All the Reasons To Love Autumn
The days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting colder, but the end of summer and the arrival of autumn doesn’t need to necessitate a downer. Finding fresh ways to appreciate every season is a great way to embrace the beauty and unique offerings each brings.
From the breath-taking natural landscapes to the cosy atmosphere to pumpkin spice being back on the menu, autumn also referred to as fall, has no shortage of aesthetic and sensory appeal; there is a reason why the captivating transience of the season has inspired numerous works of art and literature.
If you need an additional incentive to visit a pumpkin patch or whip up some seasonal culinary delights (or try seasonal menus if you’re not feeling bold in the kitchen), studies have found that engaging with nature and partaking in autumnal activities can provide mental health benefits!
If you’re stuck for inspiration, you can find all the autumn inspo you need to see you through to the start of winter, which will fall on the 22nd of December.
Reason 1: Picturesque Cityscapes & Natural Settings
While many people view summer as the best season to be outdoors, there is an abundance of ways autumn appeals to the senses and evokes aesthetic appreciation. The most obvious is how leaves shed their green pigments to reveal hues of orange, red and yellow; the stark contrast between the bright blue skies, evergreen trees, and vibrant foliage amplifies the beauty of nature – especially in the ‘golden hours’ which are prolonged in autumn before sunrise and sunset.
The sun’s lower angle can also be attributed to the appeal of autumnal nature; the lower grade casts longer shadows while adding dimension and depth to the scenery by highlighting the rich textures. There are also atmospheric phenomena to revel in, including the etherealism of misty mornings and the crispness of the air, which provides a more refreshing ambience and enhanced visibility. You are also far more likely to spot squirrels gathering nuts and foraging deer to give you an additional reason to explore woodlands and parks this autumn!
Reason 2: Wave Goodbye to Heatwaves!
Autumn in London can be a mixed bag of weather conditions, from the mildness of September, which still carries some remnants of summer, to the slight chill of October when the temperature tends to vary between 8 and 15 degrees to the further plummets in temperature in November when fog, frost and drizzle are frequent features in weather forecasts.
However, whatever weather fall typically throws at London, it is more temperate than the heat waves endured in the last few years. On the 9th of September, London’s Kew Gardens welcomed revellers with a 33.2-degree temperature, which may have been ideal for a day out in the park, but let it not be forgotten the struggle of staying functional and trying to get some sleep! In contrast, throwing on some outer layers to enjoy the outside doesn’t seem too bad!
Reason 3: Sweater Weather
Even people who aren’t ordinarily concerned with fashion find themselves getting excited by snug and serene fall fashion and the prospect of bundling up in the warm sweaters, jackets and scarves which have been neglected in their wardrobe over summer. For people with the budget to do so, it’s also a great reason to scour for a new set of wardrobe staples which mimic the colour palettes of autumn and can facilitate dynamic fashion choices via layering.
The term ‘sweater weather’ embodies the intrinsic cosiness of autumn, which evokes a range of aesthetic, emotional and sensory appeals. Pulling on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt could never compare to the tactile comfort and visual cosiness of wrapping yourself up in a soft, warm cardigan or sweater and preparing it to protect you from the crisp air! It has even been found that the sensations of knitwear can evoke feelings of relaxation; who knew?!
If you want a little help romanticising sweater weather, listen to the Neighbourhood’s single of the very title to get you in the cosy autumnal mood.
Reason 4: Pumpkin Spice Everything
If you have been on social media recently, you may have noticed that it is trendy to label pumpkin spice latte enjoyers as basic, but pumpkins and pumpkin spice making their way into a range of dishes and drinks is far from a feat of 21st-century consumerist commodity.
Pumpkins are emblematic of autumn for a variety of historical and contemporary reasons; they represent the bounty of the harvest season, pumpkin carving is also a major Halloween festivity, and traditions are seemingly seeping into the UK from America, which serves pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, which happens on the 23rd of November.
If you’re not a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, you can try pumpkin-spiced ice cream, beer, hummus, cheese, and spam, yes, spam. Or you can always play it safe and treat yourself to a pumpkin spice Yankee candle to fragrance your room with cosy and nostalgia-inducing scents.
Reason 5: Halloween
Okay, this one is fairly explanatory, and we’re pretty sure you’re already aware of Halloween, which falls on the 31st of October. Instead of explaining what it’s all about, we will share a few of the best ways to enjoy Halloween in London!
- Hit a fancy-dress event, such as the Ministry of Sound Monster Bash Rave.
- Go back to the 1920s by attending the Candlelight Club’s Gatsby Ghost Gala.
- Explore Chiswick House’s eerie Enchanted Trail.
- Book a table at Lost Boy’s Pizza’s Vampire Pizza Party.
- Learn about witchcraft on the Leadenhall Market Witchcraft and Murder Walk.
- Host your own Halloween party.
- Gaze into the dark heart of cinema at the FrightFest Film Festival.
- Stay in and take advantage of Shudder’s 7-day free trial.
Reason 6: Seasonally Comforting Cuisine
There is far more to fall cuisine in England than pumpkins, as the season offers various vegetables, fruits, and games. The traditional British autumn menu is known for its warm, comforting, and rich flavour. Here are some of the most popular autumn dishes:
- Roast game birds (grouse, partridges, and pheasants) with red cabbage, root vegetables and rich gravy.
- Beef Wellington – a beef fillet, mushroom duxelles and prosciutto encased in puff pastry.
- Slow-cooked stews and casseroles, such as the classic Lancashire hotpot.
- Pumpkin soup served with a dollop of cream and a slab of crusty bread.
- Game pies or steak and ale pies with a serving of mash and gravy.
- The classic English dish, bangers (sausages) and mash (mashed potatoes)!
- A crumbly apple pie with stewed Bramley apples, cinnamon and custard.
- Sticky toffee pudding served with ice cream or custard.
If you would prefer professional chefs to prepare your seasonal cuisine for you, a range of top London restaurants are up to the task, including Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, Fifteen, which is becoming renowned for its game pies, Clipstone for its autumnal pasta, and the Manor Restaurant in Clapham for anyone on the hunt for sweet autumn treats.
Conclusion
While you don’t need to treat this page as an itinerary as your autumn bucket list or need to declare autumn as your new favourite season above all others, we hope you’ve found a few ways to stay excited about the season until it departs in December. Gratitude for the cosy and snug season is a great way to keep seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at bay and motivate you to stay social and active.
