October 2025

The September wheat harvest has been and gone and what a magical time of year it is on the South Downs, as the combine harvesters do their thing in the evening sun here at Firle Beacon. The perfect end to this, is to walk down to Firle village and stop by the Ram Inn and sample the local brew from Burning Sky Brewery, which is literally just down the road. Maybe something for your 2026 diary…

Autumn has truly arrived in the South Downs as we move into October, and as you might have guessed, it’s our favourite time of the year and perhaps the best time to visit the South Downs National Park.

It is also when Glyndebourne comes to life again, with six weeks of opera, concerts and recitals, so if you’re thinking of going Alfriston is just eight miles away should you decide to make weekend of it - or more ? The autumn season runs from 11th October to 14th December 2025 and tickets are available here.

Glyndebourne, Glynde, East Sussex, England

Church of St Andrew, Alfriston, East Sussex, England

Elsewhere the landscape is changing with the seasons and the leaves are starting to turn into the most beautiful colours in Friston Forest. It is well worth visiting in the late afternoon to really experience the full majesty of the autumn sunshine lighting up the forest. There are numerous walking trails, as well as cycling routes, so grab your hiking boots, and you’re all set to go ! If you’re looking for bikes to hire then the Cuckmere Cycle Company is the place to go.

There are exciting times happening at Rathfinny as we speak, the grape harvest has just started and the pickers are busily doing their thing amongst the vines, so there is no time to waste if you want to visit the vineyard at this fabulous time of year. By the way, if you have a yearning to come down and be a picker, perhaps even make a holiday of it, then have a look at Rathfinny’s website and you may be able to apply for 2026.

Friston Forest, West Dean, East Sussex, England

Rathfinny Vineyard, near Alfriston, East Sussex, England