17 Oct (next Saturday)
A Saturday day pass provides access to four talks at Emmetts Garden, covering gardening, design, creativity, the natural world and the science of magic mushrooms. Each talk is followed by a question-and-answer session.
Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian estate featuring six acres of arboretum and gardens on a high sandstone ridge near Ide Hill, Kent, offering expansive views and a rose garden next to a Victorian house, though the house is not open to the public.
17 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween-themed family trail at Dunster Castle, where participants follow clues and complete challenges to solve the mystery of the cursed castle servants. The trail includes a prize for solving the mystery.
The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, is a historic Grade I listed octagonal building from the early 17th century, originally built to support the local wool and cloth trade, featuring a unique central pier with timber roofing and marked by Civil War history.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
Killerton parkrun is a free weekly 5k community event where participants can walk, jog or run the cross-country route, or volunteer or spectate.
Killerton is an 18th-century Georgian country house in Devon with extensive gardens and an estate including ancient hill forts and Roman sites, open to the public under the National Trust with historical costume displays indoors and scenic outdoor walks and landscapes.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A 60-minute guided tour of the rooms where Waddesdon Manor’s servants lived and worked, including how those spaces are used today and how the collection is conserved. The tour also visits the academic apartments, Treasury and Wine Cellars.
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is a French Renaissance-style château set in expansive Victorian gardens featuring ornate fountains, a rococo aviary, and a woodland playground. Visitors can explore the impressive art collection inside the manor, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities, guided garden walks, and dine at onsite restaurants and cafes.
10–11 Oct, 17–18 Oct…
A volunteer-guided tour takes visitors beyond the usual visitor ropes at Dunster Castle, exploring repurposed rooms, hidden areas and their history. The tour lasts about an hour.
Dunster Castle and Watermill in Somerset offer a rich experience combining a historic castle, working Victorian watermill, beautiful gardens, and scenic parkland with panoramic views. Visitors can explore the castle interiors, gardens with diverse plants, enjoy family-friendly activities, and visit cafés and shops on site.
9 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A family digital folklore adventure at Emmetts Garden, designed for children aged 7–12 and imaginative adults to play together. Using the Stranger Folk app, participants follow a character through magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and heal a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
Toys Hill is a large woodland area in Kent known for its scenic walking paths, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks including a bat tower and old manor ruins. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, nature observation, and the natural beauty of the Greensand Ridge.
8–13 Oct, 15–20 Oct…
Families with children aged 7–12 can use the Stranger Folk app to follow a folklore-themed adventure at Moseley Old Hall, completing magical tasks and solving a riddle together. The adventure can be played in around 20 minutes or spread throughout the day.
Moseley Old Hall is a historic house and museum in Staffordshire, notable as a hiding place of Charles II during his escape in 1651. Visitors can explore the restored early 17th-century hall with period furniture and an enclosed 17th-century-style garden, all managed by the National Trust.
7 Oct–31 Dec (another 83 days)
An exhibition at Croome explores the history, craftsmanship and significance of Robert Adam’s 18th-century bookcases, which are being conserved for reinstatement in the house’s Library.
Croome is a historic estate in Worcestershire featuring an 18th-century house, extensive Capability Brown-designed parkland and gardens, a WWII RAF museum, and facilities including a cafe and shop. Visitors can enjoy indoor exhibits, outdoor trails, family play areas, and accessible amenities.
5–6 Sep, 12–13 Sep…
Children can borrow an explorer backpack from the Welcome Centre and use its magnifying glasses, bug jars, measuring tools and guides to explore nature at Colby Woodland Garden.
Colby Woodland Garden is a historic National Trust woodland garden in Pembrokeshire, Wales, featuring diverse plant life in woodland, meadow, and walled gardens, with visitor amenities including a tearoom, bookshop, and family events. The house on site is accommodation only and not open to the public.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can take part in mindful drawing and sketching in the Discovery Room, contribute chalk artwork on the site’s walks, or borrow a sketching bag to use while exploring Sutton Hoo.
Sutton Hoo is a historic estate featuring the Anglo-Saxon Royal Burial Ground with a viewing tower, Tranmer House museum, and the High Hall exhibition. Visitors can explore woodland trails, enjoy on-site food and shopping, and participate in family-friendly activities including an adventure playground.
18–22 Oct, 25–29 Oct…
Families can explore Trengwainton Garden through a sensory trail, collecting fallen leaves to make bunting and trying autumn-themed activities such as pumpkin hoopla and an apple-naming game.
Trengwainton Garden is a National Trust historic garden in Cornwall known for its exotic trees, shrubs, and Elizabethan walled garden with scenic views over Mount's Bay and The Lizard. The house on site is not open to the public.
17 Oct, 21 Nov…
Kernow Astronomers guide visitors in observing the sun safely through telescopes before sunset, followed by the moon, stars and planets as they appear.
Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps offers spectacular north Cornish coastline views with access to rocky beaches, historic mining heritage, and protected natural landscape. Maintained by the National Trust, it features a shop and café, coastal walks, and stargazing opportunities as a Dark Sky site.
3 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a garden trail at Stourhead to discover moth species, collect clues and build a fact file about these often-misunderstood insects.
Stourhead is a historic estate in Wiltshire featuring a Grade I listed Neo-Palladian house, an acclaimed 18th-century English landscape garden with classical temples, an artificial lake, and significant art collections, managed by the National Trust.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can search Attingham Park for 30 illustrated Pikachu trading cards, learn facts about the character and design their own card. The adventure takes place around the grounds, Stables and Mansion.
Attingham Park is a Grade I listed neoclassical stately home near Atcham, Shropshire, set within 4,000 acres including 640 acres of parkland and gardens landscaped by Humphry Repton. The estate features historical architecture, rare Georgian garden spaces, extensive deer parkland, and offers visitors both indoor tours of the mansion and outdoor exploration of the grounds, with food available onsite.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Participants learn basic willow-weaving techniques with guidance to make a festive reindeer decoration, approximately 2–3 feet tall, to take home. Materials are provided during the full-day workshop.
Buckland Abbey is a 700-year-old Grade I listed former Cistercian abbey in Devon, converted to a historic house museum notable for its connection to Sir Francis Drake. Visitors can explore the unique architecture, museum collections, and extensive grounds including historic barns and gardens.
7 Oct 2026–20 Feb 2027 (another 134 days)
Follow a self-led trail through the Sandilands nature reserve to learn about six migratory birds that visit the Lincolnshire coast and try wildlife challenges along the way.
Sandilands is a coastal neighbourhood in Lincolnshire featuring a former National Trust-owned links golf course, annual family tennis tournaments, and seaside attractions including beach huts and local hotels.
22 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Blickling Estate presents textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection, including garments and embroidered pieces from around the world. It explores the histories of trade, migration, craftsmanship and cultural exchange connected to the textiles and the estate.
Blickling Hall is a Jacobean stately home in Norfolk with a significant historic library and extensive gardens, managed by the National Trust with on-site exhibitions including a WWII RAF museum.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Garden designer and TV presenter Danny Clarke, known as The Black Gardener, gives a talk about creating outdoor spaces with confidence and creativity, followed by a Q&A.
Toys Hill is a hamlet in Kent known for its scenic viewpoint from a steep wooded escarpment, extensive National Trust woodland, and significant natural conservation value as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow a trail through Attingham Park’s Walled Garden, completing challenges set by curious creatures and collecting ingredients for a pretend potion to help Kimberley the Kraken. Trail sheets include a painting set prize.
Longner Hall is a Regency Gothic house designed by John Nash, set in a park landscaped by Humphrey Repton, offering guided tours of its Tudor gothic-style interiors featuring plaster fan vaulting and stained glass.
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display in Scotney Castle’s Mansion House showcases early 20th-century dresses belonging to Betty Hussey and Maud Kerr-Smiley, including a Schiaparelli designer dress. It also presents research into the garments and their owners.
Scotney Castle in Kent is a National Trust property featuring a medieval moated manor ruins and an early Tudor Revival country house surrounded by picturesque gardens with seasonal floral displays. Visitors can explore both indoor historic house spaces and outdoor gardens with historical and natural highlights.
7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)
Follow one of three trails around Oxburgh Estate’s gardens to discover the stories and working lives of housemaid Ruth English, housekeeper Winifred Cooper and head gardener Fred Greef in the 20th century.
Oxburgh Hall is a moated Tudor country house in Norfolk featuring historic architecture, Victorian additions, notable religious concealments, needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots, and extensive gardens with woodland walks.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A weekly community 5k at Wimpole Estate where participants can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. The event takes place on Saturday mornings and has no time limit.
Wimpole Hall is a historic country estate near Cambridge featuring a grand 17th-century hall with significant architectural and garden designs, a large working farm with rare animal breeds, extensive landscaped grounds, and a range of family-friendly activities and events.
7 Oct 2026–31 Oct 2027 (another 387 days)
Follow an outdoor trail of eight giant moth and butterfly models through Belton’s parkland, and learn about species sighted at the estate.
Belton House is a Grade I listed English country house in Lincolnshire, surrounded by formal gardens and a deer park. It offers indoor attractions including historic rooms, exhibitions, and a restaurant in the restored stables, alongside outdoor experiences in its extensive gardens, parkland, and adventure playground for families.
16–18 Oct, 22–25 Oct
Browse and buy a selection of vintage and collectable books, artwork, films and music at a sale in the Riding School. Items include rare and unusual books and other pre-loved finds.
Nostell Priory is a historic Palladian house in West Yorkshire, England, featuring original 18th-century furnishings, extensive parkland with lakeside walks, notable artwork and furniture collections, and a rich monastic history dating back to the 12th century.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A digital folklore adventure for groups, recommended for ages 7 and up, in which players follow audio-led prompts and complete magical tasks around Wentworth Castle Gardens. The app guides participants as they encounter fictional folk creatures and decide their fate.
Wentworth Castle is a Grade I listed historic country house in South Yorkshire, England, featuring extensive gardens, parkland, and a notable sham ruin folly. The site includes indoor heritage and outdoor landscaped gardens managed by a partnership including the National Trust. Visitors can explore restored historic interiors, formal gardens, and naturalistic landscapes.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
An exhibition at Wightwick Manor explores the artistic and literary legacy of the Rossetti family and their circle, featuring new acquisitions, rediscovered drawings and rarely seen works. It examines the family’s relationships, upbringing and creative work.
