Tucked away in the heart of Stanmer Park, One Garden Brighton is the perfect place to soak up the changing seasons. October brings a colourful mix of golden leaves, crisp air and a busy calendar of events for families, gardeners and anyone who loves a touch of autumn magic.
The month begins gently, with a Garden Tour and Cream Tea on Friday 3 October. Led by the head gardener, this walk offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the team cares for the grounds as they shift into autumn. Expect to see rich seasonal planting, late blooms and fiery foliage, before rounding off the afternoon with freshly baked scones and tea in One Kitchen. This event is part of the Ageing Well Festival, a two-week celebration of events and activities tailored for individuals aged 50 and above, ending on 10 October.
Mid-month the site will briefly close from 14–18 October for road resurfacing in Stanmer Park, reopening on 19 October just in time for half-term. And that’s when the fun really starts. Families can step into the spirit of the season with One Garden’s much-loved Halloween Trail. Running from 25 October–3 November, the trail leads children through the gardens in search of spooky surprises, making it a half-term highlight.
Alongside the trail, there’s a packed programme of creative workshops and outdoor activities. Younger children can try Outdoor Tango Tots (8 October) or join an Imagination Walk (22 October). Later in the month, little witches and wizards can get hands-on with Potion Making and a Forest Skills Workshop (both 29 October), before showing off their artistic flair in Spooky Crafts Drop-ins on 31 October. With kids-eat-free offers at One Kitchen during half-term, it’s easy to make a whole day of it.
Of course, October is also a time to enjoy the gardens themselves. Bright rudbeckia, Japanese anemones and chrysanthemums add pops of colour, while crisp beds are being planted with bulbs that promise a dazzling display next spring.
Whether you come for autumn-planting inspiration, seasonal family fun, or simply a stroll in beautiful surroundings followed by something delicious to eat, One Garden Brighton offers a perfect taste of October.
www.onegardenbrighton.com / Stanmer Park, Lewes Road, Brighton BN1 9SE
