Step into Autumn with a Soulful Day Out

From leaf-peeping to theatre trips, Angelina Villa-Clarke finds Surrey’s most satisfying days out to make the most of the new season ahead.

Bite into a taste of autumn

Autumn at RHS Wisley is a riot of colour. It’s also the season when the illustrious gardens celebrate all things harvest-related with the ‘Pot to Plate’ series of events. From early September, visitors can enjoy tasting experiences, growing competitions, preserving demos, guided walks and planting tips to help you make the most of your own growing space for years to come. From 8-12 October, there will be guided tours of the World Food Garden and experts on hand to give you tips on starting your own edibles garden. You can book in for live demos at the cookery theatre and catch inspiring talks from noted chefs and gardening experts. Meanwhile, each afternoon there is live music to be enjoyed at the Butterfly Pavilion.
Rhs.org.uk

Go on the hunt for antique finds

Whether you want to browse for a bargain or discover a one-off gem, the Antiques & Vintage Fair at Lingfield Racecourse (21 September and 9 November) offers a Sunday outing with a difference. With over 130 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to Mid-Century furniture, you’ll no doubt come across a whole host of hidden gems. Go early to nab the best items (the fair opens at 9.30am and there is free parking). There are food and drink stalls and entertainment from a classic Swing singer. Whether you are after a piece of Clarice Cliff crockery or a vintage ring, you mind find the best bargains hidden in plain sight.
Lovefairs.com
lingfieldpark.co.uk

Find the next page turner

Now in its 36th year, the Guildford Book Festival (13 September to 19 October) is one of Surrey’s most inspiring events. Taking place in venues across the borough, this year’s highlights include legendary chef Raymond Blanc sharing his insight into the garden-to-table ethos he has pioneered at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; acclaimed Royal biographer Robert Hardman shining a light on Charles III; the much-loved Reverend Richard Coles with the latest novel in his Sunday Timesʼ bestselling series and Clare Mulley revealing the incredible story of Agent Zo – her book shortlisted for the prestigious Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. Part of the line-up of events also includes a literary lunch, a dedicated History Day and a Reader’s Day, all with bestselling authors taking part. What’s more, budding writiers should check out the Creative Writing Course and a Nature Writing Workshop for insider tips from authors and agents.
guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

Delve into history  

The upcoming exhibition, Women of Influence: The Pattle Sisters, at Watts Gallery (opening on 27 November), is the first show to explore the lives, influence and legacy of seven sisters who helped shape 19th century art, ideas and society in ways that continue to reverberate today. While pioneering photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron, remains the most celebrated of the sisters, this exhibition uncovers their collective influence. Drawing upon new research it will show how, through the bohemian artistic salon they created at Little Holland House in London, the Pattle sisters gained significant influence. You can soak up a collection of paintings, photography, works on paper and personal possessions, which reveal more about the story of the Pattle sisters and of ‘Pattledom’ – a term used by Vanity Fair author and friend William Makepeace Thackeray to satirise the dynamic and culturally influential world the women created.
Wattsgallery.org.uk

Crunch among the leaves

Immerse yourself in the burnished colours of autumn with a visit to Winkworth Arboretum. There’s no better season for a spot of leaf-peeping and, at Winkworth, you’ll find a whole rainbow of russets, golds and fiery reds blazing across some 6,000 trees and shrubs. Created in the early 20th century by Dr Wilfrid Fox, he bequeathed the arboretum to the National Trust some 70 years ago and they have maintained his vision ever since.
As well as 121 acres of woodland to explore, with a variety of trails to follow, you can also book a guided walk and visit the Arbor Tea Room.
Nationaltrust.org.uk
Photography by John Miller

Take your seats for a modern-day costume drama  

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. This autumn, her fourth novel Emma – regarded as one of the great British novels – is bought to life on stage at Rose Theatre Kingston (17 September-11 October). Emma, a play by Ava Pickett, is a reimagination of Austen’s much-loved novel. Directed by Christopher Haydon, the new, modern adaptation swaps drawing room duets for dance floor-fillers to present this classic tale of matchmaking and mischief as you’ve never seen it before. For more insight into the irreverent adaptation, the theatre is holding a post-show Q&A on 1 October.
Rosetheatre.org