Wightwick Manor is a Victorian era Arts and Crafts house near Wolverhampton, showcasing original William Morris designs and a significant Pre-Raphaelite art collection, set in 17 acres of gardens and woodland with an additional De Morgan Gallery in the adjoining Old Manor. It is owned by the National Trust and open to the public with a café and shops onsite.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition exploring William Constable’s eighteenth-century collection of dried plants, the Burton Constable Herbarium and its connections to the estate’s landscape. Visitors can see the Herbarium displayed across several rooms in Burton Constable Hall.
Burton Constable Hall & Parkland is a magnificent Elizabethan country house in Yorkshire featuring historic interiors and an extensive Capability Brown landscaped park. Visitors can explore grand rooms, art collections, and outdoor parkland with trails, a play area, and picnic spaces, offering a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences.
11 Oct, 14 Oct…
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow clues and complete folklore-inspired challenges while exploring the grounds of Tattershall Castle. The family-friendly journey asks participants to find hidden cracks and help restore the balance between the natural and magical worlds.
Tattershall College is the ruin of a 15th-century grammar school founded by the 3rd Baron Cromwell in Lincolnshire, featuring remains of Gothic architecture and an adjacent almshouse, now managed as a heritage site.
18 Oct, 20 Oct…
An outdoor walking tour of Osborne for members, exploring less familiar features of the estate and sharing surprising stories and hidden details.
Osborne House is a former royal residence in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, built as a summer home for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Visitors can explore the grand Italianate architecture, royal apartments, extensive gardens, and enjoy the unique historic setting including a private beach and the Durbar Room with Indian influences. The site offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences with historic interiors and landscaped grounds.
East Cowes is a historic town on the Isle of Wight known for its royal connections, maritime heritage, and walking routes along the River Medina. It features landmarks such as Osborne House and Norris Castle, along with a lively town center and transport links via ferry and bus services.
16–17 Oct
Join Knole Estate’s Park and Deer Keeper for a walk to observe and learn about the fallow deer herd during its autumn mating season. The walk lasts around an hour and ends with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio is a National Trust conservation workspace housed in a historic medieval barn in Sevenoaks, Kent. It offers visitors a unique indoor experience of seeing expert conservation work on decorative art and exhibits, supported by interactive displays and knowledgeable volunteers.
Sevenoaks is a historic market town in Kent, England, featuring medieval landmarks like Knole House and Knole Park, with commuter rail links to London and a vibrant town centre offering shopping, cultural venues and local food experiences.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A free weekly 5km parkrun at Bolberry Down, open to people running, jogging or walking the route, which follows a tarmac path and coast path with sea views.
Bolberry Down is a scenic clifftop area in South Devon offering coastal views over the English Channel, owned by the National Trust and situated within a protected natural area.
7 Oct–13 Dec (another 65 days)
Explore Beatrix Potter’s creative process behind The Tale of Two Bad Mice through her manuscript, sketches, finished artworks and a restored dolls’ house. Visitors can watch animations and a conservation film, use interactive lighting and handle a replica dolls’ house.
Hill Top Farm is a 17th-century historic house museum in Cumbria, England, that was once home to Beatrix Potter. Visitors can explore the preserved interior rooms furnished as in Potter's time and enjoy the surrounding garden maintained in the style of her illustrations. The venue offers a unique insight into the life and works of the beloved children's author in a picturesque Lakeland village setting.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore locations at Calke Abbey used in *Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man*, with information about filming in the historic interiors and outdoor spaces. A downloadable walking trail highlights filming locations across the estate.
Calke Abbey is a historic country estate in Derbyshire offering a unique visit with its Baroque mansion in decline, extensive parkland with ancient trees and deer, a vibrant walled garden, and accessible walking and cycling trails. The venue provides family-friendly outdoor play areas, guided tours, cafés, shops, and accessibility features including wheelchair access and mobility aids.
8–25 Oct (another 16 days)
An exhibition explores J.M.W. Turner’s painting *Margate (?), from the Sea* and the history of his bequest to the nation. Visitors can see the painting alongside archival documents, letters and works by artists influenced by Turner.
Turner's House in London is a restored historic house offering guided tours, exhibitions, and accessible grounds reflecting the artist J.M.W. Turner's life and work. Visitors can explore both indoor spaces and the garden, with facilities accommodating mobility issues.
7–8 Oct, 10–15 Oct…
Explore photographs and photobooks about two generations of the Harpur Crewe family’s children at Calke Abbey. Visitors can read, try a jigsaw and rocking horse, and dress up to act out a play.
Calke Abbey is a Grade I listed English country house in Derbyshire, cared for by the National Trust, showcasing a baroque mansion preserved in a state of decline surrounded by a landscape park rich in natural heritage and historic estate features.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Stranger Folk is an app-based adventure game exploring British folklore at Fen Cottage and Wicken Fen. Follow the Crone’s directions and investigate places where mysterious creatures are said to be crossing into the real world.
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire is one of Europe's most important wetlands, offering visitors a rich outdoor experience with diverse wildlife and plants, accessible boardwalk trails, family activities, and facilities including a café and visitor centre.
5 Oct–2 Nov (another 24 days)
An exhibition marking 50 years of the National Trust at Dunster Castle, featuring golden objects from the castle’s collection, including its rare gilt leather hangings. Visitors can also learn about the castle’s gift to the Trust and view a film presenting a virtual gallery of the hangings.
The Butter Cross in Dunster is a historic 15th-century market cross, a Grade II* listed building and scheduled ancient monument, managed by English Heritage and the National Trust, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval market traditions in Somerset.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Join a ranger for a guided nature walk across the swing bridge to Heigham Holmes, a wildlife reserve in the Broads. The route explores its wetlands, grazing marshes, woodland and pools, where visitors may see birds and other wildlife.
Horsey Windpump is a restored historic drainage windmill located in the village of Horsey, Norfolk, managed by the National Trust. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor experience of exploring the windpump and surrounding nature walks with views over Horsey Mere and access to the nearby beach.
12 Oct–7 Nov (next week)
Explore an exhibition about five tree species at Lyme Park and their fungal associates, then follow a self-guided trail around the Top Lawn. On 17, 24 and 31 October, the exhibition curator will be available to answer questions and discuss the research.
Lyme Park is a large estate in Cheshire managed by the National Trust, featuring the largest house in Cheshire with Elizabethan and Palladian-Baroque architecture, extensive formal gardens and deer park, and historical indoor exhibits including the Lyme Caxton Missal. It also serves as a filming location and offers food facilities on site.
7 Oct, 10–14 Oct…
Tracy Hill’s site-specific art installation explores the role of fungi and lichen in shaping the environment and understanding climate change. Visitors can experience the installation in the house gallery.
Allan Bank is a Grade II* listed historic villa in Cumbria, England, known for its connection to William Wordsworth and other literary figures. Located in the Lake District, it offers both indoor historical house exploration and outdoor garden experiences with red squirrels. The property is owned by the National Trust and open to the public.
5 Oct 2026–14 Feb 2027 (another 128 days)
An exhibition of Su Blackwell’s paper artwork, a house created from copies of Rudyard Kipling’s handwritten manuscript of The Jungle Book. The artwork is displayed in Elsie’s Room on the ground floor of Bateman’s.
Bateman's is a 17th-century Jacobean house in Burwash, East Sussex, known as the home of Rudyard Kipling. Visitors can explore the house preserved as it was in Kipling's time, including his study and collections, as well as the garden and the historic water mill on the estate.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A wedding show at Tatton Park where couples can meet wedding suppliers and find exclusive offers and goodies.
Tatton Park is a historic estate in Cheshire featuring a neoclassical mansion, extensive formal and natural gardens, a large deer park, and a working farm showcasing rare breeds. Visitors can enjoy indoor tours of the mansion, outdoor exploration of gardens and parkland, and family-friendly activities including a children's playground and various events throughout the year.
29 Aug–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can follow a family-friendly trail around Knole’s parkland and into the Orangery to find 12 giant, hand-painted sculptures inspired by The Gruffalo.
Knole is a large English country house of Jacobean architecture set in a 1000-acre deer park near Sevenoaks, Kent. It features extensive historic gardens, rich collections of 17th-century Stuart furniture, and a medieval chapel with one of the oldest playable organs in England. The house is a National Trust property with public tours and occasional cultural events. It has been used as a filming location for famous films and music videos.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can relax with books in Book Nooks around Lanhydrock’s house and garden, reading together or independently. They can also create their own folklore story as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
Lanhydrock is a historic Victorian family country house set within a large estate featuring beautiful formal gardens, parkland and woodlands. Visitors can explore the Jacobean mansion interior with its rich history and also enjoy extensive outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and family-friendly events. Cafes and shops provide food and shopping options on site.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can explore 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, discover facts about the character and design their own Pokémon trading card.
Charlecote Park is a historic 16th-century English country house with Tudor and Victorian features, set in extensive deer park and landscaped grounds by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore the richly decorated interiors, including family portraits and historic artifacts, as well as enjoy the outdoor parkland and gardens.
10 Oct, 17 Oct
Join experts from the Dorset Fungus Group on a guided walk to find and identify fungi on Brownsea Island, and learn about their species and role in the ecosystem. The walk is for both novices and experienced participants and is not a foraging event.
Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour offers a unique wildlife haven with habitats for red squirrels and diverse birds, family-friendly trails, natural play areas, daily guided tours, and a historic campsite. Visitors access the island by ferry and can enjoy both outdoor nature and indoor facilities including a café and visitor centre.
Poole is a historic coastal town and seaport in Dorset, England, known for its large natural harbour, maritime heritage, sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and lively shopping and dining scene.
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of limited-edition prints by leading British printmakers, presented with fabrics, wallpaper and furniture to create an immersive gallery setting. Visitors can also see tools and film demonstrating printmaking techniques such as woodblock printing and lino cutting.
Mottisfont Abbey is a Grade I listed historic estate and former priory in Hampshire, featuring a historic house museum, extensive gardens with a renowned rose collection, riverside walks, and seasonal cultural and children's activities. Operated by the National Trust, it combines meaningful indoor and outdoor experiences with art exhibitions and family-friendly events.
17–19 Oct, 22–26 Oct…
Families can search the woods for the Golden Apple and identify Acorn Bank’s trees using a leaf activity sheet. Colouring materials are also available to use in the café.
Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill is a National Trust property near Penrith, Cumbria, featuring an extensive garden of medicinal and culinary herbs, orchards of old English fruit varieties, and a restored watermill powered by the Crowdundle Beck stream.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors follow a GPS-triggered audio trail through Greenway’s garden, hearing a fictional story inspired by the estate’s use as a home for child evacuees during the Second World War. The trail uses the HistoryScapes app to explore Greenway’s heritage.
