Autumn with the National Trust

 One of the things I have missed most recently with lockdown is the ability to just head off to the National Trust and dive into one of their houses and parks and roam around at the drop of a hat. I am so over the moon that they are reopening up their houses too. I love Autumn with the National Trust, they have the most stunning woods and gardens to explore as well. However half term is fast coming up and its great to plan and book in advance and with such offers as below your time will be filled up quick!

Halloween Photo by Chris Lacey

Whichever National Trust you end up visiting the first thing you need to do is pick up a “50 Things to do before you’re 11¾” With this in hand you’re ready for all kinds of adventures! Head to Polesdon in Surrey for a Funghi Foray or hunt out the best conkers ever!

 

Why not check out their 50 things to do guide online to start now? Make some simple home for hedgehogs this winter or to encourage bees in your garden? National Trust 50 Things to do is the perfect place to head to try out new autumn activities at home.

 

Polesden Lacey by John Millar

 

Surrey

Polesden Lacey
Help create art installations, inspired by the landscape and wildlife at Polesden Lacey, using fallen leaves. Try a new self-led fungi foray around our gardens and wider estate and discover fun facts about the incredible power of mushrooms as you roam the woodlands. The stunning party rooms of the mansion are also open daily until 31 October.

Claremont Landscape Garden by Arnhel De Serra

Claremont Landscape Garden
Escape outdoors this autumn at Claremont and enjoy beautiful vistas and golden leaves, with routes around the garden to suit all abilities. Little people can take part in a Nature Hunt learning all about seasonal changes. Don’t forget to stop off at the café for warming food and drinks.

Hatchlands Park
There's plenty of space to scamper about in the parkland at Hatchlands Park this half term. Get closer to nature with self-guided 50 Things activities such as cloud watching, getting to know a tree and searching for conkers. The parkland, house, garden and Kitchen Café are all open at Hatchlands Park.

Winkworth By John Miller

Winkworth Arboretum

During autumn Winkworth’s trees blaze with a beautiful array of autumn colours, creating a shimmering display like no other. Follow in the footsteps of Winkworth’s creator, Dr Fox on a walk which takes in the best autumnal views following a specially created route to appreciate the rainbow-hued hillside as its creator intended.

Runnymede
Step outside for an autumnal adventure at Runnymede, with memorials and artworks to explore on your way. Take part in a Royal Ramble, learning all about Runnymede’s royal connections, or choose your own route through the meadows and woodland. Spot signs of autumn as you go and enjoy crunching through crispy leaves.

West Sussex

Nymans
Bring the kids to scamper along paths through the beautiful gardens at Nymans and join in with nature-inspired half-term activities. The native woodland and garden trees are turning orange and red. Their falling leaves provide the perfect opportunity for some good family fun: leaf art on the lawn and crunch leaves underfoot in the wood.

National Trust by Naomi Goggin

Petworth House and Park
This October at Petworth House and Park try our new self-guided trails for families. Inside the house there’s a Halloween Wings and Whiskers trail. While outdoors in the Pleasure Garden, start at the Shepherds Hut for ideas and inspiration of what to spot on a family walk - including wildlife, the best autumn colour and plants putting on a show. Or take part in our Colour Catchers activity and spot things in the grounds that match the colours on the colour catcher card.

Standen
Jump in crunchy leaves, discover shiny conkers and enjoy invigorating fresh air with all the family this autumn at Standen. Take a walk through our beautiful garden and woodlands, learn top tips and key jobs for keeping busy in your garden this autumn, have fun on the O