There is plenty to do at National Trust places across South Somerset this autumn. Barrington Court, Lytes Cary Manor and Montacute House – all within a thirty-minute drive of each other – have something different to offer, from spooky trails to seventeenth-century reenactments and apple collecting.
At Barrington Court, visitors can help Lily the Owl find a home as part of the Owl and Friends pumpkin trail or take a seat on the hay bales to listen to cosy stories about autumn and the harvest.
From Monday 23 October we will be gathering the windfall apples, so grab a mini wheelbarrow and help collect the fruit that will go off to be made into delicious apple juice and cider. On the final Sunday, you can lend the ranger team a hand to plant wildflower plugs in the orchard that will bloom next year between May and August.
The Lytes Scary Halloween trail is back at Lytes Cary Manor from 21 to 31 October, so grab your wellies and head out on an eerie adventure to crack the Halloween riddle. The trail is £2.50 per person (normal admission applies) and includes a trail sheet, pencil, and mask. There is also the last in this year’s series of craft markets on 28 and 29 October – the perfect opportunity to get ahead on Christmas shopping.
Seventeenth-century living can be experienced at Montacute House over the half-term holiday. On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October visitors can meet the Taunton Garrison and learn about the life of soldiers from that time. On Saturday 28 October the Marquess of Winchester’s regiment will be portraying some of the individuals involved in the Gunpowder Plot. On the weekdays, head down to the cover of the Old Stables where you’ll find games galore including soft archery, giant building blocks, quoits, and giant connect four.
Caroline Jeeves, Visitor Experience and Programming Manager for the South Somerset portfolio, said, ‘Autumn is quite a magical time in South Somerset with the trees turning and lots of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. We’re so pleased to be offering something different at each place – seventeenth century life can be experienced at Montacute House and the apple collecting at Barrington Court is something people come back year after year to help with.
At Lytes Cary Manor, the ever-popular Lytes Scary trail will be happening. An added bonus is that everyone has an extra week to enjoy Lytes Cary Manor this year as it’ll be open the week after half term as well, until Sunday 5 November. If you visit on 31 October, you’ll even see the team embracing Halloween spirit in fancy dress.’
For more information about all the activities please visit the websites: