not only is it a treasure trove of affordable fine wines, its diversity and constant evolution mean that there’s always something to get excited about. Over the last few weeks I’ve tasted my way through over 100 wines (yup, tough life) and here are my top 12 Riojas for 2026.

First up, the Bhilar Plots Rioja Blanco (All About Wine £18.99). White Rioja used to be a heavy, ponderous wine with more oak than Sherwood Forest and all the energy of an elderly sloth. Modern white Rioja, however, can be fresh and zesty, majestically mellow, or rich and oaky, offering wonderfully diverting wines in every style. The Bhilar is at the lively end of the spectrum. Made from 90% Viura with 10% Garnacha Blanca adding richness, it offers a fresh, appetising nose of lemon, green pears, and ginger, with a touch of peach and honey. In the mouth, it’s clean and tangy with yellow citrus and stone fruits nicely offset by marzipan and a steely, mineral finish. A stylish aperitif, it also pairs well with aromatic Oriental foods.

If you’re in the mood for a white that combines sophistication with concentration, then try the Contino San Gregorio Blanco (Vinum £28.20). I’ve long considered Contino to have the Midas touch – almost literally in the case of this white golden stunner – and while its reds get most of the acclaim, its whites are just as compelling. This treads a fine line between weight and delicacy, tradition and modernity, and is made from old (35–40-year-old) vines that add significant complexity. Fragrances of apple blossom and acacia are supported by buttery oak, giving an intricate, unshowy introduction. The palate is equally intriguing. Pear, apple, yellow plum and grapefruit are rounded off by toasty vanilla, and while there’s intensity here, it’s presented in a graceful fashion. I’ve always found this to be at its best after it’s had time to breathe and when served with white meat or fish

In striking contrast, we have the Faustino Gran Reserva Blanco (Waitrose £20). Four years in oak and the (unusual) addition of Chardonnay make for a rich, spicy wine with bags of character. Loaded with stone fruits and with a generous seasoning of tropical and buttery notes, this could easily have become one of those old-school white Riojas that overwhelm. Modern winemaking and a keen eye for detail have kept it bright and balanced, though, giving it a best-of-both-worlds unctuous and clean character that had me coming back for more.

Rioja rosé remains one of the wine world’s great affordable joys. Again, the range is wide, from nothing-to-worry-about quaffers to serious examples that can develop in the bottle for many years. Two of my current favourites are the Casa La Rad Solarce (Perfect Cellar £14.95) and the Muga Rosado (Majestic £14.50 or £12 on a mixed six).

The Solarce, like all Casa La Rad wines, is meticulously made and lets the grapes do the talking. Ghostly pale, the bouquet is a cleansing mix of red berries, white currants and cherry blossom. Immediately fresh and crisp, as you sip it, blackberry and cherry stone flavours add depth to its bright and breezy berry nature. At the finish, there’s a touch of mint, and dusty minerals bring it to a dry, firm end. Enjoy this with smoked fish or pink lamb.

Muga isn’t just one of my favourite Rioja producers; it’s one of my favourite producers, full stop. Everything they make, from their creamy, scented white to their magnificent reds, the pick of which is the ‘Selección Especial’, is so generous and nuanced that they always delight. The Rosado is mid-pink and offers scents of crushed cherries, loganberries, rhubarb and almond paste. Textured and juicy, there’s ripeness to the berry fruit, and while the acidity is cleansing, it’s not bright or intrusive. I’ve had this on its own, with seafood, pork and Thai dishes, and it’s always paired brilliantly.

Of course, when most of us think of Rioja, it’s red wines that come to mind. The number of grapes, multiplicity of sites (Rioja is blessed with a bewildering array of microclimates and soils), and winemaking techniques mean you could drink Rioja Tinto every day of the year and never have the same wine twice – one of my tasks for my retirement. The following gives a flavour of the diversity that’s currently on offer.

The 18th of September was International Grenache Day (did you put out bunting?), and as part of my celebrations, I tasted a flight of wines including the Bodegas Burgo Viejo (Vinatis £8.95). Awarded 90 points by the legendary critic Robert Parker, this joyous little wine is simply lovely. Made in the ‘Joven’ style without oak ageing, it’s purple-hued and full of energy. Fruits of the forest, cherries, wild mint, chocolate, and tangy red berries fill this medium-bodied, soft-hearted wine that has a deliciously fresh, zesty feel. Perfect for a mid-week pizza or bowl of pasta, it’s a lot of wine for very little money.

Brilliance on a budget can also be found in the Beronia Reserva (Majestic £17.50 or £16.50 on a mixed six). While I love the juicy intensity of the Beronia Crianza (Majestic £12.50 or £11.50 on a mixed six), the richness, depth and concentration of the Reserva make it well worth the extra money. Beronia is a modern estate; it was founded in 1973, and its wines offer a modern take on the classics. The Reserva is inky purple and has a fantastic nose of crushed black fruits, charcoal, wild herbs, spices and smoke. Concentrated and enthusiastic, on tasting it there’s a rush of smoked blackberries with an undercurrent of earth, toast, peel, and flowers. Give this a couple of hours open and serve with a steak or rich tomato-heavy dishes.

The Marques de Murrieta 2019 (Vinum £27.55) is about as traditional as Rioja gets. Long oak and extended bottle ageing have produced a powerful, sensuous, indulgent wine. 20 months in cask could easily produce a wine that’s all wood and no fruit, but the exceptionally high-quality grapes used to make it allow it to absorb the woody, oxidative elements and emerge as greater than the sum of its parts. Exotic, hedonistic, and vibrant, black fruits, creamy vanilla, prunes, orange zest and sage are just some of the aromas and flavours present in this Christmas cake-rich confection. Still young, it needs air to bloom, so serve it with hearty meat and cheese dishes.

For many, Gran Reservas are Rioja’s greatest wines. Requiring at least two years in oak and two to three years in bottle before release, they’re only made in fine years. While I find many too woody and with a tendency to excessive oxidation, wines like the Faustino I Gran Reserva (Tesco £18.50) balance fruit and secondary characteristics beautifully. Ruby red, aromas of cherries, tobacco, cinnamon and cocoa offer a fitting preamble to the luscious, weighty palate. Cooked black and red berries, butter, blackcurrant boiled sweets, citrus peel and bitter chocolate come together seamlessly, giving a satisfyingly weighty wine that isn’t overwhelming. Serve this with roasted red meats, mushrooms, or charcuterie.

