Family time and the great outdoors: autumn walks and pub stops
Summer may have come and gone, but there’s still plenty of time to get outdoors and enjoy the big, wide world before the winter winds start blowing. In fact, as far as we’re concerned, autumn is just about the best time of year to head out for a woodland wander, family in tow. The crunching of leaves underfoot, the changing colours of the trees, and the promise of a hearty pub meal to warm you up afterwards. So, if you’re planning on getting out into nature for an autumnal adventure, here are our top tips. Plus, we’ve compiled a selection of excellent autumn pubs to make your trip extra tasty.
Convincing the gang to step outside
Once the temperature drops, persuading the family to join you on a countryside escapade can be tricky. Sure, cosying up indoors with a few films is a great way to spend a dreary autumn day, but nobody wants to spend the whole season cooped up at home.
If the prospect of jumping in muddy puddles and rolling around in piles of leaves still isn’t enough to convince the wee ones, a thrilling play area might just be enough to win them over. And a bit of drizzle needn't dampen your day either — not if our incredible indoor soft play areas have anything to do with it!
Planning your adventure
Fail to plan, prepare for a grumpy family… or however the saying goes. Yep, stepping out into nature can come with a few caveats, so planning your adventure well will save you a world of trouble. For instance, if you’re heading out for a long, meandering walk around your local woodland or nature reserve, be sure to plan your route. This way, you can choose a path that’s right for everyone. After all, little legs tire quickly!Better yet, why not strategically plan your route to include a pitstop at a nearby Hungry Horse? Everyone gets to relax with a delicious pub meal, and you don’t have to pack a picnic — it’s a win-win!
Your essential packing list
Once you’ve planned your autumn walking route, it's time to start packing the essentials. While you don’t want to overload your backpack, here are some items guaranteed to come in handy (particularly if you have little ones in your party):
- Waterproofs and warm layers
- Wellies for all those muddy puddles
- Snacks and water
- A first-aid kit for scraped knees and nettle stings
- Spare socks for soggy feet
- A map… just in case
And hey, if you do get a little cold and wet on the trail, you can always dry off at your favourite Hungry Horse. With excellent facilities and food to warm your cockles, you’ll feel right as rain in no time.
Keeping the little ones entertained
Autumn walks are always exciting, but the novelty of nature can soon wear off. However, with a little forethought and just a touch of creativity, you can keep the wee ones engaged every step of the way. For example, how about making an autumn scavenger hunt with items like “the biggest leaf you can find” and “three different types of bird”?
Once you get to your favourite Hungry Horse, you can take stock of your findings and use the free Wi-Fi to upload pictures of your countryside quest. Plus, if you have teenagers, they’ll be delighted about being able to check in with their mates.
Affordable Family Fun
Arguably, the best part of getting outdoors with the family in autumn, is that it can be as cheap as you like! After all, there’s no admission fee to nature. A good old-fashioned autumn walk lets you spend quality time with your nearest and dearest without spending a penny. And if you opt for a bite to eat at a nearby Hungry Horse along the way, your bank account will thank you for that, too! With a different wallet-friendly deal every day of the week, you can feed the whole family without spending a fortune.
Autumn pubs you’ll “fall” in love with
So, ready to start planning an awesome autumn adventure? Check out the following autumn pubs, where you can fuel up before your trip or relax and rest your weary legs after an extended ramble.The Wheatpieces, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury
The Wheatpieces is a vibrant family-friendly pub nestled on the edge of Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, a sprawling haven for wildlife known for its walking trails and scenic picnic spots. If your little ones love minibeasts they’ll have a wonderful time spotting the various creepy crawlies that call the nature reserve home.
Once you’ve had your fill of fresh air, the Wheatpieces will be waiting with a warm welcome and tasty treats aplenty. And all that walking is bound to make you thirsty. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of tasty tipples behind the bar, including beers, wines, soft drinks and cocktails.
The Cherry Tree, Newcastle-Under- Lyme
When it comes to nature, Newcastle-under-Lyme may not be the first location that springs to mind. However, this Staffordshire town is hedged by green spaces. And residents of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas all know that the go-to spot for any outdoor family adventure is Trentham Gardens. So, why not head to the Cherry Tree for a delicious lunch before jumping in the car and making the brief, 12-minute drive to this historic, 186-acre gem?
Along with traditional pub classics like our Full English Breakfast and cold weather warmers like Steak & Ruddles Ale Pie, you’ll find plenty of tempting treats to tantalise your taste buds, from juicy stacked burgers to perfect puds and more.
The Swan Inn, Stanway, Colchester
Essex is renowned for its scenic landscape, and the city of Colchester is no exception. The combination of natural beauty and historical charm makes it a hotspot for tourists and families seeking a day of fun and fresh air. The Swan Inn sits just seven minutes from Colchester Zoo, but if you’d prefer something a little more budget-friendly, nearby Pits Wood is perfect for a leisurely family hike.
And if you’re still craving some greenery after your brisk countryside walk, the picturesque beer garden is the perfect place to relax as you breathe in the crisp autumn air and treat yourself to a tasty pub meal.
The Sword Dancer, Handsworth, Sheffield
When it comes to countryside walks, where better for a day of adventure and exploration than the Peak District? Located on the eastern edge of this vast national park, the city of Sheffield is famous for its abundance of green spaces. Tucked away in the suburban area of Handsworth, the Sword
Dancer is a fantastic place to enjoy a welcome break from the hustle and bustle, while grabbing a tasty bite to eat.
And once you’ve filled up on pub classics, juicy stacked burgers and immense sharing platters, why not blow away the cobwebs with a walk around Graves Park or even Rother Valley Country Park?