We round up some of the month's best events for you to visit around the country.
4-13 October
Sink into a book
This autumn, you can head to Cheltenham for over a week of literary fun at Montpellier Gardens. The Cheltenham Literature Festival will bring together local and international authors, poets and actors for over a week of interviews, talks, debates and workshops. Families with young children are well catered for with appearances from legendary author Malorie Blackman (pictured), TV presenter Helen Skelton, McFly’s Dougie Poynter and many more. There will also be plenty to feast on, with street food, cafés and artisanal delights too.
Nearest Club Site: Winchcombe
6 October
Flying through time
The Shuttleworth Trust, a charity centred around aviation and automotive transport, will conclude its air show season with a Race Day at Old Warden, Biggleswade.
Here, vintage motors and aircrafts can show off their stuff and offer a glimpse back into their glory days. Visitors will be treated to amazing vintage displays of cars and motorcycles, flying shows, and of course the exhilarating mock air races. There will also be live music and fun and games for the kids.
Nearest Club Site: St Neots
8 October
Catch a falling star
This October, you can catch the mesmerising Draconid Meteor Shower from the Isle of Wight.
The Draconids are named after Draco, the constellation they appear to come from, and are expected to treat visitors to an outstanding star show of ten meteors an hour. Although the UK has many great locations for stargazing, the Isle of Wight is one of the best, with a multitude of designated Dark Sky spots, plus the Isle of Wight Observatory. Fingers crossed for a clear night sky! Get a great deal on ferry crossings with Wightlink here.
Nearest Club Site: Adgestone
10-14 October
Let’s get ready to ramble
Ramblers of all ages and abilities are invited to the Henley Walking Festival in Oxfordshire this October for a number of walks in and around the Henley-on-Thames area. The walks offer a variety of incredible views, including Swyncombe Downs and the River Thames. There are also accessible walks for those with mobility-related issues, a moonlight walk, and a tour of Henley’s well-known landmarks such as Remenham Church and Henley Bridge.
Nearest Club Site: Oxford
11-19 October
Going Gaelic
Head to Glasgow for more than a week of cultural festivities and a celebration of the Gaelic language. The Royal National Mod is hosted by An Comunn Gàidhealach, an organisation focused on teaching and utilising the Gaelic language. The culture infused festival is a showcase of traditional Gaelic heritage, literature, music, art and history, with plenty of Highland dancing thrown into the mix. The festival will also host a number of competitions for both kids and parents to get involved in.
Nearest Club Site: Milarrochy Bay
13 October
Tea, anyone?
a drinkers will unite in Derby for the annual Great British Tea Festival, where there will be a wide array of local, traditional and exotic teas to indulge in. Held at The Roundhouse, the event will include tea tasting and expert talks from international speakers on everything from the different tastes to health benefits of tea. Learn more about the history of England’s tea obsession, where and how different teas are grown, and the wide variety of different teas available today.
Nearest Club Sites: Ashbourne, Alton The Star, Teversal, Bakewell
19-27 October
Creepy castles
Keep the kids occupied over the school break with more chills and thrills at Lincoln Castle’s family-friendly Victorian Prison, where they can learn about ghastly goings-on from days gone by. There will be plenty of spooky stories to hear such as Lincoln’s famous witch trials, and numerous activities including walking the medieval walls and taking in an audio tour that tells the story of the castle’s grizzly history. Head to visitlincoln.com for more information.
Nearest Club Site: Woodhall Spa