The Contino Graciano (Vinum £48.40) is a rare example of a varietal Rioja made from Graciano. Graciano is a low-yielding vine giving bold wines with fantastic concentration and great ageing potential. This is certainly the case with the Contino. Blackberry, raspberry, and spice notes rise from the glass, and the expansive palate offers blackcurrants and blackberries, black cherries, plums, and savoury notes of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate. On the long finish, grippy tannins and redcurrant freshness bring things to a cleansing conclusion. Unusual and fascinating, this is a wine every Rioja lover should experience.

The Finca Valpiedra Petra de Valpiedra (All About Wine £46.99) is a wine that takes me back to my earliest trade days when I was introduced to the magnificent Riojas of Martinez-Bujanda, the family who own this extraordinary estate. Being 100% Garnacha, you could be forgiven for thinking this would be a lighter, softer style of Rioja made for early drinking. Nothing could be further from the truth. Deep ruby, the bouquet is an entrancing mix of cassis and wild red berries with creamy oak and orange peel at the periphery. It’s immediately fresh and tangy, with strawberries and red cherries vying for your attention, while mulberry, plum, and red pear flavours lie in the background. The finish is dry and fresh, the rounded tannins and boiled sweet aftertaste calling you back for another sip. The ideal partner to paella or charcuterie, this is breathtakingly good Garnacha.

I’ll finish with a wine that warrants its 98/100 score from The Wine Advocate: the Bodega Lanzaga, Tabuerniga Rioja 2020 (NY Wines £82.95). The brainchild of one of Spain’s greatest winemakers,

Telmo Rodriguez, its fragrant blend of wild herbs, dusty earth, olives and woody spices, it’s wonderfully evocative of its origins. Cherry red with a silky, polished feel, it offers delicious tones of red berries, cherries, aged balsamic, woody spices and blackberries to the finish. Powerful yet refined, decant and enjoy this now with fine foods or stash it away for another decade or more.

Cheers! Giles

Roll the dice with Guys and Dolls in Haslemere

Zoe Gater

Step into 1950s New York as the Haslemere Players bring the much-loved musical Guys and Dolls to life, with toe-tapping tunes, romance, comedy and plenty of high-stakes drama.


Get ready to step into the bright lights and bustling streets of 1950s New York as The Haslemere Players bring the award-winning musical Guys and Dolls to Haslemere Hall from Tuesday 27th to Saturday 31st October, including a Saturday matinee.

Packed with unforgettable characters, glorious songs, spectacular dance routines, romance, comedy and plenty of high-stakes gambling, Guys and Dolls is a much-loved musical with something for everyone. From its colourful characters to its memorable score, this classic show promises an entertaining night out for both lifelong musical theatre fans and those discovering the story for the first time.

At the heart of the production is the Haslemere Players’ belief that live theatre should be accessible to everyone. To help make that happen, tickets for the opening night are available for just £15, offering audiences the chance to enjoy a fantastic evening of live entertainment at an especially accessible price.

So whether you know every song or are meeting Guys and Dolls for the first time, why not take a chance and join the Haslemere Players for a trip to 1950s New York?

Tickets and further information at haslemereplayers.com.

Astrology & Tarot for October 2026

Zoe Gater

What’s in store for you in October 2026? Melanie Harding, founder of Soul Healing Guidance, offers her new monthly guides for all signs…


Aries (21 March – 20 April)

October begins with plenty of creative momentum. With Mars, your ruling planet, alongside expansive Jupiter, ideas may come more quickly than you can act upon them. Whether this finds expression through something artistic, a personal project or simply the desire to change your surroundings, there is a sense that you want to make something happen.

Money deserves a little more attention from the 3rd, when Venus turns retrograde. It may be tempting to spend now and think about the consequences later, so maybe consider what you genuinely value rather than what catches your eye in the moment.

Relationships and partnerships come into focus around the New Moon on the 10th. This can mark the beginning of a new connection, but it can equally breathe fresh life into an existing relationship or working partnership.

There is a more serious note on the 16th, when Mars forms a supportive aspect to Saturn.

Something you have been considering may now feel ready for commitment, whether that involves another person or a promise you are making to yourself. As the Sun changes signs on the 23rd, financial matters return to the foreground. Mercury turning retrograde the following day suggests allowing some room for unexpected expenses, while Venus shifting back into your relationship area on the 25th may bring an old emotional question back for another look.

The Full Moon on the 26th can illuminate the connection between money, intimacy and what you share with others. What has October shown you about where your energy, affection and resources are really going and whether they reflect what matters to you now?

Tarot Card – The Magician

The Magician reminds you that having the energy to create something and knowing where to direct that energy are two different things.

You have more at your disposal than you may realise this month, but intention matters. Choose carefully what you want to give life to rather than scattering your energy in too many directions.

Taurus (20 April – 20 May)

October may ask you to be a little more patient than usual, particularly in your relationships. Venus, your ruling planet, turns retrograde on the 3rd, bringing partnerships under review. Conversations may become more complicated, feelings you thought had been settled could resurface, and for some Taureans, someone from the past may make an unexpected reappearance.

Mercury joins Venus on the 6th, offering a useful opportunity to talk things through with greater understanding. There is a much more promising shift around the New Moon on the 10th, particularly where your career is concerned. A new role, promotion or professional opportunity could emerge, or you may simply recognise that you are ready to take your work in a different direction. If you have been thinking about applying for something, this New Moon encourages you to take yourself and your
ambitions seriously.

Relationships return to the foreground when the Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd. There may be an opportunity to understand another person more deeply, although Mercury turning retrograde on the 24th suggests that not everything will be resolved immediately. Sometimes revisiting a conversation is more valuable than forcing an answer before either person is ready.

Venus moves back into your work area on the 25th, inviting you to reconsider your everyday working environment and the relationships within it. Small changes could make daily life considerably more harmonious.

The Full Moon in Taurus on the 26th brings the focus firmly back to you, illuminating your own needs after a month in which other people may have occupied a great deal of your attention. Where have you been accommodating others at the expense of something that matters to you, and what might change if you were clearer about what you need?

Tarot Card – Justice

Justice asks you to look at the balance within your relationships and choices this month. It is not necessarily about deciding who is right or wrong, but about recognising what is fair, reciprocal and sustainable.

With Venus retracing her steps and the Full Moon in your sign, you may see more clearly where an adjustment is needed. Your needs deserve a place at the table too.

Gemini (21 May – 21 June)

October asks for diplomacy in your working life, particularly from the 3rd when Venus turns retrograde. Relationships with colleagues may feel less straightforward, and differences that have been quietly simmering could become more noticeable. You do not have to solve everything, but choosing your battles carefully will make the month considerably easier.

