FOOD & DRINK

Newbury Racecourse Oktoberfest things to do locally october

The Newbury Racecourse brings steins, bratwursts, pretzels and oompah bands on Fri 25 – Sat 26 October for their Oktoberfest celebrations. Finest lederhosen’s encouraged as racegoers raise a beer to the end of the flat season at Newbury during the legendary German festival. Dancing Prince Ludwig style, guaranteed.

Pass us a glass of wine – or six – and travel to a land where Mama Mia is stuff of legend. It can only be Greece. No hopping on a jumbo jet for you though. Goat on the Roof in Newbury are hosting a My Big Fat Greek Wine Tasting night on 24 Oct with 6 wines to change your mind apparently. Don’t miss their Grower Champagne Weekend (24 – 26 Oct) too.

Here for more wine and a good time? Hell yeah! Check out Thames Valley Wine School and their ensemble of boozy events throughout October. We’re talking steak nights, cheese pairings, Italian stallions, and more. See the full lowdown here.

Arriba! On 22 Oct, The Retreat at Elcot Park will be chucking on their sombreros for a big ole Mexican Night. This month’s chefs table series will include a specially designed multi-course dinner, with booze and all the festive vibes. £50 a head.

Muddy faves Milaanj at The Beehive in White Waltham will be ringing in the Diwali festivities this month with a special tasting night on 30 Oct. Details and menu to be revealed. Watch this space. £65pp.

A cool little pop up is happening at Harpers Windsor on Fri 25 Oct where you’ll enjoy plant-based small plates, drinks, and tunes in collaboration with the Loading Bay Café. No need to book, it’s first come, first served.

Wellington Farm autumn supper club things to do october near me

Supper club obsessed? Same. More where that came from at Wellington Farm with their autumn scoff fest (17 Oct). Five courses plus petit fours and arrival drink will set you back £80pp with a wine pairing available for an additional £20pp. The menu looks stunning, with a new chef in tow raring to show ’em what they’ve got.

Foooodies, let’s hear ya! Join BBQ kings The Shurlock Inn on 17 Oct for a four course extravaganza with Jeroboam Trade as you experience wines from around the world, from Marlow to Mendoza. Now that’s a duo I never thought I needed. £80pp.

A dinner dedicated to truffles? Race you to the table at Fairmont Windsor on 29 Oct. It will be a spectacular affair of a four-course crafted menu devised by the Executive Head Chef, Siddharth Krishna. Tuck into everything from native lobster with black truffle & claw tempura, Beef fillet Rossini and yep, you guessed it, black truffle, plus a lovely white truffle and chocolate brulée to finish. £165pp.

foraging in berkshire stubbings nursery things to do october berkshire

Over at Malverleys, on 19 Oct, celebrate all the Autumnal goodness with their Feast and Forage event. With exclusive access to the Malverleys estate and in collaboration with Wildpicker, guests will undergo a two-hour foraging workshop before returning back to the sophisticated dining space for a three-course lunch, bursting with the freshly picked wild foods and produce from the market garden. Tickets £100.

Clearly October is all about channelling your inner forager. Stubbings Nursery will also be throwing a Guided Autumn Forage Walk with Lunch on 15 Oct led by trained herbalist, Justine Gens. Learn how to identify, harvest and embrace nourishing wild plants and fungi with a sustainable approach before digging into a hearty lunch in the café. £47.50pp.

COMEDY

“Make me look fit on the poster” was all Amy Gledhill asked for in the run up to her brand new comedy show, all about self-confidence, romance and bin bags. And with that hair, we think she’s nailed it. See the newly crowned Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner 2024 take to the stage at South Street Reading on 26 October. A guaranteed crack.

Harriet Madeley’s award-winning solo show returns to Reading Rep off the back of a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival. Get ready to laugh, cry and contemplate life itself… Outpatient is on 15 – 19 Oct.

Grace Campbell is on heat, about to hit her 30s, and making big changes. In her brand new show the unwaveringly honest comedian will ask big questions about the world, her vagina, and her obsession with making her dog her entire brand. On at Concert Hall Reading (17 Oct). 16+.

After four decades of nonsense, Joe Pasquale is back with his brand-new tour. And if it’s anything like the Joe we know, it’s going to be bonkers. If you have ever asked questions such as – can a vegetarian get a job as a Beefeater? If beauty is relative, why are all my relatives ugly? And why don’t chicken breasts have nipples? This is the show for you! At The Corn Exchange Newbury on 17 October.