Greenway House is a historic Georgian estate on the River Dart in Devon, once home to Agatha Christie. Visitors can explore the house, riverside gardens with diverse plants, and the Barn Gallery showcasing local art, with connections to Christie's literary legacy.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A volunteer-led talk in the Chinese Garden explores its history, design, different elements and sources of inspiration.
Biddulph Old Hall is a historic Elizabethan mansion and medieval hunting lodge with guided tours covering its rich history, gardens, ruins, and former uses as an artist's home and Buddhist retreat. Visitors can explore both the house interior and extensive grounds, enjoying seasonal gardens and refreshments.
Biddulph is a picturesque market town in Staffordshire Moorlands known for its historic sites including Mow Cop Castle, Biddulph Grange gardens, and scenic valley setting between Mow Cop and Biddulph Moor.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a trail of 30 Pikachu trading-card artworks around Fountains Abbey, discover facts about the character and design your own card. Visitors can collect a gallery sheet and use a Pikachu stamper at Fountains Mill.
The Church of St Mary, Studley Royal, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church built in Early English style by architect William Burges. Situated within Studley Royal Park near Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire, it was constructed as a memorial to Frederick Vyner. The church is renowned for its rich interior, fine stained-glass windows, and status as a Grade I listed building.
17 Oct, 21 Nov
A guided forest-bathing experience at Alderley Edge, introducing the mindful Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku through a gentle walk and nature-based activities. Participants are guided to slow down, engage their senses and take away practices for continuing their connection with nature.
Alderley Edge offers an outdoor experience with dramatic scenery including a red sandstone escarpment, scenic countryside walks, and historical sites such as a Bronze Age burial mound. Visitors can explore wildlife-rich woodlands and enjoy a locally-run tea room on site. The venue is dog friendly and offers activities suitable for children.
8–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
A volunteer guide leads a walk through Dyrham Park’s 270 acres of parkland, sharing information about the deer herd, the site’s history and archaeology, and how the parkland is managed.
Dyrham Park is a Grade I listed baroque country house and extensive parkland in Gloucestershire, England, featuring historic interiors with Dutch art, 274 acres of gardens, an orangery, and a stable block now a tea room. It offers public access with events and has been a filming location for notable productions.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct
A festival celebrating architect Sir John Vanbrugh and his legacy, presented by The Georgian Group with several historic properties. The listing gives event dates and times but directs visitors to individual event listings for details.
Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed English Baroque country house in Northumberland, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718. Visitors can explore its historic architecture, fire-damaged central block, extensive 18th-century gardens, and estate features like a stone mausoleum and orangery. The venue is owned and maintained by the National Trust and offers both indoor and outdoor experiences.
7–20 Oct (another 11 days)
An immersive exhibition in Sizergh’s Great Barn featuring work by local and national artists inspired by soil.
Sizergh Castle is a Grade I listed stately home and historic house museum in Cumbria, England, featuring Elizabethan and Georgian architecture with notable oak interiors and portraits. Visitors can explore both the castle's historic indoor spaces and its extensive outdoor gardens and estate, which includes the largest limestone rock garden held by the National Trust.
3 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A mobile-app adventure for ages 7–12 in Baddesley Clinton’s gardens, where teams follow a guide and complete creative tasks to find the Stranger Folk and seal a rift between worlds.
Baddesley Clinton is a moated 13th-century manor house near Warwick, England, known for its historic architecture, secret priest holes, and beautiful formal gardens. Managed by the National Trust, it offers visitors indoor exploration of the house and outdoor enjoyment of the surrounding parkland and gardens.
7 Oct, 10–14 Oct…
Environmental artist Jayne Ivimey presents an exhibition responding to Felbrigg Hall’s historic collection, with a focus on birds of conservation concern through sculpture, drawing and photography.
Felbrigg Hall is a 17th-century English country house in Norfolk, renowned for its Jacobean and Georgian architecture with extensive gardens including a walled garden and orangery. It is a National Trust property featuring historic interiors and outdoor parkland with walking and cycling routes.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Join photographer Mark Johnson for an outdoor astrophotography session in the Doone Valley, learning to photograph the night sky and landscape. Participants should bring a camera and tripod; no previous experience is required.
Lorna Doone Valley in Devon is a scenic outdoor destination famous for its connection to the novel Lorna Doone. Visitors can enjoy extensive walks, a family-friendly wild play area, wildlife spotting, and amenities like a tea-room and gallery. The site also offers camping and glamping in a tranquil dark sky reserve setting.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A 30-minute specialist talk about the wreck of the Phoenix, captained by Admiral Hyde-Parker II, and the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family.
Melford Hall is a historic Grade I listed stately home in Suffolk with 16th-century origins and Tudor architecture. Owned by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally, it offers a blend of both indoor historic house tours and extensive outdoor grounds hosting events.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Garden designer and presenter Adam Frost discusses the gardens that have shaped his life and work, sharing reflections on garden design and creating liveable spaces. The talk is followed by a Q&A.
Chartwell is a historic English country house near Westerham, Kent, best known as the home of Sir Winston Churchill for over forty years. Visitors can explore the restored interiors, including Churchill's study and memorabilia, as well as extensive gardens and lakes designed by Churchill himself. The site includes a restaurant, shop, and exhibitions reflecting the life and legacy of Churchill.
7–11 Oct, 13–18 Oct…
An exhibition about the 18th-century Grand Tour and the travels of Jane and Mary Parminter, whose journey through Europe influenced A la Ronde. Visitors can see travel souvenirs, pages from Jane’s diary and an original board game to play.
A la Ronde is an 18th-century, 16-sided historic house near Exmouth, Devon, notable for its unique octagonal design, intricate Shell Gallery, and beautifully crafted interiors. The site includes Grade II listed gardens and the adjacent Grade I listed Point-in-View chapel. Owned by the National Trust, it offers a blend of indoor and outdoor historic experiences.
Exmouth is a historic seaside resort town in Devon known for its long sandy beaches, marina, watersports, and status as the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It offers Victorian architecture, walking and cycling routes, and a vibrant town centre with leisure and cultural amenities.
6 Oct, 8 Oct…
Join a volunteer-led tour of the gardens at Hinton Ampner to learn more about them. Tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in October 2026.
Hinton Ampner is a National Trust country house and garden estate in Hampshire, featuring a neo-Georgian mansion with rich interiors and extensive 20th-century gardens, alongside a historic village and church. Visitors can explore both the indoor historic house museum and the outdoor gardens and parkland.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Autumnfest at Arlington Court features an animal-themed community scarecrow trail, autumn decorations around the grounds, and harvest and floral displays in the house and gardens.
Arlington Court is a neoclassical country house in Devon featuring historic architecture, period interiors, and a notable collection of horse-drawn carriages, set within registered Grade II* gardens. It offers indoor tours of the house and carriage museum along with outdoor exploration of the estate and gardens. The venue also provides dining facilities and activities suitable for children.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A talk by Northumberland Coast Ranger James Porteus explores the shorebirds of the Long Nanny reserve and the work to protect them. Afterwards, attendees can spend time in Cherryburn’s garden, listening to birdsong or relaxing.
Cherryburn is an 18th-century historic cottage and museum in Northumberland, birthplace of wood engraver Thomas Bewick, featuring period furnishings, original artworks, and printing demonstrations.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
Visitors can borrow a Nature Pack and use it to explore wildlife and the garden, including looking for creepy crawlies, listening to woodland birds and making a den. The packs are aimed particularly at children aged three and over, though adults can join in too.
Hare Hill Hall is a Georgian country house in Cheshire with an extensive National Trust garden featuring diverse rhododendrons, a walled garden, sculptures, and scenic walking paths.
17 Oct–10 Nov
Children aged 3–11 can follow a Halloween trail with six bat-themed challenges, learning about British bat species and collecting facts to complete a set of cards. The completed cards can be taken home to make a Battle of the Bats game.
Gunby Hall is a Grade I listed historic country house in Lincolnshire featuring significant art collections and Victorian walled gardens set within a Capability Brown styled park. The estate includes a clock tower, a stable block, and an active parish church on site, offering a combined indoor and outdoor visitor experience.
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
At Gibside’s Walled Garden, gardeners demonstrate pressing apples and talk about the heritage varieties grown there. Visitors can also taste freshly pressed apple juice.
Gibside is a historic Georgian country estate in Tyne and Wear featuring landscaped parkland, architectural ruins, and restored buildings such as the Palladian chapel and Banqueting House. Visitors can explore both outdoor grounds and significant indoor heritage structures.
8–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Visitors can choose from around 30 varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds at Doddington’s pumpkin patch, reached by a spooky walk through the Kitchen Garden. There are also hidden golden-bottomed pumpkins to find and a giant pumpkin on display in the Farm Shop.
Doddington Gardens in Lincoln feature restored Elizabethan gardens with formal East Front and West Garden, a Wild Garden, and a productive Kitchen Garden, alongside wildlife planting and seasonal colors. The gardens offer accessible facilities, refreshments, and parking, with free access for RHS members on specified days.
17 Oct–1 Nov, 5–8 Nov
Visitors can follow an outdoor trail at Canons Ashby and discover spooky stories about plants such as deadly nightshade and witch hazel. The trail is aimed at families and includes a small gift at the end.
Canons Ashby House is a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house located in Northamptonshire, featuring notable Jacobean plasterwork, historic family interiors, formal gardens, and the remains of a medieval priory church. It combines rich history with architectural and artistic heritage.
8–11 Oct, 15–18 Oct…
A pop-up tea room in the exhibition cottage where visitors can help themselves to tea or coffee served in vintage cups, with a biscuit.
Sandham Memorial Chapel is a Grade I listed chapel in Burghclere, Hampshire, featuring a series of World War I inspired murals by artist Stanley Spencer, run by the National Trust as a historic site open to the public.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Two volunteers bring to life the story of Countess Rivers and the events leading up to the sacking of Melford Hall during the Civil War, presenting the events from different perspectives.
Kentwell Hall is a moated Tudor country house in Suffolk featuring extensive formal gardens and grounds, a rare breeds farm, and a variety of historical exhibitions and events. Visitors can explore the house interiors as well as outdoor gardens, with facilities supporting accessibility and on-site dining.
7 Oct, 10 Oct…
A guided tour of Treasurer’s House explores Frank Green’s vision for the historic house and its collection of furniture, clocks and art, alongside research into his life and the property.
Treasurer's House is a Grade I listed historic house museum in York, showcasing architecture from the 12th century onwards with significant restoration by Frank Green. Owned by the National Trust, it offers tours including cellar and attic, features Roman archaeological remains, and a café and garden accessible to visitors. The house is notable for its reputed Roman soldier ghost sightings.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition about Bess and her family brings together portraits and other collection objects, exploring their creation, conservation and investigation. Visitors can learn about the technical analysis used on the portraits, watch a short conservation film and follow displays through the Hall.
Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan country house in Derbyshire notable for its Renaissance architecture, large windows, and rich historical associations including as a WWII parachute brigade formation site. The venue offers house tours with period furnishings and tapestries, plus extensive gardens and the ruins of the Old Hall. Visitors can enjoy a significant indoor historic experience alongside outdoor exploration of the estate grounds.
13 Jun–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Nymans exploring the life and creative work of stage designer Oliver Messel, including objects relating to his work in interior design, film and theatre. A display in the Oriel Room features costumes created by students at Wimbledon College of Arts and inspired by Messel.
Nymans is a Grade II* listed English garden in West Sussex, featuring extensive woodland, rare plants, and the picturesque ruins of a mock-medieval stone manor. Managed by the National Trust, it showcases a variety of historic horticultural styles and plant collections.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow the Mill Path from Cotehele Quay to learn about animals that hibernate over winter, with self-led craft activities around the Mill complex.
Cotehele is a Grade I listed medieval and Tudor manor house in Cornwall with extensive historic gardens, a working restored mill, and riverside quay, offering both indoor and outdoor historic experiences. It features original Tudor interiors, chapels, and has been used as a film location.
7 Oct–1 Nov, 16 Nov–23 Dec…
An exhibition celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, featuring extracts from A.A. Milne’s stories and E.H. Shepard’s illustrations, and exploring the creation of Pooh, his friends and the Hundred Acre Wood.
Anglesey Abbey offers extensive 35 acres of formal gardens and wildflower meadows with seasonal highlights including spring bulbs, roses, and a winter garden. The venue features outdoor attractions for nature lovers and families, including a children's play area and refreshments available on site.
17 Oct, 1 Nov…
A guided acrylic painting workshop led by Easely Does It, with step-by-step instruction, demonstrations and individual support. Participants create a canvas to take home; no previous painting experience is needed.
Hughenden Manor is a Victorian mansion and former country house of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, featuring historic rooms, memorabilia, and extensive gardens in Buckinghamshire. Now owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors a blend of indoor historical experience and outdoor natural beauty with views over the valley.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition across five rooms displays historic textiles collected by Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, including embroidery, patterned and printed fabrics, wool work, metallic threads and costume pieces, presented around the theme of colour.
Gawthorpe Hall is a Grade I listed Elizabethan country house located on the banks of the River Calder in Lancashire. The house features historic architecture with roots as a pele tower, extensive restoration by Charles Barry, ornamental gardens, and serves as a trailhead for the Brontë Way footpath. The site also includes Burnley Football Club's training complex on its grounds.
Burnley is a historic market town in Lancashire, England, known for its industrial heritage as a major cotton production centre and ongoing advanced manufacturing, as well as cultural attractions including historic mills, museums, music festivals, and a lively nightlife scene.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A free weekly 5km parkrun at Fell Foot where participants can walk, jog or run, volunteer, or spectate. The event is welcoming and has no time limit.
Lakes Aquarium in Cumbria showcases diverse aquatic life from lakes around the world with themed exhibits including Lake District native species and a virtual diving bell experience, offering an engaging indoor aquatic encounter.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Visitors use the free Stranger Folk app to follow Old Mal’s directions and find folklore creatures around Hardwick’s outdoor estate, solving a riddle to begin and helping to seal a gap between worlds. The activity is recommended for children aged 7–12 and includes spooky themes.
Stainsby Mill is a restored 19th-century flour watermill in Derbyshire, England, now operated by the National Trust within the Hardwick Hall estate. Visitors can experience both the historic indoor milling machinery and the scenic outdoor mill pond and surroundings.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can explore the restored Uniform Room at Chartwell and view Sir Winston Churchill’s recently conserved uniforms and other clothing, including his Siren Suit.
Quebec House is a Grade I listed historic house museum in Westerham, Kent, featuring exhibitions and memorabilia related to General James Wolfe. Visitors can explore the historic interiors, 18th century styled gardens, and enjoy a tea room and bookshop on site.
14 Oct–15 Nov (next week)
Two artisans bring together work by their creative friends, offering visitors a showcase of handmade work and a shopping opportunity.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a horticultural destination in North Yorkshire known for its extensive gardens, seasonal displays, and visitor facilities including cafés and a garden centre. Visitors can explore outdoors through varied garden areas and enjoy seasonal food offerings onsite.
Harrogate is a historic spa town in North Yorkshire, England, renowned for its spa waters, RHS Harlow Carr gardens, and rich cultural scene including festivals, galleries, and theatres. It is well-connected by rail and bus, with a walkable town centre featuring shopping, dining, and significant landmarks such as the Royal Pump Room and Royal Hall.
10–11 Oct, 17–18 Oct…
Visitors can dress up in Halloween costumes, take spooky photos and enter the best-dressed competition in Bodiam Castle’s courtyard.
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, England, known for its distinctive quadrangular design with towers and battlements. Set in a landscaped environment with an ornamental moat, it showcases medieval architecture and history. The castle is a ruin open to the public under the care of the National Trust and has been featured in films and television.
18 Oct, 20 Oct…
An outdoor guided tour of the statues and sculptures at Osborne, exploring who they represent and what they reveal about Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family.
Rosetta Cottage is a Victorian manor house in Cowes, Isle of Wight, known for its connection to Winston Churchill's parents' marriage proposal. It comprises two holiday cottages managed by the National Trust and is part of the island's Churchill Trail.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A monthly market in Grantham House’s courtyard and gardens, featuring arts and crafts alongside locally produced sweet treats. Visitors can browse goods from local makers and producers.
Grantham House is a historic town house built in 1380, owned by the National Trust, featuring architectural elements from several centuries and set within extensive gardens. Open daily as a community space with free entry, a café, and a second-hand bookshop, it offers visitors a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences with rich historical significance.
Grantham is a historic market town in Lincolnshire known for its rich heritage including the birthplace of Margaret Thatcher and education of Isaac Newton. It offers cultural attractions, historic architecture, riverside walks, and a lively town centre with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
7 Oct, 10 Oct…
A volunteer-led tour exploring Georgian owner John Chute’s life, relationships and influence on The Vyne’s architecture and interiors. Visitors see highlights including the Neo-classical portico, historic chapel features and Tudor Oak Gallery.
The Vyne in Hampshire is a historic Tudor mansion with royal connections set within extensive gardens, meadows, and ancient woodlands. Visitors can explore opulent state rooms, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities, and attend outdoor theatre and cinema events. On-site facilities include a tea-room and a gift shop, with accessibility features and dog-friendly areas.
7 Oct 2026–31 Mar 2027 (another 173 days)
An outdoor exhibition at Wray featuring enlarged photographs by Rupert Potter, Beatrix Potter’s father. The images show Victorian family life, travel, leisure and landscapes connected with the Potter family’s time in the Lake District.
Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic castle in Cumbria with extensive grounds featuring rare trees, part of Windermere shoreline, and historic connections to Beatrix Potter. It is managed by the National Trust and offers both indoor tours and outdoor exploration, including public access to the grounds year-round.
17 Oct–8 Nov
A community art exhibition at Gibside featuring nature-inspired self-portraits created by women and girls from Gateshead. The works reflect on identity, resilience and the restorative power of nature.
Gibside is a Grade I-listed Georgian landscape garden near Rowlands Gill featuring historic ruins, extensive walking trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities including adventure play areas and den building. The venue includes a café, bookshop, and hosts seasonal events and guided tours, welcoming visitors and dogs alike.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A weekly, timed 5k run at Clumber Park, following a two-lap course over tarmac paths, stoned trail and forest paths. It is suitable for beginners and more experienced runners.
Clumber Park is a large National Trust country park in Nottinghamshire with extensive outdoor natural areas, gardens, a serpentine lake, and a historic Grade I listed Gothic Revival chapel. Visitors can enjoy indoor exhibitions at the Discovery Centre and the Duke's Study café, alongside exploring vast outdoor parklands and gardens featuring rare plant collections and wildlife habitats.
7–10 Oct, 14–17 Oct…
A 45-minute guided tour of Attingham’s east-wing apartment explores the life of Teresa, Lady Berwick, and her connections to Italy. Visitors can see collection items linked to Teresa and rooms containing restored period furniture.
Wroxeter Roman City offers visitors the chance to explore the extensive excavated remains of a major Roman city, including a public bath house, museum exhibits of everyday Roman life, an audio tour, and a recreation of a Roman house. The site combines indoor and outdoor experiences with activities for families.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition exploring Samuel Egerton’s journey from Cheshire to Venice and his connection to Canaletto. Visitors can see rare paintings, letters and artefacts, digital installations, and Tatton Park’s Canaletto masterpieces.
Tatton Park in Cheshire is a vast historic estate featuring an opulently decorated 18th-century mansion, extensive landscaped gardens including Japanese and Italian styles, a working rare breed farm, and 1,000 acres of deer park with wildlife and trails. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and a variety of family-friendly outdoor and indoor activities.
7 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Explore Dunster Castle’s refreshed display of seventeenth-century gilt leather hangings depicting Antony and Cleopatra. The display presents new research and examines the hangings’ craftsmanship and place in art and culture.
Dunster Castle is a historic motte and bailey castle and 17th-century manor house in Somerset, featuring medieval gates, Victorian Gothic remodeling, and extensive gardens including a National Plant Collection. It offers both indoor and outdoor experiences as a National Trust property.
17 Oct, 25 Oct…
Visitors can watch Winchester City Mill’s newly installed historic waterwheel turn during test sessions, ahead of the Mill’s return to milling.
Winchester City Mill is a restored watermill from 1744 in Winchester, offering historical water-powered flour milling, weekend demonstrations, a café, and wildlife viewing including otters.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A two-course carvery lunch at Hilltop Lodge, with a choice of roast meats or a vegetarian Wellington followed by dessert. The event takes place on 18 October 2026.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a large garden in Essex featuring extensive collections of plants and shrubs, wide-open views of the countryside, and accessible paths. Visitors can enjoy on-site dining at two cafés and a garden centre offering plants and gifts. Entry requires a ticket or RHS membership, with discounts for car-free travel.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Bess’s Dream is a display in Bess of Hardwick’s bedroom exploring her life and the thoughts and memories that may have featured in her dreams near the end of her life. It features her letters, a 400-year-old gown and an eight-minute film.
17 Oct, 31 Oct
A beginner-level gardening course covering plant types, planting and care, propagation, cultivation, pruning and lawn care. Across two sessions, attendees take part in lecture-based teaching and indoor and outdoor practical activities.
RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey is a renowned horticultural garden offering extensive outdoor garden grounds with world-class plant displays, accompanied by multiple dining options and a garden centre. It provides a rich outdoor experience for visitors seeking to explore diverse flora and enjoy seasonal food offerings.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
As part of The Big Draw Festival, visitors can take part in drawing activities at Gunby Estate during October 2026. Pencils and paper can be borrowed from Visitor Reception.
Monksthorpe Chapel is a unique late 17th-century chapel designed to look like a barn, set within the extensive Gunby Estate offering both historical indoor exploration of Gunby Hall and vast outdoor gardens and grounds for visitors to enjoy.
17–18 Oct (next weekend)
Children can join a storyteller for a gentle Halloween adventure with The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill, featuring hidden ghosts, pumpkins, bats, owls, music and spooky fun.
Petworth House and Park in West Sussex features a 17th-century historic house with a renowned art collection, extensive Capability Brown landscaped gardens, and a large deer park. Visitors can explore the house interiors including historic kitchens, enjoy woodland and garden walks, and relax in the on-site café. The venue offers activities suitable for families and dog walking in designated outdoor areas.
8 Oct–30 Nov (another 52 days)
An exhibition of photographs by Lachlan French and Clive Downes reveals Audley End’s usually closed second-floor rooms, once used as guest bedrooms and servants’ quarters. The images explore the rooms’ faded interiors and traces of life in the house.
Audley End House is a grand early 17th-century Jacobean English country house near Saffron Walden, Essex, set within Capability Brown-designed parkland with historic gardens. It served as a royal residence and was used by the Special Operations Executive during WWII. Visitors can explore the extensive interiors, grounds and gardens, which have been featured in film and television.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A performance of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde, presented by Don’t Go Into the Cellar. Attendees can have tea or coffee and a sweet treat before watching the show in Speke Hall’s Great Hall.
Speke Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor manor house in Liverpool, renowned for its historic timber-framed architecture, ancient yew trees, and scenic views over the Mersey estuary. Owned by the National Trust, it offers visitors both indoor exploration of historic rooms and outdoor gardens with walking paths.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
An exhibition exploring the connection between Max Beerbohm and Henry James, featuring Beerbohm’s caricatures of James alongside sketches by William Rothenstein and John Singer Sargent.
Lamb House is an 18th-century writer's house museum in Rye, East Sussex, showcasing the home and garden of renowned authors like Henry James. Visitors can explore the historic interiors and the walled garden, enjoying both indoor and outdoor heritage experiences.
Rye is a picturesque historic town in East Sussex, known for its medieval streets, cobbled lanes, and rich maritime history as a former Cinque Port. It offers a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and local seafood specialties, making it a popular tourist destination.
18 Apr–13 Nov (another 35 days)
An exhibition exploring the creative life and legacy of Georgiana, Lady Chatterton, through words, sound and images, including an art exhibition curated by visitors. The event also includes a special opportunity to meet Poet in Residence Beth Calverley and contribute to an audio piece on 18 April.
Packwood House is a historic 16th-century Tudor manor house near Lapworth, Warwickshire, featuring fine period furniture and tapestries, alongside its renowned yew tree garden with symbolic topiary. Visitors can explore both the indoor historic house and the extensive outdoor gardens managed by the National Trust.
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Explore harvest-themed displays and seasonal crafts at Quebec House, with a look at how an 18th-century household prepared garden produce for winter. Younger visitors can use a dressing-up station and spot crocheted squirrels, and weekend visitors can sample autumn-inspired treats.
Limpsfield Common is an expansive ancient common in Surrey offering woodland and heathland walks, beautiful spring bluebells, and historic interest with its restored Second World War air raid shelter tours. It's ideal for family outings and outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and horseriding.
Westerham is a historic market town in Kent known for its medieval church, connections to Winston Churchill, and featuring picturesque streets and cultural heritage sites.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow a story-led outdoor adventure around Belton Estate, completing activities to help seal a rift between the human and spirit worlds. The app is recommended for children aged 7 to 11.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Follow a map around the garden to find eight pumpkins and complete spooky challenges with the Halloween Friends before the Great Pumpkin Parade.
Biddulph Grange Garden is a Victorian formal garden featuring themed garden rooms with international plants, a geological gallery, and distinctive areas like the Chinese Garden and Egyptian Court, offering an adventurous outdoor experience for all ages.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Kew Gardens scientist Dr Christopher Cockell gives a talk about how seeds travel, their role in plant conservation, and ways to support the plants that sustain the world. The talk is followed by a question-and-answer session.
Chevening offers visitors access to historic gardens set around a Palladian country house, featuring lawns, a lake, maze, parterre and woodland walks. The gardens are open seasonally with limited visitor numbers and are mostly accessible to wheelchair users. The house itself is not open to the public as it serves as a country retreat for Foreign Secretaries.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
A display at Smallhythe Place traces changes in women’s fashion from the late 1800s into the 1900s, using clothing, photographs and paintings to explore changing attitudes and the lives of some of the house’s residents.
Smallhythe Place is a Tudor-era historic house and theatre museum in Kent, dedicated to Victorian actress Ellen Terry, featuring her theatrical collection, costume displays, beautiful gardens, and an active barn theatre hosting numerous productions annually.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Dyrham Park presents Asafo flags from Karun Thakar’s collection, exploring textile craftsmanship, West African traditions and the global connections and colonial histories reflected in the house.
Dyrham Park is a 17th century stately home with a fine baroque house, extensive ancient parkland, and beautifully maintained gardens featuring formal borders and a wildflower orchard. Visitors can explore the house's history and art collections, enjoy walking trails through the parkland, relax in the tea-room and café, and take part in family-friendly activities including a playground and guided walks.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of artwork by Bridgewater Primary School pupils, inspired by nature and Belsay Hall. It features sunflower and tree-themed works, alongside photography and collage created with local artist Lindsey Robinson.
Belsay Castle is a 14th-century medieval pele tower with attached manor house ruins, situated in Northumberland and managed by English Heritage, offering visitors a mix of historic architecture and garden party history.
17 Oct, 24 Oct…
A volunteer guide leads a 30–40 minute walk through Brimham Rocks, explaining the site's history and how its distinctive rock formations came to be.
Brimham Rocks is a natural Site of Special Scientific Interest in North Yorkshire, England, known for its fascinating weather-eroded rock formations spread across heathland and woodland in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site offers outdoor exploration, notable geological features, diverse flora and fauna, and is popular for family visits and rock climbing. Facilities include a National Trust visitor centre with food offerings and child-friendly discovery trails.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A guided forest bathing walk at Winkworth Arboretum led by a trained guide, combining sensory exploration of the woodland with breathwork, meditation and reflection on its wellbeing benefits.
Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust-owned arboretum in Surrey featuring over 1000 species of trees, extensive azalea and rhododendron collections, and landscaped garden lakes across 95 acres of outdoor woodland.
3 Oct–29 Nov (another 51 days)
An outdoor exhibition of shortlisted contemporary environmental photography and film from Earth Photo 2026. The works explore nature, people, places and the effects of climate change.
Tyntesfield is a Victorian Gothic Revival house surrounded by 540 acres of estate including woodland, gardens, and play areas, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house, explore walking trails, dine at cafés and a restaurant, shop for gifts, and bring dogs on leads to designated areas. Accessibility features include a mobility shuttle, accessible routes, and wheelchair provision.
11 Oct, 18 Oct…
A Sunday morning walk around Wimpole Estate featuring an educational talk about the estate’s history, landscape and people.
Wimpole Home Farm is an 18th-century model farm on the Wimpole Estate featuring rare breeds of farm animals, historic listed buildings including a Grade II* barn, and a display of traditional farm implements. It offers an outdoor farm park experience managed by the National Trust.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a volunteer guide for a one-hour tour of Fountains Abbey’s monastic ruins, exploring the abbey’s history and the daily routines of the monks who lived there.
Fountains Abbey is a historic ruined Cistercian monastery near Ripon, North Yorkshire, with architecture dating from the 12th century. It is part of Studley Royal Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring landscaped gardens and industrial heritage. The site is owned by the National Trust and maintained by English Heritage, offering visitors extensive ruins, exhibitions, and scenic outdoor areas.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow an interactive adventure inspired by British folklore at Hughenden, working together to heal a rift between the human and spirit worlds. The story features characters such as a mysterious Old Crone, goblins and boggarts.
West Wycombe is a historic village in Buckinghamshire known for its National Trust properties including West Wycombe Park, caves, the Mausoleum on the hill, and St Lawrence's Church with a unique golden globe tower. The village has notable historical architecture and attracts tourists with its blend of indoor exhibits and outdoor heritage sites.
17 Oct, 24 Oct…
Visitors can drop in to make Halloween-themed decorations to take home, with different craft activities offered on each date, including spooky silhouettes, masks and bunting, conker pumpkins, leafy ghosts and spiders.
Gainsborough Old Hall is a well-preserved Tudor manor house in Lincolnshire, showcasing medieval architecture, historic interiors including a medieval kitchen, and intriguing features like witches' marks and a reputed haunting. It is managed by English Heritage and open as a museum for visitors.
Gainsborough is a historic market town in Lincolnshire, England known for its medieval Old Hall, riverside charm, historic churches, cultural venues, and river heritage.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Follow a garden trail inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, spotting fruits and snacks and taking part in games and activities while learning about the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly.
Longstowe Hall features magnificent Edwardian gardens with seasonal flower displays and historic parkland, complemented by a squash court cafe serving local dishes. Visitors can explore expansive gardens, ancient woodland, lakes, and enjoy wheelchair accessible paths with some uneven terrain.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Follow an interactive Halloween story trail through the Walled Garden and Farm yard, joining the Witch’s adventure with activities such as spotting pumpkins, casting a spell and pretending to fly on a broomstick.
Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire offers a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences including tours of a Georgian mansion, expansive gardens, parkland, and a working model farm. It features accessible facilities, food outlets, family-friendly activities, and dog-friendly grounds across 900 acres of historic and natural landscapes.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow an interactive folklore adventure around Woodchester Park, guided by the Crone and completing challenges to close a rift between worlds. The activity can take around 20 minutes or be extended into a day-long walk.
Woodchester Mansion is a unique unfinished Victorian Gothic house set in a beautiful Cotswold valley, offering visitors insight into its architectural construction and bat colonies, with accessible grounds and private tours available. It combines an indoor exploration of the mansion with outdoor parkland and picnic areas.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
Visitors can discover a featured novel inspired by or connected to Lamb House and the history of its notable residents. The featured book changes monthly.