The New Moon on the 10th brings a welcome change of emphasis, opening up the area of your chart associated with romance, pleasure and creativity. A new relationship could begin, an existing one may feel renewed, or you might find yourself returning to something creative that makes you feel more like yourself.

Work demands more attention once the Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, and you may find yourself taking on greater responsibility. Your ruling planet, Mercury, turns retrograde on the 24th, however, so communication at work will need care. Instructions can be misunderstood and people may not say quite what they mean.

Venus returns to Libra on the 25th, encouraging you to revisit matters of the heart, as well as unfinished creative ideas. The Full Moon on the 26th suggests that after a busy month, some withdrawal may be exactly what you need. Where have you become so occupied with keeping everything moving that you have stopped listening to your own need for rest?

Tarot Card – Four of Swords

This card reinforces the message of the Full Moon. Not everything needs an immediate response, and stepping away for a while can give you a very different perspective.

Rest is not wasted time, particularly when your mind has been working overtime.

Cancer (22 June – 22 July)

Relationships may need a gentler touch as October begins. Venus turns retrograde on the 3rd, and misunderstandings in your romantic life could become larger than they need to be if feelings are left unspoken. Try not to assume you know what another person means, particularly if something touches an old sensitivity.

Home and family become important around the New Moon on the 10th. If you have been considering moving, selling, buying, renovating or simply changing the atmosphere of your home, this lunation can bring fresh impetus. With Venus retrograde, however, keeping an eye on costs will be important.

This becomes particularly relevant when Venus returns to Libra on the 25th and draws your attention back towards domestic matters.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, bringing more intensity to romance, creativity and the things that give you pleasure. Mercury turns retrograde the following day, so matters of the heart may not be entirely straightforward. An old conversation could return, or you may find yourself reconsidering how you really feel.

The Full Moon on the 26th illuminates friendship and your wider social world. After so much emphasis on private and emotional matters, other people may offer a welcome change of perspective. Who allows you to be completely yourself, without requiring you to explain or manage how you feel?

Tarot Card – Three of Cups

Friendship, connection and emotional support are at the heart of this card. There is a reminder here that not every problem has to be worked through alone. Sometimes being amongst people who know you well can restore your sense of proportion, and remind you of the parts of yourself that difficult emotions can temporarily obscure.

Leo (23 July – 22 August)

You begin October with considerable momentum. Mars and Jupiter continue their journey through your sign, giving you energy, confidence and the desire to move things forward. There may be a lot you want to accomplish, although Jupiter can occasionally encourage you to take on more than is realistically possible, so directing your enthusiasm towards what really matters will serve you well.

Venus turns retrograde on the 3rd, drawing attention towards home and family. Something in your domestic world may need revisiting, whether that means repairs, unfinished decorating, family dynamics or simply creating a home that feels more comfortable to live in.

The New Moon on the 10th could bring an opportunity connected with travel, learning, writing or an important conversation. Then, on the 23rd, your ruler, the Sun, moves into the area of your chart concerned with home and roots.

The Sun also meets Venus that day, which can bring warmth and pleasure into your domestic life, making this a lovely time for gathering people around you or making your surroundings feel more your own.

Mercury turns retrograde on the 24th, and family communication may become more complicated. Old disagreements can easily reappear, particularly if everyone is determined to have the last word.

Venus returning to Libra on the 25th can help you find a more diplomatic way through.

The Full Moon on the 26th illuminates your career and public life, potentially bringing recognition for something you have worked hard towards. It may also reveal how far you have come. With so much happening between your private and public worlds this month, what does success actually mean to you if it is not accompanied by a life that feels good behind closed doors?

Tarot Card – Six of Wands

Recognition is one of the traditional themes of this card. Allow yourself to acknowledge what you have achieved rather than immediately moving on to the next challenge.

Being seen can feel rewarding, but the Six of Wands also asks you to remember that lasting confidence comes from knowing your own worth, whether or not anyone is applauding.

Virgo (23 August – 22 September)

October begins with an emphasis on money and what you value. With the Sun moving through your financial area for the first three weeks of the month, there may be opportunities to improve your circumstances or simply become clearer about how you want to use your resources.

Venus turning retrograde on the 3rd, however, could make spending more tempting, so it may be worth asking whether something is genuinely worthwhile before reaching for your wallet.

The New Moon on the 10th can open a new financial chapter. This might appear through work, a pay rise, a new source of income or an idea that could eventually become profitable. Whatever form it takes, there is potential here to think differently about what you have to offer and what it is worth.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, placing greater emphasis on communication, ideas and your immediate surroundings. Your ruling planet, Mercury, turns retrograde the following day, making this a time to check arrangements carefully, particularly around travel, appointments and important conversations. Words can easily be misunderstood, so give yourself time to think before responding.

Venus returns to Libra on the 25th, bringing finances back into the picture and perhaps reminding you of something you had overlooked.

The Full Moon on the 26th draws your attention towards travel, learning and the desire to broaden your horizons. You may find yourself looking beyond your usual world and wondering whether the life you have carefully organised still leaves enough room for discovery.

Tarot Card – Two of Pentacles

There are several things requiring your attention this month, particularly around money, work and practical arrangements. The Two of Pentacles suggests flexibility rather than trying to control every variable. Priorities can change, and adapting to what is actually
happening may prove more useful than sticking rigidly to the original plan.

Libra (23 September – 22 October

With the Sun in your sign for the first three weeks of October, attention naturally turns towards you. This can be a period of greater visibility and confidence, particularly around the New Moon on the 10th, when something new may begin to take shape. You may feel ready to present yourself differently, pursue an opportunity or simply take up a little more space in your own life.

There is another story unfolding alongside this, however. Your ruler, Venus, turns retrograde on the 3rd, bringing money and personal values under review. Spending may need watching, but this transit can also raise deeper questions about what you believe you are worth and whether your choices reflect that.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, shifting the emphasis more firmly towards income and financial security.

Mercury turns retrograde there on the 24th, so double check figures, payments and agreements, and avoid assuming that a financial matter is settled until you have all the information.

Venus returns to your sign on the 25th, turning your attention towards yourself once again. You may be tempted to reinvent your appearance, but Venus retrograde is often more useful for rediscovering something about yourself than rushing towards a completely new version of you.

The Full Moon on the 26th illuminates shared money, debts, obligations and emotional entanglements. What are you carrying because you genuinely choose to, and what have you continued to carry simply because you always have?

Tarot Card – Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles brings the focus back to what makes you feel secure and grounded. She understands that abundance is not simply about having more, it is also about caring wisely for what you already possess.