HALLOWEEN

A kids-free, grown up night out for Halloween? Yup, it exists. Our top local breweries are always a great place to start. At Double Barrelled, there’s a Quiz of Horrors on 26 Oct with extra points for fancy dress. Okaaay fine, bring the whole family for their Halloween Fun Day (27 Oct), but then it’s adults only for their big fat Halloween Party on 2 Nov with banging DJs, street food, and lots of beer. Obvs.

Want more where that came from? Eat, drink, and be scary at Phantom Brew’s 5th Birth-yay Halloween Beer Festivus Extravaganza (26 Oct). A name that long can only mean you’re in for a good time. Wrestling. Fancy Dress. Beers. Food. Live Karaoke with Kerrangaoke. It is time to come on down to party town. £5pp.

It’s going to totally pop off at Renegade Brewery’s Halloween Fireworks Spectacular on 31 Oct. Doughnuts, beer, and one cracking sky display – what more do you want?

No tricks just treats at Stanlake Park’s Halloween Blind Wine Tasting event on 1 Nov. While you may be too old to shake your bucket for some free sweeties, necking some fizz and scoffing a bunch of Halloween snacks is never out the question. In this blind tasting of six wines, get ready to meet your worst nightmare (or your new Friday night companion). Dressing up strongly encouraged. £35pp.

Between 30 Oct – 1 Nov, you will have the opportunity to Walk with Ghosts around the private grounds of Stubbings Nursery. Yep, you heard that right. Professor Fredericks, a Victorian para-psychologist (aka a ghost expert), will guide you on a journey with tales of ghosts and supernatural sightings. Afterwards, tuck into a light dinner at the café – included in the ticket price. It’s £24.95 for adults, and £20.95 for kids. The third walk of the night is strictly 15+.

Fright Night at The Shurlock Inn is always so frightfully fun. Join on 30 October for Halloween themed movies for £10pp which includes a box of popcorn. Hotel Transylvania is on at 6.30pm with face painting available, followed by The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 8.30pm. Why not make it a night and join for dinner too. Hm, hm, you’ll get 20% off!

See the full list of thrilling Halloween events for adults here.

A super special day out at one of the most beautiful estates in Berkshire. This is not your basic PYO pumpkin patch, Wasing is going to town with a magical trail through the stunning woodland that will be wearing its best autumnal colours. Follow the trail, meet Wasing’s wildest residents, before picking up your wheelbarrow and heading to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkin picking is thirsty work so of course there’s snacks and hot and cold drinks too. Tickets £6.50. Under 2s Free. Book up pronto. On 18 – 31 Oct.

Turn your pumpkin experience into more than merely popping into ASDA. Join the fun over at Hallcourt Farm (now – 29 Oct). It’s their second year growing pumpkins and they’re in for a bumper crop. There’s a woodland trail for the keen bean wilderness explorers out there, big bale play, and if you really fancy making a day of your Halloween preparations, pick up a pumpkin carving kit and stickers from the barn where you can also enjoy some refreshments as you create a masterpiece. Tickets are £5.30 and you can book here.

For the second year, Rookery Farms is opening up its field to the Joe Public between now – 31 Oct, run by the Berkshire Farm Girl. A large selection of pumpkins will be available to buy which you can also carve on site. Kids will have the opportunity to explore the big maize maze, as well as other farm machinery, enjoy big bale play, painting, PYO sweetcorn, and are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes. Tickets are £4 and wellies and wheelbarrows are advised. Grab a ticket here.

See the full guide to the best local pumpkin picking patches here.

WITH THE KIDS

Welford Park Spectacle of Light Show things to do near me october

All is merry and bright over at Welford Park for their Spectacle of Light Show spectacular taking place between Fri 18 Oct – Sun 10 Nov. This magical after-dark activity for all the family will leave you dazzled as you weave your way around the illuminated trail (hot choc in hand of course) through the majestic woodland and gardens under the stars. After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a scrumptious bite to eat from the street food vendors by the house. Psst, keep your eyes peeled for Prue and Paul too. Book by 17 Oct for cheaper prices. Adults from £19.80, Child £10.80, Family of four £53.10. Under 3s go free.

Pack ’em off this October half term on one of Life 101’s exceptionally brilliant wellbeing and resilience workshops that have been slapped with the Muddy seal of approval. Run by super couple Greig Trout and Jaime Thurston, the workshops are intended to help children thrive, master critical life skills, and find their superpower across two days of fun. See why we approve here. Their next Confidence and Leadership Workshop takes place on 28 – 29 Oct in Wokingham so book now.

