Burton Agnes Hall welcomes autumn this weekend as its annual Autumn Fair returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026.

The two-day event runs from 10:00 until 17:00 on both days and brings together local food, drink and craft stalls, entertainment, tours and the chance to enjoy the Hall and gardens at the beginning of autumn.

A seasonal weekend at Burton Agnes

Set between Driffield and Bridlington, Burton Agnes Hall is one of the best-known historic attractions in the Yorkshire Wolds, and its Autumn Fair adds a seasonal market atmosphere to a normal visit.

The organisers describe the weekend as a celebration of local food, drink and crafts, with entertainment and tours forming part of the programme.

When is the Burton Agnes Autumn Fair?

The fair takes place on Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00 each day.

There is no separate surcharge for the fair. Entry is included within normal Gardens admission, and Burton Agnes Hall members can attend without an additional fair charge.

What else can you do during your visit?

Burton Agnes is much more than the fair itself. During the 2026 main season, the house, café, shop and gardens are open daily from 11:00 until 17:00.

Families can also make use of the woodland adventure playground, which includes a double zip wire, tower with twisting slide, swings, seesaw and a gentler area for younger children. The playground is included with Gardens admission.

The walled garden, woodland and grounds make the fair particularly well suited to visitors who want to turn a market visit into a fuller autumn day out.

Food, drink and shopping

The fair focuses on local food, drink and craft stalls, while Burton Agnes also has its Carriage House café, shop and plant sales within the admissions area.

Burton Agnes operates as a cashless attraction, so visitors should be prepared to pay by card, preferably contactless.

Visiting with children

The combination of the fair, gardens and adventure playground makes the weekend a practical family option. Under-fours are admitted free under the normal 2026 Gardens pricing, although visitors should always check the latest admission information before travelling.

Dogs and accessibility

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, but are not permitted inside the adventure playground.

The Walled Gardens, grounds and woodland are accessible to wheelchair users, with alternative sloped routes where steps are present. The stableyard shops and café are also wheelchair accessible. Anyone with specific access requirements can contact Burton Agnes Hall in advance for current advice.

Parking and getting there

Burton Agnes Hall is on the A614 between Driffield and Bridlington. The attraction provides free parking, with the car park around a two-minute walk from the Hall. The postcode for the visitor car park is YO25 4NE.

Bus services also connect the area with Driffield and Bridlington, and Driffield is the nearest railway station, around five miles away.

More autumn events to come

The Autumn Fair is not the final seasonal event at Burton Agnes this year. The Hall’s Halloween Trail runs from 24 October to 1 November, giving families another reason to return during October half-term.

Before you travel

Event arrangements, admissions and weather conditions can change, so check the official Burton Agnes Hall website before setting off.

If you are looking for more local ideas, Driffield Is Great will continue adding autumn events, family days out and Things to Do from across Driffield and the Yorkshire Wolds.

Driffield Millennium Green: The Wildlife Haven Hidden on the Edge of Town

Just a few minutes from the centre of Driffield is a place where the noise of the town quickly gives way to birdsong, open grassland, ponds and one of the most environmentally important landscapes in the area.

Driffield Millennium Green covers around eight acres at King’s Mill and provides something increasingly valuable: an area of open countryside right within the town boundary.

Created in 2000 with support from the Millennium Green Commission, the Green is managed for the benefit of the community by the Driffield Millennium Green Trust. Its official charitable purpose is simple but important — to provide and maintain an open space for the general benefit of local people.

Today, however, Millennium Green is much more than an attractive place to take a walk.

It has become an important haven for wildlife, a place for environmental education and a practical example of local organisations working together to protect the natural environment around Driffield.

Countryside on Driffield’s doorstep

One of Millennium Green’s greatest strengths is how accessible it is from the town.

Discover Driffield describes it as the last remaining piece of open countryside within Driffield’s town boundaries, offering a peaceful rural area only a short walk from the centre.

That makes it valuable in several different ways.

For some people, it is simply somewhere quiet to walk.