This month may be less about proving your value to the outside world and more about treating your time, money and energy as things of value in their own right.

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)

The beginning of October has a quieter quality for you. With the Sun moving through the most private area of your chart, you may feel a greater need for solitude, reflection or simply some distance from the noise around you. There is value in allowing yourself that space, particularly if recent months have been demanding.

Venus turns retrograde in your sign on the 3rd, beginning a period of reassessment around relationships, attraction and how you present yourself to the world. Rather than making dramatic changes, this is a useful time to notice what no longer feels authentic.

The New Moon on the 10th deepens the inward emphasis, making space for rest and reflection before your own season begins.
There is a more purposeful shift on the 16th when Mars forms a supportive aspect to Saturn. A professional opportunity or greater responsibility may present itself, and something you have been working towards could begin to feel more substantial.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, bringing your energy and confidence back towards the surface. Mercury turns retrograde the following day, however, so expressing exactly what you mean may take more thought than usual. There is no need to retreat, simply allow yourself time to find the right words.

Venus moves back into Libra on the 25th, making relationships somewhat more private or reflective. Old feelings may need processing before you know what you want to do with them.

The Full Moon on the 26th illuminates partnership, bringing another person’s needs or feelings clearly into view. After a month of looking inward, what are your relationships showing you about yourself that you might not have been able to see alone?

Tarot Card – The Hermit

The Hermit reflects the quieter beginning to your month and the value of withdrawing from other people’s expectations for a while. This is not about shutting people out, it is about creating enough silence to hear your own thoughts.

By the Full Moon, that inner clarity may help you understand your relationships from a very different perspective.

Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)

October begins on a sociable note, with the Sun moving through the area of your chart connected with friendship, groups and community. Invitations may come more readily, and there can be real pleasure in widening your circle or reconnecting with people you have not seen for a while.

At the same time, Venus turns retrograde on the 3rd in a much more private part of your chart, so your desire for company may alternate with an equally strong need to disappear for a while. Old feelings or relationships could quietly resurface too.

The New Moon on the 10th favours new friendships and connections, and could introduce you to people who bring something different into your world.

When the Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, life becomes more inward. You may be working on something privately or simply feel less inclined to share everything you are doing. Mercury turns retrograde on the 24th, suggesting that something previously hidden could come to light, so be thoughtful about what you say and who you confide in.

Venus returns to Libra on the 25th, bringing warmth back into your social and romantic life, and perhaps reconnecting you with someone you have missed.

The Full Moon on the 26th illuminates your working life and daily routines. A job, project or particular way of working may have reached its natural conclusion. If something is ending, consider whether you are really losing something, or being given the space to move towards work that suits the person you are becoming.

Tarot Card – Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups often appears when something has served its purpose and you know, perhaps before you are ready to admit it, that it is time to move on.

This does not have to mean abandoning everything. It can simply be the recognition that fulfilment sometimes requires leaving familiar territory and following what has begun to call you elsewhere.

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January)

Your professional life takes centre stage during the first three weeks of October, with the Sun at the top of your chart highlighting career, reputation and your place in the wider world. The New Moon on the 10th could bring a new opportunity, greater responsibility or the chance to move towards something you have been working towards for some time. Allow yourself to be ambitious.

Friendships may be more complicated. Venus turns retrograde on the 3rd, bringing your social world under review. You could reconnect with someone from your past, or begin to recognise that a friendship has changed. Misunderstandings are possible, but they may also reveal something that has needed acknowledging.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, putting more emphasis on friends, groups and the people with whom you share common interests. Mercury turns retrograde the following day, so an old disagreement may resurface or communication within a group could become muddled. Patience will get you further than trying to resolve everything immediately.

Venus returns to Libra on the 25th, bringing attention back to your professional life. Previous opportunities or contacts may reappear, and relationships with people in positions of influence could become particularly important.

The Full Moon on the 26th, however, turns your attention towards pleasure, creativity and romance. With so much emphasis on achievement this month, have you left enough room for the things you do simply because they make you happy?

Tarot Card: Three of Pentacles

Your abilities are noticed when you are willing to bring them into the world. The Three of Pentacles speaks of skill, recognition and working with people who appreciate what you contribute.

October may remind you that achievement does not have to mean doing everything alone. The right collaboration could take you further than self reliance.

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February)

The first three weeks of October encourage you to look beyond your usual boundaries. The Sun moves through the area of your chart associated with travel, learning and new experiences, while the New Moon on the 10th could open a door to somewhere, or something, you have been wanting to explore. This might mean an actual journey, but it can just as easily describe study, teaching or an idea that changes the way you see your world.

Career matters require greater care from the 3rd when Venus turns retrograde. Relationships at work may become more complicated, or you could find yourself reconsidering whether your current professional direction still represents you. If something goes slightly awry, resist the temptation to assume that your reputation has been permanently affected.

The Sun moves into your career area on the 23rd and meets Venus, giving you an opportunity to revisit something and perhaps repair a professional relationship. Mercury turns retrograde on the 24th, however, making communication particularly important. Think carefully before sending that message or making a statement that cannot easily be taken back.

Venus returns to Libra on the 25th, awakening your appetite for travel, romance and a wider view of life. With both Venus and Mercury retrograde, however, plans may need adjusting and an old relationship question could travel with you wherever you go.

The Full Moon on the 26th brings your attention firmly back home. After looking towards distant horizons for much of the month,
what needs tending closer to home before you can comfortably set off towards the next adventure?

Tarot Card – The World

The World speaks of perspective, completion and understanding how individual experiences fit into a much larger picture. You may be looking towards somewhere new this month, but this card also asks you to recognise what you have already learned. Sometimes the next horizon becomes visible only when you appreciate how far you have already travelled.

Pisces (19 February – 20 March)

Money requires a little more thought than usual this October, particularly around shared finances, debts, taxes or resources connected with another person. The Sun illuminates this area of your chart during the first three weeks of the month, giving you an opportunity to look more closely at where you stand financially and where changes might be useful.

The New Moon on the 10th offers a particularly good moment for a financial review. You may discover a different way of managing your resources, uncover something you had overlooked, or simply decide that you want to feel more in control of your financial future.

Venus turns retrograde on the 3rd, however, which may complicate plans involving travel or increase the cost of something you had hoped to do. This does not necessarily mean abandoning your plans, but it does suggest looking carefully at what they involve before committing yourself.

The Sun enters Scorpio on the 23rd, awakening a stronger desire to escape familiar surroundings, explore somewhere new or broaden your horizons through learning and experience. Mercury turns retrograde the following day, so travel arrangements may require extra attention, and plans could change at short notice.

