2026 Autumn Checklist: 19 Activities for a Whimsical Autumn

The cosiest season of them all is upon us, and even as temperatures drop and leaves fall, there’s still so many fun things to do across the UK to get you into the autumnal spirit! We might be saying goodbye to beach days and picnics, but we’re saying hello to crispy walks in the park and cosy crafts in the evenings. 

If you’re looking for ways to have the most whimsical autumn this year, we’ve rounded up this lovely little guide – your ultimate 2026 autumn checklist, packed with things to do that’ll add a little extra magic to the season. From restarting your yearly Gilmore Girls rewatch to mastering a new sweet treat recipe, we’ve got something for every kind of autumn lover! 

Romanticise the little things this autumn

The changing of the seasons can sometimes be a little bit tricky, which is why we’re here to help you find the loveliness in the tiny, everyday moments. 

Whether you’re an autumn lover through and through or you’re more of a summer person, there’s so much magic to be found in the ordinary! So before we dive into our 2026 autumn checklist, give yourself permission to make a fuss over the small stuff. 

• Make your morning drink feel like a ritual: Cosy up under a blanket on the sofa or in the garden (if it’s not too chilly!) Sip slowly and set your intentions for the day. 
• Dress for the season: Dig out your favourite scarf from last year and wear your biggest, fluffiest jumpers! 
• Take the long way home: Don’t rush! If you can, walk a scenic route home and notice the colours around you changing. 
• Give ordinary evenings a little atmosphere: Warm lighting only! Lamps, candles and your favourite folky autumn playlist. The dream!
• Keep a tiny collection of autumn moments: Keep hold of a gorgeous orange leaf or a cinema ticket of your favourite Halloween watch.

Most importantly, don’t put any pressure on yourself – the loveliest moments will be the totally regular ones. 

Your 2026 autumn checklist for the most whimsical season

1. Hand make a mug for your cosy morning cuppa

Okay, maybe we all have a few too many mugs – but we think this is a limit that shouldn’t exist. Get into the autumn vibes and learn how to make a mug as unique as you! Perfect for your morning cuppa, chai or evening hot choc. 

Fancy learning how? 

• Try this pottery mug workshop in Nine Elms, London. 
• Or this clay workshop in Manchester. 

2. Watch your best friend’s favourite Halloween film 

Ask your bestie what their go-to Halloween films are, choose one you’ve not seen and try it yourself. Or choose one each and plan a spooky movie night, complete with blankets and snacks. Their favourite might even become yours too! 

3. Cook or bake with pumpkin 

Around 22 million pumpkins are thrown away in the UK each year, which is arguably scarier than any ghost or ghoul. This year when you carve your pumpkin for your doorstep, keep the innards and use them for pies, soups or even handmade pumpkin spice syrup. Yum! 

Try it yourself!

• Learn new recipes at this pumpkin cooking class in Archway, London.

4. Light that special candle you’ve been saving 

We’ve all got a little stockpile of gorgeous candles that we’ve been saving for a ‘special occasion.’ This is your sign to cosy up with a book or your favourite autumn show and light it!

5. Craft a wreath to hang on your door 

Calling all lovers of whimsical autumn decor! If you’ve already swapped out your blankets and cushions for oranges and browns, you might love making your own dried flower wreath for your door. 

Try it here: 

• Craft decor that’ll last at this dried wreath making workshop in Kings Cross, London.
• Or this autumnal dried flower wreath workshop in Edinburgh. 

6. End your days with a hot drink, a book and no screens

Autumn is a time of change and letting go, so treat yourself gently. Reread an old favourite or start a new autumnal pick, paired with your favourite hot drink. 

7. Try crafting with dried or pressed flowers

There’s no shortage of gorgeous flowers that pop up at this time of year! Learn how to craft with them and make them last a lifetime. Try using pressed flowers and arrange them in frames (top tip – flatten them in a heavy book!)

Give it a go:

• Try this gorgeous pressed botanical frame making workshop in Manchester.

8. Watch/rewatch a comfort show 

We’ve all got our favourites – it’s time to restart! Whether it’s a cosy sitcom or a classic spooky show, press play on episode one and settle in. 

