Autumn is officially here so if you’re thinking about a short break to re-charge the batteries before the festive season there’s lots going on in Devon during October for families and couples.

From 5-6 October it is the annual food festival at Powderham Castle with some of the finest food and drink producers in the South West.

National Trust Killerton is hosting their annual apple event (12-13 October) celebrating fruit trees and the harvest. As well as pressing your own juice there will be children’s activities and entertainment shows, craft workshops, family trails and live music.  The grounds are a great place for a stroll surrounded by the colours of autumn.

During half-term there is the Astronomical Autumn Trail and spooky storytelling at National Trust Knightshayes. But if you want to be really scared out of your skin the Bear Trail is a must.  You will need to avoid ghosts, spiders, bats and other creepy creatures and on Sunday 27 October if you’re not quick enough the zombies will get you!

So much to do by day and at night you can light the wood burner, get cosy under canvas and treat yourself to a mulled wine or cider!