Autumn: Be Inspired with Gordale

Things We Love About Autumn

There’s something about the arrival of autumn that makes us want to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

Crisp mornings, changing leaves, cosy jumpers, muddy walks and the first proper excuse to dust off the casserole dish. As summer begins to fade, there’s plenty to look forward to in the season ahead.

Here are just a few of the things we love about autumn…

Crisp Autumn Walks

That crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet? We love it.

Especially when it’s shared with friends, loved ones, little ones in tow or four eager paws bounding ahead. Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and head outside – autumn was made for walking.

We’re particularly lucky on the Wirral, with coast, countryside, woodland and open parkland all within a stone’s throw. As the landscape begins to change, some of our favourite places for an autumn wander include Thurstaston and Wirral Country Park, Royden Park and Thurstaston Common, Eastham Country Park, Caldy Hill and West Kirby, or the Parkgate Circular.

Long Sunday stroll or quick breath of fresh air? We’ll happily take either.

Still in need of some walking inspiration? You’ll find a full range of walking guides in our book shop, just past the main entrance.

Wellington Weather

Mud, puddles and the Great British weather. It can only mean one thing – welly season is back.

Whether you’re heading for a woodland wander, walking the dog or simply tackling a soggy garden, there’s something reassuring about pulling on a trusty pair of wellies and not caring quite how muddy things get.

And if yours have seen better days, there couldn’t be a better time for an upgrade. Hunter wellies are currently 50% off at Gordale.

Muddy adventures, we’re ready for you. Find your perfect pair in our clothing department.

The Return of the Cosy Jumper

We don’t know about you, but we’ve been waiting for this one.

That first morning when there’s enough of a chill in the air to reach for your favourite jumper? Autumn has officially arrived.

Soft knits, cosy layers and those throw-it-on pieces that work just as well for an autumn walk as they do for coffee and cake – we’re very ready to welcome them back.

Our new autumn/winter clothing is starting to arrive in store too, with favourites including Joules and Seasalt.

Cosy knit? Yes please.

Borders, Baskets and Beds

Who said the best garden colour belongs to summer?

Autumn has a palette all of its own – rich reds, burnt oranges, golden yellows, deep greens and beautiful foliage that can completely transform borders, baskets and beds.

And there’s something very satisfying about saying goodbye to a tired summer container and giving it a fresh new look. A few seasonal plants, some colourful foliage and autumn bedding can make all the difference to pots by the front door, patios and borders.

Summer colour out. Autumn colour in.

Sometimes embracing the new season is simply about letting the garden change with it.

Planting a Little Hope for Spring

Here’s the magic of autumn gardening: while everything else is beginning to slow down, you can already be thinking about spring.

There’s something rather lovely about planting a handful of unassuming bulbs in the soil, knowing what’s waiting to happen beneath the surface.

Tulips, daffodils, crocus, alliums and plenty more can be tucked into pots and borders now. Then you wait.

And wait.

Until one day, just when winter has outstayed its welcome, those first shoots begin to appear.

A little bit of work now. A whole lot of colour to look forward to later.

Our team have selected a gorgeous collection of spring-flowering bulbs, now available across the centre.

Comfort Food is Back

Casserole dish out. Root veg at the ready. Comfort food season has officially begun.

Think hearty stews, slow-cooked favourites, bubbling bakes and the kind of dinners that fill the kitchen with delicious smells long before they reach the table.

Then add some crusty bread, gather everyone around and tuck in.

Does an autumn evening get much better?

We’ve got a collection of casserole dishes, soup mugs and kitchenware ready for all those comforting recipes you’ve been waiting to make again. And if you’re wondering what to cook first, take a wander through our book shop for some recipe inspiration.

Cosy Candles

That feeling when you find an incredible-smelling candle? Magic.

This is the time of year when we rediscover just how much we love making home feel cosy. Light a candle, put another log on the fire, grab a throw and settle in for the evening.

Bliss.

It’s also the perfect excuse to swap those fresh summer fragrances for something a little warmer. Think woody notes, rich seasonal scents and comforting fragrances that make you want to curl up on the sofa and stay there.

We can’t get enough of our Candle Shop right now, with the most incredible candles, diffusers and home fragrance to discover.

Go on, have a wander through. You’ll understand.

Slow Autumn Weekends

Maybe this is what we love most about autumn.

The feeling that everything can slow down, just a little.

There’s less pressure to squeeze every last drop out of the daylight and more reason to enjoy a slower weekend. A crisp morning walk. A browse around the garden centre. Coffee and cake. A little pottering in the garden before it gets dark.

Sounds pretty good to us.