Discover autumn pleasures with a National Trust membership

Visitors in the Orchard on Apple Day at Barrington Court, Somerset — Visitors in the Orchard on Apple Day at Barrington Court | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

As the days shorten and woodlands take on new colours, autumn days offer great opportunities for getting outdoors. Perhaps you'll make the most of the season’s colourful sunsets, see parades of migratory birds or enjoy the spoils of a bumper harvest. Discover what National Trust membership could inspire you to do, all while helping us to care for these beautiful places for ever.

Indulge in autumn apple harvests: If your foodie interests extend to seasonal fruit, then head to one of the autumnal apple days happening at places we care for. It could be just the thing to get you growing your own fruit to use in a delicious home bake. As a member, you can enjoy free entry to glorious settings such as Cotehele for orchard-themed fun, and there are lots of other places to visit too.
Create art with nature: Get creative and try your hand at making some useful and beautiful things from natural materials. You won't run out of creative inspiration when you collect crunchy leaves or find conkers and spiky pine cones at the places we look after. Or maybe you'll be inspired by nature to take up photography and capture the scene as places such as Stourhead and Charlecote Park transition into striking autumn colours.
Relish the calm of wildlife watching: Little ones are always fascinated by the magic of animals but as we grow older there's a tendency to forget the wonder of pausing to watch nature. This autumn, take some time to watch the clashes of deer ruts, seek out red squirrels in the treetops and head to the coast in search of baby seals at places such as Blakeney National Nature Reserve. When you become a member, you can make use of your Handbook to discover some of the best outdoor places to visit.
Seek out incredible colours: Hunting for autumn colour is a sure-fire way to brighten your world. Look out for woodlands cloaked in copper, burnt gold, flaming red and vibrant yellow. Head to the countryside and discover places such as the grassland of Devil’s Dyke. Some special places are full of colour all year round. At places like Overbeck's Garden in Devon or Trelissick in Cornwall you can experience the exotic feel of palm trees and a rich tapestry of flowers whatever the season. Members enjoy free parking at many of these spots too, which means you could seek out different colours every day.
Enjoy a cosy moment: Watch autumn sunsets casting their glow across the landscape and enjoy something hot in the café after a brisk coastal ramble. These are the moments we can enjoy whether we're taking time out for ourselves or spending quality time with loved ones. Cosy moments aren't hard to find on autumn days and as a member you’ll always be able to find somewhere nearby to give you a warm glow inside and out.
Feel the fresh air at spacious beaches: As the weather turns cooler, enjoy some quieter times by the coast. Membership helps us to care for 780 miles of coastline and during the autumn months there’s plenty of peaceful space for walking, taking in the view or simply relaxing and enjoying time spent outdoors.