15 Things to Add to Your Autumn Bucket List

There’s something about autumn that makes us want to savour every single day. Maybe it’s the shorter evenings, the golden light, or the crisp air, but this season always feels too fleeting. That’s where a bucket list comes in.

Think of it not as a must-do, but as a could-do list — a gentle reminder of cosy, joy-filled ideas to sprinkle through the season. No pressure, no big commitments, just simple ways to bring more warmth and meaning into your days. Here are fifteen ideas to inspire your own autumn adventures.

red leaf trees near the road — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The List

1. Bake a blackberry crumble with foraged fruit.
There’s nothing more autumnal than heading out with a basket to gather blackberries from the hedgerows. Back in the kitchen, turn them into a warm, bubbling crumble topped with oats and cinnamon. It’s comfort food at its best, and the season in a dish.

2. Go on a misty morning walk and take photos.
Autumn mornings often arrive cloaked in fog and soft light. Bundle up, head out early, and take a few photos of the shifting landscapes. These walks are a chance to slow down and really notice the beauty of the season.

3. Host a soup-and-bread night with family or friends.
Simple and nourishing, a soup-and-bread night is an easy way to gather loved ones without fuss. Try a hearty root vegetable soup or a spiced pumpkin one, served with warm crusty bread. The perfect excuse for conversation around the table.

4. Light your first autumn candle.
The moment you strike a match and fill your home with a warm, cosy scent, you know autumn has truly arrived. Choose something seasonal — like spiced apple, smoky cedar, or pumpkin chai — and let the glow set the tone for your evenings.

5. Visit a pumpkin patch (or carve one at home).
A family tradition for many, pumpkin patches are brimming with seasonal charm. If you can’t get to one, pick up a pumpkin at your local shop and carve it together at home. It’s messy, fun, and always memorable.

6. Collect conkers or acorns on a walk.
There’s something so grounding about pockets full of autumn treasures. Use conkers in seasonal décor, or simply display them in a bowl. They’re little reminders of the season’s abundance.

7. Take a drive through country lanes lined with golden trees.
Autumn is the perfect time for a slow Sunday drive. Wind down country roads, watch the leaves fall, and stop to snap a few photos. Sometimes the simplest outings create the most lasting memories.

8. Cosy up with a new autumn read.
Choose a book that feels seasonally fitting — whether that’s a comforting novel, an atmospheric mystery, or a book of seasonal essays. Pair it with tea and a blanket, and you have the perfect autumn evening ritual.

9. Cook a big pot of stew or chili for the freezer.
Batch cooking is both practical and seasonal. Make a big pot of something hearty, portion it out, and pop it in the freezer. On a busy evening, future you will be grateful for the warmth and ease of a home-cooked meal.

10. Go to a harvest fair or market.
Many towns and villages host harvest festivals or autumn markets. They’re a celebration of abundance, tradition, and community — a chance to connect with local growers, makers, and neighbours.

11. Have an autumn picnic with a flask of soup and blankets.
Picnics don’t need to end in summer. Pack a flask of hot soup, thick blankets, and maybe even a slice of apple cake, and enjoy lunch in the crisp autumn air.

12. Watch the sunset earlier in the evening.
Autumn sunsets are painted with pinks and golds, often arriving earlier than we expect. Take a moment to pause and watch — a simple reminder to slow down and appreciate the changing light.

13. Try a seasonal craft like wreath-making or leaf-pressing.
Foraged leaves, berries, or branches can become beautiful handmade crafts. Whether it’s pressing leaves between the pages of a book or creating a front-door wreath, crafting with nature brings the season indoors.

14. Wrap up and enjoy a bonfire or firepit evening.
There’s something magical about the glow of fire on a crisp evening. Roast marshmallows, sip hot drinks, and share stories under the stars. It’s one of the cosiest ways to spend time outdoors this season.

15. End the season with a gratitude list of your favourite moments.
Before autumn slips away, take a moment to reflect. Write down the little highlights — the walks, the meals, the quiet moments — and keep them as a reminder of all the joy this fleeting season brought.

person holding s mores — Photo by JACK REDGATE on Pexels.com

Autumn doesn’t last forever — which is maybe why it feels so special. A simple bucket list like this helps you savour it all the more, one cosy, intentional moment at a time.

So light the candle, make the crumble, take the walk. This is your invitation to soak it all in. 🍂