For families, it offers children an opportunity to experience wildlife and natural habitats close to home.

For walkers, the area forms part of the early stages of the Wold Rangers Way and its associated shorter routes, as well as providing access to other walks around the parish boundary.

And for wildlife, the ponds, grassland and wet areas provide habitat within a much wider network of environmentally significant countryside.

A landscape with a long history

The importance of this part of Driffield did not begin with the creation of Millennium Green.

The site sits in the King’s Mill area, which local historical information records as having connections stretching back to the Domesday Book.

Water has played a central role in the landscape for centuries.

Driffield lies at the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, where water emerging from the chalk feeds the headwaters of the River Hull.

Those headwaters are nationally important.

The River Hull Headwaters are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Natural England’s restoration plan identifies them as Britain’s most northerly chalk-stream system.

That means the watercourses and wetland habitats around Driffield are not simply attractive local features — they form part of a nationally significant freshwater environment.

Why chalk streams matter

Chalk streams are a particularly distinctive type of river.

Their water filters through chalk before emerging from springs, generally producing clear, mineral-rich water with relatively stable temperatures.

These conditions can support a diverse range of plants, fish and invertebrates.

The Environment Agency confirms that local chalk streams feed into Driffield Beck and Driffield Trout Stream, which eventually combine with other watercourses to form the River Hull.

For Driffield, that means some of the natural environment visible around Millennium Green forms part of a much bigger ecological system stretching through East Yorkshire.

A home for great crested newts

One of Millennium Green’s most important residents is also one that many visitors may never see.

The wetland area supports a population of great crested newts, and habitat work has specifically been undertaken to protect and improve their breeding ponds.

During autumn 2023, East Yorkshire Rivers Trust worked with the Millennium Green trustees, Wold Ecology, Bishop Burton College and local contractors on a major programme of wetland improvements.

One of the larger ponds had become heavily overgrown with willow and was at risk of gradually drying out.

Some of the willow was therefore removed or reduced and the pond was deepened to improve the habitat available to amphibians.

A second, smaller pond close to two public footpaths was also protected using a natural dead hedge made from timber and willow sourced on site.

The barrier helps discourage dogs from entering the pond and disturbing what is a particularly sensitive habitat.

It is a good example of conservation work that is relatively unobtrusive but can make a significant difference to wildlife.

Wildflowers, orchids and insects

The Green’s environmental value is not limited to its ponds.

Local information records a variety of flora and fauna across the site, including rare orchids, while its grassland, trees, hedges and wet areas provide different habitats within a relatively small area.

This variety is important because wildlife rarely depends on one isolated feature.

Ponds need surrounding grassland and shelter.

Pollinating insects need flowering plants.

Birds rely on insects, seeds, trees and scrub.

And connected habitats give species somewhere to move, feed and reproduce.

That makes Millennium Green an important little piece of a much larger environmental jigsaw.

Conservation shaped by the community

Perhaps the most encouraging part of the Millennium Green story is that much of its improvement has happened through partnership.

Environmental work has involved organisations including:

• East Yorkshire Rivers Trust
• Wold Ecology
• Bishop Burton College
• Millennium Green trustees
• specialist local contractors
• community volunteers.

Projects have included pond restoration, willow management, wildlife protection, tree planting and environmental education.

The Green has also been used by local schools for wildlife activities and educational visits, giving younger residents a chance to experience the natural world without travelling far from town.

That community connection is particularly important.

Protecting wildlife does not have to mean fencing nature away from people.

At Millennium Green, the aim is instead to help residents enjoy the area while understanding why parts of it need careful management.

Making the Green easier to enjoy

Recent improvements have not focused solely on wildlife.

Access has also been an important part of the work.

East Riding Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund records an award of £17,810.40 to the Driffield Millennium Green Trust for the Millennium Green All Access Project, designed to improve access to the site.

Local information also records the installation of an accessible path, alongside picnic benches made by Driffield Men in Sheds.