Our top picks: 

• Phoebe, Head of Content & Class Production: Gilmore Girls 
• Victoria, Creative Content Lead: American Horror Story (particularly Coven!) 
• Amy, Content Writer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Vampire Diaries 

9. Connect with nature and make your own terrarium

Are you happiest surrounded by nature? Celebrate the changing of the seasons and craft a terrarium to brighten up the darker nights! 

Learn it here: 

• Give it a go at this mini terrarium workshop in Woolwich, London. 
• Or this open top terrarium class in Glasgow.

10. Plan the ultimate autumnal movie marathon 

There’s nothing lovelier than a film marathon – tailor it to your tastes, settle in with your favourite snacks and watch to your heart’s content. 

Pick your vibe: 

• Autumnal romance: When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire. 
• Franchise fun: The Twilight Saga, The Lord of the Rings. 
• Tearjerking dramas: Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting.
• Witchy magic: Practical Magic, The Craft, Hocus Pocus. 

11. Treat yourself to a new cosy knit – or make one yourself! 

Autumn is all about layers and your comfiest clothes. If you’re looking for a hobby you can cosy up with, you could even try learning how to knit or crochet. Start small with a scarf or gloves! 

Try it yourself: 

• Dive in with this beginners crochet class in Covent Garden, London. 
• Or this lovely arm knitted blanket workshop in Manchester. 

12. Try a new sweet treat recipe 

No matter the season, we should always be surrounded by the sweetest treats. Autumn is no exception! Whether you’re already a baker or you’ve always wanted to be, spend a Sunday baking with your favourite playlist in the background. 

Live your Bake-Off dreams: 

• Try this cinnamon roll baking class in Camden Town, London. 

13. Craft an autumnal collage 

Already a craft lover or want to add a little extra magic to your autumn? Collaging is a lovely way to get into crafts – use magazines, stickers, pressed flowers and leaves to make a seasonal collage. 

14. Make your own spiced candle from scratch

If you’ve been known to wander around TKMaxx and smell the candles in the cute jars, chances are you’ve never found a candle that you LOVE. Instead, learn how to make your own and personalise your own scent! And you can avoid any added chemicals too. Win win! 

Lighten up your nights: 

• Try this aromatherapy candle making workshop in Manchester. 

15. Go foraging and make your own jam or syrup

Step away from the busyness of life and see what delights the season has to offer! You might forage berries, fungi or nuts depending on where you look. 

Learn how to forage safely: 

• Connect with nature at this seasonal foraging workshop in Mitcham, London. 

16. Watch a ghost hunting show 

Get into the Halloween spirit and dive into the spooky world of ghost hunting! Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, grab some popcorn and settle in for some scares. Our wonderful Creative Content Lead Vicky recommends Amy’s Crypt. 

17. Paint using autumnal colours 

Try your hand at some painting and use warm shades like orange, brown, gold and yellow. You don’t need to be an expert to give it a go – try anything from dreamy watercolours to bold pastels. 

Give it a go: 

• This whimsical watercolour workshop in Bank, London. 
• This freestyle painting workshop in Manchester. 

18. Teach yourself about something new 

Learning and exploring doesn’t have to stop with school – pick a random topic and teach yourself about it! You could delve into ancient autumnal traditions and folklore, or learn about the origins of Halloween. 

19. Sit in a bookshop on a rainy day 

Choose a day that you might otherwise spend at home, and venture out on a little solo date (or with a friend!) to your favourite bookshop to browse the shelves and read by a window.

Your whimsical cheat sheet: Pick your cosy energy

Make this autumn one to remember

Whether your autumn involves cosy nights in with soft blankets, hot chocolate and your favourite books or chilly walks in the park, the most important thing is to slow down and take the opportunity to relax.

Whatever your version looks like, let this be the autumn you lean into the whimsy! Pick a few things from our 2026 autumn checklist, invent some traditions of your own and say yes to the little moments that make things feel a little bit magic. 

After all, autumn only comes around once a year. You may as well make it a lovely one!