A lot of things may be frequently said about Chester-le-Street, Durham and Derwentside – and indeed, our wider region – that are both good and bad, but one thing that can’t be denied is how pretty it all becomes when autumn rolls around. A feast of browns, reds, yellows and oranges is now upon us, and we reckon you should get a little bit more ‘up close and personal’ with it.

So with no further ado, here are some of the autumn events and things to do that we reckon you should be marking in your diary for October and early November.

Gunpowder, treason and plot…

There are few finer ways to celebrate Bonfire Night than attending any of the various organised fireworks displays taking place around County Durham this year, including at the likes of Seaham Harbour Docks on Friday 2^nd November, Framwellgate School in Durham and Oakies Park, Stanley, the latter two on Saturday 3^rd.

Another eagerly anticipated autumn event each year is Chester-le-Street Cricket Club’s own ever-popular fireworks display, which takes place this year on Saturday 3^rd November.

There will be not only the fireworks themselves at the latter event, but also a fully licensed bar, food, hot drinks and children’s rides, with advance tickets priced at £4 per adult and £2 per child; tickets can also be purchased on the gate, for £5 per adult and £3 per child, with kids of two years of age or younger admitted for free. Advance tickets can be bought in person at the club or online at www.chesterlestreet-cc.com, where you can also find out more information about the event.

Or what about an autumn walk or spot of conker-picking?

Fireworks displays aren’t for everyone, of course, which is why it’s just as well that our delightful region also offers a host of other wonderful things to do this autumn.

There is certainly no shortage of beautiful National Trust properties to visit throughout the North East this autumn, complete with gorgeous woodland, parkland and grounds, such as Gibside in the Derwent Valley, and Cragside and Wallington in Northumberland.

Or why not take in the breathtaking Durham Coast, which lends itself to stunning photography at this time of year due to the gentler sunlight? This jaw-dropping part of our region is also home to all manner of captivating flora and fauna, ranging from birds and wild flowers to rare butterflies.

Conker-picking is another time-honoured North East autumn pastime, with great spots for finding them in County Durham – as suggested by Chronicle readers – including Hawthorne Dene, Lord Byron’s Walk in Seaham and Dalton Piercy in the borough of Hartlepool.

Finally, something evil’s lurking in the dark at Beamish

Beamish is always great value for family fun, and there will also be no shortage of it during the Halloween period, with no fewer than five Halloween evenings planned on Monday 22^nd, Tuesday 23^rd, Friday 26^th, Saturday 27^th and Wednesday 31^st October.

Petrifying creatures will be swamping the 1900s Town, 1900s Pit Village, 1900s Colliery Yard and 1820s Pockerley Old Hall, so don’t forget to grab your tickets by calling 0191 370 4306 or visiting www.beamish.org.uk. Ticket prices are £14 per adult and £10 per child aged between three and 16 years.

Don’t stay indoors this autumn, twiddling your thumbs. Instead, get out and about to discover the true majesty of our corner of the globe during this utterly beautiful and enchanting season.