10 Adventure Activities in Autumn (2025)

While summer gets most of the attention for adventures, autumn is a favourite season for many. Summer is long days, high energy, and embracing every moment of sunshine and warmth. Winter is snow-fuelled adrenaline and often overshadowed by Christmas. But Autumn is crisp air, intuitive exploration, rooted in nature, and surrounded by the most beautiful display of colour. It is a time for deeper connection with adventure, taking stock and recouping energy, while still embracing the shortening days and glorious low sun. Ready to get out? Here’s 10 favourite adventure activities for autumn:

1. A colourful forest walk

One of the simplest, accessible, and beautiful adventures for this autumn is a wander through the forest. Explore a local spot and witness how the flora and fauna changes through the season. Or head further afield to maximise your experience of orange, yellow, and red hues. Perthshire is a personal favourite spot of mine – the Killicrankie or The Hermitage walks are lovely forest trails suitable for all fitness levels and ages.

The beauty of a forest walk is it can be a slow wander to watch the wildlife, or it can be a more competitive and speedy jog or run, making the most of the fresher air after a humid summer. If you have wee ones in tow, turn your wander into a search for conkers or collect leaves for autumn crafts.

Whatever your motivation, soak in the damp but crisp smells, the sounds of thriving rivers and streams, and the peaceful leaves floating down to the forest floor. Forests change so much at this time of year, and it’s a sight to behold.

2. Sunset and sunrise walks

The shorter days are usually viewed as bad thing, but if you’re craving a sunrise or sunset walk, it’s just the ticket. Sunrise becomes later and sunset earlier, meaning both become far more accessible to those who aren’t particularly fond of a late night or early morning (ehem, me).

Use a local hill or a beach as a vantage point for the best opportunity to spot the pink and orange hues in the sky. Remember your head torch, for either before or after the light arrives. Layers are also key, as these are the coldest times of the day, particularly in autumn. Pack a hot chocolate in a flask to enjoy as you watch the day begin (or settle).

3. Autumn city wandering

If, like me, you are as obsessed with autumnal movies like When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail, it’s time to become your own autumnal lead character. Even if you are not in New York, all cities shine in autumn, when their parks and waterways beam with bright oranges and yellows. The glow of the low autumn sunshine lights up the bleak greys of urban buildings and pavements. Pick up a pumpkin-spiced latte from your favourite small coffee vendor and have a wander around your favourite park with a friend. Finish your walk off with a beer in a cosy, firelit pub and you’ve rounded off a perfect autumn city adventure.

4. Autumn surfing at quiet beaches

If you’re willing to brave the colder waters, an unexpected adventure activity in autumn is surfing! Beaches tend to be quieter (especially in the water), the swell is more consistent, and the water hasn’t quite hit winter temperatures yet. Grab your warmest wetsuit (5/4mm minimum – Coast to Coast Surf School has a great post on this), a neoprene cap, and optional gloves and booties. Make yourself a hot drink to reach for when you leave the water. A bonus is a dryrobe – they’re a little more spenny, but I swear by mine (disclaimer: I won mine in an Instagram competition!). If surfing isn’t your jam, there’s plenty other watersports you could try, such as stand-up paddleboarding, wild swimming, or kayaking.

PHOTO: DRYROBE

5. Autumn road trip

The summer crowds have gone but the frost hasn’t yet appeared. Autumn is a great opportunity for a road trip! Enjoy the quiet roads lined with autumn colours, the low sun streaming in your windscreen, and cool mornings with a cosy cup of coffee. Double up your road trip with one of the other autumn adventure activities on this list and you’re WINNING.

6. Camp in the autumn leaves

Road trip + camping = a wonderful autumn adventure weekend! As the temperature dips, campsites and wild camping spots get far quieter. But cooking under an autumn sunset, surrounded by beautiful foliage, is an experience every camper should have.

The key to enjoying autumn camping is to wrap up warm. If you’ll be near your vehicle (or using a campervan), pack all the blankets and hot water bottles. Hand warmers, insulative water bottles, and cosy thermals are a must. We lose a lot of heat from our heads, so wear a hat to bed. A top tip I swear by is covering your hips at night, particularly if you are a woman, as this is a lesser-known part of the body we lose heat from. Drape a down jacket either inside or on top of your sleeping bag. Trust me.

PHOTO VAN CAMPING

7. Stargazing

Another bonus of the shorter days! Head outside as the sky darkens to watch the stars appear. Colder nights often mean less cloud coverage and more stars visible to the eye. Up your stargazing level with a good pair of binoculars and download the SkyMap app so you know what you are looking at! In the last few years, the UK has also witnessed some incredible displays of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Cold, clear nights are best, and try to find a dark spot to watch from. The AuroraWatch app can alert you to the level of activity so you know if it’s time to run outside! Utilise your phone camera, too – it often picks up the lightwaves better than our eyes.

8. Get cosy around a campfire

Have you ever sat around a campfire on a cold night? There is nothing more raw to connect you with our hunter-gatherer roots than staring into a campfire. It might be cold in the air, but the warmth from the fire more than makes up for it. This is a fantastic way to connect with nature and make the most of the dark evenings. In a society where we so often are distracted by phones, laptops, and TVs, it’s also a special opportunity to connect with friends and family, or go inwards for some self-reflection. Bring out the marshmallows, a guitar, and some mulled cider to really embrace the autumn vibe.

Ideally, please do not light fires on public land. The UK has unfortunately had a high fire-risk summer, not to mention fires can be very damaging to wildlife. Instead, consider purchasing a specific fire pit that keeps in ash and holds the fire above the ground to prevent damage. I own this firepit, but there are several options out there.

xx. Hit the trails on a mountain bike

All those crunchy leaves will sound epic under the trail of your mountain bike. Summer brings long trail days, but also means some of your favourite trails may have been overgrown with weeds, ferns and other greenery. But here comes autumn, the time of year where flora dies back and opens up the routes again. It’s the ideal time for giving it a first try. Plus, the cooler temperature will stop you from overheating while your racing down and clambering up the trails. Helmet? Check. Bike? Check. Stoke? Check.

6. Arty autumn adventure ideas

Browse Pinterest for autumn craft ideas and you’ll find plenty, including lots of opportunities to mix crafts and your autumn adventures! How about picking up beautiful leaves on a forest walk and using them for paint stamps or making candle holders? Or have fun exerimenting with mulled wine or chai tea recipes to take it with you when you go outside for a warming mid-adventure pick me up!

8. Leaf fights!

Forget snowball fights. Have a leaf fight! Always a great game to play with a hyperactive dog. Find huge piles of fresh leaves and run through them, kicking them in the air. If you’re good with a camera, this can make for some wonderful family photos too.

What’s your favourite part about an autumn adventure? Drop me a comment below or a message on Instagram! And if you want to support my content, I am always appreciative of a cosy cup of hot chocolate <3