October half term activities with the National Trust

From late September through to November, the countryside, gardens and parks cared for by the National Trust burst into colour. Fiery foliage blazes across landscapes, from the reflection pond at Lyme in Stockport and the riverside woodland of Quarry Bank in Wilmslow, to the fungi-filled forests at Speke Hall in Liverpool.

There’s plenty to see and do for families this half term, from spooky Halloween trails to autumn spotter trails and craft activities. And what’s more, every visit helps to support the National Trust’s work as a charity looking after special places for everyone, for ever.

Top places for October half term

Quarry Bank, Wilmslow

There’s a chilling atmosphere in the air at Quarry Bank this half term. Step into the Apprentice House for a spooky tour where you’ll discover where the child workers lived, slept and ate during the 1800s. Head inside the mill where you can follow a Halloween themed family trail – who knows what you’ll find...

As twilight falls, the shadows grow deeper and the hauntings begin at Halloween at Quarry Bank. Wander down flickering paths where demon eyes glow through the fog and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees. Watch a fire show carried out by daring performers, and are you brave enough to venture into the mill…? Suitable for all the family, but beware, as darkness descends, the spookier it gets.

Plan a visit to Quarry Bank at nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Lyme, Stockport

A short walk from Disley train station takes you to a nature explorer’s dream with over 1,400 acres of historic deer park, autumnal woodland and vast moorland. This half term, grab an All Things Autumn trail pack to explore what makes autumn so special at Lyme. Look out for all the colours and weird and wonderful creatures that the season has to offer. Try your hand at autumnal games and creative activities too.

Fans of Jane Austen can dress up in Regency outfits and recreate their favourite scenes from Pride and Prejudice, 30 years on from the BBC’s famous adaptation.

Plan a visit to Lyme at nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme 

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

The flat paths at Dunham Massey are great for pushchairs, balance bikes and wheelchairs – making it the perfect place to bring all the family together for an autumn walk. This half term, you can celebrate art in the natural world and get creative with autumn crafts on a family trail through the gardens and deer park.

Inside, take a journey through the historic house accompanied by Speechly the Pineapple in the From Here to There trail. Grab a Pineapple Passport from the entrance to the house, spot the suitcase stacks and collect a stamp for your passport.

Plan a visit to Dunham Massey at nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey 

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton

Escape into autumn with a wildlife spotter trail at Little Moreton Hall, a wonky Tudor house in Congleton. Adventure around the garden to find all of the autumn colours and discover what Cheshire's wildlife gets up to over the season.

Inside the hall, see if you can spot the ‘apotropaic marks’ left by the former owners. These burn marks and concentric circles are said to have kept evil spirts from entering the house.

Plan a visit to Little Moreton Hall at nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall 

Hare Hill, Macclesfield

Don’t miss your chance to visit this tranquil wooded garden before it closes for winter at the beginning of November. The walled garden provides the perfect place for smaller children to explore at their own pace. An autumn spotter trail will help the little explorers feel closer to nature.

As autumn swoops over the Cheshire countryside, the trees across Hare Hill’s gardens and parklands provide nature's firework display, with an orange and auburn infusion of colours to be admired. The acers in particular step into the limelight and really put on a warm and inviting show of colours.

Plan a visit to Hare Hill at nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill