Ten things to do in Grimsby and northern Lincolnshire this autumn

WATCHING the leaves changing colour on the trees and then falling into piles below is part of the delights of autumn.

There are few who have not run through leaves listening to them scrunch underfoot or searched for conkers as they fall or played Pooh Sticks on bridges over running water.

And where better to watch the seasons change than in the Victorian People’s Park in Grimsby which first opened in 1883.

It’s four years since a Heritage Lottery Fund grant allowed it to be brought back to its Victorian splendour which meant a new pavilion and gazebo along with the restoration of the Smethurst memorial statue, the resurfacing of pathways and the reinstatement of old planting schemes.

Last year saw a new play area completed and the reinstatement of the rose garden.

Until the end of September the café in the Park Drive park is open until 5pm and from October to March until 4pm.

The Woodland Trust is urging people to visit their nearest wood and help scientists track the arrival of autumn.

Dr Kate Lewthwaite, Nature’s Calendar Project manager, said: “Autumn is the best time of year to get outdoors and visit one of our many beautiful woods.

You can also do your bit to help us learn when and where autumn is arriving, the information you provide is absolutely crucial to us understanding how flora and fauna is adapting to the changing environment.”

According to data recorded by the Trust’s Nature’s Calendar the benchmark date for the UK’s most symbolic tree – the oak – to show the first signs of Autumn colour is September 25 with a full colour change complete by October 30.

You can record your observations at www.naturescalendar.org.uk

And as well as keeping an eye on the changing season, there’s also plenty to do this Autumn in Grimsby. We’ve picked out 10 highlights.

1. Autumn theatre – check out the shows and performances at Grimsby Auditorium this autumn. It’s the largest professional theatre in Lincolnshire and is managed by Ambassador Theatre Group on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. Coming up in October are the Hairy Bikers: Larger Than Live on October 4; Halfway to Paradise: The Billy Fury Story on October 13; The Illegal Eagles on October 24; 10CC Live in Concert on October 26 and GWA Supershow on October 27.

Grimsby Auditorium, Grimsby, DN31 2BH T: 0844 8713016

2. Immerse in art – Abbey Walk Gallery is currently running Linda Ingham’s Head and Whole Exhibition showcasing contemporary visual art alongside art historical works with the focus on human form. It’s running until October 13. Exhibitions are free for entry. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Closed bank holidays.

Abbey Walk Gallery, 8 Abbey Walk, Grimsby, DN31 1NB T: 01472 241007

3. Adrenaline rush – have a go at a new sport with Karting World. It holds regular arrive and drive sessions for adults and juniors, solo or groups. For groups of 10 or more there’s a Grand Prix style event complete with bubbly and a trophy for the winner. Karting World is a full ventilated, indoor track.

Karting World, Estate Road No 1, South Humberside Industrial Estate, Grimsby, DN31 2TB T: 01472 241500

4. Family Show – there’s a choice of several at Pleasure Island Family Theme Park with a bird show, sea lion, African Acrobat and Professor Tinkaboo’s Magic Factory. Not forgetting a host of white knuckle rides as well as family and ones for the smaller youngster. It’s open weekends throughout September and October plus Autumn half term – October 27 to November 2.

Pleasure Island Family Theme Park, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 0PL T: 0844 5040104 – information line.

5. Unlocking the Collection – the seventh in the Unlocking the Collection series of exhibitions opens at the Fishing Heritage Centre on October 30 and runs until January 13. It explores post war 1950s in Grimsby and Cleethorpes examining fish, floods, the Queen’s Coronation and the birth of Rock n Roll. Entry is free. The centre is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays.

Fishing Heritage Centre, Alexandra Dock, Grimsby, DN31 1UZ T: 01472 323004

6. Remember the Beatles? – On October 5 1962 The Beatles released Love Me Do. To mark the anniversary The Central Hall is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Liverpool’s British chart debut with tribute band The Mersey Beatles in Concert. Tickets cost £10, £13 and £15 for the show on October 6 which is scheduled to run from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Grimsby Central Hall, Duncombe Street, Grimsby, DN32 7EG T: 01472 355025

7. Relax and unwind – take a spa and prepare for the onslaught of Christmas preparations with a pamper session. The Oasis Health Club boasts The Retreat among its facilities with a range of health and beauty treatments and there’s also a hair studio, pool and spa, gym and café.

Oasis Health Club, Orwell Street, Grimsby, DN31 3HB T: 01472 251682

8. Fashion Fix – get dressed for the season with the Autumn and Winter Free Fashion Fix Event at Freshney Place Shopping Centre on October 6 from 11am to 4pm. There will be information on the latest trends, style advice, fashion flash mobs, hair, make up and nail pamper pods.

Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby, DN31 1ED T: 01472 230250

9. Farmers’ Market – visit an iconic British landmark and enjoy a farmers’ market. The Humber Bridge is the venue for the market on October 7 from 9am to 1pm. Showcased will be local produced meat, fruit and vegetables as well as baking and produce. There will also be craft and plant stalls as well as free parking.

Humber Bridge Viewing Area, Ferriby Road, Hessle, HU13 0LN

10. Walk for Health – The Grimsby Health Walk starts and finishes at the Grimsby Leisure Centre every Thursday morning. Open to all is it is aimed at people of all abilities as a starting point to increase physical activity.

Participants meet at 9.45am outside the swimming pool and the walk starts at 10am. It follows a route near the river Freshney and returns to the Leisure Centre for refreshments with tea and coffee 50p a cup.

Grimsby Leisure Centre, Cromwell Road, Grimsby, DN31 2BH T: 01472 323100 T: Health and Wellbeing coordinator 01472 571120