Free ways to enjoy the season of Autumn

As the air turns crisp and the leaves shift from green to gold, autumn invites us to slow down and savour the simple things. It’s a season of cosy evenings, misty mornings, and natural abundance - a reminder that joy doesn’t have to come with a price tag.

Here are a few sustainable and completely free ways to celebrate Autumn and embrace the change of season.

1. Watch the sunrise or sunset

Autumn light is something special - soft, golden and fleeting. Take a quiet morning or evening to watch the sun rise or set. Find somewhere in your local area (perhaps somewhere you haven't visited before), take a hot drink, wrap up warm and simply take it in. Notice the changing colours and the stillness of the moment. These small pauses help you feel grounded as the world shifts around you.

2. Go for a foraging walk

This is nature’s harvest season, and the hedgerows are brimming with treasures. Go for a walk and see what you can find - blackberries, sloes, rosehips or crab apples. Always forage responsibly: take only what you need and leave plenty for wildlife. When you get home, turn your finds into something seasonal like a crumble, jam or syrup. Free food and fresh air - the perfect autumn pairing.

3. Create a seasonal nature display

Celebrate the beauty of autumn by bringing a little of it indoors. Collect fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns, or conkers and arrange them on a shelf or table. It’s a simple, sustainable way to decorate your home and stay connected to the season’s rhythm.

4. Practice gratitude outdoors

Autumn is often seen as a time of reflection and appreciation - a natural pause before winter. Take a few minutes outside to think about what you’re grateful for this year. You could jot your thoughts in a notebook or simply speak them aloud as you walk. It’s a grounding ritual that costs nothing but feels rich in return.

5. Light up the evenings sustainably

Instead of buying new candles or decorations, make your own soft light. Use old jars and tealights to create homemade lanterns, or enjoy an evening around a fire pit if you have one. The flicker of natural light adds instant cosiness and helps you unwind as the nights draw in.

6. Cook a zero-waste Autumn meal

Warming, nourishing food is one of the joys of this season. Raid your fridge or pantry and see what you can turn into a hearty soup, roasted vegetable traybake, or fruit crumble. Focus on using up what you already have and making the most of seasonal produce like squash, apples and root veg. Cooking this way is both thrifty and satisfying.

7. Disconnect for an evening

Autumn naturally encourages a slower pace - lean into it. Try switching off your devices one evening and enjoy some screen-free calm. Read a book, listen to music, or spend time journalling. These simple, mindful moments help you reset and recharge as the days grow shorter.

Autumn has a quiet magic that doesn’t depend on spending money - it’s found in golden light, slow moments, and simple comforts. By embracing the season sustainably, you can enjoy everything it offers while treading lightly on the planet. So pull on your boots, head outside, enjoy your local area, and let Autumn remind you that the best things in life are often free!