Dates for the diary October

Crisp mornings, changing leaves and plenty of reasons to get out and about, October is one of our favourite months at Paton & Co. This month’s diary brings together art and literature, antiques and independent makers, beautiful autumn walks and family days out, with a little early Christmas shopping thrown in too.

Berwick Literary Festival

Now in its twelfth year, Berwick Literary Festival brings together bestselling authors and celebrated broadcasters with poets, performers and local voices. The week-long festival is held across a number of venues in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and has over 55 events celebrating the power of words.

5-11 October

https://berwickliteraryfestival.com

Pottery North Fair @ The Haining

Held at The Haining in Selkirk, this inaugural event showcases the work of talented potters, ceramicists and glass makers from across the region. This setting is also notable. The Haining was almost derelict before the house and grounds were bequeathed to The Haining Charitable Trust, and the Trust is now refurbishing and developing the late 18th century building as a centre for exhibitions and events highlighting art, culture and history.

10–11 October

https://www.potterynorth.com/events-2026/pottery-north-fair-at-the-haining

Autumn Colours at The Hirsel

October is one of the best months to enjoy The Hirsel's extensive estate walks. Located in Coldstream, the Leet valley is awash with reds, golds and oranges at this time of year, offering a beautiful spot for a weekend stroll. Be sure to pop into the shop, The Hirsel Homestead, to discover a variety of products from local artists and small businesses, including Abbey Ceramics, Julia Linstead Glass, and Northumbrian Stone.

Throughout October

https://www.hirselhomestead.co.uk/

Arty Farty Fare

A carefully curated luxury Christmas fair, Arty Farty Fare brings together an eclectic selection of artists, makers and independent businesses, chosen for their quality and originality. Based in the Scottish Borders, the event is a wonderful opportunity to get ahead with Christmas shopping and discover beautiful, unusual gifts that you won’t find on the high street.

9 October, 6–8pm & 19 October, 10am–3pm

https://www.facebook.com/p/Arty-Farty-Fare-100078114581188/

Antiques Fair at Borders Events Centre

A perennial favourite for collectors and interior enthusiasts, this antiques fair and fleamarket held in Kelso brings together a diverse collection of dealers offering everything from furniture and artwork to decorative pieces and curiosities.

3-4 October 

https://borderseventscentre.co.uk/event/antiques-fair-fleamarket-17/

Berwick Open Studios

The inaugural Berwick Open Studios continues into October, offering visitors the chance to step inside artists' studios and meet the makers while discovering unique artworks across the town. You’ll be able to follow a trail map of creative venues throughout Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal, and there will also be galleries and exhibitions, pop-up spaces, cultural hubs and creative community groups to explore.

3–4 October

https://createberwick.co.uk/berwickopenstudios/

Grey Seal Spotting at the Farne Islands

Late October is the ideal time of year to take a boat trip off the coast to see grey seal pups around the Farne Islands. Billy Shiel's Boat Trips runs a number of cruises year-round, leaving from Seahouses Harbour, and each season offers new experiences. With an estimated three to four thousand grey seals at the Farne Islands, the 90 minute Grey Seal Cruise is a fantastic opportunity to see these animals up close, including views of the baby seals during the seal pupping season, from late October. Bookings are daily, weather permitting.

https://www.farne-islands.com/trips/grey-seal-cruise-trip/

Spookydorei at The Alnwick Garden

Known for its fantasy-inspired landscapes and whimsical fairy houses. Lilidorei transforms for Halloween with themed trails, storytelling and seasonal surprises. Choose the Spooky Path or the Not So Spooky Path to suit your family's taste for frights, and take on the riddle-solving Spookydorei adventure quest. Great for families looking for a magical half-term outing.

Throughout October

https://www.lilidoreialnwick.co.uk/events/spookydorei/

NTS Harmony Garden Annual Apple Event

Held at Harmony Garden in Melrose, highlights include St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve activities held in Harmony House, Robert Smail's Printing Works workshop, also held in the house, and a historical re-enactment from the medieval re-enactment group Britannia XIV, held in the garden – not forgetting a fabulous apple display within the house. There will also be market stalls featuring local traders on Saturday 24th.

23-24 October

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nts-harmony-garden-annual-apple-event-tickets

Findhorn Bay Festival

This award-winning festival concludes in early October with a programme of music, theatre, exhibitions and community events held around Findhorn Bay and beyond. From national and international artists to local and emerging talent, this festival offers a diverse and vibrant mix of performances with music, theatre, dance, circus, exhibitions, and family events for all to enjoy.

Until 4 October

https://findhornbayfestival.com