Little Nature Detectives
24 Oct–1 Nov, 4–8 Nov…
A family nature trail at Wentworth Castle Gardens exploring the plants and insects that live in the fernery during autumn. Visitors can pick up a spotter sheet and follow the trail around the garden.
South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire blends urban vitality with rich industrial history and scenic landscapes, featuring vibrant cities like Sheffield and Doncaster alongside moorlands and heritage sites.
Near Wentworth Castle
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.
Winter Trees Art Workshop
16 Nov
A three-hour art workshop with artist Paul Morin, where participants learn to create a winter landscape using ink on toned paper, with white gouache for highlights. Materials are provided, and participants take home their finished work mounted and ready to give as a gift.
Near Longshaw Estate
Longshaw Estate is a historic moorland and woodland area in the Peak District with outdoor trails, a tea room, shop, and indoor discovery centre offering wildlife and estate-related events. It features ancient settlements, historic guidestoops, and hosts traditional sheepdog trials.
October Half Term: Ghosts!
24 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow a spooky ghost-hunting trail through Nostell’s house and gardens, looking for hidden ghosts and clues. The activity also includes finding pumpkin rocks in Joiner’s Wood.
Father Christmas at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
5–6 Dec
Children can join a group session to hear Father Christmas tell seasonal stories, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present.
2 miles from Hooton Pagnell Hall
Hooton Pagnell Hall is a historic house in Yorkshire offering elegant accommodation in nine individually decorated bedrooms within a private estate, featuring cosy and luxurious amenities for a comfortable stay.
Autumn morning Wildlife Walk
29 Oct
Join a guided morning walk at Longshaw to look and listen for wildlife, including winter birds, deer and fungi, and to see the autumn colours. The walk covers about three miles over approximately two hours, with pauses along the way.
3 miles from Eyam Hall
Eyam Hall is a seventeenth-century Jacobean manor house featuring family portraits and historic furniture from eleven generations of the Wright family. Visitors can enjoy indoor house tours, educational Tudor and Victorian themed visits, and amenities including a cafe, picnic area, and accessible facilities. It is located in the historic village of Eyam in Derbyshire.
The Pikachu Art Adventure at Nostell
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore 30 Pikachu trading cards illustrated by different artists, learn facts about the character and design a Pikachu trading card of your own.
Heritage Open Days at Nostell
18–19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Nostell offers visitors a chance to explore the history of Nostell, including the house, gardens, woodland walk, and parkland. Visitors can meet a Tudor family reenactment and uncover secrets in the Thomas More family portrait. The event supports conservation work with opportunities to enjoy food from the café and pizza trailer. No booking is needed, but there is a parking fee for non-members.
Near Nostell
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.
Talking Tables - Conversation with our Volunteers
23 Oct, 27 Nov
Visitors can drop in to meet Wentworth Castle Gardens volunteers at the Conservatory and learn about the estate’s history and seasonal highlights. The conversations offer an informal alternative to a guided walk, with topics changing throughout the year.
Christmas Reindeer trail at Longshaw
20 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Children can follow a Christmas trail through the woods at Longshaw, finding hidden reindeer and taking part in games along the way.
3 miles from Eastern Moors
Eastern Moors is a large nature reserve in the Peak District offering extensive outdoor walking trails, wildlife spotting, and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and adventure trails for children, with wheelchair accessibility at key picnic sites. There are no indoor facilities, cafes, or visitor centres on site.
Heritage Open Days - Worksop Canal Walk
12 Sep
Heritage Open Days - Worksop Canal Walk is a free family walk event along the Chesterfield Canal starting at Mr Straw's House. Volunteers guide participants on a 4.5 mile walk uncovering the canal's history and role in Worksop. The event includes a free canal spotter trail for children.
Near Mr Straw's House
Mr Straw's House is an Edwardian historic house museum in Worksop showcasing a largely unchanged family home from the 1920s, offering visitors a unique glimpse into period life with original furnishings and personal belongings.
Located in Worksop
Worksop is a historic market town in Nottinghamshire known for its Priory, canal leisure activities, proximity to Sherwood Forest, and ties to coal mining and timber industries.
Beneath the Surface: Unlocking the Secrets of the Thomas More Painting
2–7 Sep, 9–14 Sep…
Beneath the Surface: Unlocking the Secrets of the Thomas More Painting is an event showcasing advanced imaging technology used to uncover hidden details of a Thomas More portrait, offering new insights into its creation and history through live displays and expert talks at Nostell house.
Have a go at dog agility
18 Sep, 20 Sep
Have a go at dog agility is an outdoor event at Nostell where visitors can try out a dog agility course suitable for dogs of all sizes. The event requires no booking and is included in the price of the parking ticket. It is an opportunity for dogs to explore and socialize on the grass area in front of the house.
Autumn Trail 2026
24 Oct–1 Nov
An outdoor autumn adventure at Longshaw, with a walk to spot skeletons and solve riddles. Visitors can choose a shorter route to the pond or a longer loop, and explore the kitchen garden.
Orchard talk with Nostell's Senior Gardener
26 Oct
Join Nostell’s Senior Gardener for a stroll and talk in the orchard, learning about its history, garden care and the varieties of English Heritage apples and pears growing there. There may also be an opportunity to taste some fruit.
Winter: Festive wreath making 2026
28–29 Nov, 5 Dec
Create a traditional festive wreath using natural materials gathered from the Longshaw Estate, with help from tutors. The session includes wreath-making materials, light refreshments and festive music.
October Half-Term - Family Bat Box Building
30 Oct
Families can join rangers to build a bat box using hand tools, with activities arranged so that people of all ages can take part. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Free Friday Social Walk from Edale
4 Sep
A free monthly social walk event in Edale taking place on the first Friday of each month. The walk is a gentle 5-mile circular hike under the skyline of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, starting and finishing at the Penny Pot Café in Edale. It is led by knowledgeable walk leaders and is designed to help participants meet new people, discover new places, and build confidence walking in the countryside. Dogs on leads are welcome, but the walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams due to some stiles along the route. Booking is essential.
The Duke's Theatre Presents 'A Most Wonderful Time'
18–19 Dec
The Duke’s Theatre presents a live festive concert featuring arrangements of Christmas classics, seasonal stories and readings from writers including Dickens and Shakespeare.
Autumn family: Stranger Folk digital adventure 2026
12 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Families and children aged 7 and over can follow a digital folklore adventure at Longshaw, using the Stranger Folk app to complete magical tasks while walking through the woods or across the moors.
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Wentworth Castle Gardens
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.
Step Into History Walks - People Who Shaped the Parkland and Gardens
9 Sep
Step Into History Walks - People Who Shaped the Parkland and Gardens is a gentle garden walk at Wentworth Castle Gardens. The walk explores the people who shaped the parkland and gardens with stories of bold landscape plans and plants from across the world. The walk is about 1 mile long, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and includes several stops.
Breakfast with Santa
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Families can enjoy a festive breakfast at Nostell’s Coach House, followed by a meeting with Father Christmas. Breakfast options are provided for adults and children.
Collectors' Book & Media Sale
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.
Summer of Play: Step into the Thomas More Painting
30–31 Aug
Summer of Play: Step into the Thomas More Painting is a pop-in exhibition at Nostell house where visitors can explore the famous Thomas More portrait through interactive games and Tudor dress-up activities. It offers a family-friendly experience to recreate Tudor family portraits with costumes and discover the social significance of Tudor clothing, without touring the whole house.
WILD: The Drone Light Show
30–31 Oct
An open-air drone light show featuring synchronised drones that create illuminated images of animals in the night sky, choreographed to a cinematic soundtrack.
Near Wentworth Garden Centre and Historic Gardens
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.
October Half Term: Ghost Walks
24–25 Oct, 31 Oct–1 Nov
Join local ghost expert The Curator for an evening walk through Nostell’s parkland and gardens, exploring the estate’s spooky history and looking for ghostly sightings with a handheld lantern.
Ranger Rambles at Wentworth Castle Gardens
29 Oct, 25 Nov
Join the Wentworth Castle Gardens Rangers for an informal walk through the parkland and woodlands, with seasonal themes including trees, blossom, flowers and wildlife. Walks last around one to two hours and include opportunities to ask about the landscape and conservation work.
