Wrapping up warm, this family are enjoying a leisurely stroll through Strid Wood

Summer’s already packing her bags and leaving us for another year. But for those who might wave a teary farewell to the end of a beautiful relationship, just think about what we’re going to have instead – the vibrant colours of the leaves, that tingly feeling on your skin when there’s a nip in the early morning air, and the stunning sight of low lying mist hugging the bottom of a valley under a cloudless blue sky. And they’re just three examples.

New experiences, new adventures

Yes, autumn is beautiful too, but in a different way. And because it’s different there are new adventures and experiences to get you out and about here at Bolton Abbey.

To prove it, here’s what we’ve got coming up starting with the one thing so many of you are already thinking of…and that’s our Father Christmas experience. Only this time round…we felt it was time for a change because, instead of offering something more traditional, we think our beautiful setting in the heart of an ancient wood would be the perfect place to bring your children closer to nature with range of bushcraft activities that include fire lighting, making your own hot chocolate from stratch and axe throwing.

The great man himself Father Christmas will be back to see all the children who’ve been good this year!

But there’s one thing that definitely won’t change and that’s your chance to meet Father Christmas himself. And we want your time with the great man to be extra special too, because each family will get the chance to meet him in his cosy log cabin.

Tickets have been selling fast though, with only a handful of slots left. So, if you want to be a part of the experience, please don’t hesitate. Book here.

Running alongside the Father Christmas experience, we’ve also got the return of the 12 Days of Christmas.

But just like our new and adventurous Father Christmas experience, we thought we’d make that different too. Ok, not so much different but definitely longer, running from the end of November right up to January 6th, 2025.

Bring your family and friends on this enchanting walk through Strid Wood, solving a number of clues as you go to unravel the festive mystery.

Taking part is free and simple. Just pick up a trail sheet when you arrive at one of our kiosks. To find out more click here.

The 12 days of Christmas will be running for a number of weeks…so no excuses!

A welcome sign in anyone’s home at Christmas

Now, Christmas of course is a time when so many of us take the trouble to get our decorations out of the loft or from the dark recesses of a cupboard.

Top of the list and taking centre stage in our living room for so many of us is the Christmas tree, but not lagging too far behind is another familiar feature. Hung from a wall or front door, the Christmas wreath been around for hundreds of years.

So, if you’re thinking about getting one, we’ve got an idea for you. Why not come to one of our Wreath Workshops and make one yourself.

For one day only, we’re running two half day workshops. We’ll gather everything you need from the foliage and pheasant feathers gathered on the estate to the dried oranges, pine cones and ribbons.

And before you ask…if you’ve never made a wreath, you’re going to be in the safest of hands with a RHS silver medallist to guide every step of the way. To book your place on December 6^th, click here.

We know for some of you Christmas is still too far away to think about just yet, so let’s concentrate on what else is coming up.

Two beautifully crafted Christmas wreaths from one of our workshops

Enough to give you the creeps, but not quite. It’s just all harmless fun!

Well before the big day, autumn is also the time of year when we celebrate Halloween with our Pumpkin Trail as you go through Strid Wood on the hunt for the hidden clues that will solve the puzzle on your trail sheet available on arrival at the Riverside car park.

The event, which is included in the parking fee, runs for a two week-period over the half term break, beginning on October 19^th.

What the devil’s happening here then? This group are really keeping their spirits up on the Pumpkin Trail

Now, we don’t want to spook you when we say this, but we’d really advise you to pre-book your parking because this event is popular.

The good news…it’s cheaper to pre-book anyway. For details on how to book your parking, click here.

The mysterious world of fungi

Venturing into the world of fungi isn’t spooky by any means but their existence is something of a mystery. And maybe that’s their charm. To learn more about these living organisms, we can take you on a guided walk with a local expert, identifying the different types of fungi that grow and flourish here.

The event is ticketed and costs £15 but your parking is included. To be part of our Fungal Foray which we’re holding on World Fungal Day, make room in your diary for October 5^th and book here. Please be quick though, because only a limited number of tickets are available.

Fancy a run?

Apart from the wonderful array of fungi that’s very much at home here, another event that’s also very much at home and also great to see here again is the Sue Ryder Run.

Now returning for its eighth year, the run supports many local families raising money for Sue Ryder’s Manorlands Hospice.

With different routes to choose from, you don’t have to be a top athlete to take part. But if you happen to be one, then we’ve got something to challenge you too. From half marathon or 10 mile runs, to the 10km or fun run, the choice is yours.

A sight for sore eyes. Well one of them. An intriguing find on our fungal hunt

But whatever you choose, each route will take you across different landscapes that include riverside and woodland paths, forestry tracks, grassland and open moorland.

The event is on 10 November with a 9:00am. To register, please copy and paste the link below into your browser:
www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/run-bolton-abbey-2024/

Runners undeterred by the grey conditions passing Bolton Abbey in the background

So, now that you’re bursting with ideas for this autumn, there’s no time like the present to plan your visit at Bolton Abbey.

Click here to see all the events taking place on one page.

Bolton Abbey looking splendid surrounded by the changing colours of the trees