Venus returns to Libra on the 25th, bringing shared finances back into focus. If spending has crept upwards, this is an opportunity to reconsider what is genuinely worth the investment.

The Full Moon on the 26th favours a change of scenery closer to home, perhaps reminding you that adventure does not always require travelling halfway around the world. What are you really looking for when you long to escape the familiar, and could some of that sense of possibility be found much closer than you think?

Tarot Card – Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles asks you to consider what you are investing, not only financially, but in terms of your time and energy. Some things may need patience before they bear fruit, while others may no longer justify what you are putting into them.

October gives you an opportunity to stand back, take stock and decide what is genuinely worth continuing to nurture.

12 best pumpkin patches in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire for autumn 2026

Zoe Gater

From sprawling fields packed with pumpkins to spooky trails, carving sessions and after-dark adventures, these are the best places to get your autumn fix across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire.


Autumn has arrived, bringing with it crisp country walks, leaves in shades of gold, orange and crimson, cosy cups of hot chocolate – and, of course, the return of pumpkin-picking season.

From family-friendly farm days and spooky woodland trails to illuminated patches, scare mazes and fields brimming with home-grown gourds, there are plenty of ways to embrace the Halloween spirit across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

So, grab your wellies and your biggest pumpkin-hauling bag – Round & About rounds up the best pumpkin patches to visit across the three counties this autumn.

Rectory Farm, Oxford

Make a day of it at Rectory Farm this October, where families can head into the Pumpkin Patch to find their perfect home-grown pumpkin, with plenty of colours, shapes and sizes to choose from.

There’s plenty more included in your ticket, too, from interactive fete games and mini tractors to sensory play, tractor and trailer rides, a mini sweetcorn maze and plenty of photo opportunities. Little ones can enjoy shows from Bertie Slippers, meet the Pumpkin Queen, get creative with face painting and enjoy daily live music, while food trucks and the farm café provide plenty of refreshments.

The Pumpkin Patch is open every weekend in October and daily from 24 to 31 October 2026, 9am–5pm (last entry 4pm). Half Term tickets are discounted.

Millets Farm Centre, Abingdon

Millets Farm is going all out for autumn, with families invited to pick their perfect pumpkin straight from the patch. Select your favourite from the fields before taking part in a host of seasonal activities designed to make a memorable seasonal day out.

During the daytime, little ones can search for hidden bats, scramble across straw bales, enjoy live entertainment and settle in for enchanting story sessions. Then, when the sun goes down, the fun takes a spooky turn with Pumpkins by Night, an illuminated experience complete with live entertainment and plenty of surprises. New for 2026, an eerie woodland trail leads visitors into a vibrant, fun-filled patch.

PYO Pumpkins runs every October weekend and daily from 22 October. Entertainment takes place from 22 to 31 October. Pumpkins by Night is available 16 to 18 and 23 to 30 October 2026.

Peterley Manor Farm, Prestwood

Head to Peterley Manor Farm for pumpkin picking throughout October, with around 15,000 homegrown pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes and varieties to choose from. Entry to the patch is free, with no booking required, plus there’s free parking and plenty of wheelbarrows to make things easy.

There’s also face painting, photo opportunities and pop-up food vans, while during half term, Little Farmers: Pumpkin Edition takes over the Dutch Barn as a separate ticketed event. Dogs on leads are welcome, too.

The Pumpkin Patch is open every weekend from 3 October, plus daily from 27–31 October 2026. Free entry; no booking required.

The Fruit Fields at Copas Farms, Cookham and Iver

Pull on your wellies and head to The Fruit Fields, where pumpkin picking returns to both Copas Farms locations in Cookham and Iver this October. With plenty of different shapes, sizes and colours to choose from, there’s everything from classic carving pumpkins to smaller, more unusual varieties that are perfect for cooking or decorating.

Once you’ve found your favourite, head to the shop for carving kits and decorations to complete your Halloween haul. There’s also a coffee van on hand for a warming drink after your farm wander, including seasonal staples such as pumpkin-spiced lattes – because no autumn outing is complete without one.

Open on selected dates from 3 October to 31 October 2026, including weekends and daily from 23–31 October. £4pp; advance booking required.

Lillingstone PYO, Buckinghamshire

Get ready for a fa-boo-lous day out at award-winning, family-run Lillingstone Farm, where more than 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds await. Pick your way around the patch to find the perfect pumpkin for carving, decorating or even cooking, with plenty of colourful and unusual options to discover along the way.

There’s much more than picking on offer, with spooky science shows, special characters, seasonal treats and plenty of Halloween-themed photo opportunities. For an after-dark adventure, Twilight Nights bring a torch-lit patch, live music, fire shows and magical guest appearances beneath the Halloween night sky.

Daytime tickets are available on most weekends in October, plus the whole of half term. Twilight Nights take place on Saturday 17 and 24, Sunday 25 and Friday 30 October 2026.

Wasing PYO, Reading

Head to Wasing Estate near Reading for a magical autumn adventure, starting with a wheelbarrow ride into the fields to find your perfect pumpkin. Little ones can choose their favourite to take home and carve, with plenty of opportunities to soak up the seasonal scenery along the way.

Returning for 2026 is the estate’s enchanting woodland trail, designed with little legs in mind. Follow the route through autumn-hued woodland, completing a children’s activity and discovering special moments among the trees, before stopping for a family photo beside the life-size fairytale carriage. Spooktacular treats and warming seasonal drinks will round things off nicely.

Open 16–18 and 23–31 October 2026. General admission from £6.50–£7.50, plus a 50p booking fee; pumpkins are charged separately. Booking required.

Hogshaw Farm Park, Buckinghamshire

Step into the magical world of Hogshaw School of Witchcraft & Wizardry this Halloween, where little witches and wizards can enjoy a day packed with spells, potions and plenty of mysterious goings-on. Every child’s ticket includes a free pumpkin, with pumpkin decorating, potion making, curious creature encounters, birds of prey displays and Wizard School House sorting all included.

Meet Professor Wurzel in the Walled Pumpkin Patch before decorating your pumpkin in the Herbology Classroom, then join Teeny Trinket for a magical masterclass filled with circus skills, comedy and audience participation. There’s also plenty of indoor and outdoor play space to explore, with fancy dress encouraged.

Open 24–31 October 2026. Adult tickets £15.95, children £17.95 and toddlers £8.97; under-1s go free. All Halloween activities are included in the ticket price.