These improvements help more people enjoy the Green while directing visitors along routes that can reduce unnecessary disturbance to more sensitive areas.

A place to walk, pause and explore

You do not need to be a wildlife expert to enjoy Millennium Green.

Part of its value is simply having an open, natural place within walking distance of Driffield town centre.

Depending on the season, visitors might notice wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, birds around the trees and wetland areas, or simply the changing colours and character of the landscape.

It also works particularly well as the beginning or end of a longer walk.

The Wold Rangers Way, which starts and finishes in Driffield, passes through this area as it heads from the town into the Yorkshire Wolds.

For anyone who has read our Wold Rangers Way guide, Millennium Green helps illustrate something particularly special about Driffield: the transition from town to countryside can happen remarkably quickly.

Enjoying the Green responsibly

Because Millennium Green contains sensitive wildlife habitat, a little consideration goes a long way.

Visitors can help by:

• keeping to established paths where possible
• keeping dogs under close control around ponds and wildlife areas
• not allowing dogs to enter protected ponds
• taking litter home
• avoiding picking wildflowers
• leaving logs, dead wood and natural habitat features where they are
• allowing wildlife plenty of space.

Some of the features that might look untidy in a traditional park — dead wood, long grass, willow structures or patches of dense vegetation — may actually be there because they provide valuable habitat.

Why places like Millennium Green matter

Millennium Green is not a grand country park or a major visitor attraction.

And perhaps that is exactly why it deserves attention.

It is a relatively small patch of countryside woven into the everyday life of Driffield.

People walk through it.

Children learn about nature there.

Wildlife breeds there.

Volunteers help look after it.

Environmental organisations use it to demonstrate practical habitat management.

And paths through the Green connect the town with the wider Yorkshire Wolds landscape beyond.

In a growing town, spaces like this become increasingly important.

They give wildlife somewhere to live, provide residents with access to nature and preserve a connection between Driffield and the countryside that surrounds it.

A green space worth protecting

It can be easy to travel elsewhere looking for nature while overlooking what is already on our doorstep.

Driffield Millennium Green is a reminder that some of the area’s most interesting wildlife and environmental stories are happening only a few minutes from the centre of town.

From nationally important chalk-stream habitat and great crested newts to community conservation work and local walking routes, there is much more here than first meets the eye.

Next time you are passing King’s Mill, it may be worth slowing down, taking a walk through the Green and seeing just how quickly Driffield gives way to the natural landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds.

And perhaps most importantly, it is a place that belongs to the community — one that has been shaped, protected and improved by people who believe that a little piece of countryside inside Driffield is worth looking after.

There is plenty for Driffield to be proud of this weekend as Driffield Silver Band represents the town at the National Championships of Great Britain in York.

The band competed in the Fourth Section National Final at York Barbican on Sunday 20 September, joining bands from across England, Scotland and Wales on one of the biggest stages in British brass banding.

For the musicians involved, the appearance was the culmination of months of rehearsals, performances and hard work — but it was also an opportunity to put Driffield firmly on the national brass-band map.

A regional victory earned their place in York

Driffield qualified for the National Final after a memorable performance at the North of England Regional Championships earlier this year.

Competing in the Fourth Section under Musical Director Peter Kench, Driffield finished first with its performance of Eric Ball’s Indian Summer, ahead of Swinton & District Excelsior in second place.

The victory secured Driffield an invitation to the National Final.

There was further recognition for the band when Luke Gledhill received the award for Best Principal Cornet, while Driffield’s Lewis Appleton was recorded as the youngest player with the winning band.

For Driffield, it was an especially significant result. Specialist brass-band coverage described the regional contest as the band’s first Area appearance, making the progression from regional debut to National Final an impressive achievement in its own right.

Driffield takes on bands from across Britain

The Fourth Section contest at York Barbican brought together 16 qualifying bands from across the country.

Driffield joined qualifiers including bands from Oxford, Brighton and Hove, Crystal Palace, Scotland, Wales and other parts of the country.

