YESTERDAY marked the official start of the astronomical autumn.

With the leaves turning brown, the nights drawing in and the temperatures starting to drop, Sussex is preparing to welcome the new season.

The summer sunshine may seem a long way away but fear not, the county is a great place to be at this wonderful time of year.

Here is our top ten guide of what to do this autumn.

1. Halloween at Tulleys Farm

The scariest night-out in Sussex returns as Tulleys Farm, Crawley, welcomes back its award-winning annual Shocktober Fest featuring actors, special effects and scary surprises.

The fest launches on October 3 and concludes on November 1.

To buy tickets and for more information visit: halloweenattractions.co.uk/.

2. Sussex Bonfire Season

No other county does bonfires quite like Sussex and as a result there are some great nights out to be had this autumn.

Towns and villages the length and breadth of the county hold events but the one not to miss out on is the world-famous Lewes bonfire night on November 5.

3. Pumpkin Carving

Autumn is also the season of Halloween so make sure you have a pumpkin in the window.

To best carve your pumpkin use a sharp knife and cut off the crown. With a large serving spoon, scoop out the seeds and flesh before drawing a face with a pen.

Cut the face out with a knife and pop a tea light inside the pumpkin. Light it and replace the crown.

4. Visit Sheffield Park and Gardens

Nothing says autumn like Sheffield Park

The flaming reds, oranges and yellows of the trees and bushes are a sight everybody should see. Mid-October is usually the peak time to see the best of the colours but you will not be disappointed at any time.

For tickets visit nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden.

5. The 2015 Autumn Show and Game Fair

Seasonal food, family fun and a wide range of traditional country pursuits are on offer at this year’s Autumn Show and Game Fair at the South of England Showground, Ardingly.

Highlights this year include a clay pigeon shooting competition, a donkey show parade and a gun dogs demonstration.

For more information on the October 3 and 4 event visit: seas.org.uk/autumn-show.

6. Apple Day Brighton 2015

Apple Day Brighton is a great day out for all the family.

Hosted by Brighton Permaculture Trust, the event has been growing annually and is now an established autumn date for the diary.

To be held on September 27 in Stanmer Park, there will be plenty of apples to sample as well pressed juice to try. And best of all entry is free.

7. Michelham Priory Ghost Walk

Dare you walk the Priory at night? The monthly ghost walks will take on a particularly spooky air as the Priory gears-up for Halloween with walks through the horror-filled rooms.

Michelham Priory, near Hailsham, is the site of a former Augustine Priory and its history dates back to the 1200s.

For more details visit sussexdarkside.co.uk/michelham-priory.

8. Pub Log Fires

With it too cold to lounge in beer gardens it is time to head inside to the crackle and the fizz of a roaring-open fire. Among our favourite boozers with open fires are The Laughing Fish, Station Road, Isfield, The Bull Inn, The Green, Newick and The Forge Halland Hotel, Heathfield Road, Halland.

9. Conkers

Despite all the new-fangled smartphones and games that youngsters have these days, conkers have remained a playground classic.

To prepare your perfect conker make a hole through the middle of your chosen conker and thread a strong piece of string about 25cm long through the hole. Tie a knot at one end and you are ready to go.

10. An autumn warmer

As the temperatures drop, there is nothing better than making a hearty casserole for all the family. Here is a classic:
2 celery sticks, thickly sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 really big carrots, cut into chunky pieces
5 bay leaves
3 sprigs thyme
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 beef stock cubes, crumbled
850g stewing beef (featherblade or brisket works nicely), cut into nice large chunks

Method
1. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas three. Put the kettle on. Put the celery, onion, carrots, bay and one thyme sprig in a casserole with one tbsp oil and the butter. Soften for ten minutes, then stir in the flour followed by the tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce and beef stock cubes.
2. Gradually stir in 600ml hot water, then tip in the beef and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and put in the oven for two hours 30 minutes, then uncover and cook for between 30 minutes to an hour until the meat is tender and the sauce is thickened.