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10 Things to See and Do this Autumn at Markshall

As the days get shorter, the fluffy jumpers make a comeback and autumn colour begins to take over the estate, we look forward to the exciting events and moments autumn brings. It is arguably one of the most magical times at Markshall.

Autumn colour in the North America Geographic Zone
  1. Admire the autumn colours taking over the leaves on our trees
    The Arboretum at Markshall is home to trees from every temperate area, through a number of geographic zones. As you enter through the Europe geographic zone, you will be greeted with the deep reds of the Raywood Ash, the golden oak leaves of the Honywood Oak and watch out for 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 liquidambars, sumacs and sugar maples being the main stars in this area.
  1. Experience Halloween at Markshall with Percy’s Adventures
    Monday to Friday during half term, Percy’s Adventures is back with plenty of Halloween fun. There will be a cryptic crossword trail and treat, spooky stories, Day of the Dead experience in the Creepy Coach House, the choice of three crafts to take part in, Day of the Dead boxes game and a trick-or-treat station! This is all including with Percy’s Adventures and only 45p on top of a standard child admission.
  1. See the Walled Gardens before they close for the season
    On Sunday 29 October the gardens will close 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. Keep an eye on open weekends during the winter months.
  1. Explore play areas and build a den
    Markshall is home to two natural play areas and Percy’s Play and Picnic Paddock come and explore the different areas and let their imaginations run wild. Den building is highly encouraged!
  1. Cosy by the fire and enjoy a tasty lunch in the Orchard Kitchen Café
    The Orchard Kitchen has some delicious warm lunches throughout the year and 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 the soup of the day, specials menu and more… there’s plenty of options. There will even be treats made from squashes grown onsite!
  1. Put on your best Halloween costume
    Grab your best Halloween outfit and pose in front of your favourite autumn backdrops in the Arboretum. Tag us in your photos and be in for the chance of winning a carved pumpkin by Dave ‘Pumpkin King’ Finkle in time for the trick-or-treaters. Dogs welcome.
  1. Show-off your thrilling dance moves at the Kids Halloween Disco
    Head to the Creepy Coach House on Friday 27 October for the spookiest disco around. There’ll be spooky songs, luminous lights, gruesome games, prizes, and creepy characters. Make sure you book your tickets for an evening of frightening fun!
  1. Discover one of the Woodland Walks
    Markshall cares for 2,000 acres of woodlands which have been colour coded into three different walks. So, grab your best walking shoes, put on your cosiest coat, and take your loved ones (not forgetting four-legged friends) for a walk through ancient woodland. See if you can spot deer roaming the woodlands and pause at the memorial, sofa bench at the top of the avenue, to see the autumn colours.
  1. Browse the autumnal goodies available in the Admission building
    The small retail area in the admission building has had an autumn upgrade. With beautiful autumn scents by Holistic Glow wax melts (we recommend campfire) and pumpkin polymer clay earrings by All seasons by Jenny. Make sure you support a local business this autumn.
  1. Feed the hungry carp in the Lakes!
    A free bag of fish food is available for each paying visitor to feed our monster sized fish in the Lakes. Take in the beautiful lakeside views in the changing seasons whilst you feed the fish. After October half term we will stop issuing fish food. This is because in the colder months the fish’s metabolism starts to slow down.

Of course, there is so much more to see and do this autumn at Markshall. From den building to exploring natural play areas and finding beautiful backgrounds for family photos… the list is endless. Will you be visiting us this season?

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