Half-term trail: Bats of Box Hill
17 Oct–2 Nov
Follow a half-term spotting trail at Box Hill, searching the trees for bats and discovering bat facts along the way. Pick up a free trail sheet from the Shepherd’s Hut.
Surrey
Surrey is a South East England county blending historic towns, medieval castles, dense woodlands, and scenic landscapes with strong cultural and transport links.
Near Box Hill, Surrey
Box Hill in Surrey is a renowned natural landmark featuring chalk downland, diverse wildlife including rare orchids and butterflies, historic military forts, and scenic trails for walking and cycling. It offers panoramic views, a National Trust visitors' centre with a café, and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Spookiful at Standen
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.
Near Standen
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.
The Art of Wallpaper: Morris & Co.
8 Oct–9 Dec (another 61 days)
An exhibition exploring William Morris and Morris & Co.’s wallpaper designs, craftsmanship and influence on Victorian and modern interiors. Visitors can view original wallpapers, a film and a contemporary artwork, and try a hands-on pattern-tracing activity.
Near Watts Gallery
Watts Gallery is an arts and crafts gallery and historic house in Surrey showcasing works of Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederic Watts, with extensive woodland gardens, a historic chapel, craft activities for families, and a tea shop.
Black History Month: Sinners, Spirituality and Ancestry Talk
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Dr Michelle Asantewa gives a talk and reflection on the film *Sinners*, exploring African spirituality, ancestry, ritual and cultural memory. The event does not include a screening of the film.
Near Morden Hall Park
Morden Hall Park is a large National Trust park in Morden, London, featuring historic buildings including Morden Hall, snuff mills, and a garden centre, set on the River Wandle with extensive parkland, footbridges, and a dog-friendly café.
Forest Bathing
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.
Near Winkworth Arboretum
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.
The Squirrels Who Squabbled at Claremont Landscape Garden
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Families can follow an interactive garden trail based on Rachel Bright’s children’s book, helping squirrels Cyril and Bruce work together to find the last nut of the season. The trail includes games and takes place along the pathway around the lake.
Pumpkin spotter trail and decorated rooms inside the house
18 Oct–1 Nov
Follow a pumpkin-spotting trail around Hatchlands Park’s parkland, then visit the house to see its Halloween decorations on house open days.
2 miles from Painshill Park
Painshill Park is a large award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey featuring winding paths, mystical follies including the Crystal Grotto, and beautiful parkland. It offers accessible routes, family-friendly facilities, a café, and seasonal food, making it ideal for a full-day outdoor visit.
Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can view more than 20 decorative cabinets and writing desks from Ham House’s collection opened for display, including examples of marquetry, lacquer and veneers. From 19 to 23 October, volunteer guides may also give short pop-up talks in the Long Gallery.
Near Turner’s House
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.
Stranger Folk digital adventure at Winkworth Arboretum
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.
Near Munstead Wood
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.
Exhibition – Unfinished Business: The Mystery of Margate and Turner’s Bequest
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.
Near Marble Hill
Marble Hill House is an early 18th-century Neo-Palladian villa in Twickenham, London, famous for its architectural design and historical associations with British royalty. Visitors can explore its richly decorated interiors and extensive parklands offering leisure and sports facilities, with a restored Georgian ambiance.
Autumn Colour Early Morning Photography
13 Oct, 17 Oct…
An early-morning, self-led photography session at Winkworth Arboretum, offering time to photograph the autumn colours before the arboretum opens to the public.
Near Hydon's Ball and Heath
Hydon's Ball and Heath is a scenic outdoor venue in Surrey with heathland and woodland offering walking, bird watching, and historical significance as a memorial to Octavia Hill. Visitors can enjoy peaceful nature trails and diverse wildlife in an accessible but uneven terrain natural setting.
A Beginner's Guide to Gardening (2 days)
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.
Near RHS Garden Wisley
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.
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Morden Hall park
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A digital folklore adventure in which groups use the Stranger Folk app to follow magical tasks, find mythical creatures and decide their fate while exploring Morden Hall Park. It is designed for children aged 7–11 to play with imaginative adults.
Box Hill Guided Hike
18 Oct, 15 Nov
A guide leads a 10km circular hike around Box Hill, highlighting notable features and less-visited parts of the area. The moderate-to-strenuous walk includes climbs, descents and a break, with opportunities to ask questions and learn about the Surrey Hills.
October half term at RHS Wisley
17 Oct–1 Nov
An October half-term event at RHS Garden Wisley invites visitors to explore a spooky plants trail and discover the secrets of plants, with additional activities also offered.
Moomins at Polesden Lacey
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.
Near Polesden Lacey
Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian country house and estate near Dorking, Surrey, offering visitors tours of the richly decorated house, extensive formal gardens, and a large 1,600-acre estate with woodland and wildlife. The venue features family-friendly activities including a natural play area, seasonal events, and food outlets like cafés and coffee shops. Accessibility is good with wheelchair access and mobility aids available. Dogs are allowed in selected outdoor areas and some indoor spaces.
Spiders aren't so scary: Fri 16 and Sat 17 October
16–17 Oct
A nature guide introduces the lives and ecological role of spiders before leading a gentle evening walk to look for them around Morden Hall Park. The event is aimed at curious children and adults.
We’re going on a Ghost Hunt™ family trail at Hatchlands Park
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
A Halloween family trail based on the children’s books, following the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they search for hidden ghosts around Hatchlands Park. The outdoor trail includes things to see and do along the way and is aimed at pre-schoolers and young children.
Near Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park is a historic red-brick country house with notable Robert Adam interiors and surrounding landscaped gardens in Surrey. It features the world's largest collection of historic keyboard instruments and a rare Cobbe portrait of William Shakespeare, with facilities including a café, shop, and open parkland.