25 Slow Sunday Activities for Autumn and Winter

There’s something special about Sundays. They carry a different rhythm — slower, softer, and more reflective than the rest of the week. Yet so often, Sundays get swallowed up by errands, scrolling, or the Sunday-night panic before Monday rolls around.

What if, instead, we chose to reclaim them? Not for productivity or perfection, but as a chance to pause. To spend time with family, to gather around the table, to be outdoors, or simply to rest. Old-fashioned Sundays, where a roast dinner, a walk, or a long phone call to a loved one was enough.

Here are 25 slow Sunday activities for autumn and winter — cosy, grounding, and nourishing ideas to make your Sundays feel special again.

Download and print the list here ⬇

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Food & Home Comforts

1. Cook a Sunday roast (or your own version of one). A roast chicken, a veggie bake, or even a pot of soup shared at the table sets Sundays apart from the rest of the week.
2. Bake something seasonal. Apple pie, soda bread, pumpkin loaf — baking slows you down and fills the house with comfort.
3. Have a homemade brunch. Think pancakes, waffles, or eggs with all the trimmings. Stretch out the morning and enjoy it.
4. Light a candle at breakfast or lunch. A simple ritual to signal the slower pace of the day.
5. Tidy and reset your home together. Not a deep clean — just a gentle refresh, putting things back in order so the week ahead feels lighter.

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Outdoors & Nature

6. Take a Sunday drive. Country lanes, golden trees, maybe even a stop at a café. Old-fashioned and delightful.
7. Go for a long family walk. Wrap up warm, bring a flask, and wander slowly without worrying about the time.
8. Visit the coast. Sea air in autumn and winter is brisk and refreshing — perfect for clearing your head.
9. Explore a local park or woodland. Notice the changes of the season: leaves falling, frost appearing, or birds migrating.
10. Do some gentle garden work. Plant bulbs, gather leaves, or simply enjoy the fresh air together.

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Family & Connection

11. Play a board game. Gather around the table with tea and treats — a simple way to connect without screens.
12. Have a film night. Blankets, hot chocolate, and a family-friendly classic make for the cosiest Sunday.
13. Start a family scrapbook or photo album. Gather old photos, write little notes, and make it a shared project.
14. Do a family puzzle. Slow, quiet, and oddly satisfying — the perfect rainy Sunday activity.
15. Read aloud together. Whether it’s a children’s story, a ghost tale, or even poetry, reading aloud creates connection.

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Rest & Self-Care

16. Take an afternoon nap. Sundays are the perfect day for guilt-free rest.
17. Soak in a warm bath. Add Epsom salts, candles, or essential oils for a true ritual.
18. Start a Sunday journaling ritual. Reflect on the week just gone and set gentle intentions for the one ahead.
19. Stretch or do gentle yoga. A restorative practice that calms the body and mind.
20. Have a no-screens hour. Put away phones and simply enjoy the quiet.

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Community & Traditions

21. Visit a market. Farmers’ markets and craft fairs are especially lovely in autumn and winter.
22. Go to a local event. A car boot sale, a village walk, or a church harvest service can all create a sense of belonging.
23. Call or visit someone you don’t see often. Sundays are made for connection — especially across generations.
24. Try a community hobby. Choirs, knitting circles, or sports clubs often meet on Sundays — and bring a new rhythm to your week.
25. Create your own Sunday ritual. Whether it’s a family walk, a shared meal, or a candle lit at the same time each week, small rituals add richness to life.

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Further Reading for Autumn Inspiration 🍂

If you enjoyed these Sunday ideas, you might also like:

• 12 Quirky Autumn Traditions from Around the World
• 15 Things to Collect on Autumn Walks (and What to Do with Them)
• 10 Forgotten Autumn Pleasures to Bring Back
• 10 Autumn Evenings Without Screens
• 20 Signs You’re Truly an Autumn Person
• 10 Cosy & Creepy Books to Read in October
• 10 Cosy Ways to Celebrate Halloween at Home

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Sundays don’t need to be grand or complicated. In fact, their magic lies in the ordinary: a walk, a roast, a board game, a quiet hour with a book. By slowing down and choosing to mark Sundays as a little different, we create moments of connection, memory, and rest — things that will carry us warmly into the busy week ahead.

I’d love to know how you spend your slow Sundays. If you try any of these cosy activities, come join me over on Instagram @ourlittlehouseinthecountry and share your moments—I absolutely love seeing how you bring these ideas to life in your own homes. Whether it’s a soup simmering on the stove, a quiet walk, or a full day of family fun, tag me and let’s inspire each other to make Sundays feel a little more special this season.

Chat soon,

Ciara