Camber Castle is a 16th-century Device Fort built by Henry VIII near Rye, East Sussex, to protect the coast from invasion. It is a ruined concentric artillery fortress operated by English Heritage, open to visitors for guided tours. The castle is notable for its historic military architecture and coastal location.
11 Oct, 18 Oct…
A free weekly 2k junior parkrun for children aged 4 to 14, offering a friendly opportunity to run, enjoy the estate and take part in sport.
17–19 Oct, 22–26 Oct…
Families can follow a self-guided Halloween trail through Washington Old Hall and its gardens, discovering historic markings associated with beliefs about witches and spirits and taking part in outdoor activities such as broomstick racing.
Washington Old Hall is a historic 12th-century manor house in Washington, Tyne and Wear, England, notable as the ancestral home of George Washington's family. Preserved and managed by the National Trust, it offers an indoor historical experience focused on England's medieval and early modern heritage.
Washington is a historic new town in Tyne and Wear, England, known for its ancestral links to George Washington and a variety of cultural, industrial, and natural attractions.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can follow an outdoor Halloween ghost-hunt trail through Chartwell’s parkland, completing games and activities at eight spooky stops before collecting a sticker reward. The trail is designed for children under 8.
Titsey Place is a historic 16th century manor house in Surrey with guided tours, beautiful gardens, parkland, woodland walks, and a tea room, open seasonally to the public with parking and picnic facilities.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A practical foraging workshop with local expert Lizzy, where participants learn to identify seasonal wild foods and forage sustainably. The session includes a break for lunch and discussion of preserving foraged ingredients.
Lyveden is a historic Elizabethan manor in Northamptonshire with an unfinished garden lodge, rare garden landscapes, and tranquil moats. Visitors can explore both the indoor manor exhibition and extensive outdoor gardens, enjoy seasonal events and workshops, and relax in the café.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A guided tour of Tatton’s fifteenth-century Old Hall explores the building and its history across five centuries, including its atmosphere and ghost stories.
Tatton Park in Cheshire is a historic estate featuring a Medieval Old Hall, Neo-Classical Mansion, extensive gardens, a rare-breed farm, and a large deer park. It offers diverse experiences including indoor mansion tours, outdoor parkland exploration, and family-friendly activities like an adventure playground and farm visits.
7 Oct, 10–14 Oct…
An exhibition by artist Kathryn Poole brings together flower paintings, botanical etchings and lithographs of foxgloves from the grounds of Allan Bank. The works explore the foxglove’s life cycle, regeneration and the contrast between its poisonous and medicinal qualities.
Wordsworth Grasmere offers a rich cultural experience exploring William Wordsworth's home, Dove Cottage, with restored gardens and woodland, an interactive museum with manuscripts, and engaging activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, a sensory garden, and a café serving local food amidst the scenic Lake District setting.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A photography exhibition showcasing the work of National Trust volunteer photographer Tony Blackett, exploring the details and perspectives found around us.
Derwentcote Steel Furnace is an early 18th-century cementation furnace near Newcastle upon Tyne, preserved as a Grade I listed industrial monument and scheduled site, showcasing historic steel production methods.
18 Oct, 24 Oct
Participants will be guided through making a folded book vase and paper flowers, then enjoy a cream tea. All materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed.
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is a large medieval and Tudor castle ruin managed by English Heritage featuring historic architecture, extensive water defences, an Elizabethan garden reconstruction, and exhibitions. It is accessible to visitors with indoor and outdoor experiences and significant historical importance including the longest medieval siege.
Kenilworth is a historic market town in Warwickshire, England, known for its significant medieval castle ruins, heritage sites, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene, making it a notable destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Take a guided evening trail along the Sandilands seafront, accompanied by a bird host and featuring illuminated birds and butterflies, artworks, poetry, music and characters. The experience lasts about 45 minutes and covers approximately one mile.
Sandilands is a transforming nature reserve on the Lincolnshire coast offering coastal habitats and wildlife watching opportunities. It features walking routes, a car park, accessible facilities, and activities suitable for children and dog walkers. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk and aims to provide a welcoming outdoor experience for all visitors.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Walmer Castle’s gardens on a scarecrow trail themed around myths and legends, featuring creations by local groups. Attendees can vote for their favourite scarecrow before leaving.
Walmer Castle in Kent is a historic 16th-century artillery fort built by Henry VIII, now managed by English Heritage. Visitors can explore its well-preserved interiors with exhibitions on military and political history, enjoy extensive formal gardens including the Queen Mother's Garden, and dine at tea rooms within the castle grounds.
Deal is a historic coastal town in Kent, England, known for its maritime heritage, Tudor castles, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. It offers a walkable town centre, museums, a pier, and a seaside resort atmosphere attracting tourists.
7 Oct 2026–28 Jun 2027 (another 262 days)
An immersive exhibition at Hughenden Manor explores Britain’s 1875 Arctic expedition through more than 100 historic photographs, rare objects and narration. Visitors can learn about the journey and the experiences of the crews of HMS Alert and HMS Discovery.
West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire features a historic Palladian mansion open for guided tours, surrounded by 45 acres of landscaped gardens, a charming 16th to 18th-century village, and scenic hilltop views. Visitors can enjoy cultural events, family-friendly trails, and refreshment options in the village.
7 Oct–31 Dec (another 83 days)
Explore an outdoor trail through Stourhead’s landscape garden, featuring 17 trees and the myths, folklore and reflections associated with them across different cultures and centuries.
Alfred's Tower is a 49-meter high folly tower located in Somerset, England, commemorating King Alfred the Great and historic events from the 9th century. It features a viewing platform accessible by spiral staircase and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The tower is part of the National Trust and stands on the historic Stourhead Estate.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Halloween visitors can explore Wimpole Hall’s spooky displays, including cobwebs, a frightful feast, a pumpkin patch and decorations in the basement. On 27 and 29 October, children aged 4–8 can also attend spooky story readings.
7 Oct–15 Nov, 21–22 Nov…
This temporary exhibition explores the real people behind the film The Dig and the 1939 excavation of the Great Ship Burial. Visitors can see original film costumes, jewellery and props, read personal histories, and hear contemporary interviews connected to the site.
Sutton Hoo is a historic archaeological site of two 6th to 7th century Anglo-Saxon cemeteries near Woodbridge, Suffolk, with an impressive ship burial containing regalia, weaponry and treasures. The site offers both outdoor exploration of burial mounds and an indoor visitor centre showcasing original artefacts, replicas and exhibitions. It is a landmark for Anglo-Saxon history, art and archaeology.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore an immersive celebration of Cornish folklore, with mythological figures and installations throughout Trelissick’s garden and house. The programme also includes a high fantasy art exhibition, storytelling and games on selected dates.
Trelissick is a historic stately home and extensive garden located in Cornwall, England, owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore both the house and its exceptional gardens featuring rare plants, woodland walks, and scenic estuary views within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
27 Sep, 8 Oct…
Bateman’s gardeners give a short talk about the Mulberry Garden Project, covering the planned changes, the historical research behind them and how the project reflects the garden during Rudyard Kipling’s lifetime. Attendees can ask questions about the project.
Pashley Manor Gardens offers 11 acres of beautifully maintained English country gardens surrounding a historic Grade I listed manor house. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays of flowers including tulips, roses, and dahlias, art exhibitions, and a café with garden views. The site provides good wheelchair accessibility and facilities including accessible parking and toilets. Admission is free for Historic Houses members, with fees for others, especially during the annual Tulip Festival.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Horticulturist and presenter Frances Tophill gives a talk about creating beautiful gardens that support biodiversity throughout the seasons. The talk is followed by a question-and-answer session.
2 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to follow a folklore-themed adventure around Lydford Gorge, guided by the Crone and taking on a mission to seal a rift between the spirit and human worlds. The app also shares facts about local folklore along the waterfall trail.
Lydford Castle is a medieval castle in Devon, England, historically significant as an early purpose-built prison and a centre for forest and stannary law enforcement. Visitors can explore the castle ruins managed by English Heritage and the adjacent Anglo-Saxon earthworks owned by the National Trust, reflecting law, order, and medieval authority in the region.
16–20 Oct, 23–27 Oct…
Families can use the Stranger Folk app to follow the Crone through an interactive folklore adventure at Mompesson House, completing magical challenges to help close a rift between the human and spirit worlds.
Mompesson House is an 18th-century Queen Anne style historic house in Salisbury, Wiltshire, owned by the National Trust. Visitors can explore its carefully restored Georgian interiors and collections of 18th-century decorative arts. The house was also a filming location for the movie Sense and Sensibility.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore a fashion exhibition at Killerton featuring historic clothing and objects from its collection, alongside stories about how people dressed and lived. The exhibition also looks at how fashion history has been recorded and offers a glimpse into the care and storage of the collection.
Clyston Mill is a historic agricultural watermill in Devon where visitors can explore the mill's ground floor with level access, enjoy the adjacent orchard by the River Clyst, and experience a nearby scenic cycle path. Access to upper floors is limited due to steep stairs, and the mill features an original 1880 waterwheel. Entry is free for National Trust members, with a small charge for non-members.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
A family trail at Polesden Lacey inspired by Moominvalley, where visitors can explore the garden and encounter characters from the Moomin stories.
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian era country house and estate in Surrey, offering visitors a blend of indoor historical exhibits and outdoor estate walks, gardens, and woodland. Managed by the National Trust, it features fine art collections and hosts seasonal events including open-air performances.
7–10 Oct, 14–17 Oct…
An exhibition in the Morning Room of Dyffryn House explores the house’s history and the conservation and restoration work being carried out there.
Tinkinswood Burial Chamber is a Neolithic dolmen located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, notable for its massive stone capstone and historical significance as a communal burial site dating back to around 4000 BC. Visitors can explore the outdoor stone structure and nearby stone avenues associated with ancient burial practices.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Calke Abbey’s tunnels and encounter spooky surprises, including mysterious potions, creatures and ghosts. The event is particularly suited to children aged 4–7, with a quieter first hour each day.
Foremark is a 230-acre nature reserve in Derbyshire featuring diverse woodland, heathland, and open water habitats including a reservoir. Visitors can enjoy walking trails including a wheelchair-accessible bridleway, a playground for children, outdoor family activities, and refreshments at the kiosk. Dogs are welcome on leads in designated areas.
17 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Visitors follow a trail around the Workhouse to find the ingredients used in a traditional Victorian plum pudding and complete its recipe.
