A Perfect Autumn Day in Beetham: Walks, Pub Food, Indoor Golf & Ghost Hunts
There’s a point towards the end of summer when you suddenly notice the evenings drawing in, the air feels a little cooler and the countryside around Beetham begins to change.
For us, it marks the start of one of the loveliest times of year in South Cumbria.
Autumn is made for getting outside, finding somewhere warm for good food afterwards and making the most of the darker evenings. And in Beetham, you can do all of that without travelling very far at all.
Here’s our idea of a perfect autumn day.
Start with a walk to the Fairy Steps
One of Beetham’s best-known local walks is the Fairy Steps, hidden amongst the limestone and woodland above the village.
The walk makes a lovely autumn outing as the leaves begin to change, and there’s enough of a climb to make lunch afterwards feel thoroughly deserved.
The Fairy Steps themselves are a narrow limestone passage with a long-standing local legend attached to them: it’s said that anyone who manages to pass through without touching the sides may have a wish granted by the fairies.
Whether you believe the legend or not, it’s a lovely little piece of local history and a great excuse to explore the countryside around Beetham.
Walking boots are a good idea once the weather turns wetter.
And yes — muddy boots are welcome back at The Wheatsheaf afterwards.
Find out more here
Come back to the pub for lunch
There’s something about autumn that makes pub food taste particularly good.
After a walk, head back into the village and settle in at The Wheatsheaf for lunch.
Think proper pub food, hearty dishes, a pint of local beer or perhaps a glass of red while somebody else does the cooking.
Dogs are very welcome too, so four-legged walking companions don’t need to miss out.
The Wheatsheaf has been welcoming people in Beetham for centuries, and as the days start getting cooler the old stone walls, glowing windows and fires make the pub feel particularly cosy.
Book you table here
If the weather turns, play golf indoors
Of course, autumn in Cumbria doesn’t always mean crisp blue skies.
If the rain arrives — or you simply fancy doing something different — The Hole Inn One indoor golf simulator is right here at The Wheatsheaf.
You can play famous golf courses, practise your swing using shot data or simply book the room privately and compete against friends or family.
You don’t need to be an experienced golfer either.
Beginners are very welcome, which makes it a fun option for couples, families, groups of friends and anyone looking for something a little different to do on an autumn afternoon.
And as the evenings get shorter, indoor golf has another fairly obvious advantage:
It doesn’t get dark.
You can keep playing long after you’d have been heading back to the clubhouse outside.
Find out more and book your Golf session here
Stay for dinner as the lights come on
By late afternoon, Beetham starts to feel rather different.
The light disappears behind the surrounding countryside, the windows of the pub begin to glow and thoughts inevitably turn towards dinner.
There’s no need for a special occasion.
Sometimes a good autumn evening is simply dinner somewhere warm, a drink at the bar and nowhere particularly urgent to be.
And if you happen to look around while you’re here, remember that The Wheatsheaf has stood in Beetham for more than four centuries.
Which means these old walls have collected rather a lot of stories.
Some are stranger than others.
When darkness falls…
This autumn, our popular paranormal investigation nights return to The Wheatsheaf.
Working with Sefton Paranormal, guests get the opportunity to explore the building after closing and take part in a genuine paranormal investigation.
Previous events have included experiments such as mirror scrying, investigation equipment and sessions in some of the older areas of the building.
You certainly don’t have to be a committed believer.
In fact, sceptics are very welcome.
But spending several hours investigating a centuries-old Cumbrian inn after everybody else has gone home is a rather different way to spend an autumn evening.
Our Ghost Hunt Nights return in October, including special events around Halloween.
Find out more about our Ghost Hunt Nights here
Make a night of it
If you don’t fancy driving home afterwards, The Wheatsheaf also has four guest bedrooms above the pub.
That means an autumn break can be very simple:
A countryside walk in the afternoon.
Lunch or dinner downstairs.
Perhaps a round of indoor golf.
A drink at the bar.
Then upstairs to bed.
The following morning, you’re already perfectly placed for exploring more of South Cumbria, Arnside, Silverdale and the southern Lake District.
Book your stay with us here
Discover autumn in Beetham
You don’t always need a complicated itinerary for a good day out.
Sometimes autumn is best enjoyed with a walk, somewhere welcoming to eat and a reason to stay out just a little longer as the evenings draw in.
Whether you’re coming to The Wheatsheaf for lunch, dinner, a countryside walk, indoor golf, a night away — or something rather more mysterious after dark — we’d love to welcome you to Beetham this autumn.
The Wheatsheaf is open Wednesday to Sunday.