All of the competing bands performed Peter Graham’s Heroes of the North, the set test piece chosen for this year’s Fourth Section final.

Whatever the final placing, simply reaching this stage represented a significant moment for the band and another positive story for Driffield.

Generations of music-making in Driffield

Although the National Final represents a new chapter, brass music has a long history in the town.

Driffield Silver Band traces its history back to 1837 and describes itself as one of the country’s oldest brass-band organisations.

Today the organisation extends beyond the main competing band. It also includes the East Riding Youth Band and Driffield Community Band, helping younger musicians, developing players and people returning to music to play together and build their confidence.

That community role is an important part of the story.

Local organisations such as Driffield Silver Band are often seen performing at concerts, civic occasions and community events, but behind those performances are volunteers, musicians and supporters giving their time throughout the year.

A place at a National Final provides an opportunity to celebrate not only the musicians taking to the stage in York, but the wider group of people who keep community music thriving locally.

A busy year for the band

The National Final is by no means the end of the band’s 2026 programme.

Driffield Silver Band is already scheduled to compete again at an entertainment contest in Chorley on Sunday 27 September, before returning to a programme of concerts and community appearances later in the year.

Upcoming dates currently include performances in Market Weighton, a Driffield Christmas concert in December and appearances in Hornsea and Bridlington.

For anyone inspired by this year’s achievement, the wider Driffield Silver Band organisation also provides opportunities for people of different ages and experience levels to become involved in brass music locally.

Flying the flag for Driffield

Driffield Is Great is all about celebrating the people, organisations and businesses that make our town what it is, and this is exactly the kind of achievement worth shouting about.

Reaching a national final is no small accomplishment.

So, from everyone following the band’s progress back home in Driffield:

Congratulations to Driffield Silver Band on reaching the National Finals — and well done to everyone involved in getting the band onto the national stage.

Driffield finishes ninth in the National Final

The full Fourth Section results have now been announced, with Driffield Silver Band finishing ninth out of the 16 qualifying bands competing at York Barbican.

Considering the band reached the National Final after winning the North of England regional title earlier this year, a top-ten finish on the national stage brings an impressive competition year to a fitting conclusion.

The full results were:

Position	Band
1st – Champions	Wardle Community
2nd	Queensbury Music Centre
3rd	Matlock
4th	Gwaun Cae Gurwen
5th	Brindle
6th	Brighton and Hove City
7th	Bon-Accord B
8th	Crystal Palace
9th	Driffield Silver
10th	Swinton and District Excelsior
11th	Cubbington Silver
12th	City of Oxford Silver
13th	Pendennis (Falmouth)
14th	Garforth
15th	Shaftesbury Town Silver
16th	Coalburn Intermediate

The Most Outstanding Player award went to Matlock’s Solo Cornet, while 10-year-old Kyra Fernandes of Cubbington Silver received recognition as the youngest player at the contest.

Congratulations once again to everyone at Driffield Silver Band on representing the town at a national final and bringing home a ninth-place finish among some of the country’s leading Fourth Section bands.

Walkers Take on the Wold Rangers Way from Driffield

Walkers have been heading out from Driffield this week to explore one of the Yorkshire Wolds’ most distinctive long-distance walking routes.

The Wold Rangers Way, an approximately 44-mile circular route beginning and ending in Driffield, was tackled over four days as part of this year’s Walking East Yorkshire Festival.

The organised walk took place on 14, 15, 17 and 18 September, with participants meeting in Driffield before travelling to the starting point for each stage.

The four-day challenge divided the route into manageable sections of roughly 9½ to 12½ miles, allowing walkers to experience the Yorkshire Wolds landscape while also learning more about the people who gave the trail its name.

Following in the footsteps of the Wold Rangers

The route was created to remember the Wold Rangers — itinerant workers who once travelled across the Yorkshire Wolds looking for seasonal agricultural work.

Their lives were closely connected to the lanes, farms and villages surrounding Driffield, and several became well-known local characters.

Today, the Wold Rangers Way combines their stories with a walk through rolling chalk countryside, valleys, farmland and Wolds villages.