The Workhouse in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, is a well-preserved 19th-century workhouse museum operated by the National Trust, showcasing historic rooms and offering educational programs for children. It highlights historic poor law practices and Victorian-era workhouse life.
Southwell is a historic cathedral and market town in Nottinghamshire, England, known for its beautiful Southwell Minster, rich history, and vibrant cultural festivals such as the Southwell Music Festival and Gate to Southwell Festival.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An outdoor exhibition of thirteen etchings by Luke Adam Hawker, inspired by an ancient Celtic zodiac that associates each lunar month with a tree or plant. Visitors can view the artworks and reflect on their stories and connections to the natural world.
Bradley House is a traditional estate and family home of the Dukes of Somerset for over 300 years, featuring a stone house and ancient church in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, open to visitors by appointment only.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition presents garments from Charles Wade’s Snowshill Costume Collection, exploring clothing, cultural identity, personal expression and social history.
Snowshill Manor is a 16th-century Cotswold manor house in Gloucestershire, owned by the National Trust and housing an extensive collection amassed by Charles Paget Wade. Visitors can explore unique indoor collections and enjoy Arts and Crafts style outdoor gardens with terraces, ponds, and more.
7 Oct–22 Nov (another 44 days)
Families can follow a quest at Corfe Castle, solving clues about folklore, mystery and superstition, including beliefs about cooking, protecting homes, witches and fairies.
Corfe Castle is a historic 11th-century ruined stone castle atop a hill in Dorset, England, known for its medieval architecture and role in the English Civil War. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, enjoy scenic views, and learn about its rich history under National Trust care.
17–18 Oct (next weekend)
Harvest at Nunnington explores harvest traditions and autumn displays, with visitors able to join a guided garden tour to learn about the gardens as they change for the season.
Nunnington Hall is a Grade I listed 17th-century country house in North Yorkshire featuring rich historic interiors, art collections, and period furniture. The hall sits beside the River Rye and is surrounded by organically managed gardens and orchards. It is managed by the National Trust and open to visitors interested in English heritage, architecture, and gardens.
17 Oct, 24 Oct…
Join wildlife volunteers for a walk through the deer park to see the deer and learn about the Red, Sika and Fallow Deer that live at Studley Royal.
Markenfield Hall is a well-preserved medieval moated manor house in North Yorkshire, offering limited guided tours that explore historic rooms and vaulted areas. The house provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and a tranquil, authentic visit focused on history and heritage without modern distractions like cafes or shops. It is free for Historic Houses members on select days, with tours including traditional tea and cakes.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore books from the families who lived at Lanhydrock, including Victorian family volumes and historical medical texts consulted by John Robartes. The presentation takes visitors through rooms in the house and the Gallery, then into the garden to see plants used in 17th-century remedies.
Lanhydrock House is a Grade I listed Jacobean country house in Cornwall, set in extensive gardens and parkland with historic interiors, including a long gallery with rare plasterwork. Visitors can tour the restored Victorian house, service rooms, nurseries, and church, experiencing both indoor and outdoor heritage.
8–9 Oct, 15–17 Oct…
Join Belton's ranger team for a guided walk through the parkland during the fallow deer rutting season, learning how the herd is managed and looking for signs of the rut.
8–10 Oct, 15–17 Oct…
An exhibition at Rainham Hall explores how the house was transformed for the film Sense and Sensibility, displaying costumes and props and documenting the filming process.
Rainham Hall is a well-preserved Georgian merchant's house in London with historic interiors, exhibitions, and an on-site café, showcasing a unique blend of domestic and commercial history from the 18th century onwards.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow a Halloween-season trail at The Needles Old Battery with Victorian soldier and naturalist Gunner Bruce, investigating bat sightings through activities including examining bat droppings and exploring a creepy-crawly feast.
The Needles are distinctive chalk sea stacks off the Isle of Wight, featuring a historic lighthouse, scenic boat tours, and former military sites including batteries and a rocket test site, all accessible to the public and protected within natural and scientific conservation areas.
7 Oct, 10–11 Oct…
Visitors can borrow a sketching bag and use its drawing materials to create their own pictures inspired by Tattershall Castle, its towers, moat and grounds.
Tattershall Castle is a historically significant 15th-century brick castle in Lincolnshire featuring a Great Tower with interior rooms and rooftop views, surrounded by moats, and preserved by the National Trust for public visits and events.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Families can follow an interactive trail through The Vyne’s gardens, searching for characters from Tom Fletcher’s Who’s In Your Book? series and completing playful challenges.
The Vyne is a historic 16th-century Tudor country house near Basingstoke, Hampshire, showcasing a blend of Tudor and classical architecture with notable features such as the earliest classical portico in England, a Tudor chapel, an early long gallery, and a grand imperial staircase. The house is set within landscaped grounds including a lake, and is open to the public as a National Trust property.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can follow a letterbox trail around the Parke Estate, finding five boxes representing species that Buglife is working to protect. Each box has information about its species, and participants can collect stamps along the route.
Parke is a peaceful woodland estate near Bovey Tracey, Devon, offering scenic walks, a walled garden, riverside wildlife, and a café. It's ideal for outdoor activities, dog walking, and family-friendly exploration close to Dartmoor's edge.
Bovey Tracey is a historic market town in Devon on the edge of Dartmoor, known for its listed buildings, crafts, festivals, and outdoor activities.
17 Oct–8 Nov
A family autumn trail through the garden at Knightshayes explores how plants and animals prepare for winter. Visitors can take part in hands-on activities about wildlife behaviours such as storing food, migrating and hibernating.
Knightshayes Court is a Victorian country house near Tiverton, Devon, known for its architecture by William Burges and extensive historic gardens. The Grade I listed house and Grade II* listed gardens offer a blend of indoor heritage and outdoor landscape experiences, including rare features like a stické court and a golfing memorabilia exhibition.
10 Oct, 17 Oct…
A guided tour takes visitors through Dunster Castle’s Victorian kitchen and larders, with stories about the cooks, maids and other staff who worked there.
Dunster Working Watermill is a restored 18th century watermill in Dunster, Somerset, featuring working overshot wheels to grind organic flour, set within the grounds of Dunster Castle. Visitors can explore the historic mill machinery indoors and enjoy the surrounding outdoor area including the castle grounds and a cafe.
10–11 Oct, 17–18 Oct…
Visitors can hire a range of bikes, including children’s bikes and trikes, to explore the Dragon cycle trail at Wallington.
Wallington Hall is a Grade I listed Palladian country house with rococo interiors and historic murals set in 100 acres of parkland and gardens in Northumberland, featuring wildlife reintroductions and cultural heritage exhibits.
5 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Halloween-themed trail around the garden, with spooky features including creepy crows and Standen bats. Visitors can explore the Spookiful Bothy and take part in creative activities in the Witchard den.
Standen is an Arts and Crafts house in West Sussex, featuring original Morris & Co. interiors and an extensive Arts and Crafts garden. Visitors can explore the historic house and surrounding gardens managed by the National Trust.
7 Oct–23 Dec, 27–31 Dec
An exhibition at Oxburgh Hall about Agnes and Thomas Bedingfeld’s relationship and their Regency-era honeymoon, featuring their restored portraits, extracts from letters and diaries, and objects from the collection.
Barton Bendish Hall is an early 20th century Odd Fellows Hall in Norfolk, serving the local community and accessible by private pre-arranged tours only.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
Visitors can discover collection items linked to the history of Smallhythe Place and Ellen Terry, including theatre props and historic pub objects from the 1800s. The items are rotated monthly and displayed inside the house.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition of intricately embroidered wedding shawls, baghs and phulkaris from the Karun Thakar Collection, displayed in the neoclassical rooms at Osterley. The textiles were made by young women in undivided Punjab for ceremonial use.
Osterley Park is a Georgian era country estate in west London featuring a historic house with notable neoclassical interiors by Robert Adam and extensive parkland open to visitors. The National Trust manages the property, which includes a café, formal gardens, and woodland footpaths suitable for outdoor walks and cultural exploration.
7 Oct–23 Dec, 27–31 Dec
Visitors can see the Queen Esther tapestry on display inside Oxburgh Hall, tracing the story of its return to the estate. A family trail themed around Esther is also available in the Kitchen Garden.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Explore an outdoor art installation of ten decorated doorways across the Lyme landscape, with QR codes revealing local folklore, historic customs and ghost stories. The route begins at the historic Chapel and continues through the estate grounds.
23 May–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A display of four prints by Axel Scheffler from Julia Donaldson’s book *Monkey Puzzle*, showing the illustrations and their detail in the kitchen at Bateman’s.
10 Oct–8 Nov (next week)
A digital folklore adventure at Winkworth Arboretum for children aged 7–12 and adults to play together. Using the Stranger Folk app, teams follow magical prompts and complete tasks to find the creatures and decide their fate.
Munstead Wood is an 11-acre garden in Surrey surrounding an Arts and Crafts house, famously associated with Gertrude Jekyll's influential garden design and collaboration with architect Edwin Lutyens. Currently closed for renovation, the site holds international significance in horticulture and the Arts and Crafts movement.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.
Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.
7 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027 (another 142 days)
Families can enjoy outdoor play at Dunstable Downs, including a welly wander, building woodland dens, making muddy creations, and playing outdoor hopscotch while exploring seasonal changes and wildlife.
Dunstable Downs, the highest point in Bedfordshire, is a chalk escarpment in the Chiltern Hills offering outdoor activities like gliding and kite flying, with rich natural history and ancient archaeological sites. It is managed by the National Trust and accessible via walking trails.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Follow clues around Saltram’s house and garden to identify fairy-tale villains, spot hidden pumpkins and collect spell points. The event also includes a wand shop and spooky games on the play lawn.
Saltram House is a well-preserved Georgian country house near Plympton, Devon, featuring exquisite interiors by Robert Adam and a fine art collection including works by Joshua Reynolds. The estate includes expansive gardens and parkland, offering both indoor and outdoor visitor experiences.
9–13 Oct, 16–20 Oct…
A Regency-themed event exploring autumn social life in Salisbury, including the harvest, the social season and the Glorious Twelfth. It also covers Regency-era All Hallows’ Eve, Gothic literature and folklore.
Sarum College is a historic college located in Salisbury Cathedral Close offering accessible accommodation with modern amenities, views of the cathedral, and proximity to cultural sites and city shops. Visitors can enjoy a mix of historic ambience and contemporary comfort within a largely wheelchair accessible environment.
18 Oct, 15 Nov…
A ranger-guided tour in an all-terrain vehicle explores the nature and history of Studland’s beach, dunes and heather trail. The tour includes stops where participants can get out and take photos.
