National Trust

Autumn adventures

Keep the whole family entertained this half term

Family fun wherever you are

Let's plant more trees

More of this will do us the world of good

Plant a tree today

Houses, great and small

Uncover remarkable treasures and surprises round every corner

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Chirk Castle

Chirk, Wrexham

Magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches

Cliff top view of the pale rocky cliffs and bay of Blast Beach on a sunny day, looking south.

Durham Coast

Seaham, County Durham

County Durham's coastline has emerged from a polluted industrial past to become a haven for wildlife

Cotehele

near Saltash, Cornwall

An atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on an historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore.

Visiting and booking information

Find out what's open, which places need booking and what to expect from your visit.

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Out and about

Best walks for autumn highlights

Now's the perfect time for a walk as the great outdoors is transformed by the glorious golds, reds and greens of autumn. Here are some of the best walks to help you explore the parks, coast and countryside we look after at this magical time of year.

Visitors and costumed interpreter in the kitchen at Ickworth, Suffolk

October half term events

Get outside with the family and create unforgettable autumn moments this half term, or step inside the houses in our care to discover lots more to do. From woodland adventure days to foodie fun, it’ll be impossible for the kids to get bored over the school holidays.

Visitors enjoying an autumnal walk beneath the autumn trees on the estate at Hardwick, Derbyshire

Autumn activities for all the family

The vibrant colours, bold trees and rich harvests of autumn are here. Whether you're after family fun or some quiet time alone, explore the best experiences this season has to offer wherever you are with our range of autumnal activities.

Boy dressed up for Halloween at Tredegar House

Spooky Halloween adventures

Join us for some Halloween family fun as ghosts and ghouls come out to play, pumpkins do their worst and the places we look after reveal their mysterious side. Check out the types of events happening at many of the places in our care and plan a spooky day out.

Cauldrons to coffins: creepy curios in our collection

To help you get into the Halloween spirit, we've put together a selection of macabre and creepy objects from our collections that will send shivers down your spine. Discover the stories behind them, if you dare...

Director-General Hilary McGrady speaking at the Annual General Meeting 2019 in the Steam Museum, Swindon

Join us at the AGM

We're getting ready for the next members' Annual General Meeting. It's being held at 10am on Saturday 30 October 2021 at the Harrogate Convention Centre, North Yorkshire. Online voting has now closed, but you can register to attend the AGM on the day and vote for the resolutions then. It's your chance, as members, to help us make the best possible decisions for the Trust in the months to come.

Have your say

The rear garden under flood water in autumn at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

Getting ready for COP26

With nations around the world reporting on plans to significantly cut carbon emissions, this year is a turning point for action on climate change. Find out what we’ll be discussing at the Climate Resilience Heritage Summit on 27 October and more about our presence at COP26, which opens in Glasgow on 31 October. Plus, get some ideas on what you can do to join in the fight against the climate crisis.

Planning for COP26

Family walking in Rowallane Garden, County Down

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Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history — for everyone, for ever.

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Donate

Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.

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Spiderweb shortbread — Make some spiderweb shortbread

Cook up a treat this Halloween

There are lots of delicious recipes for you to try this Halloween. Get creative with icing decorations or add in extra ingredients for a spooky or sweet surprise. We've also got some tasty family-friendly recipes to keep the children busy this half term.

Try some recipes

Visitors in the garden at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire

Take part in Free Wills Month

It's your last chance to join in with Free Wills Month this October. If you're 55 or over, you can make or update your will for free but spaces are limited. While there's no obligation to leave a gift in your will to the National Trust, we hope you'll support our vital conservation work in this way.

About Free Wills Month

The sitting room at Winnianton Farmhouse, Cornwall

Cosy winter getaways

Find your perfect holiday cottage to snuggle down in this winter. Already got a cosy break sorted? Take a look ahead and book a break for 2022.

Plan your cosy getaway

Christmas decorations hanging off a Christmas tree

Welcome to the Christmas shop

It's never too early to get the festive season underway. Spark some joy with our range of unique gifts and sustainably-made decorations.

Browse Christmas gifts

Mary Prince, author. Illustration by Benjamin Wachenje

Reflecting on inspirational black histories

This Black History Month, the National Trust's podcast producer explores stories of black history connected to the places and collections we look after. He also reflects on other inspirational figures, finding new connections between British history, everyday lives and the Trust today.

Sharing stories

The view over half moon lake towards Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire in autumn

Read our news

Get the latest news from around the Trust. Recent archaeological discoveries at Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire have revealed that at its height, this World Heritage Site was not just the place of prayer and contemplation previously imagined.