The complete circular trail begins traditionally in Driffield Market Place before heading out towards locations including Huggate, Thixendale, Sledmere, Fimber and Garton-on-the-Wolds before eventually returning to the town.

A route right on Driffield’s doorstep

One of the things that makes the Wold Rangers Way particularly special for Driffield is just how close the countryside is to the town centre.

Walkers can begin among Driffield’s shops and cafés and, before long, find themselves following quiet tracks and paths through the Yorkshire Wolds.

For visitors, that also makes Driffield an ideal base for exploring the route, with places to eat, shop and stay before or after a day’s walking.

You don’t need to walk all 44 miles

Missing the organised four-day event doesn’t mean missing out on the Wold Rangers Way.

The trail can be walked independently throughout the year, and walkers can complete individual sections rather than tackling the whole route.

There are also several shorter circular routes, known as Trods, which are linked to individual Wold Rangers and offer a more manageable introduction to the history and landscape.

Discover the full Wold Rangers Way

We’ve put together a complete Driffield Is Great guide to the Wold Rangers Way, including:

• where the route starts
• how long it takes
• villages and landmarks along the way
• the history of the Wold Rangers
• shorter walks
• maps and navigation
• practical advice for planning your walk.

Read our complete Wold Rangers Way walking guide in the Things to Do section.

The Yorkshire Wolds offers some fantastic countryside to explore, and with the Wold Rangers Way beginning and ending in Driffield, this is one walking route that truly starts on our doorstep.

Book lovers in Driffield have a rather magical evening to look forward to this October when author August Bloom visits Driffield Centre for a special conversation with novelist Louise Beech.

Magic Between the Shelves takes place on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 19:30 and forms part of this year’s East Riding Festival of Words.

A cosy autumn evening for readers

The event celebrates the release of The Tiny Magic Bookshop, the first novel in The Tiny Magic series.

The story follows Max as she returns to a magical village to take over her late mother’s bookshop, combining cosy fantasy with themes of grief, belonging, found family and the comfort people can find in books.

During the evening, August Bloom and Louise Beech will discuss the inspiration behind the novel, the growing appeal of cosy fantasy, the writing process and the challenge of creating fictional worlds that readers want to spend time in.

Conversation, storytelling and audience questions

The organisers describe the event as an intimate and engaging conversation rather than a formal lecture.

Alongside discussion of The Tiny Magic Bookshop, the authors will explore creativity, storytelling and the themes running through the book. There will also be an audience question-and-answer session.

That makes the event suitable not only for readers of fantasy fiction, but also for aspiring writers and anyone interested in how stories are developed.

Part of the East Riding Festival of Words

The evening forms part of the East Riding Festival of Words, which runs from 2 to 10 October 2026.

The festival brings together established and emerging authors for talks and events across East Riding libraries and other venues, celebrating literature, poetry and the spoken word.

Having one of the festival events in Driffield gives local readers an opportunity to take part without travelling to one of the larger towns in the region.

When and where?

Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Time: 19:30
Venue: Driffield Centre, Cross Hill, Driffield, YO25 6RQ
Tickets: £5

Tickets can be booked online through East Riding Libraries or by calling 01482 392699 between 09:00 and 16:30, Monday to Friday.

The organisers state that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Why this is worth supporting

Driffield has plenty of large outdoor events and seasonal attractions, but smaller cultural events are an equally important part of a healthy local programme.

An author evening at the library creates something different: a reason to spend an autumn evening talking about books, creativity and storytelling in the centre of town.

It is also a reminder that Driffield Centre is more than somewhere to borrow books. Its events programme can introduce local people to writers, activities and ideas they may not otherwise come across.

Plan your evening

If you are attending, it is worth booking in advance because the event is ticketed. Check the official East Riding Libraries listing for any last-minute changes before travelling.

Driffield Is Great will continue highlighting local cultural events alongside the larger fairs, markets and family days out happening across the town and the Yorkshire Wolds.