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

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
29 Oct to 8 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 10 other dates or times

Owl Pellet Exploration 

Become a wildlife detective (and get messy) this Halloween to discover what the owls have been up to in Woodchester Park.

Event summary

on
30 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00

Photo Exhibition: 50 years of Wildlife Science 

Head to Tinkley Gate's barn area to enjoy this photography exhibition, curated by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, celebrating 50 years of wildlife science, which began here at Woodchester Park in 1976.

Event summary

on
2 Nov 2026 to 12 Feb 2027
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 102 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
2 Nov 2026 to 19 Jul 2027
at 10:30 to 11:15+ 31 other dates or times