Crisp mornings. National Forest colour. Steam trains and tea rooms.

Twinlakes Park in Melton Mowbray is the place to be on Saturday, with three unmissable experiences running side by side. Grandparents Weekend is a lovely excuse to bring the whole gang together for a day of shared fun across the park. Meanwhile, the Witch Wagon adds a satisfying seasonal shiver for little ones brave enough to climb aboard, and the Family Scream Park turns up the autumnal atmosphere another notch. Together, they make Twinlakes a proper full-day destination this weekend. Over in Moira, Conkers is hosting Bavarian Night at its Discovery Centre on Saturday, and it sounds like an absolute treat. Karl's Brass, one of the finest Oompah Bands around, will be leading the Oktoberfest celebrations with plenty of infectious energy and good cheer. Think steins, lederhosen vibes, and a crowd in fine spirits. It is the kind of evening that turns a regular Saturday into something genuinely memorable, and well worth the trip to the National Forest. Friday evening brings Bharatanatyam Beyond Boundaries to Curve Theatre in Leicester, a stunning showcase of classical Indian dance that promises to be captivating and visually rich. Then on Saturday, the 22nd East Midlands Food Festival takes over The Stockyard, celebrating two decades of brilliant regional produce with everything undercover, so the drizzle will not dampen a single bite. Rounding out a full weekend of culture, Burrough Church welcomes the Athenrye Acoustic Duo for a warm evening of Country, Folk, Americana and Pop in aid of childhood eye care. If you are planning a base for your weekend, Novotel Leicester puts you right in the heart of the city with stylish, comfortable rooms and a great on-site restaurant for winding down after a busy day out. Highcross Leicester is just moments away, perfect for a browse through fashion, food and tech, or a cheeky round of indoor mini golf. And if you fancy a slower pace, the beautifully restored 1620s House and Garden in Ashby de la Zouch offers period gardens, a charming barn tearoom and a genuinely lovely atmosphere for all ages. Weather-wise, expect some light drizzle through Saturday and patchy fog easing into Sunday, with temperatures settling pleasantly in the mid-to-upper teens. Layer up, pack a light jacket, and you will be perfectly comfortable at any of these events. The good news is that several are undercover or indoors, so there is no reason to leave the weekend to chance. Leicestershire has plenty waiting for you, and this is a fine time to come and discover it.