Eastlife Autumn 2020

LIFESTYLE
8 Coffee Shops
It might seem simple, but a cute
independent coffee shop is even more
special when it’s dark, rainy and cold
outside. Snuggle down in a cosy corner
with a book, coffee and cake and
watch the world go by. Eastlife’s top
picks include Fitzbillies in Cambridge,
Applaud Coffee in Ipswich, Hertford
Coffee Lab and Norwich’s Bicycle Shop
Café.
9 Heritage Sites
Stop by a stately home, castle or
medieval woodland for a glimpse into
East Anglia’s history. The surrounding
grounds will be filled with colour. Opt for
a guided tour or take a leisurely stroll.
10 Pumpkin Patch
Nothing quite says autumn like a
pumpkin patch. In recent years, farms
have gone all out with their pumpkin
displays. Warning, it will be muddy, so
pull on your wellies and head out to
pick your own pumpkins from the vine.
There’s usually additional entertainment
such as seasonal food, Halloween
displays, fairground rides and even
occasionally a corn maze! Visit
www.eastlife.co.uk for our pumpkin
patch guide.
11 Halloween
Join in the ghoulish fun at some of
the East’s most famous attractions.
Zoos, theme parks, farms and stately
homes host a number of Halloween
events for children. From spooky walks
and ghostly railway rides to crafts and
pumpkin carving, there’s plenty of
things to do during October half term.
If you’re feeling extra brave, visit one
of the region’s scare attractions such
as PrimEVIL, Scaresville or The Cursed
which run throughout October.
12 Ghost Tours
East Anglia is home to some of the most
haunted locations in the UK. Cambridge,
Norwich, St Albans, Ely and Ipswich
all offer ghost tours where you’ll walk
cobbled streets with a guide and get to
grips with harrowing tales of death and
murder. Anne Boleyn is Blickling Hall’s
resident ghost, while Oliver Cromwell
reportedly appears in Ely. If you’re
feeling brave check-in for a night at a
supposedly haunted hotel.
13 Bonfire Night
The smell of gunpowder in the air on a
crisp cold night is like the official scent
of autumn. Firework displays take place
across the region, some with huge
bonfires and additional entertainment.
Get ready to “ooooo” and “ahhh” as the
skies light up!
14 Cosy Pubs
Nothing beats a cosy pub with a
crackling fire after a long country walk.
Dotted in villages, countryside and on
the coast are comfy boltholes waiting to
be discovered. Plan your walking route
to tie in with a nice pub lunch and glass
of red in front of the fire – bliss!
15 Seafood
It’s no secret the East Anglian coast
serves up delicious seafood, but during
autumn and winter, shellfish comes into
season. October is great for a steaming
bowl of mussels; some of the best can
be found at Wells-next-the-Sea. Crab,
clams and scallops are also at their
finest during autumn. Don’t forget to try
the oysters at Brancaster, Mersea Island
or Orford.
16 Farmers’ Markets
Make the most of harvest season with
a trip to a farmers’ market or farm shop.
Most towns host a monthly farmer
market, while farm shops are stacked
with apples, pumpkins and squashes.
Try samples and browse the foodie
delights. It’s a great time to pick up fresh
produce for your seasonal homemade
pies and stews!
17 Apple Days
Apples come into season around the
end of September and to celebrate,
selected stately homes, markets and
farms offer a day dedicated to all
things apple. Learn about the different
varieties, try apple bobbing, have a go at
pressing and sip on local cider while you
explore. Check the National Trust and
English Heritage websites for events, or
stop by Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse
on 11 October.
18 City Breaks
Though it may be tempting to head to
the countryside for autumn, the region’s
cities are a nice alternative. You’ll get the
chance to see autumnal colours in the
parks, dine in style at chic restaurants,
try local tipples in traditional pubs and
explore the streets and attractions
before the Christmas crowds descend.
19 Movie Night
On a dark, cold evening or grey, wet day,
snuggle down with a bowl of popcorn,
hot chocolate and watch a film. Autumn
is a time for feeling warm and cosy
so break out the movie classics. This
year, outdoor cinema experiences are
extending into September and October,
check our website for more details.
20 Punting
Take in the autumn colours of
Cambridge with a punting experience
along the River Cam. Most reputable
punting companies offer blankets
to keep you warm and a selection of
different packages.
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