Autumn family days out and half-term near The Firs

Autumn half-term is a wonderful time to bring the family to The Firs — pumpkin trails, castle adventures, leaf-kicking walks and cosy lodges to come home to. Our countryside retreat gives children the outdoors and gives parents a proper rest, whatever the weather. We're 2 hours from London and 45 minutes from Norwich.

Pumpkin season is a highlight. Over October, Somerleyton Hall near Lowestoft transforms its gardens with a family pumpkin trail and Halloween events — a brilliant autumn day out among the mazes and walled gardens (check dates at somerleyton.co.uk). Pick-your-own pumpkin patches also pop up across the area each October; it's worth a quick local search for which farms are running them this year.

Castle adventures for crisp days. Framlingham Castle (English Heritage) is made for autumn — wrap up, walk the complete wall-walk, and let imaginations run wild. It's around 30 minutes away.

Wild, woolly coast and heath. Dunwich Heath and the beaches at Southwold and Aldeburgh are bracing and beautiful in autumn — big skies, empty sands, and fish and chips to warm cold hands.

Cosy days at base. Back at The Firs, autumn means leaf-kicking across four acres on frosty mornings, board games by the wood-burning stove, and — once the little ones are tucked up — a wood-fired hot tub for the grown-ups. Rainy days are for the pizza oven and a film.

Half-term lodges book up early, so it's worth planning ahead. For autumn family UK stays with this much on the doorstep, this countryside stay is a brilliant base.

Planning an autumn family escape? Check availability and book direct.