Just as we were rejoicing an Indian summer, news from the weather forecasters is of colder days ahead. That’s autumn for you, but it doesn’t have to mean that you stay indoors and look out of the window. At this time of year, we often experience chillier and windier days, but also fabulous blue skies, offering the ideal conditions for a spot of kite flying.

There can be few people who do not love the chance to fly a kite and watch as the wind swoops the kite into fabulous displays. Today’s kites come in a fantastic range of designs and styles, with sizes to suit all age groups and desires. All you need is a bit of wind, an open space and lots of energy energy.

While parents should be on hand to help youngsters fly kites there are a number of smaller kites that are suitable for even the smallest child to fly along.

Look out for kite flying events taking place in the UK:

  • On October 16 there’s the 20th Annual MKF kite display at Family Fun and Kite Day, Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. See the Midlands Kite Fliers website for more details
  • October 23 is the annual NKG Light up the Sky for BBC Children In Need Appeal, overlooking the Mersey, Otterspool, South Liverpool, Merseyside. See the Northern Kite Group

 Looking forward to next year

Practise your kite flying skills and prepare for next year’s kite flying events.  On February 19 there are two events:

  • NKG fly-in, New Brighton Dips, Wirral, Merseyside
  • NKG fly-in, Pontefract Racecourse, Pontefract, Yorkshire

Check out the KiteCalendar for further details and more kite flying dates. 

Or why not try flying you kite at your own kite-flying hotspot?

Here are four top places to fly kites in the UK:

* Lowestoft South Beach: This is the most easterly point to fly a kite on the UK mainland. The best spots are towards Pakefield and Kessingland, where the beach is wider and quieter, but be careful of the piers.

* St Andrews, Fife: The impressive expanse of beach on the east coast of Scotland is popular with all kind of kite fans. From simple kite fliers to kite buggies to kite surfers you’ll be wowed by the possibilities of kite-based activities. Some people simply come to watch, while others will become life-long addicts of kite sports.

 * Blackheath, London: The highest and one of the windiest spots in London, the heath is great for flying a kite.

* East Lothian:  Yellowsands, Belhaven and Dunbar beaches make great spots for kite fying – and fabulous views.

And remember that at this time of year it’s important to go outdoors wearing the right outdoors clothing, including waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, waterproof walking boots or Wellington boots, hats, gloves and scarves.