THERE is no better time to visit a UK garden or woodland than in autumn when the leaves are changing and wildlife is stirring.
And with the National Trust dishing out FREE autumn passes to nearly all of its forests, gardens and properties, there is even more reason to visit.
The National Trust is dishing out FREE autumn passes to nearly all of its forests, gardens and properties[/caption]
The single-use passes bag free entry for two adults and up to three children, one adult and up to four children, or two adults on their own visiting most National Trust locations between now and October 20, 2023.
There are more than 500 sites across the UK, so we’ve narrowed it down for you with our pick of the best for autumn fun with the family.
KINGSTON LACY, DORSET: The Japanese Garden here is an explosion of colour at this time of year, with more than 40 varieties of fiery red acers.
Make your way to the cafe for delicious seasonal soups and stews, all made with produce freshly plucked from the on-site Victorian Kitchen Garden.
This regal property is home to an abundance of fruit trees and guests can get fully stuck in with the free apple-picking, pruning and pressing sessions.
The sessions are available on selected dates in September and October.
DUNHAM MASSEY, GREATER MANCHESTER: A visit to Dunham Massey in rural Cheshire will delight with its ancient trees, picturesque moat and beautiful orangery.
Take a wander along the canal border and you may notice a whiff of candy floss.
The smell comes from the Katsura trees, whose decaying leaves emit a burnt- sugar scent.
Those visiting before November 5 will be able to spot all sorts of weird and wonderful mushrooms, such as ink caps and honey fungus, when they take the free Fungi Friends trail.
If you’re more into wildlife, though, head to the medieval deer park to watch the fallow deer battle for supremacy during their October rut.
CROOME, WORCS: When you’re not marvelling at the horse-chestnut leaves, red rose hips and buttery-yellow ginkgo trees, venture inside the 17th-century house to gawp at the magnificent decor or browse one of the free exhibitions.
Although the free pass isn’t active during school half term, those visiting that week will be able to try their hand at bird origami crafting – free sessions will be taking place in the activity hub.
For £3, you can even pick your own apples from the orchard.
TYNTESFIELD, SOMERSET: There’s a whopping 540 acres of woodland and parkland to roam at Tyntesfield in northern Somerset.
The Victorian Gothic Mansion gets even spookier around this time of year when the pumpkin display returns at half term – plus there’ll be a Halloween trail where guests will be tasked with uncovering who’s been stealing all the pumpkins.
On top of golden tree walks and foraging, guests will also be able to sink their teeth into an Edible Histories tour with chocolate artwork created to celebrate the 650th anniversary of the City of Bristol.
If that’s not to your taste, you can always swing by the Cow Barn cafe, set in the property’s Grade II-listed Victorian dairy, which serves hot and cold food.
To download your free autumn pass and for more info on any of the National Trust sites, see nationaltrust.org.uk.
September 23, 2023 at 01:04AM
from The Sun