Things to Do in Autumn: Staying Active, Connected & Well

Summary of this blog

Plan outings for late morning, when it’s brightest and warmest.
Choose flat, well-surfaced routes – wet leaves are slippery.
Put real dates in the diary: fireworks, Remembrance Sunday and the Bath Christmas Market.
Join a friendly group, such as a u3a or our own Social & Skills Club.
Now the clocks have gone back, check the lighting at home.

Autumn is one of the loveliest times of year in our part of the country. The trees around Bath and the Wiltshire villages turn gold and copper, and there’s a cosy feeling to the season.

But with darker evenings, colder mornings and the clocks going back, it can also be the time when older people start to do a little less, see people a little less often, and move a little less. Those small changes add up over the winter.

This guide is built around our Five Pillars of Later Life Health. Pick one or two ideas from each – there’s no need to do everything.

Pillar 01 · Move

Get outside for an autumn colour walk

Gentle walking keeps legs strong and balance steady, which is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of falls. Autumn colour gives you a reason to go.

Westonbirt Arboretum and Stourhead

Westonbirt is in Gloucestershire; Stourhead is in south-west Wiltshire

Both are famous for their autumn trees. Look for the shorter, flatter routes and ask about mobility scooter hire before you go.

The Kennet & Avon towpath

Bath (B&NES) and Bradford on Avon / Devizes (Wiltshire)

Mostly level and easy to dip in and out of at Bath, Bradford on Avon or Devizes. Turn back whenever you like.

An indoor plan for wet days

Seated exercises with a resistance band keep you strong when the weather won’t play along.

Good to know: wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Wear shoes with good grip, take a stick if you use one, and keep to cleared paths.

Pillar 02 · Think

Keep the mind busy as the evenings draw in

Learning something new and doing things you enjoy helps protect memory and confidence. Here are some places in Bath to start.

The Holburne Museum, Bath

Bath & North East Somerset

Bath’s first art museum, on Great Pulteney Street. It’s fully accessible, warm and dry, with new exhibitions running through the autumn and winter. Check opening times before you go.

Visit the Holburne website

Start a winter project

A jigsaw, a family photo album or writing down memories for grandchildren gives each day something to look forward to.

A younger woman and an older woman doing a jigsaw puzzle together at a kitchen table

Join a u3a group

What is a u3a? Here’s the simple version.

u3a stands for the University of the Third Age. Despite the name, it isn’t a university. There are no exams, no essays and no qualifications needed.

It’s a friendly, volunteer-run group for people who have retired or no longer work full time. Members share what they know and learn from each other, in small groups that meet during the day.

Groups cover all sorts of interests, such as history, walking, languages, book clubs, crafts and computers. Many also run monthly talks and coffee mornings. It’s a great way to make new friends.

u3a in BathOver 100 interest groups, plus talks and trips. Contact details on Live Well B&NES.Norton & Radstock u3aMonthly talks on the second Monday at 2pm, at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton.Find your nearest u3aSearch the national u3a website for groups in Wiltshire and Somerset.

Client story

The best care helps you need less care.

“Within the first couple of weeks there was a positive improvement in mum. After the next month or so mum was nearly back to her old self, walking with her walker, getting out of her chair without help, and eating properly again. Now mum is doing so well that the tea time visit has been stopped, and shortly the bed time visit will also be stopped.”
Client testimonial

Pillar 03 · Nourish

Enjoy the season’s food

Appetite can dip as it gets colder, and people often drink less without noticing. Warm, simple seasonal food helps on both counts.

Bake with apples and pears

A crumble with fruit from a local farm shop is a lovely thing to make together, and leftovers can be shared with a neighbour.

Batch-cook a warming soup

Squash, lentil or vegetable soup freezes well in single portions – an easy hot meal on a cold day.

Keep drinks topped up

Warm drinks count. Keep a flask of tea or a jug of squash within easy reach through the day.

Pillar 04 · Connect

Dates for your diary in and around Bath

Having something to look forward to makes a real difference as the days shorten. Always check times and tickets with the organiser before you go.

Fri 6 November

Fireworks Night at Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, Bath. A big display set to music, with lots of open space. Event details

Sat 7 November

Rotary Bath Fireworks Fiesta at the Rec, Bath city centre. Gates open 4.30pm, with entertainment from 5pm. The nearest car parks are about a 10-minute walk away. Event details

Sat 7 November

KES Fireworks Display, Bathampton. A smaller community event; fireworks start at 6.45pm. Event details

Sun 8 November

Remembrance Sunday. Local services are a meaningful community moment. Arrive early for a seat.

18 November 2026

Social & Skills Club – Wreathmaking, Melksham, Wiltshire. 1.30–3.30pm. More about our club

26 Nov – 13 Dec

Bath Christmas Market, Bath. Busy at weekends, so a weekday morning is calmer and easier to get around. What’s on in Bath

16 December 2026

Social & Skills Club – Festive Gathering, Melksham, Wiltshire. 1.30–3.30pm. More about our club

A note on fireworks: loud bangs can be distressing for people living with dementia. Watching from a window, or a quiet evening in with the curtains drawn, can be kinder.

Tea & good company

Come along to our Social & Skills Club

Our monthly club is a relaxed, friendly place to meet people. There’s bingo, quizzes, crafts and board games, plus a cuppa and a slice of cake. Join in, or simply enjoy the company.

Everyone is welcome, not just our clients. Bring a friend.

When: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1.30–3.30pm
Where: That Meeting Space, 31 Market Place, Melksham SN12 6ES
Next dates: Wreathmaking – 18 November 2026; Festive Gathering – 16 December 2026

See our events on Facebook Call 0333 043 4880

Where to find what’s on near you

These free websites list local clubs, groups and events. Your library and GP surgery noticeboards are also good places to look.

BathVisit Bath – What’s OnExhibitions, concerts, markets and fireworks across the city.Bath & North East SomersetLive Well B&NESThe council’s directory of clubs, activities and support for adults.WiltshireAge UK Wiltshire – Clubs & groupsMemory cafés, walking groups, choirs and more across the county.Melksham & beyondAbney & Baker on FacebookOur Social & Skills Club and other community events.

Pillar 05 · Live

Get the home ready as the nights draw in

The clocks went back on Sunday 25 October, so it’s dark by late afternoon. A few small checks now can prevent a fall later in the winter.

Put plug-in night lights on the route from bed to bathroom, and sweep wet leaves from paths and steps. Test the heating before the first cold snap, and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

If you’re eligible, book your free NHS flu jab with your GP or pharmacy. For a full room-by-room guide, read our home safety checklist.

Your autumn checklist

Tick off what you’ve done. Anything left is a good conversation to have with family or your carer.

Planned at least one outing a weekFireworks and Christmas Market dates in the diaryShoes with good grip ready for wet daysNight lights fitted from bedroom to bathroomHeating tested and smoke alarms checkedFlu jab booked, if eligible

Questions families ask

What is a u3a, and do I need any qualifications?

No qualifications at all. A u3a (University of the Third Age) is a friendly local group for people who are retired or no longer work full time. Members meet in small groups to share hobbies and learn together.

How can I help my parent stay active when it’s cold?

Keep it short and regular. A 15-minute walk at the warmest part of the day, plus some seated exercises indoors, is better than one long outing a week.

Do I need to book for the Social & Skills Club?

No, just come along. Check our Facebook page for each month’s activity, or call us on 01225 952200.

Can a carer come with us on days out?

Yes. Our companionship visits can include walks, trips to the shops or local events. Call us on 0333 043 4880 to talk it through.

Written by the Abney & Baker team

Practical guides from our care team, for families across Bath, North East Somerset and West Wiltshire.

Things to do in autumn: ideas for staying active, connected and well

Summary of this blog