Autumn Half term at Brockhampton

We have six way-marked walks on the estate but a firm favourite for little explorers is the Natural play walk which leads through the orchard, over the stream and into Paradise Wood. On this trail there is a selection of natural toys for children to play with including a rope on a slope, a giant wooden xylophone and a large den building area. The woodland also looks very atmospheric throughout the autumn months,with a combination of changing and falling leaves and evergreens.

Before you head out to the woods, don’t forget to pick up a ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾ guide’ which is full of activity ideas for families to enjoy over and over again in the great outdoors. Number four on the list is ‘build a den’ so you can definitely do this whilst here, don’t forget to ask for a sticker in Visitor Reception on the way out too!

Over the Half term holiday we will be running a Rotten Apples Trail. For £2.50 you can pick up a sheet and map from Visitor Reception and find the missing clues in the orchard, there’s even a small prize at the end if you manage to complete the challenge.

We will also be joined by local outdoors activity company Really Rural on Sunday 27 October for a little apple-themed archery in the orchard. This activity is suitable for the whole family with smaller bows being available for children aged five and up. There is a small fee of £2 per person to have a go at archery and Really Rural’s Richard will show you how if you’re new to the sport. Richard will also be back on Halloween, Thursday 31 October, for Broomstick Making. Create your own broomstick out of natural materials and zoom around the orchards as fast as you can. Broomsticks are £3 and you must purchase a ticket from Visitor Reception on the day.

If you’re planning on visiting the manor over the Half term holiday then make sure you take part in the free 'Medlar Muddles' trail, where you can find out all sorts of horrible facts about the bugs that live inside the house.

Finally, if you’re in need of a coffee, sandwich or light lunch then both The Old Apple Store tea-room and Granary will be open every day throughout the holidays, pop in and see what’s on the menu. Every time you visit Brockhampton you’re helping support this special place and what’s even better is you’ll tire the kids out too!