From real ale festivals to pumpkin picking, Norfolk’s October diary is packed with reasons to head out.
Here are seven things you can do or visit this month.
1. October Makers' Market at Wroxham Barns
October Makers' Market is coming back to Wroxham Barns (Image: Google Maps)
Where: Wroxham Barns, Tunstead Road, Hoveton, NR12 8QU
When: Sunday, October 4, 10am - 3pm
Price: Free entry and free parking for the Shopping Village
Browse more than 30 stalls of handmade goods, meet resident artists, enjoy live music and sample local food and drink at this relaxed market.
Studios will be open so visitors can meet the creatives and see where the magic happens.
Live music runs from 11am to 1pm, and there is plenty of tasty food and drink available from the on-site cafes and food outlets.
2. North Norfolk Railway Autumn Steam Gala
Britain's oldest working locomotive The Furness Railway No 20 is coming to the North Norfolk Railway's Steam Gala this year. (Image: T Owen)
Where: North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham and Holt stations
When: October 24 and 25
Price: Between £15 to £85 depending age, group size and whether you pre-book or pay on the day
The flagship event of the Poppy Line's season features seven locomotives each day.
The star attraction is Furness Railway No 20, built in 1863 and Britain's oldest working steam locomotive, paired with the railway's Victorian carriages.
Visitors can enjoy unlimited travel behind these historic engines on contrasting trains from Victorian times to the 1960s, including a non-stop express and demonstration goods trains.
Saturday features after-dark running, a Fish & Chip Special and behind-the-scenes tours for a supplement.
3. Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Halloween Spooktacular
The Hippodrome Circus has announced the return of Halloween Spooktacular this October. (Image: Hippodrome Circus)
Where: Hippodrome Circus, St. Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EU
When: October 23 to November 1
Price: £10 to £32
Billed as the "ultimate family spooky show," the Halloween Spooktacular returns to the Hippodrome's 360-degree arena with an all-new adventure.
Comedic duo Jack Jay and Johnny Mac will take audiences on a spooky and laughter-filled journey.
And this year, CBBC and CBeebies actor James Mackenzie, best known to many as Raven from the BBC children’s adventure show, will join the cast as the villain.
The show is renowned for delivering "spooks, not scares," making it suitable for the entire family.
4. Norwich Beer Festival
The Norwich Beer Festival is coming back this year. (Image: Newsquest)
Where: The Halls, St Andrew's Hall, Norwich, NR3 1AU
When: October 26 to 31. Sessions vary by day
Price: Tickets range between £25 to £31, depending on whether you are a CAMRA member
The Norwich Beer Festival is returning to The Halls for the 47th time after a two-year absence while repairs were carried out at the venue.
Organised by Norwich & District CAMRA and run by volunteers, visitors can expect more than 300 cask-conditioned real ales from Britain's independent brewers, draught and bottled beers from around the world.
There will also be more than 60 varieties of traditional ciders and perries, mostly from East Anglia. Food is available in Blackfriars' Hall at all sessions.
Advance tickets are recommended and available via the CAMRA ticketing site.
5. Pensthorpe Pumpkin Festival
Go pumpkin-picking at Pensthorpe this October. (Image: Pensthorpe)
Where: Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN
When: October 23 to November 1
Price: Tickets vary from £3 to £12.95 depending on age and events
Pensthorpe's biggest autumn celebration yet brings together pumpkins, family activities and picture-perfect autumn moments across the 700-acre nature reserve.
The festival features a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a spooky twist on the much-loved maize maze, crafts and the full range of Pensthorpe's wildlife, gardens and play areas.
Two special After Dark evenings include the floodlit pumpkin patch, indoor pumpkin carving, fire entertainers, floodlit outdoor play, marshmallow toasting and street food.
The Courtyard Café opens from 9am and visitors arriving by bus receive a £2 discount on park entry.
6. Halloween Garden at Holkham
The Halloween Garden at Holkham Hall. (Image: Holkham Hall)
Where: Walled Garden, Holkham Park, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1RH
When: October 27 to 31, 10am to 3pm
Price: Adults £7, children £7, under 2s free. Pumpkin carving £4 per pumpkin. Parking £8 per day
Holkham’s Walled Garden transforms for Halloween with spooky storytelling, potion-making, crafts, pumpkin carving and sweet treats.
Several food trucks serve food and drinks throughout the day, including OG Coffee, Sin Bin and Chick'n'collect.
The event is outdoors, so visitors are advised to wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Visitors should enter the park via the North gates.
The Courtyard Café and gift shop are also open between 10am to 5pm.
7. Hocus Pocus Fun Day at Thetford Forest
The Hocus Pocus event at High Lodge in Thetford Forest is returning for the third year. (Image: YELLOW BLOSSOM PHOTOGRAPHY)
Where: High Lodge, Thetford Forest, IP27 0AF
When: Friday, October 30, 10am to 4pm
Price: Free entry - no booking or ticket needed. Normal parking charges apply
Now in its third year, the event promises a full day of entertainment on the main green, including magic shows, bubble performances, crafts, pumpkin carving and a variety of stalls selling handmade gifts.
There is enough to keep visitors busy on the Main Green all day, but those wanting to explore deeper into the forest will find the Room on the Broom trail, bike trails and play areas under the trees.
Extra catering will be available on-site alongside the High Lodge Café.
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