From late September through to November, the countryside, gardens and parks cared for by the National Trust come alive in a blaze of autumn colour. Visitors can discover fiery foliage reflected in the pond at Lyme in Stockport, stroll through the riverside woodland at Quarry Bank in Wilmslow, or explore the fungi-rich forests surrounding Speke Hall in Liverpool.
Alongside these natural spectacles, National Trust places across the North West are hosting a full calendar of seasonal activities, from apple days and wildlife walks to Halloween fun and half-term adventures for families.
With so much to see and do, every trip not only offers memorable moments in nature but also helps to support the National Trust’s vital work as a charity caring for special places, for everyone, forever.
Liverpool and Lancashire
Speke Hall, Liverpool
Speke Hall on the bank of the river Mersey is more than just a Tudor manor house. With semi-ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and estuary walks, it’s a haven for wildlife in autumn. Wander beneath birch, oak and sweet chestnut trees putting on wonderful displays of colour, while the forest floor is filled with fascinating fungi.
Beneath your feet the carpet of sweet chestnuts and acorns provide food for jays, squirrels. Keep an eye out for finches and thrushes feeding from seed heads in the wildflower meadows, and look out towards the estuary to spot curlew, redshank and migratory birds.
You can plan a visit to Speke Hall here.
Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk
The Virginia creeper that transforms Rufford Old Hall’s entire courtyard in October is not to be missed. It’s fiery red and orange leaves set against the brick wall provides a stunning photo opportunity.
In the orchard it’s expected to be a bumper year for fruiting trees. Here you can pick your own selection of apples and pears for a small donation which goes towards conservation work to look after special places like Rufford Old Hall.
Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham
The woodland at Gawthorpe Hall is a great place for fungi fanatics due to the increased wetness from the autumn rain. Over 30 different species of fungus were found in a recent survey done by the Gawthorpe rangers – including Jellybaby fungus, Trooping Crumblecap, Puffball, and Turkeytail.
Cheshire and Greater Manchester
Quarry Bank, Wilmslow
Steeped in industrial history, Quarry Bank might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about escaping into nature. But with 400-acres of woodland snaking alongside the river Bollin there is plenty of room to switch off.
With four waymarked walking trails taking you to six ornamental bridges, steep-sided gorges, caves, cliffs and a variety of trees changing to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, autumn is the perfect time to explore this hidden gem near Manchester airport.
Lyme, Stockport
A short walk from Disley train station you’ll find a rugged estate with a historic deer park, autumnal woodland and vast moorland. Made famous as Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, wherever you walk at Lyme you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views of Manchester, Stockport and the Peak District.
In autumn keep an eye out for one of nature’s great spectacles as male deer – stags or bucks – clash antlers in dramatic displays of strength to compete for females.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
Carpets of autumnal bulbs are starting to awaken in Dunham Massey’s winter garden. Experience the changing colours of the season, from the cyclamen and dahlias below, to the vibrant red leaves of acer trees above your head.
Wildlife watchers can look for deer and other wildlife amongst avenues of red and orange trees either side of the flat and accessible paths in the walled deer park.
Hare Hill, Macclesfield
Don’t miss your chance to visit this tranquil wooded garden before it closes for winter at the beginning of November. As autumn swoops over the Cheshire countryside, the trees across Hare Hill’s gardens and parklands provide nature’s firework display, with an orange and auburn infusion of colours to be admired. The acers in particular step into the limelight and really put on a warm and inviting show of colours.
Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester
The free to visit Castlefield Viaduct sits in the heat of Manchester. Once used to carry heavy rail traffic into Manchester, the Garde II-listed viaduct is now home to a garden in the sky. The viaduct garden has been designed to provide a long season of interest.
This autumn the trees will start to bronze and you can see species like Sorbus and Guelder rose. And this year you can discover more about moss and the important part its played in Manchester’s landscape.
You can plan a visit to a National Trust property here.