SOLD OUT Meet the Deer at Wentworth Castle Gardens
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Meet and help feed the deer with the farm team during an early-morning visit to Wentworth Castle Gardens, then enjoy a festive breakfast in the Long Barn café.
Forever After Collective: Christmas Market at Nostell
7–8 Nov, 28–29 Nov
A Christmas craft market hosted by Forever After Collective, featuring more than 30 stalls from local businesses and independent makers selling handmade and locally sourced goods.
Festive crafts for Children 2026
12–13 Dec
Children aged 3–11 can make nature-inspired festive decorations and crafts during indoor sessions at the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw.
October Half Term: Bat Walks
25–27 Oct
A guided dusk walk through Nostell’s Pleasure Grounds and Menagerie Garden, where attendees can learn to use bat detectors and about local bat species, flight paths and feeding habits. Bat sightings are not guaranteed.
Nature Tots 2026
8 Oct, 12 Nov…
Monthly nature-themed sessions for children aged 2–5 and their adults at Longshaw. Activities include play, a story, exploring the estate, and simple crafts.
Free Wednesday Social Walks
2 Sep, 9 Sep…
Free Wednesday Social Walks are weekly social walks around Longshaw led by experienced guides. The walks cover around 5 miles and start at the Welcome Building in Woodcroft car park, ending at Longshaw Café. They provide an opportunity to meet people, discover the countryside, and build walking confidence. Booking is advisable but drop-ins are welcome if space permits. Dogs on leads are allowed, and children over 8 years old can participate.
Social running group
14 Oct, 21 Oct…
A non-competitive, leader-led running group at Wentworth Castle Gardens, welcoming runners of all abilities, including beginners. Participants can run regularly or join when available while building fitness and confidence.
Halloween half-term at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, with family activities including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.
Near Brodsworth Hall
Brodsworth Hall is a Grade I listed Victorian country house near Doncaster, featuring original interiors, extensive gardens, and a notable collection of Italian sculptures, offering both indoor and outdoor experiences for visitors.
Pooch Passport Explorers
7 Oct–1 Nov, 4–8 Nov…
Visitors can explore National Trust places with their dog and collect stamps in a Pooch Passport. Collecting five stamps earns dog treats, and ten stamps earns a pin badge.
Winter Wonders Advent Trail
2–6 Dec, 9–13 Dec…
Follow an advent trail through Wentworth Castle Gardens, finding festive games and artwork created by local communities. The artworks explore nature, community spirit and the changing seasons.
Free Friday Social Walk from Edale - Autumn
6 Nov, 4 Dec
A gentle, leader-guided five-mile circular social walk from Edale, beneath Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. Walkers can meet others while exploring the countryside and building confidence walking outdoors.
September Morning Yoga nature connection dance
25 Sep
A morning event featuring a gentle yoga practice followed by a guided dance and movement experience using silent disco headsets in a natural landscape setting. Attendees explore mindful movement and connection with nature with no dance steps to learn, suitable for participants over 14 accompanied by an adult.
3 miles from Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle is a ruined 11th-century Norman stone castle located on a hilltop overlooking the village of Castleton and the Hope Valley in Derbyshire. It offers visitors dramatic outdoor historic ruins with panoramic views and is protected as a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Monument, maintained by English Heritage within a national park.
Garden Talks: Grow Your Own Veg
7 Sep
Garden Talks: Grow Your Own Veg is a series of monthly talks held by Nostell's Senior Gardener in the Kitchen Garden. The sessions provide practical advice and expert tips on growing vegetables, caring for fruit beds, and seasonal gardening techniques. The talks require garden admission and booking is advised as places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Time to Scrat! Apple Pressing
30 Oct
The garden team demonstrates apple pressing with a scratter, and visitors can join in making apple juice from windfall apples.
Natural Craft Event: Autumnal Wall Hanging
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Create an autumn-themed wall hanging using leaves, seed heads, pine cones and other natural materials. The indoor workshop provides the materials and guides participants through the process step by step.
Step into history walks - Parkland Monuments
9 Oct
A volunteer-led walk through Wentworth Castle Gardens’ parkland explores monuments and features associated with Thomas and William Wentworth, including a look inside the Rotunda. Attendees can ask questions and enjoy views of the landscape and wildlife.
