Grab your wellies and embark on a National Trust day out in Dorset this autumn, full of colour, creativity, and adventure.
Families can explore National Trust favourites like Kingston Lacy, Corfe Castle, and Brownsea Island.
Each site offers hands-on crafts, outdoor trails, and stories that bring history and nature to life.
From making rainbow masks at Kingston Lacy to joining spooky storytelling at Corfe Castle, there’s something unique everywhere.
Wander wildlife trails at Studland Bay or step into the world of Thomas Hardy at Max Gate and Hardy’s Cottage.
This guide helps families plan fun, affordable days out filled with fresh air, learning, and local charm.
Kingston Lacy
Kingston Lacy turns into a world of folklore and mystery this October half term.
The Stranger Folk digital adventure invites children aged 7–12 and their families to explore the estate and help send mischievous folk back to their own realm using the app to follow clues through the gardens and woods.
Wander the Japanese Autumnal Acer Stamp Trail in the Japanese Garden and collect stamps to create a colourful keepsake postcard among the golden and crimson leaves.
At the potting shed, try October Half Term Crafts and make rainbow masks or nature wands inspired by woodland creatures — the perfect finishing touch to a magical day.
🍂 Good To Know:
- Stranger Folk digital adventure: October 9 – November 9
- Japanese Autumnal Acer Stamp Trail: October 22 – November 2
- October Half Term Crafts: October 25 – November 2
- Free event (admission applies)
- No need to prebook
📍 Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle offers a lively mix of history and adventure this October half term.
Children can bring or borrow a teddy to brave the zip wire by the castle keep, a favourite activity that supports conservation work at the site.
Join the Secrets of the Shadows Family Quest and help uncover mysterious figures haunting the ruins.
Every young detective gets a stamp at the end as proof of their discovery.
If you’re after a deeper look at the castle’s past, book the Guided Tour and Kings’ View experience for rare access to the tower’s viewing platform.
The views are like no other, sweeping over a vast Dorset landscape.
In the Outer Bailey, artisan volunteers demonstrate heritage crafts such as wood carving, wattle and daubing, and stonework, bringing medieval craftsmanship vividly to life.
If you’re visiting on select dates, don’t miss A Gory Story of Corfe Castle—a family-friendly storytelling session filled with gripping tales of murder plots, knights, and castle intrigue.
🍂 Good To Know:
- October Half Term: October 25 – November 2
- Secrets of the Shadows Family Quest: October 9 – November 29
- A Gory Story of Corfe Castle: October 25, 28 and 31
- Guided tour and Kings’ View experience and Artisan Crafts: Select dates from October, November and December
📍 The Square, Corfe Castle, Nr Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island glows with colour and wildlife in the crisp autumn air. This October half-term, the island hosts the Mystical Woodland Quest Trail.
Wander woodland paths and uncover stories hidden among the oak, birch, and yew.
Each stop along the trail reveals a new tale, blending nature and folklore in a way that sparks curiosity and imagination.
Add a dash of adventure with Way of the Wild – Bushcraft Taster Sessions, where families learn fire lighting, shelter building, and survival skills with expert guidance.
It’s fun, hands-on, and a great way to connect with nature.
🍂 Good To Know:
- Mystical Woodland Quest Trail: 25 October – 2 November (Free event- admission applies)
- Way of the Wild – Bushcraft Taster Sessions: October 31 (Booking advisable)
📍 Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE
Studland Bay
Studland Bay invites families to dive into nature this October half term with the Wicked Wildlife Trail.
The event offers plenty of fun and discovery at the beach, dunes, and woodland.
Kids and adults follow clues left by nocturnal animals while exploring 10 themed activity stations packed with puzzles, games, and hands-on challenges.
Each stop reveals something new about the creatures that come out after dark.
For more thrills, join Wicked Wildlife After Dark and see the bay come alive at night.
Follow glowing footprints, meet creatures of the dark, and enjoy a hot drink and fresh pizza by Little Italy Pizza after your spooky adventure.
🍂 Good To Know:
- Wicked Wildlife Trail: 25 October – 2 November (Booking not needed)
- Wicked Wildlife After Dark: 31 October (Booking essential)
- Costumes encouraged for a Halloween twist
📍 Studland, near Swanage, Dorset
Hardy’s House, Max Gate
Step into the world of Thomas Hardy at Max Gate, his former Dorchester home.
This elegant Victorian house, designed by Hardy himself, welcomes guests to explore its rooms and gardens while enjoying special autumn activities.
Each Sunday in October, the kitchen fills with the scent of Victorian recipes prepared by costumed volunteers.
Watch traditional cooking demonstrations and sample small tastings—no booking required, and the event comes free with admission.
During the week, the house blooms with autumn floral displays from local arrangers, bringing warm colours and seasonal charm to every room.
On the final Sunday of the month, listen to storytelling sessions from Hardy’s The Hand of Ethelberta, celebrating 150 years since its first publication.
🍂 Good To Know:
- Victorian cooking demonstrations: October 19 and 26
- Autumn flowers in Hardy’s Homes: October 21-23, 25 and 26
- Storytelling sessions – ‘The Hand of Ethelberta’: October 26
- All events are free (admission applies), booking not essential
📍 Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2FN
Hardy’s Cottage
Take in the sights and scents of autumn at Hardy’s Cottage, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy.
The National Trust cares for this charming spot, and it really shines in October.
The cottage and gardens burst with colour and the feel of the countryside.
There’s a special energy here as the season changes.
On October 30, the orchard turns into the centre of the action. Gardeners roll up their sleeves and press apples, turning just-picked fruit into golden juice with a simple hand press.
It’s a hands-on look at how basic tools can turn a harvest into something sweet. Watching the process is oddly satisfying.
The demonstration runs from 11 am to 2 pm in the woodshed.
You don’t need to book if you just want to watch the apple pressing. If you’re hoping to step inside the cottage, though, you’ll need to grab a timed ticket in advance.
🍂 Good To Know:
- Date and Time: 30 October, 11 am–2 pm
- Free to watch (admission applies)
- Booking not needed
📍 Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ
