Ceremonial county in South East England with historic castles, coastal towns, and the South Downs.
9–10 Oct, 16–17 Oct…
The Big Draw at Monk's House offers a range of garden-based art activities themed around making marks, including drawing, sketching and creating pictures from natural forms. Activities are open to all ages and abilities.
Monk's House is a 16th-century cottage in Rodmell, East Sussex, notable as the home of writer Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group. Visitors can explore the period interiors, her writing lodge, and the garden with views of Mount Caburn, all operated by the National Trust as a writer's house museum.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 Oct–15 Nov (another 37 days)
Visitors use the Stranger Folk app to take part in an outdoor, games-based adventure inspired by British folklore. Guided by the Old Crone, teams complete magical tasks to find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An adults-only, full-day art workshop led by artist John Thompson, where participants create an acrylic painting inspired by nature. The workshop takes place in Nymans’ Potting Shed.
15 Oct, 3 Nov
Join professional forager Megan Howlett for a walk and talk through Sheffield Park’s gardens, exploring seasonal wild foods and learning about their folklore, history, uses and edibility.
Sheffield Park and Garden is a large landscape and woodland garden in East Sussex, originally designed by Capability Brown. It features a significant collection of rare plants and trees, natural ponds, and extensive grounds for outdoor exploration. The garden remains a National Trust property and offers visitors a serene and historic natural environment.
16 Oct (next Friday)
A talk by Stansted Park’s Collections Coordinator explores the people who owned the estate before the Earls of Bessborough arrived in 1924, and the historical events and stories associated with them. Tickets include a drink on arrival.
Stansted Park is an Edwardian country house set within 1800 acres of landscaped parkland and forest, offering visitors house tours, gardens, a chapel, woodland walks, and various outdoor attractions including a maze and light railway. Facilities include accessible parking, a café, and buggy service, with family-friendly activities and seasonal guided tours.
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.
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.
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.
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.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A full-day wellbeing retreat led by movement teacher Carl Faure, combining guided movement, breathwork and relaxation with a seasonal lunch, woodland sauna and cold plunge, time outdoors and a closing fire circle. No previous experience is needed.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A guided walk through High Beeches Garden led by senior gardener Elliot Chandler, with opportunities to identify autumn fungi and learn how the gardens are managed to support wildlife. Participants can explore the rest of the garden after the tour.
High Beeches Woodland & Water Garden in West Sussex is a 27-acre botanical garden featuring rare and exotic plants, woodland glades, water gardens, and an ancient wildflower meadow. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, owner guided tours, a picnic area, and accessible facilities in a peaceful outdoor setting.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
A Halloween trail based on the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill children’s books, with activities including Halloween hoopla, broomstick racing and a celebration party where children can collect a sticker.
Petworth House is a historic late 17th-century country house in West Sussex, renowned for its extensive art collection including paintings by J.M.W. Turner and its Capability Brown landscaped deer park. Visitors can explore both the grand indoor galleries and the expansive outdoor parkland and gardens, with visitor facilities such as a cafe and shops on site.
10 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
A Halloween activity trail at Nymans, inspired by the children’s books. Follow the bunnies’ ghost-hunting adventure, try activities including Halloween hoopla and broomstick racing, and collect a sticker at the celebration party.
6–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
A guided tour around the outside of Nymans house, exploring the building and how it developed after Ludwig Messel purchased it in 1890.
6–9 Oct, 12–16 Oct…
A 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour inside Nymans house, led by a member of the conservation team, offering a glimpse into the house.
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.
14 Oct, 21 Oct
Visitors can enter Sheffield Park and Garden before its normal opening hours to enjoy the autumn colours, walk around the lakes and take photographs.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A beginner photography workshop at Sheffield Park and Garden, led by professional photographer Roger Bloxham. Attendees can practise in the garden’s early morning light and develop their photography skills and techniques.
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.