Walk The Ethels: Mount Famine, South Head & Brown Knoll
25 Sep
A moderate circular guided walk summiting Mount Famine, South Head and Brown Knoll in the Peak District, starting from Bowden Bridge car park in Hayfield. The walk covers approximately 7 miles with steep ascent and uneven footpaths, includes a steep ascent, and passes through varied terrain including a restored blanket bog and an ancient packhorse route. Dogs on leads are welcome, but the walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams. Knowledgeable walk leaders will guide and answer questions.
Near Kinder, Edale and the High Peak
The High Peak area in the Peak District offers visitors outdoor experiences including walking and cycling on the Pennine Way, exploring the historic Mam Tor hillfort and vast moorlands, and enjoying conservation projects and guided events. It is noted for its natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance in Derbyshire.
Summer of Play at Wentworth Castle Gardens
30 Aug–1 Sep
Summer of Play at Wentworth Castle Gardens is an adventure-filled outdoor event during the summer holidays featuring multiple play zones, active outdoor games, nature play areas, sensory play, and storytelling at the historic gardens and castle. It offers family-friendly activities and pop-up experiences throughout the summer, encouraging exploration and imaginative play in the gardens and parkland.
Summer of Play at Longshaw
30 Aug–6 Sep
Summer of Play at Longshaw is a series of free activity sessions designed primarily for children aged 5-10 to learn about the work of Rangers and participate in outdoor games, crafts, and activities such as Gully Racing, Leaves Bingo, and experiencing the Barefoot path. The sessions run each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer holidays at the Moorland Discovery Centre.
Walk with a Gardener - Fungi and folklore
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Join the outdoors team for a walk around Wentworth Castle Gardens to explore local fungi, including their names, folklore and traditional uses. The route varies according to what is growing and may include areas off the main paths.
Autumn Amble Kinder Reservoir from Bowden Bridge
23 Oct
A guided circular walk of about five miles from Bowden Bridge, following part of the Kinder Scout area and circling Kinder Reservoir. Walkers can learn about the landscape, the Kinder Mass Trespass and the reservoir’s history along the route.
2 miles from High Peak Estate
The High Peak Estate is a vast area of Pennine moorland within the Peak District, owned by the National Trust, offering wild landscapes, notable natural features, and historic sites for outdoor exploration.
Summer of Play: Wrongsemble Theatre presents Rapunzel
30 Aug
Wrongsemble Theatre presents an interactive outdoor performance of Rapunzel at Nostell. The show includes storytelling and audience participation with two 45-minute drop-in performances at 11am and 1pm. The event is held on the grass in front of the house and is suitable for families with children aged 3 and over. No booking is needed and the event is included in the price of parking.
Festive Fun at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
5–6 Dec
A festive family day out at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, with seasonal activities to enjoy while exploring the property. Visitors can also book separately to meet Father Christmas.
Summer of Play: Owl Adventures
31 Aug
Summer of Play: Owl Adventures is an outdoor event at Nostell featuring flying displays from birds of prey in front of the house, with static displays available throughout the day. Attendees can watch flying shows and get close to the birds. Booking is not needed, but the event includes the cost of a parking ticket, with National Trust members parking free and non-members paying £5 per car.
Located in Hemsworth
Hemsworth is a historic market town in West Yorkshire with a heritage rooted in coal mining and agriculture, featuring historic religious sites, a walkable town center, and outdoor recreational opportunities including Hemsworth Water Park.
The Big Draw at Mr Straw's House
8–10 Oct, 15–17 Oct…
The Big Draw is a display of drawings made by visitors showing their favourite spaces at Mr Straw’s House. Visitors can view the artwork and make a drawing to add to the display.
3 miles from Clumber Park
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.
Bugs drop-in crafts
26–30 Oct
Families can drop in to make a bug inspired by creatures found in the gardens or design an imaginary bug of their own. The crafting sessions take place in the Blackbourn room in the conservatory building.
Winter: Christmas Tree sales at Longshaw 2026
20 Nov–23 Dec
Christmas tree sales at Longshaw offer sustainably sourced trees selected by the site’s rangers, with a variety of species available. Visitors can browse and purchase trees to support conservation work in the Peak District.