Perry Tree Farm, Thatcham

Prepare for a spooktacular autumn day out at Perry Tree Farm, where the annual pick-your-own pumpkin patch returns for October 2026. Families can explore the sprawling fields, home to more than 5,000 home-grown pumpkins across 27 varieties, from giant jack-o’-lantern contenders to colourful and quirky gourds.

Once you’ve found the one, there’s plenty more to keep everyone entertained, including a family-friendly scavenger hunt and seasonal farm games, while locally sourced refreshments provide some much-needed fuel. During half term, the dedicated pumpkin carving tent also opens, giving families the chance to decorate their finds without taking the mess home.

The Pumpkin Patch opens on Saturday 3 October 2026. There is no need to book in advance, so families can simply turn up on the day. During October half term, the pumpkin carving tent is open with entry free when you purchase a £5 on-site carving kit.

Hallcourt Farm Barn, Buckinghamshire

Head to Hallcourt Farm for a family-friendly Halloween day out, with plenty of spooky fun included in your ticket. Pick your perfect pumpkin from the 5-acre field, then head to the oak-framed Halloween barn to carve and decorate it on site – leaving the mess behind.

There’s plenty more to enjoy, including the spooky Wild Woodland Walk, giant bale play, outdoor games, photo opportunities and a fancy-dress competition, with rosettes up for grabs. Free parking and wheelbarrows are included, too.

Open from 17 to 31 October 2026. Pumpkins are priced separately by size, starting from £1. Extra activities including pumpkin slingshots, face painting and marshmallow roasting are available to purchase on the day.

Hadsham Farm, Chinnor

Celebrate the humble pumpkin at Hadsham Farm this October, with plenty of seasonal fun for the whole family. Pick your own pumpkin or squash, then have a go at carving, explore the spooky sensory trail and maize maze, or let little ones loose in the playground and sandpit.

There’s more to enjoy, too, from toasting marshmallows and launching pumpkins from the catapult to sweet treats at the on-site café.

Open 17–18 and 24–31 October 2026, with timed morning and afternoon sessions. Late-afternoon sessions from 3.30–6pm are also available on dates before the clocks go back on 25 October. Entry is £6pp plus a 15p booking fee; under-2s go free. Pumpkins and squashes are £1–£10 and charged separately. Advance booking required.

Berkshire Farm Girl Pumpkin Patch, Newbury

Back for its fourth year, Berkshire Farm Girl’s Pumpkin Patch and Maize Trail offers a relaxed family day out on a working arable farm, with a large selection of pumpkins to choose from, starting at £1. Follow the themed maize and bale trails, tackle the big bale maze, or let little ones loose on the big bale play and pedal tractors.

There’s plenty more to discover, including the magical golden pumpkin carriage, Skeleton Stop, Halloween craft area, farm photo opportunities and daily Meet the Farmer talks. Refuel at the Welly Café or Teapot Café, with a new Barley Bar open daily, plus more indoor space for 2026. Selected dates may also feature monster machinery, horse-drawn carriage rides and face painting.

Tickets cost £5.50pp, with PYO available on selected dates throughout October 2026. Children under 18 months go free. Free parking and wheelbarrows are provided; well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome during the last slot of each day.

Pumpkin Patch at Christmas Tree Farm, Chesham

Pumpkin picking details for 2026 are still to be announced. The farm has confirmed that pumpkins are growing, with more information on this year’s picking experience coming soon.

More to come

This guide will be updated with more pumpkin patches and autumn events across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire as 2026 details are confirmed.

Spooky October: Family days out across the Thames Valley & beyond

Zoe Gater

Pumpkin pickers, ready? Costumes dusted off and wellies by the door? October brings plenty of opportunities for family fun, from pumpkin patches and autumn trails to creepy creatures, spooky stories and Halloween adventures.


Thames Valley

There’s plenty happening across Berkshire and the surrounding Thames Valley this October.

At Beale Wildlife Park, near Pangbourne, families can combine pumpkin picking with a day out among more than 160 species of birds and animals, including an arctic fox and two-toed sloth. bealepark.org.uk

At Basildon Park, follow the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill on We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt, a family trail inspired by the bestselling children’s books, running from 24 October to 8 November.

Wellington Country Park gets into the Halloween spirit with Hallo’Welly’ween, featuring circus fun, recycled crafts, exciting animal encounters, spooky train rides and pumpkin painting. wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

Over at Dinton Pastures Country Park, Halloween fun includes a family day on 25 October with crafts, rides and a costume competition, followed by Dinton After Dark on 31 October, with a spooky lakeside trail. On 1 November, Hollywood Under the Stars offers lasers and music for a firework-style evening without the bangs. wokinghamcountryside.co.uk

For LEGO-loving little monsters, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is hosting Brick or Treat, with spooky LEGO models, Halloween entertainment and LEGO Monsters. legoland.co.uk

There’s also a touch of history at Windsor Castle, where children can explore a 1216 siege-themed trail and art activities during half term. rct.uk

At Ascot Racecourse, the Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday combines jumps racing with fairground rides, live Halloween-themed entertainment and more than 20,000 fireworks. ascot.com

Buckinghamshire & the Chilterns

October is pumpkin season at Peterley Manor Farm, Prestwood, which grows around 15,000 pumpkins each year. Its pick-your-own patch is open weekends throughout October and daily during half term, 27–31 October. There are also Little Farmers sessions and pumpkin tealight painting. peterleymanorfarm.co.uk

At The Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre, Great Missenden, an after-dark event on 29 October features glow juggling, Miss Trunchbull, crafts by candlelight, spooky mask-making and more. Half-term activities also include storytelling, trails and guided walks. roalddahlmuseum.org

The Walled Garden at West Wycombe hosts Pumpkin-Fest from 17–31 October, while the Pop-up Pumpkin Patch at Stokenchurch returns from 23–31 October with a scavenger hunt, maize maze and tractor rides.

At Hughenden, discover local myths, legends and magical creatures on the Creepy Chilterns trail, alongside The Great Big Halloween Hunt for younger children and the app-based Stranger Folk adventure for ages seven and over. nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden

Autumn is also a lovely time to explore Chiltern Open Air Museum at Chalfont St Giles. Alongside its historic buildings, working farm and traditional crafts, October events include Wild About Wool, a Diwali celebration, natural dyeing, Terrific Tuesday and a Halloween Spectacular. coam.org.uk

Something unusual is afoot at Stowe Gardens, where the Zombies of Lamport trail runs from 9 October to 1 November, with a Zombie Tiny Tots Trail too.

