Sense of tradition
As the sun sets on the Great British summer, harvest season takes centre stage in the heart of the countryside.
With autumn’s golden hues around us and the crunch of leaves underfoot, discover how food and farming shape the landscape around us at these events across the local area…
Green Harvest Festival weekend
5th-6th October at Winchester Cathedral
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 18 miles
Celebrate food and farming while exploring the impact of climate change at this free event set in the striking surroundings of Winchester Cathedral.
New for this year is a Big Top marquee, sponsored by the University of Winchester, which will host talks and displays from the university, Sparsholt College, WinAcc, Bee Inspired Project, Green Week and many more; all of whom are working towards a more sustainable future.
There’s also farm animals, falconry displays, tractors and a Hampshire Fare market. Plenty of local food and drink will be available for all to enjoy.
Autumn & Countryside Show
5th-6th October at the Weald & Downland Living Museum
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 20 miles
Experience the sights and sounds of the countryside and celebrate the end of the harvest at this seasonal show, which includes traditional working demonstrations such as heavy horses and vintage tractors ploughing and steam-powered threshing.
There’s also woodland and rural craft demonstrations, displays and competitions, falconry, gun dog displays and a fun dog show.
Vintage tractors will be busy preparing the ground for sowing after the harvest and there will be a display of tractors and farm implements for visitors to enjoy.
The annual Horticultural Show will take place as part of the show, with classes to suit all ages, and there will be a range of delicious food and drink available.
Autumn Pumpkin Festival and Scarecrow Avenue
12th October at Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 21 miles
A charity festival for the Jubilee Sailing Trust, celebrating the very best of Autumnal treasures with the spotlight on pumpkins and scarecrows.
There will be fun for all the family, with autumnal food, drink, music, dance, Big Draw art and flower arranging workshops, crafts, gardening advice and produce, storytelling, Pumpkin games, stalls and plenty more besides.
You can also bring your own scarecrow for the Scarecrow Avenue.
The biggest pumpkins in UK will be paraded, celebrated and serenaded trying to beat last year's winning giant pumpkin. Small pumpkins are welcome too!
The event will also include children's activities, sports and games, circus skills and puppets, crafts, gifts, real ale and cider, local food and produce.