Halloween Afternoon Tea Royal Berkshire hotel

Scones with a smattering of slime? Sure thing. The Halloween Afternoon Tea at the Royal Berkshire is gory enough to make even us grown ups squeal thanks to a menu including ‘finger’ sandwiches, plus white chocolate eyes and spider tarts. Book yours between 26 Oct – 3 Nov. £42 per adult, kids go free.

Get some fresh air at Basildon Park with the Half Term Outdoor Trail (25 Oct -3 Nov), perfect for wilderness explorers of all ages. Pick up your £2 trail sheet from the visitor reception and go wild with games and activities along the way. At the end, you will even get a prize.

Wellington Country Park’s Hallo-Welly-Ween

Wellington Country Park’s Hallo-Welly-Ween is back with a week of ghoulish fun – pumpkin patch, ghost train, Not So Spooky show and more (26 Oct – 3 Nov). There’s Grotty Greta and The Naughty Magic Shoes Show, plus Flick’s Birthday Dance Party Show. New for this year is the Mini Hallo-Welly-Ween (23 – 25 Oct), perfect for little ghouls up to 4 years old. Enjoy crafts, interactive story time, song and dance, shows, and train rides.

Brick or Treat at Legoland Windsor (now – 3 Nov) is an oldie but goldie. Don’t miss the fangtastic Haunted House Monster Party, the frightfully fun 4D movie, ‘The Great Monster Chase!’, Monster Rocker’s fang-tastic Pumpkin Trail, plus all of the rides in the LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures, live shows and attractions. BOO-k now.

Venture into The Night Forest at Braywick Nature Centre between 28 – 30 Oct for an enchanting after-dark experience like no other. Expect pumpkin carving, fireside storytelling, and a spooky trail to explore. Just remember your torch! Suitable for 4 – 11.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea, The Hexagon Reading things to do berkshire this autumn whats on locally — Credit: Pamela Raith

Judith Kerr’s tea loving tiger is back in Reading, direct from the West End (hurrah). This family favourite is packed with plenty of magic, songs to sing along to, and all kinds of chaos. It’s Olivier Award nominated for a reason, people. The Tiger Who Came To Tea is on at The Corn Exchange Newbury between 25 – 27 Oct.

At Norden Farm, there’s lots going on to keep the nippers entertained. WiFi Wars returns with a very spooky version of the live comedy game show where you all play along on 29 Oct. The Amazing Bubble Man also makes his comeback on 30 Oct with what’s regarded as the greatest bubble show on Earth. If you struggle with transforming your little monsters into, well, actual monsters, there’s Halloween Makeup Workshops on 31 Oct.

THEATRE

Halloween is creeping in which means it’s time to get your freaky fix. Dracula should do it. See it at the Theatre Royal Windsor between 29 Oct – 2 Nov where the Victorian Gothic blends with the Contemporary in this fantastic adaptation.

A remote island setting, mysterious disappearances, and creepy dolls are just a few of the things you can expect to see in the adaptation of Berkshire author Rebecca Netley’s award-winning novel, The Whistling. Set to apparate in all its ghoulish glory at The Mill at Sonning theatre this autumn for a huge 7-week run, now – 16 Nov. Just don’t blame us if things go bump in the night. Psst, you can check out our chin-wag with Rebecca here.

More ghoulish shenanigans where that came from at The Corn Exchange Newbury as you are invited on a journey to the darkest corners of the night. Edward Dunning is a scholar and a sceptic, but when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr. Karswell, Dunning’s life becomes a waking nightmare. Err, freaky much? See the chilling new adaptation of M.R. James’ classic ghost stories on 29 Oct.

Simon Reeve – To The Ends Of The Earth, The Hexagon Reading

If you’re looking for something to inspire your hard-to-please teens, Simon Reeve ‘s swashbuckling tales of his adventures around the globe should do it. In fact, he’s been to a whopping 130 countries to be exact. Join him as recalls stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs that encourage audiences to step out their comfort zone, take gentle risks, and embrace the wider world. His last tour was a sell-out. Just saying. At The Hexagon Reading, 24 Oct.

Roll up, roll up! Paulos’ world-famous circus pitches up at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Wokingham between now – 20 Oct. Having been keeping people entertained for over 200 years, safe to say they know what they’re doing by now. Or so you’d think. This year, they’re going POP – bursting at the seams with screams and supremes, where logic is defied and imagination is king. Expect pitch perfect pandemonium for all.

