Where to go in the North-west with the National Trust

From Cheshire to Cumbria, Lancashire to Liverpool - with houses and garden staying open until early November, and several parklands and estates remaining open all year, now is the time to

discover a National Trust property near you!

Take time to meander through wonderful parkland with spectacular vistas, enjoy the gorgeous reds and golds of autumnal foliage in gardens and woodland, not forgetting to sample a delicious range of food to fill - home-made soups, casseroles, and a delicious selection of traditional puddings at our restaurants and tea rooms.

In Cheshire, enjoy the colourful collection of Hydrangeas, or the flowering Pampas Grass at Dunham Massey ;or find out how a country house is 'Put to bed' for the winter with a behind the scenes look at Dunham's

winter preparations on 23 and 24 October from 12 noon.

Meanwhile at nearby Quarry Bank Mill, Europe's most powerful water wheel continues to power this working Georgian Cotton Mill, which still produces cotton cloth for selling in the shop. Away from the sound of the mill wheels, the picturesque valley of the River Bollin provides delightful riverside and woodland walks for those seeking peace and tranquillity.

Spectacular blue hazed autumn vistas across the Cheshire plains can be viewed and enjoyed at Alderley Edge where you can wend your way through this wonderful wooded escarpment with its dramatic canopy of autumnal

foliage of, followed perhaps by a hearty lunch at the nearby 'Wizard Inn'.

Moving west, the dramatic faade of Lyme Park set in glorious parkland on the edge of the Peak District and with views across to the Welsh mountains provides the backdrop for moorland and estate walks, under the

watchful eye of Lyme's ancient herd of Red Deer.

You can try a taste of Lyme's venison in the Ale Cellar Restaurant , or simply stop for tea and a selection of delicious cakes in the Park Coffee shop.

On a smaller, but no less spectacular scale, the iconic Little Moreton Hall near Congleton, with its dramatic black and white timber framed Tudor faade, and moated setting is a delightful venue for an autumn day out. Its restaurant is renown for its locally sourced and home-produced food, with a selection of cakes and scones made daily on the premises.

Meanwhile, over in Liverpool, enjoy some wonderful views across the Mersey Basin to the Welsh Hills by taking a stroll around Speke Hall garden and estate - a hive of tranquillity on the edge of this busy city; or nip north to Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire, where a taste of autumn can be sampled at Rufford's 'Orchard Days' on 26 and 27 October - cider pressing, cookery demonstrations and children's games are on the menu!

In the north of the Region, enjoy the always spectacular Lake District, where you can follow the literary route and visit Beatrix Potter's Hill Top at Sawrey, as well as the Beatrix Potter Gallery in the beautiful village of Hawkshead and see the original artwork for her little white books.

A warm welcome awaits you at Townend, set high above Lake Windermere in the village of Troutbeck - find out how the yeoman farmers of the Lake District lived and enjoy the autumnal setting of the village. Sizergh Castle near Kendal always enjoys the autumn colour - the Boston Ivy curling around the main pele tower already looks an

amazing seasonal red colour.

Gentle strolls around the garden, followed by the famous cakes in the tea-room must be the order of the day here. Acorn Bank Herb Garden is already well-loved by visitors, and autumn is a lovely time to spend here, on the riverside walks followed by tea and goodies to warm you.

Wordsworth House continues to offer it's unique insight into the childhood home of William and Dorothy- your visit will be enhanced by our costumed interpreters, who can tell you all about life as it was in bawdy Georgian Cockermouth. The kitchen garden is also a delight, with apple trees laden and much of the food being used in demonstrations in the working, Georgian kitchen.

Alternatively, you can enjoy the wonderful autumn colour at Fell Foot Park and let the children let off steam on the children's play area, the park's also a great place to walk the dog and have a cup of tea and cake

on your way into the Lake District.

Take an autumn cruise on Coniston Water on Steam Yacht Gondola and soak in the magical atmosphere and

views of the Coniston fells and Brantwood or stroll around Tarn Hows with its magical atmosphere. Bridge House in Ambleside is open until the end of the month to provide information and help you with planning

your day out.

Autumn Events with the National Trust in the North West

Sunday 17 October, 11 - 4pm

At the far end of the region in Cumbria, you know autumn has arrived with Celebrate the English Apple at Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, near Penrith. You can taste them juiced and whole, bowl them, bob for them,

learn to grown and cook them! Alongside local produce, crafts, Punch and Judy, dance and music, Apple Day at Acorn Bank is a real treat. The event is organised in partnership with Cumbria Organic Gardeners and Farmers and is supported by Rural Regeneration Cumbria and The Northern Rock Foundation. Adult £2.50, Family £6.00 including NT members.

Thursday 21st October 10am

Enjoy the Autumn Colour at Derwent Water by joining a four-hour walk when you will learn about the past and future management of Derwent's internationally important woodlands. Meet at Lakeside National Trust shop at 10 am. A good level of fitness is required. Tel: 017687 74649 for details.

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 October 12 noon

'Putting the House to Bed' at Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire - a close up view of how the National Trust prepares a mansion property for winter. Tel 0161 941 1025 for details.

Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 October 12 - 4pm

Orchard Days at Rufford Old Hall near Ormskirk, Lancs. Cider pressing, cookery demonstrations and children's games. Details on 01704 82381.

Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 October

Hallowee'n Activities and Spooky Tours are taking place at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Cheshire. For details and bookings tel 01625 527468

Sunday 31 October

Spooky tales and trails in Sizergh Castle, near Kendal. Normal admission rates apply.

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 November 1 - 5pm

A Victorian House Weekend at Speke Hall - with music, dance, drama and food of the period. For details tel 0151 427 7231

To round off the season you can browse through a selection of second-hand books at The Beatrix Potter Gallery to read during the winter nights. The book sale will take place on t November 6 and 7between 10.30 - 4.00 pm.

For full details of these and other National Trust events visit

www.nationaltrust.org.uk