Lecture | Thomas Wentworth’s Wives and Other Women
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Dr Fiona Pogson gives a lecture about the women in Thomas Wentworth’s life, including how they supported his work and shaped his public image.
House Tours at Wentworth Castle
4 Sep, 2 Oct…
Volunteer-led house tours at Wentworth Castle offer an opportunity to see inside the grand house on select dates. The tours showcase intricate ceilings and grand staircases through a selection of the house's finest rooms, lasting around 75-90 minutes. Booking and admission are required, and the route involves staircases and uneven floors.
3 miles from Dearne Valley Old Moor
Dearne Valley - Old Moor is a nature reserve featuring diverse birdwatching across seasons, with facilities including accessible paths, family-friendly play areas, and an onsite cafe. Visitors can explore indoor visitor centre exhibits, hides, and shop, as well as enjoy outdoor nature trails and wildlife spotting.
Mr Straw's House: Revealed
22–23 Sep
Mr Straw's House: Revealed is a guided tour event where an experienced guide takes attendees beyond the ropes to explore parts of the house usually closed to the public. Attendees learn about the Straw family history and the National Trust's care for their possessions. The tour includes opening doors and lifting blinds to see areas of the house normally unseen, followed by a tea and chat with the team.
3 miles from Clumber 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.
Adventure Cinema
16–18 Oct (next weekend)
Adventure Cinema presents a programme of film screenings outdoors on the West Front Lawn, including family films, cult classics and blockbusters. Attendees can bring a picnic and watch screenings from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October.
Near Wentworth Woodhouse
Wentworth Woodhouse features the largest country house in the UK with extensive gardens including ancient trees, woodland, follies, and a restored Camellia House. Visitors can explore accessible gardens, enjoy food overlooking scenic spots, and find activities for children and wellbeing.
Apple ID Day
28 Oct
A hands-on apple identification activity at Nostell, where visitors can bring two or more apples and try to identify their variety with help from the garden team.
Exhibition | Quilts for the Longest Day: A Sewing Group’s Accidental Journey
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.
2 miles from Dearne Valley Bolton Ings
Bolton Ings is a nature reserve in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, part of the Dearne Valley network, offering outdoor trails and bird watching opportunities with views of pools and reedbeds. It has no onsite facilities, and dogs are welcome under control.
YHA Festival of Walking: Free Social Walk from Castleton
18 Sep
A free social walk event on Friday 18th September 2026 in Castleton as part of the YHA Festival of Walking. The walk is a gentle 5-mile circular hike under the skyline of Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, departing and finishing at Castleton YHA Centre. The walk includes mild ascent and descent and is unsuitable for pushchairs, prams, and dogs except assistance dogs. The event finishes with tea and cake served at the YHA centre. Booking is essential due to limited capacity.
Goldsmiths North
13–15 Nov
Goldsmiths North exhibitors will display and sell handmade silverware and jewellery at Wentworth Woodhouse. Visitors can browse the exhibition and shop for handcrafted items.
3 miles from Dearne Valley Wombwell Ings
Dearne Valley - Wombwell Ings is a small outdoor conservation reserve featuring grazing horses, wildfowl, and wading birds, with a footpath for walking and a hide overlooking the water. It offers natural wildlife viewing and peaceful walks with no entrance fee and limited facilities on-site.
Garden Talks: A Bed Full of Roses
21 Sep
Garden Talks: A Bed Full of Roses is a guided talk and gentle stroll through Nostell's Kitchen Garden focusing on the history and varieties of roses cultivated there. Led by the Senior Gardener, attendees explore the garden at their own pace, learning about heritage planting, personal stories, and the living legacy of Nostell's roses. The event combines informal talk and self-paced garden exploration.
Mr Straw's House Worksop Walk
30 Oct
A volunteer-led walk through Worksop explores the town’s history and its connections with the Straw family, following their footsteps from home to work and their final resting place. The walk lasts around three hours and includes a refreshment break.
Postcode Access Days
16–17 Oct
Local residents in the S73 and S74 postcode areas can explore Wentworth Castle Gardens and its parkland during these free-entry days. Adults must show proof of address to qualify.