Storybook villages, rolling landscapes, sheltered woodland and golden light illuminating the picturesque countryside of Northamptonshire make this an idyllic place to enjoy an autumnal day.

Woodland walk: Pack a lunch and thermo of tea and make your way to one of the many enchanting woodlands of East Northamptonshire: Ole Sulehay Wood, Glapthorn Pasture or Southwick Wood. All three locations make for a leisure still through the woodland. Gather blueberries from the hedge, hunt for mushrooms, listen to the birds and take in the changing leaves. After an enjoyable walk, warm up and rest at The Falcon at Fotheringhay for a cuppa or a pint by the fire. Make sure to visit the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle before leaving. This is where Richard III was born and where Elizabeth I imprisoned and executed Mary Queen of Scots. Such harrowing history has evaporated, but its physical relics remain.

Countryside circular walk: Begin in Achurch. You’ll notice a surrounding the church. This woodland is known as The Linches, the name deriving from the Old English hlinc, meaning a sloped or rising piece of land. And, as the name suggests, the land does indeed slope as it rests on the edge of the Nene valley. Before making your way to Wadenhoe, seek out the folly hidden in the wood. Somewhere inside it, under the cover of the trees and overlooking the Nene Valley, is a wonderful ivy-clad ruin known as a folly. Someone once described it as “looking for all the world like a 19th Century interpretation of a Green Chapel from an Arthurian romance.” Continue through the church, go through the kissing gate. Walk downhill towards the Nene River where you’ll cross and carry on towards the old mill. Weave your way through the storybook village of Wadenhoe. Enjoy lunch at The King’s Head tearoom for a light lunch and cuppa. Continue walking uphill towards St Michel’s Church for a beautiful view looking out over the countryside. Leave the churchyard and cross the cattle gate. Walk through the sheep pasture and crossing another gate. This will take you back through the village. Follow the main road out, past the dovecote and Wadenhoe Manor. Continue to the village of Pilton. It’s a lovely walk through the single street village. At the junction, cross another cattle gate towards the church. From here you can have a look at the church and take in the sweeping views of Lilford Hall and the surrounding countryside. Circle back around until you meet the road. You’ll take a left and cross over two bridges before meeting the main junction taking you back to Achurch where you began.  3 1/2 mile walk.

Enjoy Market Day the historic town of Oundle: Encircled by the river Nene, the market town of Oundle has all the visual appeal you would expect from a period drama. Its streetscapes are dotted with honey-colored Georgian town houses, 17th-century cottages and medieval gables, while impressive limestone buildings add to the town’s character. The town is home to many independent shops and eateries. Start your day with coffee from one of the many cafes in town. My go-to is The Bean coffeeshop. You can easily spend the day visiting the shops and exploring the markets. Make plans to stay for lunch! I suggest Brewbabu or The Talbot Hotel, a storied 16th century coaching in with roaring fires. Before leaving the area, make sure to visit the village of Ashton which was previously part of the Rothschild Country Estate of Ashton Wold where peacock roam the streets. The thatched 'Chequered Skipper' public house is located on the village green and a lovely spot for a pint. Alternatively, you can visit my favorite village of Barnwell. Once a Roman settlement and home to Montague Castle — now only ruins remain - this lovely village offers the perfect end to a well spent day. Walk from the St Andrews Church along the horse pasture and cross the ancient bridge before enjoying a pint by the fire at The Montague Arms.

For more Northamptonshire ideas follow Kyle on Instagram here: @suddenjourneys