Make the most of the new season and enjoy the magic of autumn as a family with a whole host of adventures and activities at National Trust places across the country. 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.
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.
Here’s the top pick of exciting events and activities in Norfolk to keep the whole family entertained this October half term.
Blickling Estate
- Stranger Folk, Volume 1: Crone Calling between Friday 17 October – Sunday 9 November
- Bike hire available Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm during half term week.
Stranger Folk are heading to Blickling Estate this autumn. Immerse yourself in nature and magic with an adventure app game to enjoy as a family as you explore the extensive gardens and impressive grandeur of Blickling Hall. The adventure starts with a voice note from a mysterious Old Crone. Will you answer the call and close the rift before mischief turns to mayhem?!
As the spirit and human worlds collide, sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts and Stranger Folk are slipping through the crack to stir up trouble at Blickling! Gather your team, harness the elements and seal the rift before the creatures take hold. Forget pumpkins and plastic fangs, this Halloween adventure crackles with old magic. Play for a fast-paced 20 minutes – or make it a day-long adventure to pause for warming seasonal drinks and carrot cake scones from the Stables Café before picking up where you left off. All you will need is one mobile phone to immerse yourselves in a rich story of physical play and strange goings-on. The app is designed for children aged 7+ and can be downloaded for free from the Apple and Google app stores.
Inside Blickling Hall, take in the autumnal displays in the Great Hall and look out for pumpkins to spot as you explore. Have a go at weaving and learn about the conservation of the State Bed. Head out into the wider estate for bike rides or walks taking in the seasonal colour, spotting fungi and den building in the woods.
Plan your visit at Blickling Hall.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
Join the hunt for spiders at Felbrigg Estate this half term. There are eight spider information stations lurking among the woodland – uncover a letter at each to spell out a word and collect a cookie prize*. (*Vegan-friendly. For allergen information please speak to a member of the team.)
Notice signs of the season as you walk through the Victory V avenue of beech trees, surrounded by autumnal colour. Find the den building area or venture further to discover an icehouse built to look like a ruin.
Trail sheets are £3 each and can be bought from the welcome team between 10am-3.30pm every day throughout half term.
Over at the hall you’ll find a glut of giant pumpkins from the garden decorating its grand front door. Open between 12noon and 4pm, inside you’ll find activities inspired by a taxidermy bird project including birdwatching, miniature nest building and origami crafting. Don’t forget to head to the Walled Garden to spot all sorts of intriguing pumpkin specimens and metalwork creatures.
Plan your visit at Felbrigg Hall.
Sheringham Park
Follow a new Treelore Trail and discover what magic lies within the mighty specimens of Sheringham Park’s tree collection.
From witches’ wands to Roman crowns, fairy instruments to protection from evil, find out which trees were believed to have supernatural properties in age-old folklore. Uncover facts and fictions while completing a trail sheet, before collecting a tasty prize at the Courtyard Café.
Trail sheets are £3 each and can be bought from the welcome kiosk in the car park or from the Courtyard Café between 10am-3.30pm every day throughout half-term.
Don’t forget to visit the dog-free Bower Garden to spot teeny Hallooween-y fairy doors decorated for the spooky season.
Plan your visit at Sheringham Park.
Oxburgh Estate
This autumn, discover the secret lives of the animals who call Oxburgh Estate home as they get prepared for the winter months ahead.
Follow a trail of discovery through the Hall in search of woodland creatures hidden around the rooms, before stepping outside for seasonal activities in the grounds including natural art, leaf raking and hands-on fun for all ages.
The orchard is brimming with apples and pears, the Dahlia’s are still putting on a vibrant show in the Peach House border and a stroll through the Kitchen Garden will uncover an array of autumn colours and abundant displays of produce grown on the estate at this time of year.
After all that exploring, hot drinks, homemade cakes and comforting treats can all be found in the Servants Hall tearoom.
Plan your visit to Oxburgh Estate.
Morston Quay
Whether you’re visiting for the seal boat trips that depart daily from Morston Quay, or to take in the wide-open views of saltmarsh and coast, visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the natural splendour of the north Norfolk coast this half term.
Learn more about the spectacular coastal wildlife by popping along to a Meet the Ranger event on Tuesday 28 October, from 10am to 12pm. Rangers can’t wait to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the huge variety of wildlife on the coast, to answer any questions, and share some fascinating wildlife items.
On Wednesday 29th the upstairs area of the Lookout Building will be home to a story-telling hour with a coastal theme. Come along between 2.15pm and 3.15pm to enjoy stories about seals and the sea read by a National Trust volunteer and ranger.
If you and your little ones have energy to burn, there’s plenty to explore to the east and west along the Norfolk Coast Path, with the reward of a great selection of hot drinks, sweet treats, and hot and cold snacks at the cafe on your return (open 10am to 4pm daily).
Plan your visit to Morston Quay.
