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10 Things to See and Do this Autumn at Markshall Estate
The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler and autumn colour is starting to take over the estate. Over the past week we have started to see the return of crimson reds, purple hues and golden ambers covering the trees you can find within the arboretum. So, we have decided to put together a little guide of the best things to see and do at Markshall Estate this autumn.
- Marvel at the changing colours of the leaves
Markshall’s Arboretum is home to trees from every temperate area making it the best place to see autumn colour. In the Europe geographic zone, you’ll see the collection of Claret Ashes turn a deep red, the Honywood Oak turn golden in colour and if you look carefully, you’ll see the Screaming Oak! In the Asia geographic zone, the acers turn a kaleidoscope of colours and North America is a favourite among the team during the autumn months. With liquidambers, sumacs and sugar maples being the main stars in this area.
- Take part in the Pumpkin Trail to claim your munchkin pumpkin prize
From Saturday 22nd October until Sunday 30th October, 30 pumpkins will be hidden across the grounds, nestled among the amazing autumn colours. Put on your best Halloween costumes and see how many you can find. Remember to collect your own, cute munchkin pumpkin. No need to book, just turn up!
- Cosy by the fire and enjoy a tasty warm lunch
The Orchard Kitchen serves some delicious warm lunches throughout the year with some seasonal options coming this autumn. So why not reward yourself after a crisp autumn walk with a tasty lunch in the Orchard Kitchen by the fire. With a soup of the day, specials menu and more… there’s plenty of options.
- See the Walled Garden before it closes for the season
In November, the Walled Garden closes for the season. Whilst designed for the spring and summer months, there is still plenty of autumn interest in the linear gardens. Punica granatum and Amelanchier lamarckii ‘Robin Hill’ are two of the favourites to see in the Walled Garden this October.
- Stargazing Evening
Discover the natural beauty of the night sky and join the North Essex Astronomical Society at Markshall Estate on Saturday 19th November. Use astronomical equipment to view the stars, moons and planets which light up the sky. Listen in on one of the presentations to discover more about constellations, meteors and more. Booking essential.
- Collect fallen leaves to make your own autumn garland
As you walk the arboretum, collect your favourite fallen leaves. Use them to bring the outdoors, in and create decorations such as garlands or wreaths.
- Wrap up warm and attend a storytelling session
On Saturday 29th October, join a professional storyteller for one of the two storytelling sessions taking place in the Wild Wood. There will be a fire to get cosy around and a warm drink to enjoy. For families we suggest booking the Not So Spooky Stories for Kids and for adults who would like something a little scarier why not book on to Dark and Twisted Tales for Adults… we dare you!
- Discover one of the Woodland Walks
Markshall cares for 2,000 acres of woodlands which have been coded into three different walks. So why not put on your best walking shoes, grab your cosiest coat and take your loved ones (and four-legged friends of course) for a walk-through ancient woodland. See if you can spot some of the deer roaming the woodlands and pause at the memorial, sofa bench at the top of the avenue, to see the autumn colours.
- Collect conkers
In sections of the Europe geographic zone, you’ll spot horse-chestnut trees baring conkers. Why not collect one or two for an autumn craft. We particularly like these ideas posted by the woodland trust.
- Enjoy a sunny autumn picnic
If there is a sunny, autumn day why not pack a picnic full of your favourite foods and head to Poundfield to enjoy a picnic surrounded by some stunning trees, including our Giant redwood. To go with your tasty picnic why not get a barista style coffee to go from the Orchard Kitchen.
We hope to see you this autumn. If you can’t make it be sure to check out our social media pages to see regular autumn updates.
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