Autumn is a great time for barbecues. There’s often still enough sunshine around for you to be outdoors, but there’s a chill too – so you’ll want to eat something warm and drink hot coffee or tea with family and friends at the same time.
Even in the heart of winter barbecues can still be fun, provided it’s not snowing. There’s nothing nicer than a baked potato, followed by toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate after all.
In fact, this is the time to try new things, says @TheChoppingBloc: “Grilled pumpkin, turkey, sweet potatoes, and more are common fall barbecue fares, but don’t stop there. Use your imagination to serve up sweets and meats to please the crowd.
“It’s also the perfect opportunity to throw in some pumpkin beer as a finishing touch, and sweet potato or pumpkin pie”
And here are five of our favourite locations for doing just that:
Dean Heritage Centre
A stone-built barbecue sits in a fenced area in the car park which can be enjoyed by anyone looking to warm up with a coffee and burger or two on a chilly autumn day. Those who fancy hosting their own BBQ party can book the Paddock and bring along their own charcoal packs or barbecue cooker. The Centre even has charcoal you can purchase there and then. Walk off the calories afterwards by venturing along a woodland trail.
Beechenhurst Lodge
Perfectly situated in the very heart of the Forest of Dean, Beechenhurst Lodge is a five-acre site that is ideal for a family or friends BBQ meet-up. You can hire a barbecue site in the Colliers View area, for instance. Sites cost £30 and include the BBQ itself (but bring your own charcoal), two picnic tables for your gang, and two private parking spaces. Afterwards, get the kids to embark on the Gruffalo Spotters trail while the adults check out the Sculpture Trail.
Mallards Pike
This perfect BBQ spot in the Forest of Dean has two permanent barbecue cookers, together with picnic benches boasting lake views. Enjoy your burger or fish skewer after a treetop excursion via Go Ape or a spot of windsurfing or stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also a great cycle track here.
Cattle Country Adventure Park
This large farm and adventure park is the perfect day out for kids who can go tractor rides, meet animals and tire themselves out on indoor and outdoor play areas. There’s even a boating lake, splash pool and trampolines. And the BBQ bit? Well, visitors are welcome to bring along their own disposable versions, provided they let staff know beforehand.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
There are a handful of specially-created barbecue sites at Cotswold Country Park and Beach, making it the ideal day out for a family or friends get-together. There’s a man-made seaside here meaning you can have fun horsing around on the beach (or even quietly reading) before going for a dip afterwards (or vice versa) in one of the many Lakes. Booking a BBQ site costs £30 off-peak season, £50 peak. A VIP BBQ (where you have room for two cars, with a bottle of prosecco included) is £50 off-peak season and £100 peak.
