As the nights draw in and nature puts on a vibrant display of colours, the National Trust has a whole host of events and activities planned to keep little explorers entertained this Autumn. From ghoulish tricks to nature’s treats, the conservation charity is offering heaps of fun for all the family this October half term.
Escape into the great outdoors together on an autumnal walk to collect a rainbow of fallen leaves. Embark on a nature trail to discover wildlife, as well as the weird and wonderful fungi that’s emerged. Challenge friends and family members to seasonal fun and games during autumn days out and workshops at National Trust places across the country.
There are plenty of Halloween-themed activities and events to help celebrate the spookier side of the season too. From pumpkin displays to creepy crafts, spooky story-telling sessions and frightfully entertaining Halloween trails, there’s plenty of fun for everyone.
Blickling Estate
• Autumn Magic and Folklore in the house, garden and parkland: daily until 10 November
• Nature wands craft workshop: Monday 28 and Thursday 31 October 11am – 2.30pm
• Nature mobiles craft workshop: Tuesday 29 October 11am – 2.30pm
• Spooky spokes balance bikes and obstacle course: Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 October 11am – 3pm
• Archery: Friday 1 November 11am – 2.30pm
• Bike hire available: Wednesday 30 October to Sunday 3 November, 10am – 4pm
Discover the tale of Blickling’s Black Shuck, delve into the mysteries of trees on a trail in the parkland and explore the real-life magic of autumn on a visit to Blickling Estate this half term.
Look out for the hidden pumpkins and discover the legend of Sir Henry Hobart and Blickling’s Black Shuck as you explore the house. Head out into the garden to complete the family Nature-magic Quest to find out what magical level you’ve reached – are you a Supreme Sorcerer yet? Join one of the craft workshops and make a magic wand or nature mobile to cast a spell or keep you safe.
At the end of your adventures, you’ll find belly-warming soup made with produce from the walled garden and hot chocolates with all the extras available at the Stables Café!
Blickling House open 11am-4pm, last entry 3.30pm. Gardens open 10am-5pm, last entry 4.30pm. Parkland open dawn until dusk. Standard admission prices apply, no booking required. Free entry for National Trust members.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
There’s heaps of Halloween-themed fun to be had at Felbrigg this half term. A glut of giant gourds from the Walled Garden will decorate the grand front door to the Jacobean mansion, where a ghostly photo opportunity awaits visitors… Cross the threshold and follow the Felbrigg Hall-oween Trail, weaving through magnificent rooms stuffed with fun facts, spooky stories and mini ghosts to find.
Go up the central staircase and you’ll encounter apparitions made by the Ketton sisters, who lived in the hall during the mid-late 19th century, before their untimely deaths. These startling examples of spirit photography; a favourite pastime of the pair, are on display in the locations in which they were taken. Will you be able to feel the sisters’ presence? Elsewhere, in the library’s book room, marvel at a display of The Weird and the Wonderful – oddities from Felbrigg’s collection that do not normally see the light of day.
Out in the autumn air, notice signs of the season across the 520-acre estate with a free family activity booklet, or head to the Walled Garden to locate hidden carved pumpkins. Book tickets to join the Family Fungi Foray on 29 October – a guided walk and craft activity inspired by the fabulous world of mushrooms and toadstools.
Horsey Windpump
• Make a fat ball bird feeder
• Pick up a spotter sheet and see what autumn wildlife you can find
Join the ranger on Wednesday 30 October (10am-2pm) and become a garden bird champion! Find out why garden birds are so important, learn to identify different types, and discover what you can do to help them. Get hands-on by making a fat ball bird feeder that you can take home. Free event, no booking required. Normal car parking charges apply.
Horsey is a hot spot for all kinds of wildlife, so why not pick up a spotter sheet and see what you can discover? Take a close look amongst the trees in the orchard, explore the garden, and make your way to the viewpoint at the edge of Horsey Mere. Free wildlife spotter sheets available daily from visitor welcome.
Oxburgh Estate
Escape into autumn and enjoy an activity packed day for the whole family in nature’s most colourful season at Oxburgh Estate! Try out the smelly bird boxes and guess the different seasonal scents. Help the gardeners put the garden to sleep for winter by raking up the autumn leaves. Enjoy a traditional game of welly wanging, how far can you throw? Spot the pumpkins hiding in the hall and make friends with a death watch beetle – listen to the noise that gives them their spooky name!
Top up those energy levels with a warming hot chocolate in Oxburgh’s cosy tea-room – and don’t forget to take a picture at the autumn photo station to finish off the day.
Sheringham Park
Escape into autumn at Sheringham Park and stimulate your senses with everything the season has to offer. Crunch through mounds of leaves, spot wildlife squirreling away food for winter and slurp delicious spiced drinks from the Courtyard Café.
Bug-spot in the Bower Garden or wander through the Wild Garden and discover two viewing towers to climb for view over the canopy filled with vibrant golds, red and oranges. Venture further along the Repton Route and conquer the 115 hillside steps and 60 steps up the Gazebo tower. Breathtaking views await of the landscape and coast beyond.
Pick up a free family activity booklet stuffed with fun facts, a colour-spotting challenge, sensory activity and colouring sheet. Book tickets to join a daytime Family Fungi Foray or Family Night Hike on 28 October.