Crunch through fallen leaves, pull on your wellies and make the most of autumn while it’s at its glorious best. This October National Trust sites across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire are serving up everything from woodland quests and spooky storytelling to pumpkin decorating, science experiments and ghostly castle tours.
Whether your family loves getting muddy on nature trails, solving mysteries in historic houses or embracing the Halloween spirit with haunted halls and creepy crafts, there’s plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. Here are the standout events worth adding to your half-term hit list.
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
If your little ones love folklore, fantasy and a touch of adventure, Clumber Park has half term sorted. From 17 October to 1 November, families can follow the Guardian of the Forest trail, solving riddles and cracking codes while uncovering tales of bats, crows, the Lady of the Lake and the legendary Black Beast. Complete the quest and earn official Guardian status (£3 per trail sheet).
For an extra layer of magic, download the free Stranger Folk app before you arrive. Inspired by British folklore, it brings goblins, bogarts and curious countryside customs to life as you explore the park.
Budding storytellers can also head to the Old Parsonage, where daily storytelling sessions whisk audiences away to worlds filled with dragons, dinosaurs, myths and legends. Tickets cost £5 per child and booking is essential.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumberpark
The Workhouse & Infirmary, Nottinghamshire
History gets a family-friendly makeover at The Workhouse & Infirmary this half term. Open daily from 17 October to 1 November, the site offers plenty of ways for younger visitors to engage with its fascinating past.
A seasonal family trail encourages exploration of the historic buildings and grounds, while creative types can decorate homegrown pumpkins with dried flowers and foliage at the Floral Pumpkin workshop on 17 October.
Don’t miss Bramley Apple Day on 24 October, when visitors can try their hand at the longest apple peel challenge, enjoy performances from the Pauper Choir and join special tours celebrating Southwell’s famous apple heritage.
For a truly immersive experience, Tales from The Workhouse brings history to life through costumed characters and hands-on activities including washing, slate writing and oakum picking.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
Belton is packed with things to do this half term, headlined by The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail. Based on Eric Carle’s beloved children’s classic, the interactive experience takes families on a journey through the butterfly lifecycle, complete with giant food installations, games and colourful trail markers.
There are also free family craft sessions on 29 and 31 October, where children can make leaf bunting and create fungi-inspired prints.
New for this year is a trail dedicated to the estate’s butterflies and moths, while the return of the Stranger Folk app adds a playful dose of folklore-inspired fun. Families can also put their detective skills to work with Belton’s mystery trail, The Puzzling Case of the Missing Plum Cakes.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton
Grantham House, Lincolnshire
For a simpler day out in nature, Grantham House is celebrating the wildlife that calls its gardens home. Families can follow a woodpecker-themed trail around the grounds, try woodland texture rubbings and tackle a special wildlife spotters’ challenge through the house and gardens.
Best of all, entry remains free throughout the year.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grantham-house
Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire
Where better to spark children’s curiosity than the home of Sir Isaac Newton? As Woolsthorpe Manor prepares to close for the season, families can get hands-on with a range of interactive science activities inspired by Newton’s discoveries.
Expect giant mirrors, gravity experiments, holographic apples and plenty of opportunities to learn through play. Afterwards, take a stroll around the orchard, home to the famous apple tree linked to Newton’s theory of gravity, and enjoy some peaceful autumn downtime.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolsthorpe
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens, Lincolnshire
Bat lovers should make a beeline for Gunby this half term. The Battle of the Bats trail invites children aged three to 11 to discover Britain’s fascinating bat species through a series of fun challenges around the estate. Trail sheets cost £2 and double as a take-home card game.
Halloween weekend brings the return of the Halloween Haunted Hall, complete with spooky decorations and seasonal surprises.
There’s also the chance to get creative throughout October with The Big Draw, featuring free sketching packs and a collaborative art installation in the gardens.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunbyhall
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire
For families who like their history with a spooky twist, Tattershall Castle delivers. The Mystery of the Medieval Mice trail follows six brave mice hidden throughout the castle, each guarding clues needed to unlock a final prize.
Meanwhile, October’s Ghostly Tales and Tower Secrets tours invite visitors to explore the castle’s winding staircases and medieval chambers while hearing spine-tingling stories from centuries gone by.
More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall
So, whether you’re after Halloween thrills, outdoor exploration or an easy family day out, there’s more than enough here to fill the half-term and weekend diary.