Let’s get ready to rumbleeeee! The wrestling extravaganza is back at South Hill Park for its huge 40th anniversary tour. Better get warming up that heckling voice – the guys are coming to town. On 20 Oct.

Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen to book tickets to the smash-hit 9 to 5 The Musical, featuring original numbers from Dolly Parton’s Oscar, Tony and Grammy Award nominated score. This comedy follows the lives of office workers Violet, Judy and Doralee as they live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! Tickets from £22. Also on at South Hill Park, 30 Oct – 2 Nov.

A powerful one-man drama that will have you glued to the action from the offset. The Windrush Secret, set in 2018, is about a young, white far-right racist party leader, a black Caribbean diplomat, and a white Oxford educated Home Office government official who are each giving speeches about The Windrush Generation. However, one has a dark life-long secret that is about to come to light. And change everything. Tickets just £16. See it at The Curve Slough, 26 Oct.

The productions at The Watermill Theatre are always riveting, and The King’s Speech will be no exception. This new production of David Seidler’s play takes an intimate view of one of life’s most unorthodox relationships between Bertie, the soon-to-be-crowned King George VI, and speech therapist Lionel Logue. As Hitler’s threat on Europe encroaches, Bertie fights his own battle to overcome his speech impediment at the time his country needs him most. Suitable for 12+. On now – 2 Nov.

BOOKS

Bookworms, it’s happening! Just over the border, Wantage Literary Fest is taking place 28 Oct – 9 Nov and will see a star-studded line up of authors taking to the stage including Larry Lamb, Johnny Ball, Plum Sykes, and many more.

A little crime and a little wine never hurt nobody (much). The best selling author of smash hit How to Kill Your Family comes to The Little Bookshop in Cookham on 20 Oct where Bella Mackie will be celebrating her twisty new mystery novel What A Way To Go.

Two step your way over to The Watermill Theatre to catch Strictly’s leading lady Shirley Ballas in an intimate conversation about life and her brand new novel Dance to the Death. Tickets are very limited for this special fundraising event so slide in there, stat. On Wed 23 Oct. Tickets from £20.

WELLNESS & WORKSHOPS

Wellbeing is done right in Berkshire’s two glittering Coppa Clubs. There’s a Samhain Ceremony & Forrest Yoga on 26 Oct at The Swan at Streatley. Then over at The Great House Sonning, don’t miss the Yoga & Pottery Workshop (20 Oct), promising a morning of tranquility and creativity. Our recommendation? Book a Coppa lunch afterwards to wash it down nicely.

Wine and pilates? Nope, you’re not dreaming. Run, don’t walk to beautiful Stanlake Park Wine Estate on 17 Oct, for, yep, just that. Pair your favourite wine with a bit of downward dog and what do you get? A damn good time. All levels welcome. Tickets are £20pp for an hour session plus three wine samples.

We’re big fans of the gorgeous Soul Barns wellbeing space in Mortimer. The calendar this October is chocker. We’re eying up the Balanced Wellbeing Workshop (26 Oct).

Craftaholics looking to let off a little steam this October need look no further. The Base at Greenham have got an A-List line up of brilliant crafty workshops to get stuck into. There’s a ceramic tealight candle holders workshop (20 Oct), but you don’t want to miss the lantern making workshops on 28 Oct – 1 Nov in the run up to their annual illuminated lantern display.

Become one with nature with a guided walk (24 Oct) around the grounds of Waltham Place as you spot the emerging signs of Autumn with local wildlife expert Martin Woolner. £15pp.

There’s more cookery courses happening over at Honesty Cookery School than you can swing a rolling pin at. Catch Autumn Inspiration in the Kitchen (15 Oct), Flavours from the Ottoman Empire (22 Oct), Sourdough Made Simple (24 Oct), and Plant Powered Comfort Food (31 Oct). Paul Hollywood who?

Why not join The Woodspeen in Newbury this October for a whole range of cookery courses, from Flavours of France and Steak to Winter Warmers and Desserts? Check out their calender of events here.

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Over at The Base in Greenham, contemporary artist Kurt Jackson will be showing his work until 17 Nov. In this never-seen-before exhibition, Kurt explores trees in all their glorious beauty. It’s £8.25 full price, £7.25 concessions and free for under 18s and Base pass holders. Book a time slot and date here.

Ogle your way around the gorgeous grounds of Savill Garden for Art in the Garden until 29 Oct and marvel at the eye-catching sculptures made in a variety of mediums, materials, and styles. This year’s theme is inspired by the natural world and each piece is accompanied by an artist statement. And if you want to take one home? Well, you’re in luck because they’re all for sale.

