The season has most definitely changed. The conker tournaments have been won (or lost!) and the trees are nearly bare. So, what shall we do now?
When glamping in the East Midlands in Autumn, there is no shortage of events and activities on offer. We have been exploring the area and found exciting happenings in Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire. We have grouped some of our favourites into ‘food & drink related’, ‘Outdoor activities’ and ‘something different’.
Let’s get planning your glamping itinerary…
Food & drink
Food, glorious food! We are so lucky to have an abundance of fantastic local food and drink. Whether you like a little tipple or a big pork pie, there is something made fresh and local to settle your craving. This month, there is plenty going on to taste and celebrate good food. Rutland food and drink festival takes place between 21st – 29th October. The week consists of a variety of events, including a beer festival, themed menus and the chance to meet and greet local producers. The week then concludes with the anticipated big festival on Sunday 29th October, spilling out from Oakham Castle and grounds onto the Market Place and down to The Victoria Hall. This is not to be missed! Oakham Castle is a 40-minute drive from our glamping site and well worth a visit followed by a stroll around Rutland Water.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, why not visit Melton Mowbray for the ChocFest! That’s right, a festival celebrating chocolate! This event takes place on 18th – 19th November in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. At this year’s ChocFest, there will tastings, demonstrations, talks, workshops and plenty of chocolate and associated food and drink to buy from some of the UK’s best local producers. What more could you want? NB. You will need to pay £5 for a ticket to this event (or £4 in advance).
If you don’t fancy leaving our glamping site during your autumn glamping break, don’t forget you can always toast marshmallows and make smores over a firepit whilst drinking hot chocolate. Just remember to wrap up warm.
Outdoor activities
It may be colder now but going outdoors with the family is still a brilliant plan. Make sure you layer-up and bring your wellies. With Halloween coming up there are plenty of fun outdoor events going on locally. In Northampton (30 minutes’ drive from Country Bumpkin Yurts) Looking Glass Theatre are running Northampton’s Original Theatrical Ghost Walks between 24th – 31st October. Now that sounds interesting! They invite you to come and hear tales of ghostly apparitions from days gone by, of trapped spirits in cellars, and mysterious footsteps enriched with a glimpse of Northampton’s historical past. Tickets are £10.
For something a little less scary, why not try the Pumpkin Trail at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire. As a team, you will explore the grounds whilst seeking pumpkins and solving clues! This would make a great family activity. They run the trail from 10 am till 3 pm every day between 24th – 31st October. The trail is free but you’ll need to pay the admission charge for the National Trust venue.
When going outdoors closer to home (or yurt), why not try searching for funky fungi. Susan inspired us to give this a go last week! There are sneaky mushrooms popping up on the campsite and all along the Brampton Valley Way.
Something different
Use this Autumn as an opportunity to try something different. For those creative people among us, The Big Textile Show at Leicester Racecourse will provide plenty of inspiration. This event runs from 28th – 29th October and promises an array of workshops, demonstrations and goodies. Tickets cost from £5 and workshops cost £10. You are bound to pick up a new hobby or skill whilst there. You could then spend your cosy nights in this winter absorbed in your new-found love of knitting…
Waterloo Cottage Farm are running some delightful events this autumn and winter too. You won’t even need to leave the glampsite. Bonus! The big one for your diary is their Open House Christmas Fair on 17th & 18th November. There will be a selection of local producers, suppliers, businesses and experts offering their wonderful products. You will find everything from fashion accessories, food, homewares, and gifts for furry friends. What a fantastic way of buying all your Christmas presents (and a few treats for yourself) whilst supporting local. You’ll most definitely see us there!
This is only a very small selection of what’s on in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland this Autumn and Winter. We’ve only scratched the surface of what you can do when glamping in the East Midlands this time of year. We’ve not even mentioned sitting in the hot tub with a glass of mulled wine whilst star-gazing…
Make the most of our introductory prices and book now for autumn and winter 2017. Prices are from £95 per night. Check our availability here.
I’m sure we’ll bump into you at one of these events soon! Give us a wave if you see us.