And at Cliveden, Taplow, children aged 7–11 can download the Stranger Folk app and embark on an immersive adventure inspired by British folklore. nationaltrust.org.uk

Hampshire

There’s much more than things that go bump in the night to stir the senses this half term in Hampshire.

At Hinton Ampner, more than 500 pumpkins will bring a splash of orange to the grounds, alongside Halloween family fun. At The Vyne, children can join Who’s In Your Book? and help return monsters and friends home, while 7–12-year-olds can take part in a Stranger Folk digital adventure.

The popular Rogate Pumpkin Patch returns for pumpkin picking, alongside the one-day Pumpkin Smash — a sustainability-focused event helping support the land and animals for future harvests. rogatepumpkinpatch.com

Gilbert White’s House & Gardens in Selborne is a beautiful autumn destination, with colourful woodland surrounding its historic house and gardens. gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

For something more dramatic, hop aboard The Watercress Line at Alresford for Witches of Watercress Woods. Become part of the Hansel and Gretel story and help protect the train from the witches. watercressline.co.uk

At The Curtis Museum in Alton, take part in a Medieval Monster Hunt, searching for dragons, goblins and other legendary creatures hidden around the museum. hampshireculture.org.uk

Meanwhile, The Shed in Bordon has a packed programme of free family-friendly activities throughout the month, including live music, Punch & Judy, magic, karaoke and its monthly dog walk. theshedwb.com

Surrey

Surrey has plenty of spooky trails and autumn adventures to discover.

At Claremont Landscape Garden, join two greedy squirrels on a family trail inspired by The Squirrels Who Squabbled. Polesden Lacey takes families into the world of the Moomins, while Hatchlands Park hosts a Ghost Hunt family trail. At Winkworth Arboretum, children can embark on the Stranger Folk digital adventure.

For something a little different, join a free spooky guided Halloween walk at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

Travel back 1,000 years at West Horsley Place for a Saxon Saga, with historic food tastings, crafts and re-enactment storytelling. westhorsleyplace.org

At Brooklands Museum, TransportFest brings together buses, coaches, taxis and other historic vehicles, with a heritage bus trip on 18 October. brooklandsmuseum.com

Watts Gallery in Guildford gets a spooky makeover, with woodland witches, mischievous monsters, hidden creatures and a potion station. wattsgallery.org.uk

For grown-ups, the Surrey Hills Fire & Food Fair at Hogs Back Brewery, Tongham, on 17–18 October combines live fire cooking, food, local brews and cosy fire pits. surreyhills.org

There are also Halloween chills at Hampton Court Palace, where ghost hunters can explore its famously haunted corridors and courtyards.

At RHS Garden Wisley, discover the secrets and magical powers of plants at Spooky Plants, while Bocketts Farm in Fetcham hosts Wizards and Witches Week, with science and slime shows, a reptile roadshow, spooky trails and creepy crafts. bockettsfarm.co.uk

Wiltshire

There’s plenty to explore in Wiltshire this autumn.

At Bowood House & Gardens, Calne, half-term brings a pumpkin trail, falconry displays and spooky arts and crafts from 22 October to 1 November. bowood.org

4 Kingdoms is getting into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin picking during half term and selected Dinos in the Dark evenings, featuring a spooky jeep adventure and lantern-lit maize maze. 4-kingdoms.co.uk

At Welford Park, Spectacle of Light returns with a magical Alice in Wonderland-inspired trail, new light installations, the Queen of Hearts and seasonal food and drink. welfordpark.co.uk

Wasing Estate is also embracing the season with its Pumpkins & Woodland Trail on selected dates from 16–31 October. Little ones can spot woodland creatures, visit a Witch’s Apothecary, make a wish at the wishing well and pick a pumpkin from the patch. wasing.co.uk

For older visitors, Lydiard Park Hotel hosts a Halloween Murder Mystery on 31 October, with dinner and paranormal intrigue. This event is strictly 18+.

And for more local ghost stories, Weird Wiltshire explores tales including a spectral coach and horses in Savernake Forest, phantom riders and black dogs. weird-wiltshire.co.uk

Oxfordshire

October brings plenty of family activities to Oxfordshire, too.

The Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair takes place 23–25 October at its new venue, St Helen and St Katharine School. More than 65 craftworkers will be showcasing their work, with live demonstrations and have-a-go sessions. abingdoncraftfair.org.uk

At the Ashmolean Museum, The Making of a Goddess opens on 8 October, exploring Aphrodite through archaeology, sculpture, painting, contemporary art and fashion. ashmolean.org

Abingdon County Hall Museum offers a chance to discover the history of the town and surrounding villages, while the Sessions Gallery hosts Wildlife – Abingdon in a Changing Climate, exploring how changing climate is affecting local nature and landscapes.

At Wantage Baptist Church, the annual free Light Party takes place on 31 October, with games, food and activities for primary-aged children. wantagebaptist.org.uk

At Cogges Manor Farm, Witney, the manor house transforms into Dracula’s Castle from 24 October, with a kids’ Halloween disco, spooky crafts and a bouncy castle. cogges.org.uk

Over at Greys Court, near Henley, become an Autumn Colour Detective from 24 October to 1 November, hunting for colours and patterns around the house and gardens.

For outdoor adventure, Hill End in Cumnor hosts Wild Days for ages 7–12 on 26–27 October, followed by Woodland Spooktacular Family Days on 28–29 October, with flying displays and outdoor activities. hill-end.org

How to make a spider web nature loom at home

Zoe Gater

In need of some half-term crafting fun? Kerry Brent from Kerry’s Creative Corner shows you how to make a Spider Web Nature Loom.


Autumn is here, the spiders are making their way inside and Halloween is at the end of this month. With the nights drawing in and all those golden treasures out there to find, this spider web loom is a lovely one to make at the kitchen table.

Resources:

3 sturdy sticks, roughly the same length
Natural twine
Autumn treasures, like acorns, conkers, autumn leaves etc

Step by step:

1. Make the frame

Lay one stick at a 12–6 position (like a clock face), then a second stick at 2 and 7, then a third stick at 10 and 5. Wrap twine tightly round the middle, going round several times until it feels secure. Doesn’t need to be neat, just sturdy. You’ll end up with six spokes and the base of your web.

2. Start weaving

Begin close to the centre. Tie a knot around a stick, then take the twine under, then over each spoke as you go round, so it catches and holds. Work your way right round in a full circle, then tie a knot, or carry straight on into another round with whatever twine you’ve got left.

3. Build the web

Move out a few centimetres and start again, using the same under-over pattern on all six sticks. Keep adding rounds until you’re near the ends. Don’t measure the gaps, let them stay organic.