Studland Bay is a natural coastline in Dorset featuring a four-mile sandy beach with bathing waters and views of Old Harry Rocks. It offers outdoor activities including water sports, walking trails through dunes and woodlands rich in wildlife, and historical sites like a WWII observation bunker. Facilities include a café, shop, beach huts, and accessibility features.
5 Sep–18 Oct (another 9 days)
An outdoor sculpture exhibition displays works by more than 20 artists across the 11 garden rooms at Avebury Manor. Visitors can explore the sculptures among the garden’s seasonal planting; the works are also available to buy.
Avebury Manor & Garden is a historic National Trust property featuring a Grade I listed early 16th-century manor house with period interiors and meticulously designed formal gardens, located in the village of Avebury near the famous neolithic henge monument. The venue offers both indoor exploration of historical interiors and outdoor enjoyment of the gardens, reflecting centuries of architectural and garden design history.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition at Cotehele exploring tapestries and other textiles in the collection, including how they were made and their significance to the property’s history. Visitors can see items such as cushions and natural dyes, along with objects that have been stored away.
Cotehele Mill is a 19th-century Victorian watermill set in a wooded valley in Cornwall, offering visitors traditional craft workshops, baking demonstrations, and scenic outdoor areas by the Morden stream with wildlife. Dogs are welcome on the extensive paths, and food such as ice cream is available seasonally. The site blends indoor historic workshops with enjoyable outdoor nature experiences.
6–30 Oct (another 21 days)
A short outdoor introductory talk gives an overview of Rudyard Kipling’s life, family and writing, and explains his connection to Bateman’s before visitors go inside the house.
17 Oct–1 Nov
A family-focused October half-term programme at The Workhouse and Infirmary includes a Victorian plum pudding trail, pumpkin decorating, garden and indoor tours, costumed storytelling and demonstrations, and Bramley Apple Day activities with a choir performance.
Langford Lowfields is a nature reserve in Nottinghamshire transformed from a quarry into a thriving wetland habitat, featuring the largest reedbed in the East Midlands. Visitors can enjoy extensive outdoor nature trails, birdwatching including rare species like Bitterns and Marsh Harriers, and a visitor welcome hut. The reserve focuses on wildlife conservation and offers scenic viewpoints and picnic areas for visitors.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
An exhibition exploring extinction, from the demise of dinosaurs and ice age mammoths to the effects of human activity on wildlife. Visitors can explore information panels, replica objects, interactive displays and historic engravings, including images of prehistoric life.
Ushaw is a historic house, chapels, and gardens near Durham City offering visitors both indoor heritage spaces and extensive outdoor parkland. Designed by Augustus Pugin with accessible facilities, it features events, a cafe, and family friendly amenities including dog-friendly grounds.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Quarrymen from the National Slate Museum demonstrate the craft of splitting and dressing slate in the Stable Block at Penrhyn Castle. Demonstrations take place several times daily.
Penrhyn Castle is a grand 19th-century country house in Wales built in the Neo-Norman style, featuring historic interiors, extensive grounds, and an important art collection. It offers a combination of indoor and outdoor experiences including exhibitions on its historical ties to slavery and the slate industry, and a former railway museum.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Halloween at Gibson Mill is a family event featuring spooky decorations, photo opportunities and Halloween-themed games. Visitors can take part in self-led arts and crafts activities, with pumpkin decorating offered during the final weekend.
Hardcastle Crags is a large woodland beauty spot in West Yorkshire featuring more than 15 miles of trails, historic Gibson Mill with its sustainable off-grid building housing a café and bookshop, and a variety of outdoor activities including orienteering and wildlife watching. The site offers facilities for dogs and is accessible with an emphasis on natural and industrial heritage.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Participants make a 14-inch moss-based autumn wreath in a two-hour workshop led by a florist and gardener, using sustainably sourced foliage and seasonal materials. Materials are provided, and the ticket includes refreshments and Garden entry.
Borde Hill is a Grade II* listed English Heritage Garden set within 383 acres of woodland and parkland, famous for its diverse collection of unusual trees and shrubs and distinct garden 'rooms'. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, wheelchair accessible facilities, and family-friendly amenities including a cafe and picnic area.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can discover more than 500 pumpkins arranged around the grounds of Hinton Ampner, including an archway of gourds and pumpkins in the Walled Garden, with seasonal photo opportunities.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Join volunteer photographers and fungi enthusiasts on a walk through Clumber Park to explore autumn colours and fungi, with photography tips and information about the park.
Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire offers a vast 3,800-acre estate of historic parkland, gardens, woodlands, and a large lake, featuring indoor attractions like a Gothic Revival chapel and a discovery centre alongside extensive outdoor trails and gardens. The venue is accessible, dog-friendly, family-friendly, and has food facilities available, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.
10 Oct–12 Nov (next week)
Stranger Folk is an outdoor interactive adventure at Speke Hall, played using a free app and inspired by British folklore. Families with children aged 7–12 can explore a story featuring goblins, boggarts and other strange creatures.
20 Forthlin Road is the childhood home of Paul McCartney in Liverpool, preserved by the National Trust as the birthplace of the Beatles. Visitors can explore the historic house where early Beatles songs were composed and rehearsed.
18 Oct, 31 Oct…
Participants learn lime pointing with training and provided equipment, then help carry out small repairs to Mullion Harbour alongside the harbour group and National Trust.
Mullion Cove is a picturesque coastal harbour on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall featuring a small fishing fleet, wildlife such as seals and seabirds, and outdoor activities including kayaking and scenic walks along the South West Coast Path. The site is dog-friendly and offers a rugged outdoor experience with notable steep terrain.
7 Oct, 10–11 Oct…
Visitors can pause to observe and listen to the surroundings at Tattershall Castle, then use chalk to add their impressions to a shared drawing board. The collaborative artwork develops as visitors contribute throughout the season.
5 Sep, 11 Sep…
Join a National Trust ranger for a two-mile walk to observe Atlantic grey seals and their pups in their natural habitat below the Deer Park cliffs. The ranger will explain how to view the seals safely and answer questions.
Marloes Mere is a protected biological site of special scientific interest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, known for its rare wet acidic vegetation, wintering wildfowl, and diverse insect species, set in a flood-prone pasture area on the Marloes peninsula.
8 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
The autumn almanac is a season-long programme at Gibside featuring autumn décor, exhibitions, floristry workshops, a poetry walk, a Head Gardener’s talk, apple tastings, forest bathing and heritage pottery glazing.
Metrocentre in Gateshead is a vast indoor shopping and entertainment complex featuring over 200 shops, multiple restaurants, a cinema with IMAX, and family-friendly leisure activities including climbing walls, mini golf, and bowling.
12 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Follow a detective trail through Lyme House to find bugs and beasties, learn how insects affect the historic collections, and investigate damaged objects in the Long Gallery.
8 Oct–14 Nov (another 36 days)
An exhibition in the Old Hall presents handmade quilts created by a local sewing group to support veterans, sharing the project’s craftsmanship and stories.
The RHS Partner Garden at Wentworth Woodhouse offers restored historic gardens with a formal Italian Garden, canal pond, woodland, Japanese garden, and a maze, providing a scenic outdoor experience. The garden is accessible, dog friendly, and has refreshments and plant sales on site.
17–21 Oct, 24–28 Oct…
Families can follow a self-guided trail through and around the lighthouse, exploring stories of smugglers and shipwrecks through activities along the way.
Souter Lighthouse is the UK's first electric lighthouse, offering indoor historical exhibits and outdoor coastal walks including The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park. Visitors can enjoy a café, bookshop, rockpooling, wildlife watching, and family events in a scenic coastal setting.
7 Oct–8 Nov (another 30 days)
Visitors can explore 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, learn facts about the character and design their own Pokémon trading card.
Ickworth House is a notable neoclassical country house near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, set in extensive parkland with historic ancient trees. Visitors can explore the house's art collections, Regency furniture, and architectural features, as well as the nearby Ickworth Church and parkland. The house also hosts events in its renovated West Wing.
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
Explore Fountains Abbey after dark, with floodlighting and projected animations bringing the ruins’ history to life. The event also includes guided tours, live choral performances and Gregorian chant.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A full-day pass provides access to four talks at Emmetts Garden, covering seasonal nature, science, wellbeing and the natural world, including an opportunity to explore meteorites. Each talk is followed by a Q&A session.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Children follow a trail inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar™, spotting fruit and snacks, discovering facts, and taking part in games and activities in Belton’s Italian Garden.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition exploring the design and construction of Sandham Memorial Chapel and its adjoining almshouses, including how Stanley Spencer’s artistic vision interacted with the architects’ practical and financial considerations.
The Chase is a 143-acre nature reserve near Woolton Hill, Hampshire, offering woodland, meadow, and heathland walks with wildlife including freely grazing horned cattle. It provides a quiet outdoor experience for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can see a silk jacket worn by Agatha Christie's mother, Clarissa, displayed for the first time after conservation. The display explores the jacket's motifs and its place in the Greenway collection.
Bayard's Cove Fort is a 16th-century artillery blockhouse located at the entrance of Dartmouth harbour in Devon. It features historic military architecture with multiple gunports and is managed by English Heritage, open to the public for exploration of its significant coastal defence heritage.
10 Oct–1 Nov, 7–8 Nov…
Explore British folklore through a Halloween adventure at Snowshill Manor and Garden, using the Stranger Folk app to follow a guide and help close the gaps between the worlds. The trail runs outdoors as well as wherever the adventure takes you around the site.
Stanway House is a Jacobean manor house set in Gloucestershire with historic interiors, a water garden featuring the highest gravity fountain in the world, and extensive parkland. Visitors can explore the house, gardens, and enjoy the fountain shows in summer months.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An adult beginners' needle-felting workshop where participants learn basic techniques and make a pumpkin, with the option to add shading and a Jack o’ Lantern face.
The Mander Centre is a prominent indoor shopping centre located in Wolverhampton City Centre, featuring a wide variety of stores including major department anchors, dining options, and entertainment facilities suitable for families and children.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Join a volunteer for a walk through Acorn Bank’s orchard to learn about its history, the apple varieties grown there and how they are cared for. The tour may introduce visitors to apples fruiting at the time.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Visitors can pick up a free trail sheet and explore Arlington Court’s gardens and grounds, spotting scarecrows made by local schools, community groups and volunteers. The 2026 trail has an animals theme.
Exmoor Zoo is a conservation centre in North Devon, specializing in rare and smaller animals with a focus on conservation breeding programmes. It offers outdoor animal exhibits including rare carnivores and birds, alongside visitor facilities including the African Café. The zoo provides an engaging family-friendly experience in a scenic national park setting.