Whether it’s the technicolour canopy of autumn colour, the rustle of leaves underfoot or the sight of toadstools among the fallen leaves, autumn is a feast for the senses.
Track down the best autumn colour you can find on a walk with your family this October. Have a family leaf hunt to find the biggest and brightest leaves, challenge your family to a game of Top Trunks, enjoy conker battles with friends or head off on a scavenger hunt to see what else you can find to create some wild art when you get home.
Discover the simple pleasures of being outdoors with the family across North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire this October half-term.
Derbyshire
Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors, Derbyshire
Become a nature detective and search for signs of autumn at Longshaw in our autumn trail from Saturday 22 October – Sunday 6 November, 10am – 3pm. Spot acorns nestled in the leaves on the ground, count how many different colours you can see in the woods, and keep a lookout for our resident red deer roaming around the estate.
After your autumnal trail, visit the Longshaw café for a cosy hot chocolate – and look out for our colourful pumpkin display while you’re there! Trails cost £1 and are available from the Welcome Building.
Autumn is also the perfect time to discover marvellous mushrooms at Longshaw. Put on your wellies and wander through the woods for the chance to see these weird and wonderful forms. From brightly coloured waxcaps to the strangely named candle snuff fungus, there are lots to spot – how many will you find?
Hardwick Estate: Stainsby Mill, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Our extremely knowledgeable staff and volunteers cannot wait to welcome to Stainsby Mill this half-term for our final week of tours this year.
Come along and see this waterwheel-powered mill that has been around for over 800 years and was used to provide flour for the Devonshire family up at the Hardwick Estate. This remarkably complete mill includes most of the original metalwork, millstone, kiln and drying floor, and may inspire your little ones to become the next Great British Bake-Off winner!
For more information and to book a tour visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-estate-stainsby-mill
Kinder, Edale and the High Peak, Derbyshire
Head to Backside Wood near Edale for a family walk immersed in autumn colours. Choose from short easy footpaths or longer routes through the wood to see fantastic views of the Vale of Edale and beyond. Look out for mushrooms emerging all around – see if you can spot tinder fungus – it looks like a horse’s hoof growing out of the tree!
New: Children’s Halloween Trail, Friday 21 October – Sunday 6 November
Explore the wild terrain and ancient barrows of the High Peak on our Halloween trail this autumn half term. Discover a realm of folklore and magic hidden beneath the Peak District’s most-loved hills and well-trodden paths.
The trail begins at Mam Nick car park and maps are downloadable online https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-high-peak Please note some of the trail stations will be located on uneven and possibly muddy ground.
New: Family Figure of Eight Walk, Tuesday 25 October, 11am – 1.30pm
Join us for a family-friendly walk in the beautiful Vale of Edale. We’ll pass under the skyline of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, and through the iconic ‘Three Booths’. Our walk leaders are incredibly knowledgeable, so please ask as many questions about the area as you like!
Accompanied children are especially welcome but the walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams. Adults £5, children £2.50 – advanced booking essential: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinder-edale-and-the-high-peak
Nottinghamshire
Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Autumn brings a whole array of new delights, from the incredible display of colour on the trees and the crunch of fallen leaves, to the opportunity to get closer to nature and the wildlife that can be found at this time of year. Whether you are visiting with family and friends for one of our planned events or taking some quiet time out to enjoy the 3800 acres of parkland, autumn is the perfect time to make memories at Clumber Park.
Hiring bikes from the Cycle Hub, or bringing your own, is the perfect way to explore the woods and lakeside views of Clumber Park. Have fun den building in the natural play area, enjoy climbing, hiding and exploring in the hidden Woodland Play Park. Look out for wildlife as you explore the Pleasure Grounds or spend a peaceful moment in the busy Bird Hide.
The Discovery Centre is a must see when visiting. It’s a great place to learn more about Clumber Park’s history, the amazing array of wildlife and get involved in seasonal craft activities. In October, families can enjoy a range of autumn and Halloween themed events and activities, including a Family Photo Scavenger Hunt (15-30 October) Apple Week celebrations (17-23 October), interactive Halloween adventure with Sneaky Experience (Saturday 29 October) & Breakfast with the Spooks (29 & 30 October).
Find out more at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park/whats-on
The Workhouse and Infirmary, Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Over at The Workhouse and Infirmary in Southwell, families can pick up a pumpkin trail from Wednesday 19 – 28 October (suggested donation £1 per trail). There will be opportunities to take home some real pumpkins from the kitchen gardens for a small donation, all carefully grown by a dedicated team of gardening volunteers.
‘Workhouse: Live!’ is also returning on Thursday 20, Saturday 22 and Thursday 27 October, which is an exciting time to meet workhouse characters carrying out traditional tasks.
On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October visitors can join in with some apple antics as the workhouse celebrates Southwell’s Bramley Apple Festival with free entry onto the large field in front of the workhouse main building. Get involved with an apple peeling competition or do some apple printing. If you want to explore further, normal admission charges apply but there is an apple trail to pick up on admission which takes you into the workhouse on the search for hidden apples found by solving clues.
The Workhouse and Infirmary is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am – 4pm. Last admission one hour before closing.
Posted on 11 October 2022
