After a last burst of summer, autumn seems to have arrived. The temperatures are getting cooler and evenings are getting darker. But there’s still lots going on around the county to tempt you to get out and about this October.

Kipling’s Scottie dog trail, Bateman’s, Burwash, Saturday 5 October to Sunday 3 November

Explore the house and garden at Bateman’s and discover what Rudyard Kipling’s Scottie dog Malarkey has been up to.

You can follow the trail at your own pace. It is particularly suitable for families with primary school aged children. Dogs are welcome to take part in the garden section of the trail.

Stargazing Evenings, The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, Saturday 12 and Saturday 26 October

Looking through a telescope is awe inspiring! Visit the Observatory at night for an opportunity to look through some of the largest telescopes in the country.

Maybe you’ll see the Moon or the planets (if they are visible), or it perhaps deeper sky objects. Don’t worry if it is cloudy as there is a cloudy night contingency.

Goodwood Racing Sunday, Goodwood Racecourse, 13 October

Horseracing has been part of life at Goodwood for over two centuries.

Celebrate the final fixture of the season in a laid-back country-style atmosphere. Witness seven exciting races unfold on the track and enjoy live music on the East Parade Lawn. And warm up on an autumn afternoon by the fire pits complete with complimentary marshmallows to toast.

The Battle of Hastings re-enactment, Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October

Step into the scene of England’s most famous battle. Witness warriors clash and mud fly as over 300 re-enactors bring the Battle of Hastings to life on the very spot where it was fought in 1066.

Take the day to explore all the action in the rival Saxon and Norman camps. See the chain mail and weaponry makers while they’re hard at work and meet the falconers and their birds of prey alongside them. Don’t miss the dramatic retelling of the Bayeux Tapestry. Then take your spot for the highlight of the day as the hard-hitting armies clash in combat and battle rages.

The 71st National Town Criers’ Championship, Rye, Saturday 12 October

Join Rye’s own Town Crier as he hosts Criers from across the country taking part in this spectacular event, in the Gun Gardens.

The town criers will be asked to make two cries – the first, the Home Cry, will celebrate each competitor’s local town, whilst the second cry will be on this year’s theme of Tradition.

Beachy Head Marathon Weekend, Eastbourne, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October

Four events will take place over the Beachy Head Marathon weekend:

  • Beachy Head Marathon (Saturday). One the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. Popular for its scenic and challenging route through the South Downs National Park countryside.
  • Beachy Head 10K (Saturday). Heading off after the marathon will be the 10k runners. They will enjoy breath-taking views with a shorter route across the Downs to Belle Tout Lighthouse.
  • Beachy Head Ultramarathon (Saturday). It combines the traditional marathon route plus the 10k route. An endurance race with a total distance of approximately 52.6 kilometres.
  • Beachy Head Half Marathon (Sunday). The route will encompass much of the marathon route and still have that amazing, picturesque scenery.

The races will start and finish on Eastbourne seafront, near Helen Gardens. If you’re not taking part, why not go along and cheer the runners on?

Dinosaur Adventure Live!, The Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne, Tuesday 29 October

“There’s trouble on Volcano Island, get ready for an explosively good time!”

This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Join intrepid rangers on a quest to recover the data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs!

Learn about prehistoric history with amazing dino facts, meet beautiful baby dinosaurs and even feed them, but watch out… you could be on the menu!

Bonfire processions

More Sussex bonfire processions are taking place during October, celebrating the failure of the Gunpowder plot and commemorating Protestant martyrs who were burnt at the stake in local towns during the reign of Bloody Mary, Mary I.

Most bonfire societies raise money for local charities and good causes, so whichever event you attend please take along some cash to throw in their collection buckets.

For more ideas on places to visit around East Sussex this autumn, check out last month’s article What’s On in September.

Finally, don’t forget the clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 26 October giving us all an extra hour in bed!

Image credit – English Heritage