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a display in the house at Basildon Park explores the significant connection between the estate and the Second World War. It’s fascinating stuff. In fact, during World War II, Basildon Park was requisitioned and used by the 101st Airborne Division of the American Army for D-Day training. Free with normal admission prices. On until 10 Nov.

Want to get ahead of the game? Fill your autumn with the very best of Berkshire’s cultural goings-on with our guide to the top theatre, comedy, music, and days out locally.

OOPS… YOU MISSED IT!

The spirit of Bavaria hits Oktoberfest Reading 11-12 Oct for two days of merriment in a lively beer hall, filled with buzzing energy and tantalising aromas. Dance to the lively beats of authentic oompah bands and revel in the infectious atmosphere with a stein of quality German beer in hand. Of course there will be bratwursts too. Standard ticket is £20.

Shhh! The supper club nights at The Greyhound Finchampstead are top secret. Well, not too secret as their September feast has already sold out. Bummer. Not to worry, there’s still availability for their Feathers & Fur with Wines of Portugal night on 11 Oct – celebrating the best of British wild birds and local game from Casey Fields Farm Shop. Five courses with paired wines for £75pp.

It’s the second oldest fringe festival (after Edinburgh, obvs) and showcases new talent in music, dance, comedy, drama and art. Windsor Fringe is back with another eclectic programme, plus the sought-after Kenneth Branagh Drama Writing Award has also made its return. On now until 12 Oct.

With faces from the TV and names you know from the circuit, multiple laughs a minute are to be had at The Mill at Sonning’s cracking Comedy Night (7 Oct). Tickets are £51 and include a delicious two-course meal before the show. Good bang for your buck if you ask us.

Get jolly with Joly at the Corn Exchange Newbury on 8 Oct. Expect a comedy funfair that gives all the answers to the world’s biggest conspiracy theories. Is the earth flat? Does Finland exist? Are UFO’s piloted by lizards? Only Dom knows. And in the spirit of fairness, he’ll be inviting a well-known and highly respected conspiracy theorist, Dr Julian Northcote, to take the stage and defend the alternate view.

If The Avengers did comedy it would look a little like this. A crack team of some of the UK’s brightest comedy stars unite for one evening only for a fundraising comedy event (14 Oct) that supports Bristol’s Slapstick Festival. On the Stand Out Stand Up (for Slapstick) line up is Jo Brand, Andy Hamilton, Rory Bremner, Miles Jupp, and Arthur Smith. It’s going to be a whopper.

Moulin Rouge meets The Greatest Showman in this musical extravaganza starring AJ and Curtis Pritchard (Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing With The Stars, Love Island) and a glitzy cast of West End performers. Timeless hits, smouldering dance moves, and a night of non-stop entertainment. See Come What May at The Hexagon Reading on 11 October.

A ballsy adventure made entirely from cardboard. Boxville by Cardboard Adventures is on at South Street Reading on 12 Oct as those aged 4-8 plus their grown ups are invited to explore a land made entirely from sustainable cardboard. £12.50pp.

Werk it down the runway to Norden Farm where fellow Rupaul Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz delivers her iconically outrageous crass comedy, live vocals, dazzling costumes, drunken antics and the tale of a single mum from the Black Country who became one of the nation’s best loved stars. £25pp, £37.50 including a meet and greet. On 9 Oct.

Henley Literary Festival, Henley-on-Thames things to do berkshire this autumn whats on locally — Credit: Scarlet Page / Henley Literary Festival

For a little town, Henley really punches above its weight with the glittery line up of world class authors it attracts to its Henley Literary Festival each Autumn. This year, it’s a whopper. Book your tickets now to see some big names, including Jacqueline Wilson, David Nicholls, Rupert Everett, Shirley Ballas, Bella Mackie, Damien Lewis, Michael Palin, and SO much more. Some talks are already sold out so go, go, go. On until 6 Oct.

Look no further for a dazzling myriad of bookish events than Hungerford Bookshop. This month Tim Spicer arrives on 9 Oct, followed by crime writer Simon Mason on 12 Oct. At Caversham’s Fourbears Books, mystery writer Tom Mead takes the limelight on 15 Oct.

Head to The Swan at Streatley on 13 Oct for a powerful Breathwork Workshop with Sophie Trew, taking place in the riverside event space.

Spooky season sorted! 70+ things to do this October

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