Autumn Days in the North West with the National Trust
The new season is here, the leaves are starting to fall, and the kids have gone back to school: it’s autumn. We’ve been thinking about the best days out in the North West and there’s no denying there’s something for everyone with a National Trust property. Whether you’re getting the whole family together at the weekend or enjoying a relaxing day out with your partner, there’s plenty to do this autumn to fully take advantage of the season.
Erddig, Wrexham
Are you a fan of all things apple? No we don’t mean smartphones and watches! From 6-28th October an Apple Harvest is held at Erddig, a home, garden and estate – 180 varieties are grown in their orchards and you’ll have the chance to enjoy them and even take some home. From Cider press demonstrations to apple talks and walks, it’ll be the ideal autumnal day out, as well as live music and beekeeping workshops over the weekend. During your visit, you can also explore the historic house and learn what life was like during the early years of the 20th century. On a crisp and sunny day, the walk around the grounds is absolutely breath-taking and the front of the house offers far-reaching and scenic views.
Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire
Following their successful sleep project last year, this autumn Little Moreton Hall are taking visitors to the sixteenth ‘scent-ury’ – exploring Tudor smells and everyday health and wellbeing from a Tudor perspective all through October. There’ll be a whole range of activities and the ‘You Smell!’ trail for families to get involved. For a window into how the Tudors celebrated Halloween, visit the Hall for Hallowtide and enjoy the many activities set to take place. Here’s a fun fact about the house too: in 1990 engineers were so baffled that Little Moreton Hall was still standing in its delicate state after 500 years!
Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Another majestic Tudor home that has a family history that spans 500 years, and we’re sure if the walls could speak we’d get quite the history lesson! Visit Rufford Old Hall for the Victorian and Edwardian gardens and this autumn from 20th October you can attend the Scarecrow Festival, showcasing scarecrows made by the community of Rufford, volunteers and staff. This year the theme is inspirational women and we’re sure there’ll be a lot to choose from. If you or one of the family are an animal lover then the Reptiles at Rufford event on 27th October might just be the one for you, as the North West Reptile Club are bringing along their animals to give people a fact-filled day.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to National Trust properties in the North West, all offering a wealth of history, beautiful gardens and perfect autumnal activities. There are many more located across the country and you can find out your closest National Trust property using your postcode here.