Skip to content
Skip to content

Brilliant Bats in Half Term

Discover the wonderful world of bats and other autumn wildlife this October half term at Woodchester Park.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Woodchester Park is home to one of the most important bat roosts in the country, and this half term families can learn more about these fascinating nocturnal mammals through a range of fun activities.

Meet six of the bat species that live at Woodchester through larger-than-life wooden cut-outs. Young wildlife enthusiasts can also enjoy some bat-themed games dotted around Tinkley Gate.

Pick up an Autumn Leaf spotter sheet from the bookshop to take on a longer walk, see how many different leaves you can identify along the way. You could add your favourite to the autumn leaf bunting line to help celebrate the changing season.

The Stranger Folk trail will also continue to run throughout half term, head out to follow a spooky folklore trail around Tinkley Gate.

Looking for a hands-on activity? Join one of our Bat Box Making workshops, where you can build a bat box to take home and provide a safe place for bats to roost. These workshops are bookable separately, with limited places. Please see the separate event listing for details.

On Friday 31 October, don't miss Owl Pellet Exploration. Become a nature detective as you investigate barn owl pellets to uncover clues about what the owls have been eating Please see the separate event listing for full details.

Perfect for families with young children, this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the autumn colours, get closer to nature and learn more about some of Woodchester Park's most remarkable wildlife.

Times

The basics

Accessibility

Tinkley Gate Carpark has accessible parking spaces where blue badge holders park for free and a drop-off zone in front of the cafe. Most of the play zones are on the plateau around Tinkley Gate, on mostly flat mown areas, within sight of the cafe. For more information on accessibility at Tinkley Gate visit the access article: "accessibility at Woodchester Park," available on our webpage.

Meeting point

Come to Tinkley Gate to start your autumn adventure. The main carpark is less than 200m from the bookshop and cafe: Tinkley Gate Carpark TInkley Lane Nympsfield GL10 3UH

Suitability for children

This event is great for children and families, though everyone is welcome.

What to bring and wear

Most of these activities are outside so come dressed for any weather.

Other

Tinkley Gate National Trust Carpark can be found at what3words:///confident.request.certified Parking is free for National Trust members, £4 for non-members.

Upcoming events

Moth Morning 

Would you like to learn more about moths and see some of these amazing creatures in the light of day? Take part in a free moth morning at Tinkley Gate as we uncover the traps from the night before.

Event summary

on
19 Sep 2026
at 09:30 to 11:00

Heritage Open Days - Walk in the Ducie Landscape and Woodchester Mansion 

This heritage open days we are partnering with Woodchester Mansion Trust to deliver free guided tours of both the Woodchester Park designed landscape, recalling 18th Century "lost" landscape and the 19th century Woodchester Mansion.

Event summary

on
19 Sep 2026
at 10:00 to 11:00+ 2 other dates or times

Stranger Folk at Woodchester Park 

Step into the interactive world of Stranger Folk this autumn at Tinkley Gate, Woodchester Park. Download the free app and work together to close a crack between the spirit world and ours.

Event summary

on
21 Sep to 8 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 48 other dates or times

Tinkley Tots 

Every Monday in term-time, join the Tinkley Tots! Free, nature themed activities, stories and crafts for children aged 2-4 years.

Event summary

on
21 Sep 2026 to 19 Jul 2027
at 10:30 to 11:15+ 36 other dates or times