4. Add your treasures

Weave in golden leaves, acorns, conkers and other bits you’ve collected. Bigger pieces might need weaving through a strand or two to stay put. Rearrange things around until you’re happy with the web.

5. The finished piece

Loop some twine through the top and hang it on the wall or prop it on a shelf. It might even attract a real spider looking to make a home in it, which is perfect for Halloween decor, or it’s just as nice as a reminder of the season. Each one comes out a bit different, and that’s the bit I like best.

Kerry is Head of Art at a school in Surrey, with over 15 years’ teaching experience. She also runs Kerry’s Creative Corner, where she shares nature-inspired craft ideas for children and runs art classes, home ed classes and workshops across Surrey.

Find out more at kerryscreativecorner.com & follow along on Instagram @kerrys_creative_corner.

Meet Ally Taylor: The East Horsley fitness entrepreneur making exercise more inclusive

Zoe Gater

Ally Taylor runs boutique fitness studio Amovida with her husband Grant in East Horsley and recently won the award for Fitness Industry Luminary at The Heart and Soul Awards.


With more than 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, Ally Taylor has dedicated her career to helping people feel stronger, healthier and more confident.

Today, she runs boutique fitness studio Amovida in East Horsley with her husband, Grant. The couple opened the studio in 2024, creating a welcoming space for people who may feel overlooked by mainstream fitness.

Ally recently won the Fitness Industry Luminary award at The Heart and Soul Awards, recognising her contribution to the fitness industry.

We caught up with Ally to find out more about her life, career and favourite places in the local area.

Hi Ally, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My full name is Alethea and I’m 47 years young. I grew up in Peterborough and moved to London for university in 1997, where I studied for a degree in Dance and English Literature.

Yes, I know it’s a random combination – thank careers advisers in the 90s!

I moved to Surrey and met my husband in 2010 when we were both working at Virgin Active in Putney. We lived in Shackleford, then Guildford and Ranmore Common, before moving to East Horsley in 2020.

I like being a cool aunt to four nieces and a nephew – as long as I can give them back!

I’ve been a personal trainer and fitness instructor for over 25 years. I present at national fitness events, conferences and festivals, as well as contributing articles and blogs.

I love travelling, and we try to visit at least one new place every year. We regularly go to Cape Town – we got married on a wine estate there in 2017.

Did you go to school in these parts, and did you enjoy it?

I went to school in Peterborough. I loved junior school but hated secondary school. I was bullied and didn’t really fit in.

I wasn’t cool – I did ballet twice a week, music lessons and went to running club from the age of six. I also took part in amateur dramatics with my sisters and brother.

My brother went on to become a professional performer and is currently on the world tour of Moulin Rouge!

Are there any local shops or businesses you love?

We love the local florist Lovelace and Green when we need a gift for someone or just something pretty.

We’re also partial to local coffee shops Annare and Bolo and Brew. Both do fabulous coffee and homemade treats.

What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?

The Duke of Wellington is our local. It’s great for coffee in the morning – they give you Smarties with your coffee! – or a drink outside after a walk.

La Meridiana and Tara, the Thai restaurant where the owner wears local dress, are both good choices for a treat or weekend dinner.

Both are run by local families and have been here for years.

What do you most love about living in East Horsley?

I love the prettiness of the village. We’re lucky that in Horsley, you can get off the main road pretty quickly and into places such as Sheepleas Woods.

The Lovelace Bridges walk is long but great, and the people are lovely.

We also love being able to get into London reasonably quickly if we need to, as well as having easy access to the A3, M25 and Guildford town centre.

What highlights are you looking forward to later this year?

I’m due to present at Fitcamps on the Proms in Blackpool in November. The event won Fitness Industry Event at The Heart and Soul Awards, so it’s a really exciting opportunity.

Tell us a bit more about Amovida

After much TLC, we opened Amovida in 2024. We wanted the studio to appeal to people who felt they had been ‘left behind’ by mainstream fitness.

Our classes are small and intimate, and we also offer personal training.

We wanted Amovida to be accessible to everyone, including people living with health conditions. One of our trainers specialises in exercise for disability.

We love helping people and seeing the difference it makes to their lives.

Meet the founder of Haslemere’s Home & Vintage Living

Zoe Gater

Jules Langley founded Home & Vintage Living in 2012 and curates unique countryside living with her collections and events.


Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m Jules, 55 (soon to be 56), founder and curator of Home & Vintage Living. It grew from small creative monthly workshops and pop ups locally in Grayswood.

I invited other small businesses to join me to showcase their collections and it quickly became a regular and popular platform for sellers and shoppers alike.

Now in our 11th year, I have watched the brand grow organically, with a few tweaks along the way to keep it exciting and fresh, but never compromised no matter what – the rest is history.

H&V has become a very special brand, curating the finest and loveliest people alongside our collections, giving you a friendly hug when you visit online or in person. I’m so proud of the way our little acorn has grown.

Helped by my lovely long suffering hubby Craig and two sons – I couldn’t have achieved this without them, they are wonderful and kind, and that’s all you can hope for as a mum.

Where do you live & for how long? 

We moved to the beautiful town of Haslemere in 2004 – I wanted to be nearer the coast but still be able to travel into London – it was the perfect solution, it has so many stunning walks on its doorstep … we are truly spoilt.

What pets do you have and what are your favourite walks or pet businesses?

Ted is a soft coated wheaten terrier who loves all the walks around here, especially Frensham little pond and the Punchbowl which are all just a short drive away or a circular route on our doorstep through woodlands and fields, very safe for Ted to run freely.

Favourite local shops for a mooch around?

I love Haslemere and Farnham where I shop frequently … shopping small is my biggest mission to support makers and business.

My favourite shops include Anya gifts in West Street, Haslemere, Apothecary 27 on Weyhill (Joe is amazing at finding the best healthcare products), Haus in Weyhill is my go to for gifts and clothing and Hill & Co in Grayshott (you can always find something wonderful to buy).

In Farnham, Ruby Jones is my fave for colourful gifts and homeware. Farnham monthly market is where I shop small and meet new makers and vintage collectors.

What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?

The White Horse is our local pub, so friendly, great food and wines. Ted ‘s fave too, he gets a bowl of fresh water just for him and doggie treats.

What highlights are you looking forward to this year?

A magical welcome to the festive season with our new First Frost Fair curated by Home & Vintage Living in the beautiful backdrop of Frensham Heights School, a stunning venue, on Saturday, 31st October.

Find out more at homeandvintageliving.co.uk.