Awesome adventures at Tatton Park this October half term

Prepare to be spooked this half term, with the brand-new spine-tingling Skellies and Wellies trail through the 50-acre gardens at Tatton Park.

Little ghouls and goblins are invited to don their wellies and best fancy dress to join the Halloween bony brigade and solve the Skellies’ puzzle. While exploring the ghoulish gardens with a free trail sheet, visitors will encounter bone-chilling skeleton displays along the way, each one complete with a rib-tickling joke. The trail runs from 26 October – 3 November (closed Mondays) and is guaranteed to get this half term off to a thrilling start.

Pick the perfect pumpkin at the farm

October half term wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the autumn family favourite, The Pumpkin Patch at the Farm, from 19 – 31 October (on selected dates). After visiting the delightful, rare breed animals such as the newly titled Royal Golden Guernsey goats, little ones can prepare to get their hands dirty and head out into the field to pick their perfect pumpkin ready to take home for Halloween.

Jayne Chapman, Farm Manager said:

“Don’t miss our pumpkins this half term, they are looking fantastic and will make the perfect addition to any Halloween celebrations. We have planted a range of different varieties, such as Goosebumps, which as their name implies are lumpy, and Crown Prince which are blue, but the favourite for carving is the traditional orange Jack O Lantern, and we will have many of these to choose from. Planted in May in pots in the garden greenhouses they were transplanted into the field on 14^th June, with wool from our sheep wrapped around them to suppress the weeds. They are thirsty plants and all the rain we have had has resulted in a bumper crop! “

Seasonal Shopping

For those who wish to find the perfect gift or just indulge in some retail therapy the Autumn Artisan Gift Fair in the Mansion’s Tenants’ Hall takes place on 26 and 27 October. This unique shopping experience sees local suppliers selling handcrafted items, artisan food and drink, jewellery, candles, and artwork. Tatton Park gin will also be available to purchase, made with botanicals from the gardens at Tatton. With many gift ideas not usually found on the high street this is a great way to get that Christmas shopping started!

Explore the autumnal parkland

With the change of season, half term is an exciting time to head out into the parkland. New for families this year is the Billie the Beetle Trail in Dairy Wood Way, a short circular woodland walk which starts opposite the main car park and is perfect for mini explorers who can learn about Billie, her woodland friends and their habitat. Visitors can also grab an Autumn Forager Trail, free from the Welcome Building, and see what they can find while witnessing wildlife and changing colours along the way. They may be lucky enough to see a type of bird of prey called a hobby from the Allen bird hide, or enjoy the autumn highlight of the deer rut, when stags bellow and lock antlers while competing for a mate.

(Please be aware deer are wild animals and can be unpredictable and act aggressively particularly during the autumn rut. Visitors are advised to watch through binoculars, keep at least 50m distance away and keep dogs under close control.)

Tatton Park is managed and financed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust. This impressive heritage visitor attraction receives in the region of 720,000 visitors every year, all of whom come to enjoy its picturesque Parkland, 18^th century Mansion, medieval Old Hall, award-winning Gardens, and rare breed Farm.

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