Hughenden

Hughenden, once home to Victorian prime minister Benjamin Disraeli, has acres of beautiful parkland, woodland and more formal gardens which always look stunning as the leaves change colour. On Monday 26th Sept and 1st Oct, you can enjoy a walk with a ranger as Hughenden celebrates British Food Fortnight. The two hour walk will include looking for edibles from nature's bounty around the grounds and you'll learn loads more besides. If painting is your thing, you can join in a watercolour workshop on Wednesday 12th Oct with a volunteer who will take you for a short walk to find inspiration before you create an autumn view of Hughenden that you can take home. And on Oct 25th, children between 3 and 12 can enjoy a minibeast hunt where they will learn all about the creatures they discover. Booking applies for all these events.

Cliveden

Cliveden is creating a scarecrow trail round the grounds from Oct 22nd where you can explore the grounds, find the scarecrows made by local community groups and end up in a craft tent where children can make their own bamboo spoon scarecrows. From Sept to Dec,  you can also take a peek round the elegant Cliveden House Hotel, not normally open to non-guests. Admire the stunning interiors and amazing views and you won't be surprised that Megan Markle chose this 5 star hotel to stay in the night before her wedding to Prince Harry.

Stowe

For leafy autumn walks and stunning scenery, head to Stowe gardens and parkland. The awe-inspiring classical buildings set in the beautiful parkland with follies, statues and bridges make for a unique autumn walk. Enjoy the changing colours of the tree-lined avenues, relax on the quiet lake-side benches, collect conkers, watch the wildlife and grab a breath of fresh air. 

Canons Ashby

The gardens and parkland at Canons Ashby are a delight in autumn and you can enjoy an autumn creature trail so the children can learn all about the creatures and wildlife typical of English woods and parkland; there's an apple harvest weekend on 24th and 25th Sept; a guided countryside walk on 13th Oct and a creepy creature trail starting 22nd Oct, just in time for half term, when children can find out about the creatures they are more likely to see in the colder months.

Waddesdon

The grounds at Waddesdon are always a pleasure and autumn is no exception, with gorgeous trees throughout the parkland and gardens that are always beautifully maintained. With spooky afternoon teas, a fancy dress competition and autumn-inspired family activities, Waddesdon is the perfect place for a family day out this October half term. From 22–23 Oct, visitors can also enjoy locally produced, artisan products at the new Autumn Food Fair set within the Waddesdon’s picturesque grounds.